Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking adventure, there is no shortage of things to do in Northern Ireland for everyone who visits.

From breathtaking coastal drives to ancient castles steeped in legends, to old-world pubs and endless pints of Guinness, it’s time to get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of this captivating side of the UK.

To help you decide on what to do in Northern Ireland, we interviewed Linda McCormich from the Eco Traveller who was born and bred in Northern Ireland.

Linda shares with us her insider tips on attractions in Northern Ireland for those looking for the best places to see, eat, stay, drink, and explore.

Why Visit Northern Ireland?

Of all the places I have travelled in the world; all the different cultures I have experienced and people I have met, I can honestly say there’s nowhere quite like Ireland.

Beyond being welcoming, friendly and funny, the people will totally win you over. You’ll find complete strangers striking up a conversation in the street, which is perfectly acceptable; scratch that, inevitable.

Although it may feel strange to those used to avoiding eye contact at all costs. It’s not just about the people, of course, this was once the land of the giants; myth and legend are attached to every nook and cranny.

Castles and various Celtic ruins are perched along the coast and hidden inland. Mountains and lakes, glens and river valleys make this small province seem almost enchanted; you just need to ignore the old media stories and see the country with your own eyes.

Things to Do in Northern Ireland

Considering Northern Ireland takes less than two and a half hours to cross, there’s a lot packed into this little province.

It is steeped in history, oozes character and has some pretty spectacular natural landscapes, so choosing just a few things to see and do is difficult.

1. Drive the Causeway Coast Road

Heading north out of Belfast towards Larne, the Causeway Coastal Route hugs the coastline pretty much all the way to Derry, on the other side of Northern Ireland.

It has often been described as one of the world’s greatest road journeys, and at only 70 miles it may also be one of the shortest so shouldn’t eat into your trip if you’re short on time.

If you can, take a good week to explore the coast as there is so much to see just inland as well as what’s on the shore.

2. Admire Carrickfergus Castle, Glens of Antrim and Ballycastle

Visit the well-preserved 12th century Carrickfergus Castle on the edge of Belfast Lough, cycle through the glacial Glens of Antrim, before heading to Ballycastle, where you can get the ferry to Rathlin Island (weather permitting).

On a good day you should be able to see the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland, only 16 miles across the Irish Sea.

3. See Old Bushmills Distillery, Dunluce Castle and the Giant’s Causeway

If you base yourself in and around the Giant’s Causeway, it’s easy to take in a trip to the oldest licenced distillery in the world, Bushmills.

Have a wee dram or two, then head off to see the ruins of Dunluce Castle, where although half of it has fallen into the sea still remains pretty impressive.

The Giant’s Causeway is easily Northern Ireland’s most visited attraction, and it’s not hard to see why. Even those people who hated geology and geography at school will be taken in by the natural wonder.

Formed by lava rapidly cooling and contracting, the many-sided, interlocking basalt columns are synonymous with the UNESCO World Heritage Site; as are stories of the giant Finn MacCool, where the area gets its name.

Although the Giant’s Causeway looks spectacular in any weather, sunny days are perfect for relaxing on one of the basalt columns while you dip your toes in the chilly Irish Sea.

And, the Giant’s Causeway now has a new sustainable visitors centre.

4. Check Out Portrush, Portstewart and Castlerock

The seaside towns of Portrush, Portstewart and Castlerock are all worth a visit, even if just to savour good ol’ fish ‘n’chips, or take a dip.

And, believe it or not, surfing is popular – even on the days when most people would need balls of steel to enter the frigid waters, men and women both!

5. Visit The Walled City of Derry

Ah the only place in the world with a handful of names. Derry, County Londonderry, Stroke City, the Maiden City; call it what you wish, but know that most of the residents from the city call it Derry, regardless of their political views. And very proud they are of their history.

Derry is the only completely intact walled city in Ireland, and one of the few cities in Europe to have never been breached, which is why it got the name “The Maiden City”.

The walls sadly fell into disrepair during the height of the troubles, but have now been given a great face lift in view of Derry being the first City of Culture in 2013, so walking around the walls today is a pleasure.

6. Learn About Irish Emigrants at Ulster Folk Park

Despite numerous school trips to the Ulster American Folk Park, I’ve never tired of it.

Created to tell the story of many Irish emigrants to America, the museum allows visitors to see what circumstances would have led to them leaving and how they would have made the journey, complete with a full scale sailing ship.

Characters in costume roam the park and will happily explain anything visitors want to know about the great migration.

7. Admire Fermanagh Lakes and the Mourne Mountains

These two beautiful areas are often left off people’s travel lists when visiting Northern Ireland and it’s a real shame, especially as nothing is too far away here.

Enniskillen Castle and the County Fermanagh Lakes area in the south west corner of the province are an outdoor enthusiasts dream.

A number of cycle routes take you past stately homes and castles, the Marble Arch Caves, with natural underwater river and waterfalls, as well as a number of essential liquid lunch spots.

Go sailing or cruising on the lakes or explore the many country parks and forests.

If trekking and hill walking is your thing, the Mourne Mountains in the south east will provide miles and miles of walking routes through moss ridden plains and granite out crops.

The nearby seaside town of Newcastle is a great base to further explore this area of the country.

8. Visit Titanic Belfast

And of course, you know there’s no way you can visit NI without seeing the new Titanic Belfast, a new visitor experience designed to enlighten all about the ill-fated ship and its maiden voyage. I have heard only good things.

9. Wet Your Appetite At Delicious Irish Restaurants

It’s easy to find coffee shops and cafes in any city in NI, but if you’re looking for some traditional foods then head to the markets in the towns you visit.

Northern Ireland also has numerous excellent restaurants, so it’s too hard to choose just a few. Instead I’ve chosen some I know and have been to:

Cayenne, Belfast – From the man who brought the first Michelin star to NI, Paul Rankin’s Cayenne serves great local produce at reasonable prices. It’s a great place to go if you’re fed up with fast food and looking for a treat.

The Potted Hen, Belfast – For a restaurant that was voted the best in Northern Ireland last year, The Potted Hen certainly doesn’t have the airs and graces you’d associate with the label. The menu is affordable for all – yep, even for those on a backpacker budget.

Clenaghans, Moira – If you’re looking for somewhere with an open fire to warm the cockles on a cold day, then head to Clenaghans in Moira, in between Lisburn and Lurgan.

This picture-perfect pub and restaurant has been in business for around 250 years, so oozes the charm and character many look for in an Irish pub. It also has accommodation so you can use it to explore the local area.

Café Maud’s, Lisburn Road, Belfast: Maud’s is legendary for serving the best ice-cream, ever. Now they’ve opened a café you can indulge in waffles, crepes and all things naughty.

Whatever you do, don’t leave NI without tasting Maud’s award-winning pooh bear ice-cream. It is an extra creamy vanilla ice-cream with chunks of home-made honeycomb blended through it.

10. Explore The Enchanting Irish Pubs

How can you possibly narrow down just a few places to drink when there are more bars than shops in some of the small towns in the north of Ireland; or pretty much anywhere in Ireland, really.

• The Crown Bar in Belfast is probably the most famous bar in NI. Standing on the same spot for 150 years, The Crown retains the old charm and character of a Victorian gin palace and still has the old snugs, where tables are hidden behind stained glass walls so customers could have a sneaky swift one, although they’ve since been renovated. It is always full, but is well worth the wait for a pint just to have a peek at the building itself.

• Peadar O’Donnells in Derry has got to be the best place for live traditional music. Even if you’re not that into diddly dee music I can guarantee your foot will be tappin’ by the time you finish your first pint. The adjoining Gweedore Bar has more run-of-the-mill music for when it all gets too much.

• Lavery’s in Belfast used to be one of my old haunts, and I still have fond memories of 50p vodkas on student nights. Ah, those were the days. I dare say a vodka would cost a wee bit more nowadays, but the crowd is still a great mix of students and locals. It’s also a great music venue, and often admission is free, so be sure to check it out.
• McHugh’s in Belfast is worth a visit just to see the building. It dates back to 1711, so the thick stone walls are fantastic. It’s manic at night here as it’s always so popular, but is ideal to visit during the day. Perfect place to read a book, catch up on your travel journal and sink a few.

Make sure you have a Harp, lager that is. It’s brewed in Ireland and tastes totally different than anywhere else in the world. Much better!

If a pub looks so small it could be someone’s living room, it just might be, but they’re the best places to meet the locals with a bit of a story.

You’ll find a lot of bars are opened until late and start charging a small fee after 10/10.30pm to get in. It makes it a pain if you’re only looking for ‘one more’ drink, but great if you’re set on being out for the night. Find a place that’s open late, make sure you’re in early and get comfy for the night.

Best Places for a Night on the Town in Northern Ireland

• The Odyssey Arena in Belfast is a massive sports and entertainment venue that can host big name artists, stage shows and ice hockey games all on the same night. As well as a selection of bars and restaurants, there is a 12-screen cinema, science exhibition centre and IMAX, so you’re bound to find something to keep you entertained for a night, or three.
• Mainstreet Omagh is always bustling. Four venues on the street, each with their individual slant make up the complex. Here you can enjoy pre-show dinner and drinks, enjoy a night out carnival-style, ‘ave it large in the Mantis nightclub or just sit and relax in front of an open fire with a pint.
• The Grand Opera House in Belfast always has something on, whether it’s a touring West End musical, panto or gig. The Millenium Forum is Derry’s GOH equivalent.

11. Visit the Local Farmers Markets

There are a number of Farmer’s markets on throughout the province every weekend, so be sure to ask where you’re staying when the next one is, or check on the Discover NI website, where they have the markets and days they’re on listed.

St George’s Market, Belfast, nominated as the Best Food Market in the UK, St. George’s Market has been a highlight of the NI food scene since 1890.

Set on a prominent corner plot on East Bridge Street near the city centre, this is the place you should try and get to above any other foodie joint if you want to savour the local produce, although it’s a popular place to buy international foods, too.

Belfast is probably the best place to shop in Northern Ireland. Here you’ll find all the big high street names, as well as some smaller boutiques.

Lisburn is also becoming known as a good shopping town with two large complexes to wander around, but if you’re looking for quaint and quirky, head to the Craft Village in Derry.

12. Attend A Festival in Northern Ireland

I’m sure most visitors to the north of Ireland know about the 12th of July, as it usually makes the headlines when marchers clash en route with protestors. It’s news like this that puts people off visiting the country, but it shouldn’t.

