“London is whatever you want it to be”
Christopher Winn
My experience as a private tour guide has taught me that we all love London for different reasons.
Some reasons are visible, while others are not.
Below, you will find 100 of my favorites.
I challenge you to read them all!
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100 Reasons to Visit London
1. To see the most famous tower (and a clock) in the world!
For the first 150 years of its existence (in its current incarnation), it was called The Clock Tower.
In 2012, it was renamed the Elizabeth Tower.
Most tourists and Londoners ignore both names and simply call it Big Ben, after the name of the biggest bell inside it.
Without a doubt, it’s one of the top must-see things in London.
2. To witness the raising of Tower Bridge!
Visiting London without seeing Tower Bridge is like having tea without biscuits – it’s just not the full experience!
Remember, this masterpiece of Victorian architecture opens up to let tall ships pass. You can check the schedule here.
3. To see the Royal Palaces!
Stepping into the world of kings and queens is a must when visiting London.
These palaces are living time capsules, providing a glimpse into the lavish lifestyles of royalty, complete with dazzling jewels and magnificent ballrooms.
25 things to see near Buckingham Palace in less than an hour! – free London Walking Tour with a MAP
4. To see the iconic Changing of the King’s Guard!
I would argue that witnessing the Changing of the King’s Guard should be at the top of everyone’s must-see list in London.
This free event features precision drills and musical accompaniment that would leave even the most accomplished orchestra envious, showcasing the epitome of British pomp and pageantry.
You can check the dates and times here.
5. To see the Tower of London!
It’s not every day you can explore a fortress, a palace, and a prison all in one place!
The Tower of London offers the ultimate medieval mashup with its impressive architecture, medieval armor, and even ghost stories to give you the shivers.
It’s a place where you can visit the graves of beheaded saints and queens, and where the crown jewels have sparkled for centuries!
6. To see Westminster Abbey!
Visiting over 3,000 graves of Great Britons might not be your idea of holiday fun, but Westminster Abbey is much more than that!
It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site where 39 coronations and 16 royal weddings took place, including the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011.
7. To see London Eye!
The London Eye doesn’t really need an introduction, as despite being one of the newest attractions in London, it is one of the most popular.
Website where you can purchase tickets for London Eye (affiliate link – if you make a purchase using this link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you)
8. To see St. Paul’s Cathedral!
St. Paul’s Cathedral is the masterpiece of architect Christopher Wren, a symbol of Londoners’ resilience during WWII, and a building that defines the skyline of the UK capital.
A must-see for architecture lovers in London!
9. To go to London or not to go? (Shakespeare!)
If you are still asking yourself this question (I hope that by the end of this post, you will know the right answer), one compelling reason for a visit, especially if you are a avid reader, is to see the places where Shakespeare’s career evolved.
The Globe Theatre is a good place to start!
10. To ride an iconic London red double-decker bus!
Hopping onto a classic red London bus isn’t just a mode of transportation; it’s a front-row ticket to experience the city’s bustling streets, offering a sightseeing adventure that’s as British as afternoon tea!
11. Black Cabs!
Experience London like a true Londoner with a ride in an iconic black cab!
12. To travel on the oldest tube in the world!
While traveling on the underground is a routine part of everyday life for most Londoners, if you’re not from London, you should definitely give it a try!
After all, it is the oldest transport system of its kind in the world!
13. To have a pint in historic London pub!
London has around 3,500 pubs, and below, you will find some historic ones you should not miss:
14. Harry Potter!
There is no other city in the world with a stronger connection to the Harry Potter story than London!
But if you’re a Harry Potter fan, you already know it!
And you’re going to love this walking tour:
7 Places in London every Harry Potter fan should visit
15. See the Prime Meridian and the Royal Observatory in Greenwich!
In Greenwich, you can quite literally stand in two hemispheres at once.
If this isn’t a must-do in London, I don’t know what is.
14 things to see in GREENWICH in less than 2 hours
16. To stroll through some of London’s 8 Royal Parks!
London’s Royal Parks are nature’s playgrounds in the heart of a bustling metropolis.
You can picnic, chase squirrels, or simply lay back and watch the world go by with a view that’s Instagram-worthy at every turn!
Royal Parks in London: Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, St. James’s Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, Bushy Park, The Green Park, Kensington Gardens.
