The 15 Ultimate Things to Do in London in 2025 (And the Top Things to Avoid)

Whilst hardly offbeat, I don’t understand why debutantes still prioritize South Kensington over Shoreditch. South Ken is all posh museums. Shoreditch is the real, gritty London that best represents the average Joe in the city. Sure, it’s undergone heavy gentrification over the years, but the mishmash of graffiti walls and shiny glass skyscrapers means contrasts to explore, worthy even of base status. It’s easy to spend an entire day shopping for treasures at Brick Lane Vintage Market or Spitalfields Market, then spill things into the night with coffee and bar crawls along Commercial Street. You can then cap things off at London’s highest bar, Lucky Cat at 22 Bishopsgate, or a sweaty Brat-style gig at Village Underground. Whilst in the East End, don’t miss the OG Poppies chippie (fish and chip shop), and keep those eyes peeled for Banksy murals on the Truman Brewery and Rivington Street.

Yes, you must see Big Ben, but rather than line up with hundreds of other people at the red phone box on Parliament Square, let’s make a scenic stroll out of it. Get off at London Bridge Station, grab a to-go coffee from Borough Market, and enjoy the spectacular stroll along the walking path which winds past St Paul’s Cathedral, Shakespeare’s Globe, Tate Modern (free to enter and highly recommended!), The London Eye, and of course, Big Ben (real name Elizabeth Tower, FYI). As for a slightly less competitive photo spot, sans red box, try the National Covid Memorial Wall by St Thomas’ Hospital to see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament in all their glory from across the river.

Tourists have forever been gawking outside Bridget Jones’ famous Borough Market flat, but did you know you can now dine and drink inside it? 2024 saw the opening of Khao Bird, a Thai barbecue restaurant that I can vouch is pretty darn great if you love Chiang Mai spice, and hilariously, one menu item pays homage to the disastrous blue soup made by Bridget in the flat: the Bridget Blue (soup) cocktail. Thankfully, it’s colored with the Butterfly Pea plant rather than string, and you’ll definitely want seconds to finish it. Ready to belt out All By Myself? There’s a pub downstairs on the ground floor to do it in merry company.

Celebrating folks who have shaped British history and identity through portraiture, The National Portrait Gallery is situated behind the more famous National Gallery on Trafalgar Square. Inside, you’ll come up close to a vast collection of paintings, photographs, and sculptures that span the Tudor period to the present day. Must-see portraits include William Shakespeare, the British royal family, Sir Winston Churchill, Kate Moss, Amy Winehouse, and a brilliant Spice Girls piece that only fans will immediately spot. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged. For a swoonsome eat, check out The Portrait Restaurant on the gallery’s top floor, which boasts views of Trafalgar Square.

Normally, I’d warn tourists to avoid jam-packed Oxford Street when shopping because why bother when Zaras is back home? However, you HAVE to visit Selfridges. Founded in 1909 and hailed as the ‘best department store in the world,’ everything you can think of is on offer under six floors of retail space. There are independent labels and designer brand names, fancy homeware items you never knew you needed, and giant coffee table books bigger than coffee tables. This is more than just a shop and easily a whole day situation, whether you decide to nibble and sip at over two dozen eateries or sit back and relax with a film in the plush basement cinema. Seasonal pop-ups, elaborate window displays, and sales (duh!) attract crowds.

The thing about London is there are Harry Potter spots everywhere that no theme park in Florida can replicate. Hot ticket of the last decade has been the two-part West End production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, set 19 years later with Harry as an adult. If you’re tackling both showings at once, then break with a visit to ​House of MinaLima around the corner, a gallery and store founded by the team behind the film’s graphic art. Muggles will also want to stop by Kings Cross for Platform 9¾ to jump on the vanishing luggage trolley; Leadenhall Market, which was used as a backdrop for Diagon Alley; and, of course, the colossal Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter to immerse in the fantasy sets and original props and costumes, and try ‘authentic’ butterbeer.

You’ll be hard-pressed to scroll TikTok or IG without seeing Chinatown London’s famous red lanterns out of focus, and that’s because a grand portion of viral food content is filmed right here. From fluffy buns oozing with black sesame (Bun House) to hand-pulled noodles dripping with chili (Kung Fu Noodle), expect to be spoiled for choice when it comes to filling both camera roll and stomach…and those are just for starters. Dessert in Chinatown is the main event in the Gen-Z world, with egg-shaped waffles stacked with matcha toppings (Bubblewrap) and vibrant rainbow cakes (Chinatown Bakery) taking the spotlight. Stick around when your bellies are full to hit up speakeasies like Opium or belt it out with karaoke at Pochawa Grill.