The Twelfth, as it’s affectionately known in NI, commemorates the Battle of the Boyne, when, in 1690, William of Orange conquered the Catholic King James. Protestant Orangemen march every year still to celebrate the victory – yep, even now.

The problems arise when they march through stronghold Catholic areas because that was the original route of the first marchers in the 1790s. As always, the trouble is generally confined to a few small pockets across the province, so unless you’re a staunch follower of the celebrations, don’t fret.

Auld Lammas Fair in Ballycastle has been held every year on the last Monday and Tuesday of August for around 400 years. If you go to this traditional harvest fair, you’ve got to try ‘Yellowman’, a NI version of honeycomb. Heaven. Halloween is huge in Northern Ireland, well, it is an old Celtic pagan festival after all.

And believe it or not, the biggest Halloween festival in Europe is held in Derry. Bands, fireworks and fancy dress parades draw crowds of up to 40,000 people every year.

Hillsborough International Oyster Festival is held the first weekend in September in the quaint village of Hillsborough. If you fancy your chances at becoming the next World Oyster Eating Champion, then you know where to go.

Hilden Beer and Music Festival is held at Hilden Brewery in Lisburn, County Antrim on the last weekend of August. Being the oldest independent brewery in Ireland it’s a popular drinking spot and when the sun shines the beautiful old 19th century courtyard is the perfect place to sink a few, festival time or not.

13. Take a Game of Thrones Tour

Game of Thrones fans will love exploring the filming locations of GOT dotted around Northern Ireland.

As you embark on an epic adventure through the mystical world of Westeros, you’ll not only see the location for this iconic series, but see some of Northern Ireland’s most enchanting destinations.

Step into the realms of Winterfell, King’s Landing, and Dragonstone as you explore the real-life locations that brought these fictional places to life.

Travel to the Dark Hedges, where Arya Stark made her daring escape, or visit the awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway, a natural wonder that formed the setting for many pivotal scenes.

Guided by knowledgeable locals (some of whom may have been extras on the show) you’ll gain insider insights and behind-the-scenes stories that will transport you directly into the world of Game of Thrones.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply captivated by the beauty of Northern Ireland, a Game of Thrones Tour is an experience not to be missed.

14. Walk Across the Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge

Perched along the stunning Causeway Coastal Route is the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.

Offering a thrilling experience and breathtaking views, this iconic bridge has become an emblem of Northern Ireland’s beauty and charm.

Spanning a 20-meter chasm, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge provides the opportunity to test your courage as you make your way across the swaying planks suspended high above the crashing waves below.

The adrenaline rush and sense of achievement upon reaching the other side are unparalleled.

But it’s not just the thrill that draws visitors to this site. The surrounding scenery is equally captivating, with rugged cliffs, dramatic coastlines, and panoramic vistas that will leave you in awe.

As you walk along the coastal path, take in the sights and sounds of the Atlantic Ocean, breathe in the fresh sea air, and marvel at the beauty of nature.

Originally built by salmon fishermen in 1755, the bridge stands as a testament to their skill and resourcefulness.

Learn about the local legends and traditions associated with the area, adding depth and intrigue to your visit.

15. See The Mussenden Temple

Perched dramatically on the cliffs near Castlerock in County Londonderry, Mussenden Temple is another captivating attraction in Northern Ireland.

This small circular building, overlooking the North Coast, provides stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the picturesque landscape of Downhill Demesne.

One of the main reasons to visit Mussenden Temple is its rich history and architectural beauty.

Built as a summer library in the late 18th century, the temple’s design was inspired by the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, Italy.

Aside from its historical significance, Mussenden Temple offers a tranquil atmosphere, inviting visitors to relax and appreciate the breathtaking surroundings.

Whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll through the landscaped gardens or enjoying a picnic with ocean views, this serene location provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Managed by The National Trust, Mussenden Temple is part of the larger Downhill & Mussenden Temple Estate, which also includes the ruins of Downhill House and other stunning landmarks.

16. Visit The Folk Museum

The Folk Museum is a wonderful place to visit for anyone seeking a unique and enriching cultural experience. It features immersive exhibits that tell the story of traditions, skills, and customs of rural Ulster’s past.

One of the main reasons to visit the Folk Museum is the opportunity to step back in time and celebrate the everyday skills that were once an integral part of Ulster’s heritage.

From craft demonstrations to exploring the folk collection, visitors can engage with the traditions that have shaped the region’s identity.

It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and encourages visitors to appreciate the value of these traditions in our modern world.

17. Check Out The Transport Museum

The Transport Museum has an extensive collection of locomotives, carriages, vintage motorbikes, and exhibits showcasing the history of ship and aircraft building.

From majestic steam locomotives to horse-drawn carriages, visitors can witness the evolution of transportation and gain a deep appreciation for the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the past.

Moreover, the museum offers insights into the social and cultural impact of transportation on the region.

The Transport Museum also serves as a source of inspiration for future designers, engineers, and adventurers.

By showcasing the achievements and innovations in transportation, the museum sparks curiosity and encourages visitors to imagine the possibilities for the future.

18. Try Irish Whiskey

One of the most unmissable things to do in Northern Ireland is to indulge in the rich flavors and heritage of Irish whiskey.

With its vibrant distillery scene, there are numerous places to savor this iconic spirit.

One notable distillery to visit is Bushmills, located in County Antrim. As the world’s oldest licensed distillery, Bushmills is renowned for producing exceptional single malt whiskey.

Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the distilling process and sample a range of their award-winning expressions.

Another must-visit destination is Echlinville Distillery in Newtownards.

Established in 2013, this distillery in the picturesque Ards Peninsula of County Down offers a unique experience.

19. Be Enchanted By Glenariff Forest Park

Glenariff Forest Park is an idyllic nature spot located in the stunning Glenariff Glen, known as the “Queen of the Glens.”

The park spans over 1,000 hectares and features breathtaking landscapes, planted woodlands, lakes, and conservation areas.

It’s renowned for its picturesque waterfalls, which form a series of stunning cascades along the trails.

The waterfall walk, spanning approximately 2.5 km, provides a tranquil and scenic experience for nature lovers and hikers.

20. Visit Crumlin Road Goal

Crumlin Road Gaol is a jail that was built in 1845. This iconic prison has witnessed significant events and housed individuals from various walks of life, including political prisoners, suffragettes, and children from impoverished families.

A visit to Crumlin Road allows you to gain an understanding of the rich heritage of Ireland and learn of the social and political struggles that shaped the nation.

The gaol’s architecture and design are also awe-inspiring, with its Victorian-era structure and hauntingly beautiful surroundings.

You can explore the wings, visit the condemned man’s cell, and witness the execution cell where seventeen men were hanged.

21. Step Back In Time At Castle Ward

Castle Ward is an eccentric mansion, located near the village of Strangford, that boasts contrasting architecture and interiors, making it a fascinating site to explore.

Wander through the mansion and immerse yourself in the grandeur of the past.

The mansion’s distinct styles, including classical and Gothic, create an intriguing atmosphere that will leave you marveling at its beauty.

Game of Thrones fans will recognize Castle Ward as the backdrop for Winterfell.

Best Time to Visit Northern Ireland

It really depends what you’re looking for. If you’re after some good times and general mayhem, then I would visit around Halloween; it really is great crack then.

There’s a good chance of a white Christmas in December, and if it’s sun you’re after, erm, well, you might have to pray to Lady Luck.

Northern Ireland’s weather is notoriously wet, but then that’s what makes it so green and such a beautiful country to visit. August and September are usually the sunniest months, but it’s hard to guarantee they’ll be dry. Still, as they say in Ireland, “It never rains in the pub”.

Where to Stay in Northern Ireland

If you’re not sure where to stay in Northern Ireland, here are some places we recommend.

Downhill Beach House Hostel, Castlerock – If you want to experience everything the Atlantic Ocean can offer, then seek out this little hostel sitting at the foot of the limestone cliffs, spitting distance from the north coast’s longest beach.

Derry City Hostel – Crazy, but true, if you decide to stay here there is no set fee, you can pay what you want. All they ask is that you stay for at least two nights so you can explore the area.

Belfast International Youth Hostel – Just across from Europa Bus Centre you’ll find one of Belfast’s more popular hostels. It’s open all year round, and has doubles with ensuite, twin rooms and dorm rooms accommodating up to six people.

The Causeway Hotel – An obvious choice if you’re planning to explore the Antrim coast and what it has to offer. Alternatively, stay in Portrush nearby where you’ll find at least a hundred or so BnB’s and guesthouses. Portrush is small, so just drive through the town to check for vacancy signs outside the houses. You’ll need to book in summer, though, when most of the rest of NI likes to pay ‘the Port’ a visit.

Belle Isle Fermanagh – If you can afford it, book a night at the Belle Isle. It is such a beautiful old 17th century castle, set in 470 acres of land on its very own island. You can stay in an apartment or cottage on the grounds and investigate the castle and surrounds.

Getting To and Around Northern Ireland

A number of cheap airlines fly into Northern Ireland daily from mainland UK and the Republic of Ireland.

The usual suspects are low-cost airlines Ryanair and Easyjet, although the cheapest flights are usually very early in the morning, which makes getting to outlying airports in connecting cities quite difficult – many of the first trains don’t depart in time for you to clear security at the airport.

There are a few ferries from mainland UK, too: one from Stranraer, in Scotland, to Larne, which is just outside Belfast, and one from Holyhead, in Wales, to Dublin. From Dublin it’s an easy two hour drive or train journey north.

The bus network across Northern Ireland is excellent, with many connections between the larger cities running frequently. The buses are very comfy too – most of them are coaches, and some double decker.

Driving is also easy due to the size of the country. It seriously only takes about a few hours to cross; about 1hr 30mins between the two main cities of Belfast and Derry. There are only two motorways – one between Derry and Belfast, the other from Belfast heading to Dublin, which is only two hours away. Click here for car rental prices and availability from our preferred partner, Discover Cars!

Local trains aren’t too bad, and although there are trains between Belfast and Derry because the line follows the coast it takes 2hrs 20mins – great if you have the time to travel, not so good if you’re on a tight schedule. Still, I would highly recommend doing it as the scenery is pretty spectacular. Book your train via Trainline.

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Northern Ireland

I love Northern Ireland because it has an endless push-you-pull-you effect. The grey, wet days can get you down, but the people, the crack, the rugged beauty of the place has a way of outshining even the most miserable of days.

It has so much to see and explore, from the history and legacy of the Titanic at the world-class Titanic Belfast museum, or to the jaw-dropping nature of the Causeway Coast, which is even more impressive in person.