17. To see the place where Romeo and Juliet was first performed…
…and it wasn’t the Globe Theater!
18. To see the tidal River Thames!
River Thames rises and falls twice a day up to 7m and hardly any tourist notices it!
19. To see the most famous recording studio in the world!
Abbey Road Studios is a pilgrimage site for music fans worldwide.
Here, music legends like The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Amy Winehouse, and Oasis recorded their music.
20. To take a photo with the statue of Mr. Bean!
Taking a snapshot with a Mr. Bean statue in London is like capturing a piece of British humor history.
To me, an absolute must do while in London!
21. To see the most famous zebra crossing in the world!
The Beatles fans, numbering in the hundreds, contribute to London’s daily traffic by visiting and photographing the iconic (now also listed!) Beatles zebra crossing.
Feel free to join them!
The Beatles in London: free, self-guided London walking tour with a map
22. To walk the streets once walked by Jack the Ripper and his victims!
London, being a big city (currently almost 9 million and counting!), has had its fair share of serial killers.
When it comes to fame, the unquestionable winner is the one who was never caught and famously nicknamed Jack the Ripper.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of tourists choose to walk London’s streets that were in the heart of the Autumn of Terror in 1888.
18 things to see near Brick Lane -free walking tour with a map
23. To see (for free!) paintings by Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, or Rembrandt!
The National Gallery in London houses over 2,300 paintings and the access is free!
24. To visit a museum that holds 8 million objects from around the world!
The British Museum houses a vast and diverse collection of objects, spanning thousands of years and cultures from all corners of the globe. And the entrance is free!
25. To visit Royal Air Force museum!
For anyone who thinks that exploring real-life aircraft is fantastic, the RAF museum is definitely a must-see in London.
Admission is free, but you need to book tickets.
26. To see one of the most amazing botanical gardens in the world!
Kew Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the world’s oldest and most beautiful botanical gardens, and home to over 50,000 living plants.
27. To see a deer!
Richmond Park, the largest of all the Royal Parks in London, is home to a population of wild deer.
Visitors can observe these graceful animals in their natural habitat, making it a unique and picturesque wildlife experience within the city.
And if you don’t believe me, just listen to the legendary Londoner, David Attenborough!
28. To take a photo with the statue or mural of Amy Winehouse!
In a city that’s rich in history and culture, don’t miss the opportunity to capture a moment with the legendary Amy Winehouse. Both her statue and mural are located in her beloved part of London, Camden Town.
19 things to see in Camden – free self-guided Camden walking tour with a map
29. To visit the home of Princess Diana!
Apartment 8 in Kensington Palace was Princess Diana’s residence for over 15 years.
Since 2021, you can also view (for free) a statue of Princess Diana in the nearby Sunken Gardens.
30. Bond, James Bond!
Although James Bond novels by Ian Fleming were mostly written in Jamaica, London, with its unique blend of sophistication and espionage, was the spark that ignited Ian Fleming’s imagination to create his iconic character.
31. London – a Dickensian city!
Stroll through the cobblestone lanes of London, and you might just feel like you’ve stepped into a tale by one of the most famous Londoners and the greatest novelist of the Victorian era, Charles Dickens.
32. To see Christmas in London!
London dresses up for the festive season like no other city.
And this is a free Christmas in London walking tour you need:
33. To see London beautiful vistas!
There are plenty of great spots in London to admire panoramic views of the city, including Greenwich, Primrose Hill, Parliament Hill, and Alexandra Palace.
34. To see the colorful houses of Notting Hill!
The stroll through the enchanting streets of Notting Hill, immortalized in the iconic movie starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, Notting Hill, is a definitive must-do in London.
13 things to see in Notting Hill in less than 2 hours (free walking tour with a map)
35. Agatha Christie!
The Queen of Crime was born and raised in Devon but a significant part of her eventful life and career took place in London.
Here she gained her knowledge about poisons and lived in various houses in some of the most beautiful parts of London!
See it for yourself:
Agatha Christie London walking tour with a map
36. To see the park that inspired Peter Pan!
Kensington Gardens it is a magical playground for kids.
Back in the early 1900s, the legendary J. M. Barrie, who lived nearby, found inspiration in these very grounds for his timeless tale of Peter Pan.
To honor his beloved character, he personally funded a (talking!) bronze statue of the mischievous hero, which has been a cherished part of the park since 1912.