As one of the top cities in the world for green spaces, Londoners have over 3,000 options to escape the concrete noise. In particular, the eight royal parks that were once owned by the monarchy are now open to the public. The most famous among them is Hyde Park, mostly because it hosts huge seasonal events like BST Hyde Park in the summer and Winter Wonderland at Christmas. When the weather is on your side, you don’t need a ticket to enjoy it. Pack a picnic (alcohol is permitted, yay!) and bask on the lawn—but do remember to clear up your trash. Points of interest to explore include Princess Diana’s Memorial Fountain, the free-to-enter Serpentine Galleries, and my favorite and quieter spot, the Rose Garden.

Speaking of Princess Diana, did you know one of her beloved high tea spots was at Café Royal (now Hotel Café Royal)? The 19th-century tradition is still upheld today within the breathtaking gold-gilded Grill Room that twinkles with mirrors and is soundtracked by a live pianist. If you’ve never had a British afternoon tea, the classic experience looks a little something like this: a tier of treats beginning with finger sandwiches at the base, warm scones in the middle (sided with jam and preserves), and sweet delicacies in miniature form at the top. Teas are always unlimited, and if you want bubbles, always state in advance so you get the included welcome glass of champagne rather than pay more to have it separately.

English soccer is as big here as the NFL in the States, and you can watch the Premier League team of your choice in many stadiums around the country. London specifically is home to Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and Crystal Palace football clubs, to name a few, but if you’re not too fussed about jersey colors and simply want to be part of the footie experience, I recommend getting tickets for a West Ham United home game. The reason is that their stadium (the London Stadium) was the 2012 Olympics Stadium, a remarkable state-of-the-art facility able to carry 60,000 footie fans. It also has a partially covered roof, so you and the rest of the ‘Hammers’ need not worry about the elements.

With one of Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ communities, London is the place to be out and proud no matter what end of the spectrum you’re on. Heels, sneakers, flip-flops, or even barefoot, judgment’s left at the door, and your dancing shoes can be whatever you feel most fabulous in at Soho’s popular gay bars such as The Yard, Village, She Soho, and The Friendly Society (which is exactly as the name suggests, so expect to pick up an army of pals!). For an extra colorful backdrop, time your visit around the end of June to early July when Pride decks the entire city in rainbow stripes.

Having the oldest metro system in the world means London Underground has a rich and fascinating history. Public transport is how everyone predominately gets around, and such affinity creates a continuous demand for ways to immerse and discover. Good thing there’s plenty of steam in supply. The best for novices is the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden, packed with interactive displays, with old tube carriages and buses you can get on. The organization also offers widely popular (and quick to sell out) Hidden London tours, which take you behind the scenes or to disused stations that were used to film James Bond movies. For those who prefer to swap history for booze, you’re in luck, too. Cahoots, situated in the forgotten Kingly Court Station, is now a cocktail speakeasy decked with 1940s tube carriage and ticket hall to neck your poison in.

One of the city’s most important landmarks, the Tower of London, was once a secret fortress, a royal palace, and even a prison. Now, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing exhibits such as the crown jewels. Visitors can get up close to the collection, which includes the precious Imperial State Crown. It was made in 1838 for Queen Victoria and used by every British monarch following, including Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III. While you’re here, don’t miss nearby attractions, Tower Bridge (which has an awesome glass walkway) or The Shard (tip: skip the observatory ticket and get views for free when buying a drink at the Hutong bar instead).

OK, I admit I don’t love South Kensington, but one thing it’s best for is free museums. You have the heavyweights all right here within walking distance of each other. The Victoria and Albert Museum is huge, though it requires a full day to do properly, and its paid-for temporary fashion exhibits are worth every penny. Then there’s the National History Museum, where you’re welcomed at the entrance by a giant Blue Whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling, and kiddie favorite, the Science Museum. But remember, these museums are uncomfortably busy on weekends and holidays, so do them only on weekdays, ideally in the morning if you want to get out in one piece!

While London is full of free parks and gardens for public enjoyment, sometimes flashing a bit of cash filters out the crowds and allows you to soak up unimaginably beautiful blooms in sweet serenity. Kew, on the edge of the city, is a huge royal botanic garden established in 1759, featuring 326 acres of diverse plantlife, including themed gardens and a glasshouse. Seasonal events are always popular among Londoners, especially the Christmas at Kew Light Trail, which sells out as soon as tickets are released. Whatever the weather, come indulge in that English country or Jane Austen fantasy, and yes, you can totally wear a bonnet.

Open-top bus tours are a complete waste of money. One, this isn’t the Algarve, so chances are you’ll be scurrying down to the lower deck anyway, and two, you can hop on a regular red bus for a fraction of the price (£1.75 for a single ride) and the top deck is covered. If you absolutely MUST do some kind of guided bus tour, choose a dining bus that pairs getting fed with the sights for the same price (so, you’re essentially eating for free!). The best is Brigit’s Bakery’s afternoon tea bus tours (£45 for meal and tour), but you can also splurge on the gourmet Bustrome experience (£70 for meal and tour) if you’re feeling fancy.