Northern Ireland’s lush green fields, dramatic coastline, and tranquil lakes provide an amazing outdoor playground for activities like cycling and hiking.

It offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and historical sites. I hope this guide helped you plan your trip and gave you some inspiration for what Northern Ireland has to offer!

More Inspiration For Ireland and the UK

Thinking of visiting other parts of Ireland and the UK? Then here are some other helpful resources…

• Ireland Travel Tips
• 10 Places to Visit in Ireland with Kids
• Things to do in Dublin from a local’s eyes
• Tarr Steps walk in the Exmoor National Park
• Where to stay in London – budget to luxury
• 7 Places to visit on a Dorset Road Trip
• 5 unmissable sights below London
• Best things to do in London – local’s tips
• 7 Amazing Stops on the way to Isle of Skye
• Things to do in Edinburgh – tips from a local
• 6 Hot Destinations in the UK right now

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In an underground tour of London, you can walk behind the scenes of the oldest metro in the world, take a quick peek into former air-raid shelters used during the second world war, and walk the dusty passageways that were once used by former British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill.

If riding in black cabs and queuing at Madame Tussauds is not your thing any more, then try looking below the surface to escape the crowds.

To help you out, I’ve listed some of my favorite underground London tours that take you through lost tunnels and uncover parts of London you didn’t know were there.

The Best Underground London Tours

You’ll discover a hidden world of secret tunnels, terrifying tombs, elaborate train routes, and ancient cave systems on one of these underground London tours.

1. Cabinet War Rooms

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Blitz with a trip down into the historic Cabinet War Rooms.

This warren of tunnels and bunkers under Whitehall was the headquarters for Britain’s war effort during WW2.

The tour starts by exploring the War Cabinet Room from where Winston Churchill planned Britain’s next move.

You can actually see the chair (complete with scratch marks on its arms) which he used during highly stressful meetings.

In the Map Room, nothing has changed since 16 Aug 1945, when the lights were finally switched off.

Wartime maps, colour-coded telephones, and even rationed sugar cubes remain exactly as they were when the war ended.

2. Chislehurst Caves

This network of 8000-year-old caves in the greater London area is an unexpected treat. The caves, which extend for 20 miles, were initially created as a result of flint and chalk mining.

You can take a lamp-lit tour deep into this labyrinth and explore the caves’ varied history; from their origins as mines to their subsequent use as an ammunition depot and then as an air raid shelter during WW2.

You can read more and check prices and availability here.

3. The London Bridge Experience and London Tombs

This spine-chilling historical tour takes you through the early days of London.

Begin by discovering the most haunted bridge in the world – London Bridge – then you’ll be taken through Roman, Viking, and Victorian times and you can watch Queen Boudicca defeat the Romans in battle and see the great fire of London erupt before your very eyes.

For a really frightful time, you’ll need to go deeper underground into the depths of the London Tombs.

This former plague pit has been given a Hollywood-inspired makeover and now boasts state-of-the-art special effects and live actors, to bring London’s bloody history to life.

Although The London Bridge Experience doesn’t have any age restrictions, all children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. The London Tombs is not suitable for children under 11.

We visited the London Bridge Experience with our 14- and 10-year-old. It was one of our teen’s favorite things to do in London. Our tween was a little scared. but she still loves sharing her memories from it.

4. Tour of the London underground

You’re sure to have a renewed respect for the tube after this two-hour tour of the world’s oldest underground metro system.

This feat of engineering has been transporting passengers for 150 years and you’ll be able to see its original plans along with the steam engines that were first used.

Along your route, watch out for the ghost station at the British Museum and discover the secrets behind the original hand-dug tunnels.

5. Brunel’s underground tunnel

Discover how Isambard Kingdom Brunel helped his father Marc build one of the world’s first tunnels under a river.

The Thames tunnel, which is 170 years old, was originally designed to allow people and horses to cross the Thames without obstructing the passing ships.

Once known as the eighth wonder of the world, the tunnel was reopened in 2010 as part of the London Overground.

You can now descend into The Grand Entrance Hall at the tunnel shaft and even discover a secret chamber.

Tours can be organized through the Brunel Museum.

6. The Hidden London Tours by London Transport Museum

If you want to get off the beaten path, then the London Transport Museum, operated by Transport for London, have several underground tours you can take part in.

The tours are designed to take people to disused stations and secret sites, it’s an urban explorer’s dream come true.

You can choose to visit any of the following stations on a small group walking tour:

• Aldwych Station, which opened in 1907 but closed in 1994, and was the former “end of the line.” It was used as a shelter during the Blitz and is now an abandoned tube station. It has been featured in several film and television, such as Sherlock and Atonement. 
• Charing Cross, which is still in use today but became famous after it was used in the James Bond movie, Skyfall. This tour takes you to closed-off areas and the disused spaces of Charing Cross where you can learn about the station’s history and use in movie sets.
• Clapham South which opened after world war II and consists of eight deep-level shelters and miles of passageways.
• Down Street Station, also known as Winston Churchill’s secret station. It’s located between Green Park and Hyde Park Corner stations and was used as an air-raid shelter for the prime minister and was also the Railway Executive Committee’s bomb-proof headquarters.
• The lost tunnels of Euston. You can walk down the passageways and tunnels from Euston Station that are no longer in use, and still see vintage advertising posters adorning the walls.
• Go behind the scenes at Shepherd’s Bush station, one of the popular stations in London’s suburbs.
• Learn about modern day engineering with a behind-the-scenes tour of the Elizabeth Line from Tottenham Court Road.
• Kingsway trams tunnel tour. Before trains, the city used trams which consequently closed down. You can walk down the only remaining tram tunnel in London on this tour.

Final Thoughts on Underground Tours of London

I bet you didn’t realize how much of London’s underground world was accessible to tourists? I was pleasantly surprised too.

If you think about it, much of London’s history was served underground. During the 6-months of the Blitz, these underground stations were a place of refuge and safety.

Instead of being disused stations, they have been turned into attractions so tourists can see the city’s engineering triumphs and historical landmarks.

Whether you’re looking for a fun activity for a Saturday night or you’re curious about the history of the world’s oldest metro system, these tours are sure to be a highlight of your London trip.

Tours of London

More London Travel Tips

Are you planning a trip to London but need more inspiration for your trip? Then you may find these other guides helpful…

• Things to Do in London
• London Travel Tips
• Ultimate guide to getting around London
• Arriving in London Alone and Without Any Money
• 5 of the best accommodation options in London from budget to luxury
• Why you should plan a London vacation
• Is the London Eye worth it?
• 21 Places to visit in London
• 3 Day London Itinerary

London is one of the most diverse and experience-rich cities in the world. I lived there for two and half years and have visited as a tourist multiple times; and there is still so much I haven’t done.

London is an easy city to travel to. Since there are so many free attractions and things to do, it makes for the ideal city destination.

But if you’re short on time, the best way to maximize your visit is by following this London itinerary for 3 days, which has been designed to incorporate some of London’s most iconic attractions and best experiences – with a little touch of local flavors and neighborhoods.

Down below is a similar London itinerary to what we did on our first three days in London during our 10-day family trip to England last year.

How to use this 3 Day London Itinerary

London is a huge city, and since you only have 3 days, I created this itinerary to reduce the amount of time getting around. Who wants to waste time on public transport?

Fortunately, there is no need, as London is so easy to get around. Just walking from Point A to B is a valuable memory making experience and is where you’ll connect so much to the London lifestyle.

But if you don’t plan properly, you could be spending far too much time zig zagging across the city when you don’t need to.

Each day’s activities will be focused on one area of London, so you can spend more time exploring and less time on the London Tube (underground train).

Adapt this three-day itinerary as you see fit, according to your budget, interests, time of arrival, and your hotel location.

I’ve put approximate timing based on what we did – with any adaptations for mistakes made. (We make the mistakes so you can avoid them.)

I’ll also recommend places to eat, and coffee stops, and some hidden gems. I realize how personal those choices can be so you may want to substitute your own in. 

Just make sure you find something close to the attractions to reduce your travel time. Good news, in London there’s a pub and a pastry shop on every corner.

We also ate breakfast at our hotel each morning as it was provided with our room. Buffet English breakfasts at your hotel will be way better than any American one you’ve experienced. So, enjoy and fill up!

Only have two days in London? Simply drop off Day 3. We’ve created it so the very best of London (from a tourist perspective) is on Day 1 & 2.

Is 3 Days in London Enough?

If you are prepared to wake up early and put your best walking shoes on, 3 days is enough to see the highlights of London, but if you have got the time to spend longer, we recommend you spend at least 5 days in London.

Stay tuned, we’ll soon have a 5-day, 7-day and 10-day itinerary for those who can stay longer, or help you plan your activities if you return!

We also have other in-depth posts on London and its experiences, which will help you with further reading and research.

You can also join our email community, where we share more helpful travel plans and inspirations. We’re doing a 4-week Europe summer trip in June 2023, so we will be sharing more content for the UK and Europe in our mailing list!

You’ll also get access to our free printable London Bucket List and this printable itinerary in a one-page outline.

And if you really loved it because we saved you time, and possibly money, you can buy us a coffee!

London Bucket List + Itinerary Guides

A FREE Printable Checklist of the best things to do London and itinerary outline. 

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Day 1: Royalty, Politics & The West End

On this day in London, you’ll visit some of its top attractions in the Westminster and St James’s area, learning about the two forms of leadership in Britain with the Royals in Buckingham Palace and the Politicians at Big Ben and Parliament House.

You’ll be taking in the views of London at the most popular attraction in the city then exploring the vibrant arts and cultural West End.

9:30am Westminster Abbey Tour

Westminster Abbey is the Royal Church of England, and one of the top attractions in London. I enjoyed I enjoyed our self-guided audio tour of Westminster Abbey more than I thought I would, as did our kids.

We wanted to see Westminster Abbey to see where the King’s and Queens of England have their coronations. It was also where members of the royal family get married, the last being Prince William and Kate Middleton.

As you walk through the pews, you can take in the beautiful Gothic architecture, while your audio guide tells you more about the artwork, architecture and notable monuments inside the building.

You also get told about the Abbey’s long history, from as far back as the coronation of William the Conqueror.

Be sure to check out the outside of the cathedral, too. I enjoyed seeing the perspective of the abbey from walking around the cloisters and gardens.

• Hours: 9.30am – 4.30pm Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 2.00pm Saturday, Sundays for services only.
• Address: 20 Deans Yd, London SW1P 3PA

10:30 Walk through St James’s Park

My favorite of all the parks in London is the 58-acre St James’s Park. It’s home to the Mall and Horse Guards Parade and is on the doorstep of Buckingham Palace.

