14 bucket list experiences in London

London is full of iconic sights and attractions. Even if you’ve never visited the city, you can probably recognize Big Ben, the Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and even the London Underground sign.

While there are plenty of things to see and do in London, we’ve narrowed down the best bucket list experiences you must have on a trip to London.

The Tower of London holds incredible tales. In its history of nearly 1,000 years, this castle held various functions as a fortress, palace, and prison.

Marvel at the Crown Jewels, a highly-guarded collection of gemstones worn by British royalty. Then, visit the Royal Armouries, roam in the palaces of kings and queens, and glimpse into life as a prisoner at the Bloody Tower.

You’ll need a separate ticket to view the Ceremony of the Keys, an ancient ritual performed when the Tower of London is locked each night.

The clock tower over the Houses of Parliament is a recognizable sight in London. It’s often referred to as Big Ben—which is actually the name of the clock, not the tower.

Big Ben is housed in Elizabeth Tower, which is currently undergoing conservation works. While you can’t enter the tower, you can snap a photo of it from Westminster Bridge.

The Changing of the Guard is a formal ceremony that takes place when the guards at the forecourt of Buckingham Palace change duty. The drill is accompanied by a band playing music ranging from military marches to pop songs.

The ceremony starts at 10:45 a.m. on selected days of the week. It’s free to watch, so check the schedule and come early to get a good viewing spot.

London lays claim to the world’s first underground railway station. Opened in 1863, the London Underground or the Tube now serves millions of commuters daily.

Navigate the London Underground like a pro with this guide and explore iconic Tube stations like Tottenham Court Road, Gloucester Road, and Gants Hill stations.

The London Eye is the observation wheel that lies on the banks of the Thames River. A ride in one of its 32 pods offers 360-degree views of London—all the way to Windsor Castle on a clear day. During the 30-minute ride, you can capture photos of London’s famous attractions like Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, and St. Paul's Cathedral.

If you don’t want to wait in line to ride the London Eye, opt for a fast-track ticket instead of the standard ticket.

Want a viewing point that’s even higher than the London Eye? Your answer is The View from The Shard. This viewing gallery is situated at the top of The Shard, an architectural marvel that towers 1,016 feet above the city.

Inside, a high-speed lift will whizz you to level 68 in just a minute. Indulge in a cocktail at the observation deck on level 69, then head to the open-air sky deck on level 72 for more breathtaking views.

The British Museum features over 60 galleries that transport you to many corners of the ancient world, from Egypt to Mexico. There is two million years’ worth of human history in the museum’s vast collection. Don’t miss the Rosetta Stone, the granite slab carved with a decree that helped scholars decipher hieroglyphics.

If you love art and history, check out London’s many other renowned—and some even free—museums and galleries such as the Natural History Museum, National Gallery, and Tate Modern.

London’s iconic Oxford Street offers 1.2 miles of nonstop shopping, from local boutiques to international brands. Oxford Street also houses the flagship shops of departmental stores such as Selfridges, Marks and Spencer, and John Lewis & Partners.

To walk the whole stretch, hop off the Tube at Marble Arch station on the west or Tottenham Court Road station on the east of Oxford Street.

Covent Garden is a trendy district with a buzzing atmosphere in London’s West End. Start your explorations in the Covent Garden Market where you can buy tea, chocolates, baked goods, fresh flowers, and even antiques and jewelry.

Stumble upon talented buskers, or stroll into shops and restaurants that line the streets. While you’re in the area, drop by the London Transport Museum to see historic buses and trams, and catch a performance at the Royal Opera House.

The green lung of London, Hyde Park is where you can get respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Apart from soaking up the sun on a deck chair, you can skate, cycle, or even go boating on Serpentine Lake. Before leaving, visit the memorial fountain for Princess Diana that lies on the southwestern corner of the park.

Street food from around the world awaits you in Borough Market. You’ll find a variety of takeaway options from Spanish paella to Indian curries, Thai noodles, and Mexican tacos, which you can wash down with a pint of Belgian beer. To best experience Borough Market, come on an empty stomach.

Run by companies such as Big Bus Tours, go on a tour of London on one of its iconic double-decker buses. With a ticket, you can hop on and off as many times as you wish.

Another great way to take in London’s sights is on a river cruise. Thames Rockets take your cruise up a notch with a high-speed ride on an inflatable boat. If you prefer a traditional river cruise with live commentary, London Eye offers just that.

London is the backdrop of many novels and movies—and if you’re a fan of one, take the opportunity to relive your favorite scenes.

Enter the world of Sherlock Holmes at his address, 221B Baker Street, where there’s a museum dedicated to this legendary detective. Or visit Harry Potter filming locations like Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station. Potterheads can also take a tour of Warner Bros. Studio to have a behind-the-scenes look.

The best way to experience London is on foot. SANDEMANs offers free walking tours that cover London’s major landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Trafalgar Square. Just remember to tip the guide at the end of the tour.

There are also walking tours of London’s historic pubs, food spots, and hidden gems. Want to explore the darker side of the city? Join a Jack the Ripper tour and uncover details of the killer that terrorized the city in 1888.

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