37. To see where the Beatlemania started!
A significant portion of The Beatles’ eventful seven-year reign at the top the music charts unfolded here, in London!
38. To see the grave that inspired gothic novel Frankenstein!
In London, you can visit (for free) the cemetery that little Mary Shelley visited frequently as a kid and the grave that most likely inspired her to write Frankenstein.
39. To have a meal in a pub where the Great Train Robbery of 1963 was planned!
The Star Tavern is a cozy British pub nestled in London’s beautiful Belgravia.
It may look like your average watering hole, but in 1963, it played host to a rather daring plot – the planning of the Great Train Robbery!
And the food served there is lovely!
40. Alfred Hitchcock!
Alfred Hitchcock, the master of suspense, spent first 40 years of his 80 years long life in London.
And there is no shortage of sites commemorating one of the most important figures in the history of cinema.
41. To take a photo with the statue of Paddington Bear!
Michael Bond came up with the idea for Paddington Bear while shopping near Paddington Station in London on Christmas Eve 1956.
The rest is history, and today, Paddington Bear is one of many symbols of the city.
There is certainly no shortage of places in London connected to the beloved bear, including Buckingham Palace!
42. Winnie the Pooh!
To visit the fictional home of Winnie the Pooh, you will need to go to Ashdown Forest (a 2-hour drive from London).
However, the bear that inspired the whole story was purchased by the author (who was a Londoner!), A.A. Milne, at the world-famous luxury department store, Harrods in London.
43. To experience the magic of theater by watching a play in one of London’s 241 theaters!
With a theatrical history dating back centuries, London is one of the best places to visit for theater lovers.
44. To see some of over 2700 places of worship in London!
The number of places of worship in London is constantly changing but at the time of writing this post there are estimated 2000 churches, 500 mosques and 200 synagogues.
45. To see the place that hosted Einstein, Churchill, Muhammad Ali, Adele, and the Beatles!
Built by the heartbroken Queen Victoria as a tribute to her late husband, Prince Albert, the Royal Albert Hall is one of the most beautiful buildings in London.
Today, it is mainly known as a prestigious concert hall, but in the past, it used to be a city’s great boxing venue, hosting some of Muhammad Ali‘s fights.
Here, Albert Einstein campaigned for global peace in 1933, Winston Churchill delivered a number of his memorable speeches, and Tina Turner made her debut as a support act for The Rolling Stones.
To me, it’s an absolute must-see in London!
46. To have a drink in a pub once frequented by pirates!
The Prospect of Whitby is London’s oldest riverside inn, once frequented by pirates, smugglers, and judges who would convict them (when caught!).
The wooden gallows still stand as a chilling reminder of the place, where the condemned were hanged and washed three times by the tidal River Thames.
This one of the most atmospheric pubs in London is located less than half an hour walk from Tower Bridge!
47. Charles Darwin!
Charles Darwin after his famous voyage on the HMS Beagle, which took him to various parts of the world, including the Galápagos Islands, he returned to England and settled in London.
He lived here for many years, where he conducted much of his scientific research and wrote his groundbreaking work “On the Origin of Species”.
48. To see Natural History Museum!
The grand building of the Natural History Museum is worth visiting (it’s free!) for many reasons, but two of my favorites are the life-sized, spectacular dinosaur skeletons and the giant sequoia.
49. To see London cemeteries!
London is home to 107 beautiful cemeteries, and if you’d like to explore some of the most remarkable ones, the Magnificent Seven Victorian Gothic garden cemeteries are the best place to start.
50. Sherlock Holmes!
London was the setting for the legendary mysteries of the world-famous detective Sherlock Holmes.
Following in his footsteps is just one of the many ways to explore this city.
51. The Rolling Stones!
It is challenging to list all the music artists who have risen to fame in London (and I promise to mention only a few), but there is no denying that The Rolling Stones are a London band!
And there are countless places in London that their fans should visit.
52. Led Zeppelin!
Led Zeppelin is one of the most iconic rock bands in history and another great one that emerged from London’s vibrant music scene.
53. Pink Floyd!
Pink Floyd, one of the most influential rock bands in music history, was formed in London, recorded their iconic music here, and performed in the city.
Many London landmarks are connected to these musical geniuses.