It’s the smallest of the eight Royal Parks and has a quiet beauty about it with its manicured gardens, blooming flowers, ponds, ample birdlife, and meandering paths under the shade of hundreds of trees.

Depending on how much time you spend in Westminster Abbey, you may have to skip through here to get to the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace on time. Don’t worry, you’ll walk back through it after the palace.

10.45am Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard.

It wouldn’t be a visit to London without peeping through the wrought iron fence of one of the most famous palaces in the world.

Buckingham Palace is the royal residence of the British Royal Family since 1837. Although the British royals choose live elsewhere (Windsor Castle is where the Queen lived before she passed), the palace is still used for stately events and meetings.

Most tourists love to visit for the Changing of the Guards Ceremony, which takes place daily at 10.45am.

This is when The Queen’s Guard hand over responsibility for protecting Buckingham Palace and St. James’s Palace to the New Guard.

The Changing of the Guards does get crowded and make take up a chunk of your time. For me, it’s not worth it. I’d rather put that time into other things to do in London.

You can also tour the palace from July until October, on Thursdays until Mondays.

Changing of the Guard times

• June – July: Daily
• August – May: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
• Starts at 10.45am and goes on for about 45 mins.

Address: London SW1A 1AA

12.00pm Big Ben and Parliament House

If you did not get time to get your photos here when you were at Westminster Abbey, now is the time, as you’ll walk back through it to get to the London Eye.

The Houses of Parliament is where all the important business in running the country happens. You can tour inside during select days and times. 

Big Ben is the 13.5 tonne iconic clock tower that most visitors gaze up at and can be seen from all over London.

Parliament Square is next to the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. It has statues of well-known political leaders including Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, and Nelson Mandela.

You might want to stop for lunch after visiting the Houses of Parliament. There are many great restaurants and cafes along the embankment, just across Westminster Bridge on the South Bank side. Just walk along Belvedere Road and see what takes your fancy.

2.00pm Whitehall Gardens

Around the corner from Parliament House are the very pretty Whitehall Gardens. You may want to walk halfway out on the Westminster Bridge first for some lovely views of Big Ben and Parliament House

Apart from the prettiness of the Whitehall Gardens, the views from here of the Thames and the London Eye here are great. There’s not much else to do but enjoy the views as you walk to your next stop.

Moored on the Thames is the Tattershall Castle, a former passenger ferry turned pub with views of the London Eye. This could be a top spot for your lunch on this day of your London itinerary. Otherwise, you may want to find just a grab and go lunch as the day is quite busy.

Walk across the pedestrian-only Golden Jubilee Bridge to the London Eye, enjoying the views as you go.

Under this bridge, right outside the Royal Festival Hall, is the colorful artistic 10ft shipping container, which is the home of Beany Green, an Aussie Cafe chain in London.

While sadly, I don’t think their coffee is great, I love the vibe of this place and their lamingtons are amazing (and they have gluten free ones). So, if you need an afternoon caffeine and treat pick me up, this is the spot.

3.00pm London Eye

The London Eye is the tallest observation wheel in Europe and a great way to see different viewpoints of the famous buildings in London, like the Big Ben and Houses of Parliament. 

The London Eye is totally worth it. I think just like you’d visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris, or the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Sydney, you’d visit the London Eye in England’s capital.

While you book a time slot for the London Eye, you still have to line up. The lines move pretty quickly, but I have heard of long waits. To avoid that, get the fast-track ticket. 

• Hours: 11.00am – 6.00pm daily
• Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB

Video: London Eye Experience

You can see more of the London Eye experience in the video below, including a private pod!

4.00pm River Thames Cruise

If you would prefer to do a sunset cruise tomorrow, you may want to skip this. (It could be a good resting activity.) 

Since these cruises depart at a specific time, and the London Eye doesn’t, you may want to do the cruise first, then book your London Eye for after it.

The Lastminute.com London Eye River cruise is a 40-minute circular tour of the Thames on a small open-top ferry with guided commentary. 

You’ll learn many stories about the iconic Landmarks you’ll pass like Big Bend, London Bridge, HMS Belfast, The Shard, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, and Tower Bridge, which you’ll get to sail under before turning around to cruise back.

You can buy a combination ticket with the London Eye, which makes it easier to fit in.

6.00pm The West End

Now you’re free to explore the West End. If you are going to go to the theater, you will be on a time limit. If not, explore at your leisure.

It will be easy to return to Convent Garden on day three of this 3-day London itinerary if you run out of time today. It’s a great area to explore so give yourself time to wander. Returning is always a great idea! I would return every weekend when I lived in London.

It’s an easy walk back over the Golden Jubilee Bridge straight into Trafalgar Square. Before a theater visit, I recommend a quick look around the following districts…

Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square has always been a place for Londoners to gather, whether that is to bring in the New Year together, or protest, rally, or march for important rights and causes.

The 52-m high statue of Lord Nelson dominates the square and the National Gallery is the stunning building in the background.

There’s not a lot to do here, other than walk around and take photos with the fountain and lions of courage. Take note of the LGBTQ pedestrian traffic lights as you’re crossing the road. You can what Trafalgar Square is like over on our reel.

Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus is like a mini Times Square in New York. Full of neon lights, massive flashing advertising billboards, and people getting selfies.

It’s overrated, but many tourists love it so I’m adding it here for you. You’ll no doubt come across it as you walk around the West End.

From here you can easily walk to Piccadilly, Leicester Square, Shaftesbury Avenue, the curving Regent Street, and Covent Garden.

Soho (The Best Area for Nightlife)

Soho is the proud LGBTQ area of London. It has a fun artsy vibe with a lot of cafes, stores, bars, and restaurants and theaters. It’s also the best place in London for nightlife and is filled with vibrant bars and night clubs.

For families, you can find a lot to see and do in Soho too. The House of MinaLima in SoHo is a must visit for all Harry Potter fans. Look how cool MinaLima is in this reel.

This gallery and store showcase the graphic art of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, all of which was exclusively designed by Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima.

You can read more about it in our teen’s guide to London.

Covent Garden

One of the most well-known places to visit in London is Covent Garden. 

Wander the cobblestoned areas surrounding the central marketplace, which had its beginnings as a convent garden in the 1500s. 

There are endless restaurants and bars and shopping stores. Performers rotate all day long on the street just below the balcony of the famous Punch and Judy pub (good luck trying to get on it!).

Don’t forget to spread out across the central Covent Garden marketplace area to explore the surrounding cobblestone streets and side alleys for other secret gems!

We found Cecil’s Court and Goodwin Court both of which are said to have inspired Diagon Alley.

Places to Eat in Convent Garden:

I’m sure you’re ready to collapse in a restaurant at this point. Covent Garden and the West End is overbrimming with them, many with outdoor seating. So find one you like and sit down, if there is space. If you’re going to the theater, be sure to time it right.

Here are a few ideas:

• Lamb & Flag is the oldest pub in Covent Garden. (This was one of our favorite London pubs).
• If you don’t have kids, you won’t want to miss the stunning giant tree in the middle of Waxy O’Conner’s Irish Pub on the edge of Soho and Leicester Square.
• The Crown & Anchor has good food and a comfortable lounge upstairs.
• The Seven Dials Market has a diverse offering of cuisines to suit any tastebud.

7.00pm West End Theater

There are over 40 theater venues in the West End performing a variety of shows to over 14 million visitors every year. They have shows throughout the day, but most evening shows begin at 7:30pm.

On our family vacation to London, Kalyra, Savannah and I went to see Matilda in the Cambridge Theater, while Craig caught up with his old North Sydney Bears Rugby teammates in Chelsea.

I’m glad we added this to our London itinerary at the last minute as our teen said it was one of her favorite London experiences.

Day 1 in London Video Wrap

Click play to see what Day one of this itinerary in London looks like!

Day 2: When Ancient and Modern London Meet

On Day 2 of this London itinerary, you’re going to continue learning more of Britain’s history (it’s dark kind) at the Tower of London, and the stunning St Paul’s Cathedral before crossing over the Tower Bridge into its more modern, artistic vibe.

You’ll be exploring bustling market vibes, art galleries, and stunning views!

9.00am Tower of London

The UNESCO World Heritage, Tower of London is a castle comprising twenty-two towers but sitting in the middle is the original White Tower built in the 1070s by William the Conqueror.

Don’t miss the free Yeoman tour with the red-coated Beefeater (Yeoman Warders) guides entertaining with gruesome stories of its macabre history from its former years (and I mean centuries) as a Royal residence, armory, treasury, and zoo (thank goodness they stopped that!)

After your tour, walk around the old castle grounds to see the prison towers, Crown Jewels, and many other infamous sites. Head to the Crown Jewels first. While I found them overrated, others line up for two hours just to see them!

As one of the best things to do in London, The Tower of London is notorious for its long lines, which can extend into hours, that’s why we’ve scheduled it in first. Tickets will also be cheaper online.

• Hours: General opening hours 9.00am – 5.30pm Monday – Friday, 10.00am – 5.30pm Saturday and Sunday
• Address: London EC3N 4AB

12.00pm Tower Bridge

Almost anyone coming to London is already familiar with the elegant beauty of its neo-Gothic turrets and blue suspension cables.

Walk across the iconic Tower Bridge for free and get great views overlooking the Thames and back over the Tower of London.

Check for times when the Tower Bridge will raise up its bridge arms so boats underneath can pass by (usually twice a day). Check opening times here.

If you follow our schedule as outlined in this London itinerary, the best views of the bridge (taking into account sun) will be on the south side of the bridge. The north side was completely washed out.

1.00pm Lunch at Borough Markets

Whether you’re hungry for strawberries dipped in chocolate, soft local cheeses, bowls of Vietnamese pho, sausage rolls or a refreshingly sweet peach Prosecco, you’ll find it at the Borough Markets on the south side of the River Thames.

Popular London Borough Markets are a collection of stalls and vendors selling fresh produce. It’s a great insight into local London life. 

On the periphery you’ll find pubs, cafes, restaurants, murals and a few Harry Potter filming locations, including the Leaky Cauldron Pub.

Note that weekdays will be much quieter.

• Hours: 10.00am – 5.00pm Monday – Friday, 8.00am – 5.00pm Saturday, 10.00am – 3.00pm Sunday
• Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB

2.00pm Walk along Southbank Promenade

This 2.5 miles / 4 km South Bank walk along the Thames goes from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge. There are stunning views all around as you pass many top attractions.