See those tacky fluorescent ‘Candy Stores’ selling overpriced sweets and souvenirs? They’re illegal AF. The problem is they are all over Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street, and The Strand. Years ago, they were called ‘American Candy Stores’ and famously exposed for illegal goods and money laundering, but after a crackdown, they seem to have metamorphosed as wizard-themed gift shops. You’ll be able to spot them a mile off thanks to their garish decor and dodgy-looking staff who wouldn’t know Gryffindor from Hufflepuff, and trust me, those knock-off items aren’t made to last.

If you have points to spend, use them on stays, NOT food. I review hotels for a living and can honestly say the absolute worst fish and chips, afternoon tea, Sunday roast, and English breakfast I’ve ever had has been at a maroon-red-logo or royal-blue-logo hotel (you know exactly which ones I’m talking about). They’re catered to business travelers who pay for convenience over quality. If you want classic British grub, do your research and visit a local or independent establishment. For the record, my faves for those classics are Poppies Fish & Chips, high tea at Hotel Café Royal, Sunday Roast at The Audley, and scotch eggs from Fortnum and Mason (their birthplace).

There are 85 Michelin-starred restaurants in London, and whilst most can cost the price of your trip, The Ninth gives you an awarded meal on a budget. Set lunch and early dinner menus are priced at just £35 for two courses and £38 for three, and you can get a glass of wine for £10, which is very affordable for Fitzrovia, let alone a Michelin-starred meal. The menu differs each time I visit as it’s seasonal, but a sample meal could include seabream carpaccio, roasted guinea fowl, and a rice pudding brûlée. When it’s warm, get a table on the patio to soak up the quaint Charlotte Street vibes.

Mayfair is London’s poshest district, and what I love about The Wolseley is that it’s fine dining that’s approachable. It may even be a place you can go to on the regs. It’s swanky but not pretentious at all, and you’re looking at £30 for a two-course set menu. The all-day European menus have the staples, including a full English breakfast, chicken schnitzel sandwich, roast lamb, and the most amazing desserts (they also do afternoon tea, which might explain it). It’s very popular, so do book a table in advance. Otherwise, go east for their City outpost, which is generally quieter on weekends.

The Barbary has been such a recent hit that there are now two locations: the first in the original Neal’s Yard location and the newest in Notting Hill. Taking inspiration from the Barbary Coast (Southern Europe to Northern Africa), guests share small plates such as lemongrass kataifi prawns and oxtail & cheek tagine. The wine list includes exceptional yet underrated region bottles, such as Georgia, Morocco, and Hungry. I love both restaurants, but the tiny Neal’s Yard one is definitely the cutest if you’re able to snag a seat there.

Hotel Saint is conveniently located right next to Aldgate Station and is within walking distance of major draws like the Tower of London, Spitalfields Market, and the Sky Garden. It opened in 2023 and remains in excellent condition, with decent-sized and well-soundproofed rooms, free Wi-Fi, and all your basic amenities, from coffee to toiletries included. There’s a 24-hour gym, and you have to check out their Jin Bow Law Sky Bar, which is a bit of a hidden gem with incredible skyline views. Breakfast is served in the ground-floor restaurant, and they have package rates which include both breakfast and dinner.

Prices start at £128 a night.

At the northern tip of Central London, Kings Cross is a smart base, well connected to the rest of town, and is where the Eurostar pulls in and out (handy if you’re thinking of tacking on Paris during the trip). The Standard offers rooms ranging from snug, Cozy Cores to terrace suites with outdoor bathtubs overlooking the famed St Pancras station. Each has big, comfy beds and the latest tech, plus snazzy Craig Green robes… and when you’re in a Standard, know that the social spaces are where it’s at. Eateries locals love include Spanish restaurant, Decimo, and all-day terrace, Isla; and the watering holes to hop between are Double Standard, Sweeties, and The Rooftop (in summer).

Prices start at £180 a night.

A Fodor’s Finest hotel and the place where I encountered the world’s most pampered cat, if I were ever to strike it rich, I’d reside in The Lanesborough. This former mansion of Viscount Lanesborough is pure neo-classical opulence on Hyde Park corner, with every room a fairytale of canopied beds and Rennaissance art. There are no coffee machines in sight since your private butler will make perfect brews fresh any time of day or night. Amenities span an upscale British restaurant, a cocktail bar, and a glittering underground spa facility. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be royalty, this is probably as close as it gets.

Prices start at £923 a night.

The public transport system is the best way to get around town, and you’ll need to pay via Oyster card or a contactless credit card. In some areas, like the West End, walking may even be quicker than the tube.

Whilst it doesn’t rain in London anywhere near as much as you’d think (Houston, New Orleans, and Atlanta get double the annual rainfall), the weather can be unpredictable, and light drizzle is common, so do pack accordingly.

Finally, please stop tipping in Europe—doing so is disrespectful of our local customs. Businesses here are expected to pay staff a fair wage, and there is a service charge added to restaurant bills, which customers may remove in the event of poor service. Honestly, most Brits think tipping in America is ridiculous. Good customer treatment is standard practice, so you shouldn’t feel indebted for receiving it.