54. Freddie Mercury and Queen!
London played a crucial role in Queen’s musical career from forming the band, recording their music to the iconic live performances like the many famous shows at Wembley Stadium.
55. Dire Straits!
Dire Straits, the British rock band led by Mark Knopfler, was formed in London and played numerous iconic live shows in the city during their career.
56. Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden, the iconic British heavy metal band, was formed in London and gained worldwide fame from their roots in the city.
57. Eric Clapton!
Eric Clapton grew up in the London area.
Throughout his career, he continued to live and work in London, making significant contributions to the city’s and the world’s music history.
58. George Michael
George Michael, one of the best-selling musicians of all time, was born in London and rose to spectacular fame here.
Apart from visiting many places connected to him, you can also pay tribute to the late singer by visiting his grave at the beautiful Highgate Cemetery in London.
59. David Bowie!
David Bowie had a profound connection with London throughout his life and career. He was born in Brixton (South London) in 1947 and London served as the backdrop for his musical evolution.
60. Elton John
Elton John was born in London, and his music career blossomed in the UK’s capital during the 1960s and 1970s. He performed at various clubs and venues in the city both before and after achieving international fame.
61. Adele
Adele is a Londoner! Her connection to the city is both personal and professional, as London played a significant role in shaping her musical career and artist identity.
62. Charlie Chaplin!
Charlie Chaplin, the legendary silent film actor and filmmaker was born in South London on April 16, 1889. Here he began his career in the entertainment industry performing in London’s music halls and theaters.
63. Street Art in London!
There are over 800 indoor art galleries in London, but there is also no shortage of artists attempting to transform the city’s dull brick walls into open-air galleries.
Seeing Banksy’s 300-meter-long graffiti tunnel at Leake Street or exploring the streets of Brick Lane, Shoreditch or Camden Town is a must for anyone who loves this type of creativity and artistic rebellion.
64. Football stadiums!
London is home to several iconic football stadiums, including Wembley Stadium (which is the largest in the city and hosts major international matches and events), Arsenal Football Club, Chelsea Football Club, Tottenham Hotspur, and West Ham United.
65. To see the house where Jimi Hendrix died
The apartment where Jimi Hendrix died has become a place of pilgrimage for fans of the legendary guitarist from around the world.
66. Daniel Defoe
Daniel Defoe, the famous author of Robinson Crusoe, was born in London in 1660 and spent a significant part of his eventful life in the city. As a fan of his writing, I must admit that it feels special to visit his grave at the charming Bunhill Fields Burial Ground in London.
67. London a perfect city to visit on Halloween!
Cruel laws and deadly events throughout London’s history have dotted this city with grave pits, graveyards, and cemeteries, as well as ghostly buildings and sites.
There is no shortage of contemporary attractions offering gruesome entertainment (for those who can stomach it), not only on Halloween but also throughout the year.
68. To see the Churchill War Rooms!
The Churchill War Rooms were the underground headquarters from which the most famous British Prime Minister and his government directed the course of the war against Nazi Germany during WWII.
69. To see the skyscrapers surrounded by docks!
Canary Wharf is a business district that combines contemporary architecture with art and waterfront views.
And something tells me that you might like it!
19 (free) things to see in Canary Wharf – walking tour with a map
70. To walk beneath the river!
The Greenwich Foot Tunnel is a underground passageway that allows pedestrians and cyclists to cross beneath the River Thames between the historic areas of Greenwich on the south bank and Isle of Dogs on the north bank.
71. To visit some of many museums in London!
I won’t name them all here, but in this link you can find a list of 139 of them!
72. To visit rooftop garden!
If you’re comfortable with heights, visiting one of London’s many rooftop gardens is an absolute must-do!
73. To visit the biggest LEGO shop in the world!
The LEGO store at Leicester Square is an absolute must-see in London for any LEGO enthusiasts.
74. To visit the grave that inspired the design of the red telephone box!
75. To see a 200-year-old street!
Roupell Street was laid out in 1824 and has managed to survive with only minor changes until now. It is located only a few minutes’ walk from the London Eye!
76. To see the school that educated several Nobel Prize winners!
Harrow School is a prestigious boarding school in London that educated not only a few Nobel Prize winners but also seven British Prime Ministers! It is located in the beautiful historic English village of Harrow On The Hill.