While you’re walking along the promenade, you can stop off at several exciting attractions. Such as…

2.30pm Visit Tate Modern Art Gallery

Any art lover will have the FREE Tate Modern Art gallery and its over 78,000 works of art on display, on their London bucket list.

Opened in 2000 in a dilapidated old power station, it has completely revitalized this Southbank area, making it completely unrecognizable to my 22-year-old self living in London in 1997.

It’s not just a place to admire world-class art, but for its views of the Thames, Millennium Bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral from the enclosed 6th floor Kitchen and Bar in the Natalie Bell Building.

3.30pm See the Shakespeare Globe

If you want to have a unique experience and see something quintessentially English, you can catch a Shakespeare production at The Globe Theatre on the banks of the River Thames.

Warning: this a standing theater so think about that if there’s a production of Hamlet or King Lear. Our friends said they booked privileged seats for the four-hour production of King Lear. Not sure I could do 4-hours standing up. They also offered a bit of cover in case it rained, as the Shakespeare Globe is how it was during Shakespeare’s Days!

If that all sounds like your worst nightmare, just enjoy the views from the outside.

4.00pm Afternoon Drink Stop

In London, it’s common to incorporate a drink stop during your day. English pub culture is one of the delights of UK travel.

Founders Arms Pub has outdoor seating, spectacular River Thames Views, and vibrant London atmosphere (especially when the sun is out.) I enjoyed a Pimm’s and Lemonade here (iconic English drink) (Outside the Tate Modern)

The Anchor is also an old London pub with outdoor seating on the River Thames worthy of a drink break.

4.45pm Cross the Millennium Bridge – the Wobbly Bridge

The Millennium Bridge is one of the coolest, more recent additions to London city. Opened in 2000, it has a warped, futuristic look with magnificent views all around.

I loved the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral growing in front of your eyes with each step as you cross. And look behind for views of Tate Modern, and to the right for Tower Bridge views, and views of life on both banks of the river.

Harry Potter lovers will want to know, this was targeted by Death Eaters in Harry and the Half-Blood Prince.

5.00pm St Paul’s Cathedral

You’re going to see this architectural masterpiece from Sir Christopher Wren, built after the Great Fire of London between 1675 and 1710 from viewpoints all over London.

St Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most famous cathedrals in the world and one of London’s most magnificent buildings.

It’s worth a tour, and if the top of the dome is open (closed on our visit) make sure you go up to look at the incredible views of London (I did this when I lived in London)

Ask the attendants if they can take you to the spiraling Harry Potter staircase. This staircase in St Paul’s was used as the “Divination Stairwell” located in the North Tower of Hogwarts Castle for the Harry Potter films.

• Hours: 8.30am – 4.30pm Monday and Tuesday, Thursday – Saturday. 10.00am – 4.30pm Wednesday, 8.30am – 6.00pm Sunday
• Address: St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD

7.00pm Enjoy Sunset Views from The Shard

The Shard View is an expensive thing to do in London, but the 244m high sweeping views from the 72nd floor open-air platform make it worthwhile. It was my favorite London view, which you can understand since it’s the tallest building in Western Europe.

Aim for about an hour before sunset so you can experience the dusk golden light views, sunset panoramic views, and nighttime views when those London lights sparkle.

You must reserve your tickets in advance, (plus it will also save you money).

• Hours: 10.00am – 10.00pm Thursday – Saturday (access until 8:30pm). 10.00am – 7.00pm Sunday – Wednesday (access until 5:30pm)
• Address: 32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG

Video: London Day 2 Wrap

Click play below to see what this epic day in London looks like!

Alternative Endings for Day 2 in London

My choice would be The View, but here are a couple more options for you.

Sky Garden Views and Dinner

Back across the London Bridge (near the Shard) is the Sky Garden, another great viewpoint in London. It is free, but they have limited openings that must be booked in advance. Some say the views are better from here, but I’m not too sure about that.

While it was closed (Monday) when we tried to visit, we had a similar view at The Garden 120 Fenchurch around the corner, and while it was fantastic, it still did not compare to the Shard view! It is free however, which is very attractive. 

There is a restaurant at the Sky Garden, which may be a way to get up there if the viewing platform is booked. It must also be booked in advance, and I have heard great things about it. We also wanted to do that but couldn’t make it happen on this trip.

Sunset River Cruise along the Thames

Alternatively, you could end the day with a sunset river cruise along the Thames leaving from near the Tower of London.

This Thames River cruise leaves as the sun goes down and begins with a glass of sparkling wine and canapes as you cruise and look at the lights of London go by!

Day 3: North London: Camden Town to Kings Cross

Welcome to one of my favorite days in London. Camden Town was a regular outing for my friends and I. Twenty-five years later, I still enjoy visiting and I loved taking my daughters there.

We stayed here for the final few nights of our London trip and really enjoyed it.

Camden town is London elective and alternative. Known to always be the home of punks, artists, and musicians, it’s also a place for great shopping, fun pubs and cafes, and fantastic live music.

This day will also include the British Museum and a visit to Kings Cross Station. You may have to consider this day’s itinerary carefully to adapt to your interests.

9:30am Coffee and Lamingtons from Beany Green

You need this for your canal trip. It’s around the corner from where you depart at Beany Green Little Venice. There is nothing better than a coffee and lamington as you cruise Regents Canal. 

Right near here is the Darcie & May Green (same owners), which is a restaurant on a boat on the canal. Brunch here is meant to be awesome and it opens at 8am, so very doable to start the day here. I had planned on it but couldn’t make it work!

10:15am Canal Cruise

The relaxing and picturesque 40-minute canal ride will take you along Regents Canal, through the 248m Maida Hill tunnel, and past the exclusive neighborhoods of Maida Vale and Primrose Hill, with homes of celebrities, and expansive and landscaped back gardens of grand houses.

An alternative Idea would be to walk between Camden and Regents Park, to explore one of London’s most popular and expansive of the royal parks and gardens.

11.00am Explore Camden Town And Camden Market

Your canal cruise will deliver you straight to the heart of Camden Markets, which is most popular on the weekends. Here you’ll find loads of stalls selling all kinds of wares including an abundance of food stalls representing cuisines from around the world.

There are endless choices for food here with cuisines from around the world. 

Don’t miss walking up and down the main streets of Camden Town and the side streets for fantastic street art, shopping, and incredible people watching. 

12.30pm Lunch Stop at Edinboro Castle Pub

A few blocks away from Camden Market is the Edinboro Castle Pub. We’d recommend this instead of the Camden Markets, especially on a Sunday or sunny day, because they have a fantastic outdoor beer garden and a delicious Sunday roast (and gluten-free beer).

A Sunday roast is a traditional English meal not to miss, and we enjoyed a great one at Edinboro Castle Pub.

• Hours: 12.00pm – 11.00pm Monday – Saturday, 12.00pm – 10.30pm Sunday
• Address: 57 Mornington Terrace, London NW1 7RU

2.00pm Kings Cross Station and Platform 9 ¾

If you’re a Harry Potter fan you may want to include this in your London itinerary. Otherwise, I wouldn’t worry. Even if you are a fan, it may not be worth it if you’re short on time.

You are just walking up to the fake cart against the wall to take a picture, and typically lines are long. We were blessed with just a 10-minute wait.

Kings Cross Station is a real train station and one of the busiest transport hubs in London. If you want to see the platforms (where many scenes were filmed) either catch a train somewhere or ask the guards if they can let you on the platform to take a photo.

Across the road is St Pancreas which is the background setting for the flying car scene in the second movie.

You can catch the tube or walk 20 minutes to here from Camden Town.

2.30pm Visit the British Museum

The British Museum is outstanding, and I highly recommend it as one of the best places to visit in London.

It’s England’s largest museum and known to be one of the oldest and finest in the world with vast collections that span Egyptian, Greek Roman, European, and Middle Eastern cultures and histories.

Near this London Museum is the historic Plough Pub. We recommend stopping in at this quite refined yet very cozy Victorian pub for lunch or just a pint! 

Again, a 20-minute walk or short tube ride.

4.00pm Free Time! Or…

From the British Museum, you are once again near Covent Garden and the West End. Since Day one of this itinerary was so busy, you may want to move the West End theater to tonight, explore more of Covent Gard, or just relax.

If you’re thinking of adding something else to the end of your trip, here are some other attractions you could visit which would make for the perfect ending to your London itinerary…

• The National History Museum or Victoria and Albert Museum – if you love museums, these two are arguably the best in London. Head over to South Kensington to finish a day at one of the museums. Kids will love seeing Dippy the Dyoplosaurus and the Giant Blue Whale skeleton of the Natural History Museum, or see fashion trends at the V&A.
• Visit Kensington Palace and Kensington Gardens – the famous home of Princess Diana and now the residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
• Take a hop-on/hop-off bus tour – if your feet are tired, and they probably are, take in the final sites of London on an open top double-decker bus.
• Stroll through Hyde Park – this is one of the largest royal parks in London and is one of the best places to visit if the noise and chaos of the city is starting to get overwhelming.

• Go shopping in Notting Hill – a quick walk along Portobello Road in Notting Hill and you’ll feel like you’ve been transformed into a whole new city. This affluent area is known for its antique, vintage and boutique stores and is where you can pick up some unique finds.
• Walk along the Embankment towards Greenwich – earlier we suggested walking along the embankment towards Southbank, but why not walk the other way? You’ll pass the Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark.
• Spend the evening at Brick Lane in Shoreditch – want to see some amazing street art? Brick Lane is another mecca for artists, and since we’re on a hippy bohemian theme in Camden today, it would be the ideal place to finish a day learning about London’s most flamboyant communities.

Video: Day 3 in London

Click play to see all the fun we had in this day out in London!

Alternative Day for Harry Potter Fans

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you may want to incorporate Harry Potter experiences into your London trip. It’s included in our London 5 Day Itinerary.

 This tour of the Warner Bros Studios is the closest you will get to being a part of the films. It’s fantastic and well worth a visit.

If that is the case, just add it into your itinerary where you can and take something out. You may switch out an entire day. You will need at least half a day for the studio tour.

It takes around three to four hours to walk through the whole tour, which features sets, costumes, props, and butterbeer from the films.

Plus, there are interactive exhibits to experience from green screen broomstick rides to jumping in a few of the vehicle props. It’s also an hour travel time out of London.

As it’s open late, you could go straight here after lunch at the Camden Markets, or, go in the morning and Camden Markets when you return!

Here is our full guide to the Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio Tour.

Video: Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio Tour London

Click play below to see the Harry Potter magic come to life.

Harry Potter Walking Tours

For more magical fun, you may want to join this Harry Potter themed walking tour across London. This could be a good afternoon addition to the itinerary on Day 3.

Find out which Hogwarts House you belong in and test your Harry Potter knowledge. Stroll down Diagon Alley, visit the Leaky Cauldron, and See iconic London sites such as Borough Market, The London Eye, and Trafalgar Square. Reserve your spot here.

3 Day London Itinerary Map

We have created a handy map for you, which is broken down into the walking route for each of the three days outlined above. To use it, click the top left button for the symbol key and walking directions for each day.

Click the top right button to open it in a full page. From there, click the top left drop down to make a copy of the map. Then you can adjust it as needed for your personal use. Or click the star next to the map, to add it to your Google Maps account. You’ll then find it under Your Places on the menu tab in google maps.

Where to Stay in London

Especially with a short amount of time in London, you want to choose accommodation that is in Zone 1 or 2. This is the Central London area and where most attractions featured in this itinerary will be located. It will save you time and possibly money on getting around.

Be sure to book your accommodation near a Tube Station. The best ones for Central London tourist attractions are:

• Piccadilly Line (dark blue) (will also take you to Heathrow)
• Circle Line (yellow)
• Central Line (red)

We have a list of vetted London accommodation options here, including a short review of the three hotels we stayed in.

• Check Booking.com for hotels in London.
• See what home and apartment rentals are available on VRBO.

Getting Around London

We have a super in-depth post for you on getting around London with invaluable tips on getting around on the Tube (love it), National Rail, and walking (our most favorite).

We have designed this itinerary to spend as little time on public transport as possible, so you will only need to get the train from the airport to your hotel.

You will need to get the underground to begin your day’s exploring, but for 3 days it’s not worth getting the Oyster Card and just buy single journey tickets.

If you decide to stay 5 days or more, then we recommend you can pick up an Oyster Card, which is a transport card for London and allows you to ride on all London’s public transport for a set price each day.

Top tip: If you have a contactless credit card, you can use this instead of buying a ticket and it will charge you for a single ticket journey.

Final Thoughts on this London Itinerary for Three Days

This is not a danger warning but be prepared. Your days will be long, and if like us, will involve a lot of walking. 

Get walk fit before you arrive, wear comfortable shoes, have a refillable water bottle and snacks on hand, and pack your patience and good spirits. I promise you won’t regret it. 

You can see and do a lot in three days in London. Our girls were 14 and 10 at the time of our trip, and we walked 20,000 steps a day and they did not complain once! You know that’s a memorable family trip!

I really hope you have the most amazing time in London and this itinerary helps you. It really showcases the best of London that you can fit into three days. 

There are still more great things to see and do in London, so you’ll have to come back or stay longer.

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Comment: Have you visited London in three days? Can you offer any other tips or suggestions. Do you have any questions about this London 3-day itinerary?

From the hilly and historical capital of Scotland, Edinburgh, past the scenic Glencoe area, and all the way to one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Skye, this is possibly the best road trip in Scotland.

Although the drive can be completed in several hours, there are seven of the most beautiful stops along the way that will make you fall in love with Scotland.

But how to you take this road trip from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye, Scotland and what are the top attractions to stop off at? This guide will reveal all.

How to Get From Edinburgh to Isle of Skye

The best way to get from Edinburgh to Isle of Skye is by road trip. Of course, you can take a Stagecoach bus or coach tour which departs from the Edinburgh bus station, but these don’t give you the flexibility and freedom to stay at each stop as long as you like.

If you can, we highly recommend you hire a car and drive yourself.

There is a train that takes you from Edinburgh to Inverness, and then you can take the The Kyle of Lochalsh line from Dingwall to Kyle of Lochalsh, and then a ferry over to the Isle of Skye.

Or from Inverness, you can drive for around four hours to the Isle of Skye through the Scottish Highlands, but to be honest, you miss a lot of stops by taking the train to Inverness. The section between Edinburgh and Inverness has more than a few great places to stop off at as well.

You can also get a direct bus with Citylink from Edinburgh or Glasgow to Inverness, and then another bus from Inverness to Isle of Skye. There is no direct bus from Edinburgh to Isle of Skye.

How Long Does it Take To Drive From Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye

The drive from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye (Portree) will take you 6 hours if driving via the Trossachs and Glencoe without stopping.

However, you absolutely must stop at these top Scottish attractions along the way. You could spend several hours in the Trossachs National Park or you could spend several days, the duration is entirely down to you and your availability.

However, we would suggest allowing for 3-4 full days to travel from Edinburgh to Isle of Skye, and after this, you can explore more of the Isle of Skye. This amount of time will allow you plenty of time to see the highlights at the stops along the way.

Before we introduce each stop, take a look at the map below to see how you can plan your itinerary.

13 Stops on the Edinburgh to Isle of Skye Road Trip

Don’t just rush through this scenic drive! Be sure to take a break and admire the following stops on the way to Isle of Skye from Edinburgh…

1. Calton Hill, Edinburgh

As you start your Scotland Travels in Edinburgh, I recommend spending some time on Calton Hill, especially at Sunset.

From there you have unobstructed views of the old town, Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, and the volcanic Arthur’s Seat.

Locals and tourists alike (and wedding photographers) come to enjoy one of the most beautiful views in the country.

2. Wallace Monument

Located atop the 250-foot Abbey Craig, the Wallace Monument is an iconic structure dedicated to national hero Sir William Wallace.

Its was built in 1869 and adds a mix of historic charm in the surrounding stunning landscape. Visitors can not only explore its rooms filled with interactive exhibits and historical artifacts, but you can climb to some of its parts closed to everyday circulation through special guided tours.

Every year, more and more tourists visit this majestic tower for its remarkable views across the Ochil Hills, Stirling Castle and the Trossachs!

3. Cairngorms National Park

It’s a bit of a detour, but the Cairngorms National Park should not be skipped. It’s the largest national park in the UK and is known for its beautiful landscape made up of moorland and lochs.

It’s also home to the Grampian Mountains, one of the most famous mountain passes in Scotland since it’s where Ben Nevis is located.

Don’t miss the Blair Castle, a gorgeous stately home and the ancestral residence of the Clan Murray. It was used as the seat of the Duke of Atholl, though to the current Duke, Bruce Murray.

3. Trossachs National Park

The Trossachs National Park lies in one of Scotland’s most beautiful regions, and is bursting with history, activities, and amazing scenery.

The park was designated as a national park in 2002, though its cultural and historical roots date back much further. It has attracted visitors since the 18th century with its plentiful walking trails and stunning views along the shore of Loch Lomond.

Visitors can wander through ancient forests and look out for native wildlife, or even row a boat on the lake.

4. Buachaille Etive Mor, Glencoe

When you reach Glencoe, you will see the impressive Buachaille Etive Mor Mountain from far away (1022m). This is probably the most photographed peak in Scotland because of its wonderful triangular shape.

As you drive towards it, the excitement builds up, as you know it is the beginning of a scenic valley.

And if you are a James Bond Movie fan, take the dead-end road at its foot called Glen Etive, to see some filming locations of the Skyfall movie!

5. Etive Beag, Glencoe

Not much further after that is another stop with a grandiose view of Glencoe. I just wish I had the technology to take a 360° panorama for you.

From there you can see many of the Glencoe summits. It is the departure point for several hikes including Munro Bagging options – like they say in Scotland (meaning climbing peaks over 3000ft-915m).

This is a perfect place to stop for a while on your road trip from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye if you like hiking.

6. Loch Atriochtan

As you continue your Edinburgh to Isle of Skye road trip, you drive by other famous stops like the 3 Sisters but I recommend a stop often overlooked, the one near Loch Atriochtan.

At this point the valley is narrow and the small loch offers a great perspective of the mountain wall.

7. Glen Shiel

Further north, between Glencoe and the Isle of Skye, the main road takes you through Glen Shiel. There the road winds through the valley, following River Shiel and nested between towering mountains.

One of its most famous stops is the view of the Five Sisters of Kintail, a ridge with peaks rising to 3505ft (1068m).

You’ll also pass the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, the famous route to Hogwarts, as well as pass Loch Duich.

8. Fort William

Fort William in Scotland is an incredibly interesting and historical place. It’s located at the foothills of Ben Nevis, the Britain’s highest mountain.

The city dates back to around 1690, when explorers heading North started using Fort William as a port and military defence.

Nowadays, you can explore the fascinating history of the region by visiting the West Highland Museum, or go hiking in the nearby Lochaber Geopark.

You may also want to take the Hogwarts Express Jacobite steam train, which runs between Fort William and Mallaig over the Glenfinnan Viaduct.

9. Loch Ness

Scotland has lots of lochs, but none are as iconic and mysterious as Loch Ness. Loch Ness is a large lake located in Inverness-shire and is known to be full of mystery and secrets.

If you visit Loch Ness, you’ll be able to take the Jacobite Cruise across the lake where you can learn about its intriguing past or you can visit Urqhuart Castle which overlooks the mystic waters.

While there, take some time to enjoy the breathtaking views from all angles – whether from on land or from the tour boats.

Not only that, but there’s even a chance of spotting Nessie, the legendary monster!

Whether you’re a believer in of her existence or not, exploring Loch Ness should definitely be on your Edinburgh to Isle of Skye itinerary.

10. Eilean Donan Castle

Our last stop on the Edinburgh to Isle of Sky road trip before the Isle of Skye is the famous Eilean Donan Castle. Built on an islet from the 13th century, it was to offer protection against the Vikings at the meeting of 3 lochs.

Abandoned in the 18th century, a passionate man restored it in the early 19th century and it can still be visited today.

One of the best views is actually not at the main parking spot but from the other side of the bridge. From there, you can capture the Castle, its bridge, and the stunning mountains of Glen Shiel in the background.

11. Old Man of Storr

As you arrive at Kyle of Lochalsh, you drive on the Skye Bridge to access the Isle of Skye. The road does not stop there though as the island is bigger than you think.

You still have to drive to the main town of Portree. And to finish your 7 stops on the road between Edinburgh and Skye, I recommend driving just a little North of Portree to admire the icon of the Isle of Skye the Old Man of Storr.

Legend says that the 48m (160ft) high pinnacle is the thumb of a giant lying on the Earth.

12. Kilt Rock

Kilt Rock is one of the most famous rock formations in Scotland that stands at a mighty 190 feet high. This impressive sea stack rises from the waters off the Isle of Skye and forms part of the Trotternish Ridge.

Geologists believe that Kilt Rock was formed by both erosional processes and landslides occurring thousands of years ago.