Harrow on the Hill walking tour with a map and photo gallery
77. To visit the shop with cyber clothing!
Cyberdog is an iconic cyber clothing shop located in Camden Town.
It doesn’t just sell products; it provides an experience!
78. To hug beautiful trees!
Parks in London will provide you with some fine examples of the very old trees.
79. To see The Inside-Out Building!
The Lloyd’s Building in the City of London is one eye-catching sight, not to be missed when visiting London.
80. To see the charming garden inside a 400-year-old church!
St. Dunstan in the East, severely damaged during the Blitz, was never rebuilt. Instead, it was turned into one of the most charming green corners in the City of London.
81. To see (or run) London Marathon!
You can find 8 reasons why the London Marathon is a must-see event in this link!
82. To take part in the Notting Hill Carnival!
The Notting Hill Carnival is a Caribbean festival in London that takes place every year over the August bank holiday weekend and attracts an estimated two million people annually.
83. To have a meal in the cafe that was established in 1900!
E. Pellicci is a classic East London café that has been run by the same family for over 120 years. Tasting its food and experiencing its atmosphere is a must!
84. To see the wall with 150 000 hearts on it!
Seeing the long wall stretching along the River Thames, covered with thousands of hand-painted red hearts is a moving experience.
The National Covid Memorial is located only a 2-minute walk from the London Eye and Big Ben.
85. To see the iconic staircase that catapulted the Spice Girls to international fame!
The beautiful St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, known from the Harry Potter movies, was also a location where the Spice Girls filmed their music video for the song Wannabe.
86. To see giant statues!
In London you can find over 1500 statues in public places (and counting). And some of them area really big.
50 best statues in London you should see (and where to find them?)
87. To see Banksy murals!
Banksy is a renowned street artist known for his thought-provoking and often politically charged art. If you want to see Banksy murals, you’re in for a treat as he has left his mark on various locations in the city.
88. To see London street performers!
By walking London streets, you will experience the city’s creative spirit in a lively and interactive way by watching street performers. Leicester Square, the London Eye, and Covent Garden are the best places to search for them.
89. To visit the world-famous toy store!
Hamleys, the iconic toy store offering over 35,000 items, is a must-visit destination that provides entertainment for visitors of all ages. It is located on Regent Street.
90. To visit the oldest umbrella shop in the world!
The charming shop with umbrellas and walking sticks called James Smith & Sons has been around since 1830.
It is one of my favorite shops in London!
91. To visit the home of Sigmund Freud!
Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, was Austrian, but he left his country to escape Nazi persecution and moved to London. He spent the last year of his life here. There is a museum in London (located in his last home) that you can visit where you can see his study and iconic couch.
92. To see where Friedrich Engels and Karl Marx lived when writing Communist Manifesto!
Engels and Marx collaborated closely on their revolutionary ideas and writings while living in London.
You can also visit Karl Marx’s grave; he was buried in Highgate Cemetery.
93. To see the church that inspired the look of wedding cake!
The traditional tiered cake style was first created in London and was inspired by the distinctive spire of St Bride’s church in the City of London.
94. To see Wimbledon tennis courts!
Wimbledon is an area in London internationally renowned for hosting the Wimbledon Championships, one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world.
The All England Lawn Tennis Club, where the tournament takes place, is a definite must-see in London for tennis fans!
95. To see the most flowery pub in the world…
…dedicated to Winston Churchill.
96. To see a Berlin Wall!
Yes, that’s right.
A short walk from the London Eye and Waterloo Station, you can see a small piece of the Berlin Wall, a physical barrier that divided the city of Berlin from 1961 to 1989.
You can find it outside the Imperial War Museum – a must-see in London for history enthusiasts.
97. To shop!
Approximately 20% of people visiting London (that is around 6 million people a year) give shopping as their primary reason for the visit. The presence of 40,000 shops in the UK capital might have something to do with it!
98. To taste the cuisines from around the world!
When you come to London, it’s like visiting hundreds of countries at once.
London is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the world, with over 300 languages spoken every day and around 20,000 restaurants serving cuisine from all around the globe.
99. If you visit London, keep an eye out for Batman…
100. …and the Wonder Woman!
Well, well done for reading all 100 reasons to visit London!
To be perfectly honest, the list of good reasons to visit London is never-ending.
I hope you enjoyed this post.
If you are looking for more inspiration on what to see in London, check out my