It has since become one of Scotland’s iconic sights and is best known for its kaleidoscope of colourful lichen and seemingly endless waterfall dropping from the summit – which looks like a pleated kilt; hence its well-known name.

If you’re feeling brave enough you can even try rock climbing up its 300 foot deep fissure!

If you enjoy walking, head over to the nearby Quiraing, the summit of the summit of the Trotternish, for a bit of hiking.

13. Dunvegan Castle

Dunvegan Castle is a fairytale-like castle has been standing for over 800 years and is the ancestral home of Clan MacLeod. It’s located on the northeast side of the Isle of Skye and is one of the most historic and famous castles on the isle.

The castle gardens are equally as beautiful, with stunning native plants.

It’s also located on the coast, and you’ll find many sea caves nearby to explore. Or walk along cliff paths and take in the stunning views.

Before Taking a Road Trip in Scotland

So there you have it, that’s how to road trip from Edinburgh to Ilse of Skye and as you can see, there is so much to see along the way. Whatever you do, be sure to allow plenty of time to visit each stop, and don’t rush it. It’s a road trip that takes in the best of Scotland, and should be number one on any Scotland itinerary.

Remember, peak season is between April and October, so you’ll find plenty of people doing a road trip this time of year – so make sure you book your rental car in advance.

Click here for accommodation options in Edinburgh and here for Isle of Skye. Read these tips from a local for Things to do in Edinburgh

UK Travel Tips

Are you planning on visiting other parts of the UK? Then you may find the below resources useful…

• Tarr Steps walk in the Exmoor National Park
• Where to stay in London – budget to luxury
• 7 Places to visit on a Dorset Road Trip
• Best things to do in London – local’s tips
• Fun things to do in Northern Ireland
• 15 Hot Destinations in the UK right now
• Best places to hike in the UK

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It’s a buzzing city with something happening on any corner, and not just in August for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Needless to say, there are plenty of things to do in Edinburgh to keep you busy.

In this insider’s travel guide to Edinburgh, Jools Stone, who has lived in Edinburgh for more than 10 years, shares his inside knowledge on what to do in Edinburgh, including the best Edinburgh attractions, places to eat, drink, stay, and hang out.

Is Edinburgh Worth Visiting?

Before we get into the best things to do in Edinburgh, let’s quickly ask ourselves if it’s worth it.

Edinburgh has pretty much everything a traveller could ask for, apart from decent summer weather.

Centuries of history, beautiful architecture, a great dining scene, tonnes of good pubs, lots of arts and culture, lovely green spaces, the works.

It’s also very safe and easily walkable, since you can get from attraction to attraction on foot.

For these reasons, it’s absolutely worth visiting.

Best Things to Do in Edinburgh

If you’re looking for Edinburgh tourist attractions to add to your list, then you’re going to love these unmissable things to do in Edinburgh.

1. Visit Edinburgh Castle

Most people will want to see Edinburgh Castle when they visit the city. And for good reason.

Edinburgh Castle is steeped in the country’s rich history. Located on top of an extinct volcano, its iconic silhouette has been the backdrop of Edinburgh’s skyline since the Iron Age.

Thousands of years later, it still stands as one of Scotland’s most iconic attractions and continues to captivate tourists from all over the world.

There’s also plenty to explore indoors, like Edinburgh dungeons and The National War Museum which has uniforms, and military equipment, medals, weapons, paintings, and more, casting a light on Scotland’s military history throughout the centuries.

When planning your visit, don’t forget to watch the military ceremony known as the One O’clock Gunfire which occurs daily!

2. Check out the National Museums

The National Museums are a body of museums in Scotland that are famed for their historical importance and contributions to Scotland’s culture.

They are made up of the National Museum of Scotland, National Museum of Flight, National Museum of Rural Life, and National War Museum.

Only the National War Museum (in Edinburgh Castle) and the National Museum of Scotland lie in Edinburgh, but if you have the time, I would recommend seeing them both.

The National Museum of Scotland is a museum dedicated to Scottish events and acheivements, and has exhibitions on scientific breakthroughs as well as the exquisite Scottish art and fashion from throughout the years.

There’s no better place to learn about Scotland’s history and culture than visiting this museum.

3. Marvel at the architecture of The Parliament Building

The national museums and galleries are all very good. But if you want to see works of incredible architecture, The Parliament building is quite a structure and is certainly interesting to look at.

The Parliament Building is a significant landmark in the country. It was created through an international competition that took place in 1998 and it started serving as the Seat of the Scottish Parliament the following year.

Within its impressive architecture, you can see the nation’s rich history and its political evolution in its grandeur.

Visitors can enter the building and see exhibitions related to politics and culture, or take a guided tour.

What’s wonderful about visiting The Parliament Building is how dynamic it’s become; visitors can book tickets to witness live debates and meetings, there’s always something significant happening within its premises.

4. Wander the Royal Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens are well worth a stroll around. The Royal Botanic Garden was founded in 1670 and contains a stunning collection of over 13,000 species of plants and fauna.

In addition to admiring the breathtaking plant life, you can explore the indigenous Scots Pine woodlands and rock gardens or take part in guided tours and educational activities.

And if you have time and are looking for things to do in Edinburgh with kids, there are a pair of Giant Pandas at the Zoo.

5. Learn About Medical Science at Surgeon’s Hall Museum

I also like the Surgeon’s Hall Museum, which has lots of ghoulish things and connections with Sherlock Holmes author Arthur Conan Doyle.

Located in Edinburgh’s old town, it houses a wide range of artefacts related to medical science.

It’s exhibits contain detailed anatomical models that date back to 1832 and showcase more than 300 years worth of scientific research.

Visitors can learn more about the anatomy and pathology of the human body with 3D visuals, specimens preserved in jars and audiovisual presentations.

No matter how scientific or non-scientific you’re inclined, there are so many wonderful things to learn here.

6. Eat a Delicious Scottish Breakfast at Monpeliers

For tasty, good-value food, Monpeliers in Bruntsfield is always a good bet.

You’ll get a decent Scottish breakfast or Morning Roll there too – it’s most famous for its brunches. Or should I say, infamous, since the Full Monty breakfast is quite the monster!

And since it’s located in the heart of Edinburgh, it’s easily accessible no matter where you stay in the city.

The restaurant prides itself on being a local restaurant, bringing locally-sourced Scottish products to your table.

7. Sip Craft Beer at The Canny Man, Edinburgh

My favourite place to drink in Edinburgh is the Canny Man, partly because it’s just across the road from me, and partly because it’s a very atmospheric place with lots of quirky old paraphernalia hanging from the rafters and a good beer garden, which is rare here.

It was built in 1871 and has been passed down through generations of the Kerr family, and is still a family-run pub to this day.

It’s a free house, which means it has no chain or brewery company above it, so it serves only the best quality produce and ales.

8. Drink at Scotland’s Oldest Pub

Scotland’s oldest pub, the Sheep’s Heid (you have to say it with a Scots accent!) is also worth the country walk to Duddingston Village. It is said to date back to 1360, though it has been lovingly restored since then!

The Sheep Heid Inn is a bar and restaurant that has an elegant-looking interior. It used to be a favourite amongst the monarchs and poets of Edinburgh, and so it has an air of pretentiousness about it.

If you’re looking for romantic things to do in Edinburgh, then a meal here would certainly make date-night more special.

9. Paint the Town Red in The Old Town

The Old Town has a good concentration of bars, spit-n-sawdust boozers, and a few clubs, and a decent mix of tourists, students, and locals.

If you’re looking for somewhere to party at night, then this is the district to head to.

Though lively, I’d avoid the Grassmarket and Cowgate on a Friday or Saturday night, unless you like to run shoulders with the stag and hen party crowds.

10. Shop ‘Till You Drop at The Markets

Edinburgh doesn’t have much in the way of markets, but the Farmers Market on Saturdays is good for local foodie stuff.

Lots of little women’s boutiques around the West End.

George Street and Rose Street are good for that too. Great little arts & design and vintage shops around Victoria Street and the Grassmarket.

Princes Street is the main shopping drag with all the chainstores you’d expect, and it’s a good deal more attractive than most cities’ as well, thanks to Princes St Gardens and views of the Old Town skyline.

11. Experience The Madness of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Festival madness descends on the capital in August, when we have the Fringe Festival (comedy, theatre, cabaret) which has been running throughout the whole of August, every August, since 1947.

For anyone who doesn’t know about the Fringe festival, it’s the place where artists come to make a name for themselves.

Usually, comedians, performing artists and theater companies will first showcase their new shows at the Edinburgh Fringe, which will then receive reviews in the UK national papers, and serve as the reviews you see on flyers for their following tours – so for artists, it’s a big deal.

Also in August is the International Festival (more highbrow, opera, ballet, dance, big productions of classic theatre) and the International Book Festival, plus an art festival and half a dozen other satellite festivals.

There’s other stuff on throughout the summer of course, most notably the Film Festival in June, but really if you’re going to come here, then August is the hot month for events (not literally though!), hands down.

12. Take a Day Trip to South Queensferry

South Queensferry is a lovely seaside resort, dominated by views of the impressive Forth Bridges and boat trips out to Inchcolm Abbey, a ruin where you can sometimes see seals and dolphins en route.

It’s an incredibly picturesque town with old churches and buildings. It’s an ideal destination for those in search of breathtaking landscapes and wonderful discoveries around every corner.

While there, it’s worth exploring some of the amazing sites that define South Queensferry’s unique identity, such as St Mary’s Episcopal Church and Rossend Castle ruins.

Or, take a boat trip down the Forth Canal, or if you’re visiting in the summer, head to one of two waterfront beaches – Hawes Pier Beach and Dalmeny Beach.

North Berwick and Dunbar are two other seaside towns that are worth visiting if you have more time. They both have retained their character very well, easily reached by a 30 minute train ride from Edinburgh.

13. Walk the Royal Mile to Palace of Holyroodhouse and Holyrood Abbey

The palace of Holyrood, or Holyrood Palace or Holyroodhouse as it is also known, is the official residence of the British royal family in Scotland.

It’s located at the bottom of the Royal Mile, a strip of road that connects it to Edinburgh Castle, and has been the principal royal residence since the 16th century.

Still to this day, it is used by the royal family for events and hosting engagements.

Visitors can check out the Queen’s Gallery, which was built at the western entrance to the palace and showcases works of art from the Royal Collection.

One of the highlights of Holyrood Palace is the chambers of Mary Queen of Scots’ who lived in the palace from 1561-1567.

Be sure to walk around the gardens, Holyrood park, and take in its natural setting. Hike up to Arthur’s Seat, the highest point in Edinburgh.

If you’re interested in the British royal family, you can also visit the former royal yacht Britannia, which has retired in Edinburgh and sits in Leigh at the Ocean Terminal.

14. Visit Princes Street Gardens

Princes Street Gardens has been around since the 1820. Initially, it was used as a reservoir to supply water to locals, but after the draining of the North Loch, it became a stunning public park separating the old Edinburgh with the new.

In addition to being an awe-inspiring sight, Princes Street Gardens also offers plenty of activities that you can enjoy while there.

From boating on the garden’s tranquil pond, to exploring the gorgeous Floral Clock garden, there’s something for everyone!

15. Walk Down Mary King’s Close

Mary Kings Close in Edinburgh is a historical attraction that allows you to get up close and personal with Scotland’s history through historical reenactment. You will learn about events that date as far back as the 1600s when Edinburgh was stricken by plague and subsequently sealed over.

You can take a guided tour through small spaces and ancient streets and learn fascinating stories of real people who lived in these places, their tragedies, and their lifestyle from the past.

For anyone looking for something different or wanting to explore another side of Edinburgh – Mary Kings Close is a must-visit!

16. Take a Harry Potter Tour

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, or if your kids are Harry Potter fans, then you’ll want to take a Harry Potter tour of Edinburgh.

On this walking tour, you’ll pass sites that were used in the film sets, or were inspiration for the novelist, J.K. Rowling.

See sites that inspired Hogwarts, the characters, Diagon Alley, and even places where she wrote the books, like the Elephant Cafe.

It even takes you to the Grave of Tom Riddle in Greyfriars Kirkyard, and you can see JK Rowling’s golden handprints outside the City Chambers.

Harry Potter fans may also like to take a trip down to London for the Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio tour!

17. See Optical Illusions at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

It can be a little gimmicky, but it can also be a lot of fun. Have fun with the special effects and optical illusions at this unique 3D museum!

18. Sample Local Whiskeys on the Scotch Whisky Experience

Looking for unique things to do in Edinburgh? Consider a whisky-tasting experience!

On a guided whisky tour you get to learn the history behind Scotland’s most famous product – scotch whisky.

You will visit one of the world’s largest collections of Scotch whisky (3,500 individual bottles) and learn about the production and manufacturing process.

Then you’ll get whisked away to five Scotch whisky-producing regions in Scotland to learn about their unique blends.

And of course, you get to try a tipple or two.

19. Check Out the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

If you’re searching for the perfect attraction in Edinburgh for a rainy day, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is an ideal option.

With a grand history that dates back to 1850, it boasts a large collection of modern and contemporary art in Scotland, featuring four separate galleries, and café.

Inside the gallery you’ll find an extensive collection of both Scottish and international artists including Johannes Vermeer, Claude Monet and Vincent Van Gogh.

The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is also worth a visit for its collection of renaissance portraits.

20. Visit the Monuments on Calton Hill

If you a blessed with good weather, why not hike up Calton Hill to see the monuments?

The Nelson Monument in Edinburgh is an iconic landmark built to honor Admiral Lord Nelson. This tall stone memorial was completed in 1815 and stands atop Calton Hill at a height of 95 feet.

The monument has an observation platform on its roof, offering gorgeous 360-degree views across Edinburgh – perfect for taking some amazing photos.

Inside there’s a museum devoted to Lord Nelson and his career as well as a shop selling souvenirs of your visit.

Another monument worth visiting is the National Monument, dedicated to Scottish soldiers and sailors who died during the Napoleonic Wars. From here you can see incredible views of the city from atop of Calton’s Hill, which was Scottish Writer Robert Louis Stevenson’s favourite spot in Edinburgh.

Just a short 10-minute walk away is the Scott Monument, dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland’s most beloved writers. It stands at 61 meters high, making it the largest monument in the world to a writer.

The tower has been decorated with 68 statues featuring several prominent Scottish writers, such as Mary Queen of Scots, Robert Burns and Lord Byron.

Best Time to Visit Edinburgh

August is the best time to visit Edinburgh since it’s when the Edinburgh Fringe Festival happens, meaning there is thousands of performing arts, comedy, music and theatre events happening all over the city at all hours of the day.

However, it’s the most popular month and is packed with people (not to mention the prices are sky-high).

If you prefer a quieter month, then visiting in April during the Spring is a good time, since there’s usually clear skies and fewer crowds. Be sure to visit any time outside the school holidays and you’ll have a nice quiet time.

How Many Days Needed in Edinburgh?

4 or 5 days should cover most stuff in the city centre and key neighbourhoods nearby, but the East Lothian and Fife coast is perhaps worth extending your trip by a few extra days for.

Glasgow too, since it’s less than an hour away by train and is very different type of city with great shopping and nightlife. You could stay in Edinburgh and visit for a day trip or two.

Where to Stay in Edinburgh

I’m a big fan of Malmaison hotel chain. Their one here is in Leith, right on the waterfront.

If you’re looking for a unique and local stay we highly recommend you check out Airbnb. Click here to see the properties available during your stay.

The Bonham is a very cosy, genuinely boutique near the West End and close to everything. There’s a fair few hostels too. There’s a great one on Belford Road, in a converted church near a lovely river walk.

In terms of neighborhoods, I would say Leith, Stockbridge and Bruntsfield are the best areas to stay.

The latter two are quite villagey and studenty. The waters of Leith has been gentrified a lot since the days of Trainspotting, but still has a multi-cultural, earthy vibe.

The New Town’s really beautiful too.

Getting To and Around Edinburgh

If you’re coming from afar, your best bet is probably a flight to London, followed by the train, since there aren’t that many affordable direct long haul flights here anyway.

The train from London takes around 4.5 hours and you can break the journey in York, which is another fine, historic British city.

I wouldn’t bother with the bus (or coaches as we’ll call them here) unless your budget is uber-spartan, but the Megabus sleeper bus from London is a low-cost option (if it doesn’t break down on you). National Express also offer coaches but they are a little pricier than Megabus – though more reliable.

Once you’re in Edinburgh, you can walk almost everywhere, if you don’t mind the odd hill.

Buses are frequent and reliable and there’s a small tram line that has 14 stops between St Andrew Square in the New Town and Edinburgh Airport. This is an affordable and convenient way to get into the city from the Airport.

If you do need to take the bus, make sure you don’t get suckered in by the extortionate tourist pass though and get a Day Saver ticket instead, which gets you unlimited rides on Lothian Buses for a day for just for £5.50.

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Edinburgh

So there you have it, that’s Edinburgh and all its wonderful attractions! It’s certainly the best looking British city for its age!

When you first arrive, make sure you get yourself a ‘Jimmy hat’ to blend in properly with the natives.

For more ideas about things to do on that road trip, planning information, beautiful photos, and practical maps to help you plan your travels, check out ZigZag on Earth’s eBook: The Road Trip Guide: Edinburgh to Skye and if you are traveling further in Scotland, you will want her Road Trip Scotland guide.

More UK Travel Tips

Are you thinking of visiting other parts of the UK? Then the below guides may be useful to you…

• Tarr Steps walk in the Exmoor National Park
• Where to stay in London – budget to luxury
• 7 Places to visit on a Dorset Road Trip
• 5 unmissable sights below London
• Best things to do in London – local’s tips
• 7 Amazing Stops on the way to Isle of Skye
• Fun things to do in Northern Ireland
• Hot Destinations in the UK right now

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From the cluster of downtown streets where 600-year-old Universities spire up into the sky, to medieval towers that suddenly appear in the middle of a modern shopping street, and the small winding cobblestone alleyways that take you to hidden bars made for tiny people – history is around every turn!

Made famous by the world-class Oxford University, the city is a hubbub of activity. Tourists from all over the world venture here to marvel at its stunning architecture, try a spot of punting, and explore the world-class museums.

In the summer, the banks of the River Thames are lively as the regatta takes place, and in the winter, Christmas markets pop up in the historic Broad Street.

No matter what time of year you visit, you’ll find there are plenty of things to do in Oxford. But what should you not miss? Read on to find out…

Is Oxford UK worth visiting?

Unlike other historical cities, Oxford has more than just museums and centuries-old buildings. Even the atmosphere speaks of a past long ago.

There’s an air of excitement from those stepping into adulthood for the first time to embark on a journey of great discovery, like those of many famous revolutionary thinkers that helped pave the path before them.

You feel that spirit emanating from the stone walls that talk. You also hear it in the polite, yet loud, arguments about quantum physics and economics over splashing pints of beer in the pub.

It’s the kind of energy that permeates magical worlds like Hogwarts. Its spell giving you permission to hope, dream and remember the unencumbered spirit of those student years.

Oxford has the kind of vibe that you can only experience once you go there, and for that reason, it’s absolutely worth visiting.

The Top Things to Do in London

While many visit Oxford on a day trip from London, we recommend staying for at least a night, so you don’t rush your trip to Oxford and really get a feel for the place. Plus, staying in a historic B&B in Oxford is an experience in itself!

We spent two very full days and nights experiencing the best things to do in Oxford and could have happily stayed longer, if only to continue to wander and feel these stories, old and new.

Here are some of the top attractions in Oxford to make sure you visit!

1. Visit Oxford University

If you’re a new visitor to Oxford, you may be as confused as me. Oxford University is not just one University, but a collegiate college made up of thirty-nine colleges.

That means there is no actual Oxford University that you attend. The students enroll in a particular college, which is part of the greater Oxford University.

There are shared facilities throughout Oxford University like the Bodleian Library and common parks and grounds.

The University of Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world and the world’s second-oldest surviving university – there is evidence of teaching as early as 1096.

It has connections with many famous people including 27 British Prime Ministers, 26 Nobel Prize winners, and writers such as C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.

Without a doubt, Oxford is one of the best places to visit in England. I don’t know why it took me so long.

2. Guided Walking Tour of Oxford (Harry Potter Themed)

There are many guided walking tours in Oxford, from university tours to CS Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien to (as our kids preferred) Harry Potter.

Oxford and its colleges have been the backdrop for several of the scenes filmed in the Harry Potter films and are waiting for you to step right into them.

Whilst in London we spent a day at the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio getting a look at the real sets used in the film. On this UK trip, we wanted to see as many of the real sets and places that inspired the magical world we love so much.

Sally from Experience Oxfordshire was our guide for this Harry Potter Highlights tour of Oxford. She took us to see some key filming locations from the movies or places that inspired the Harry Potter Stories. She also shared her insights into fun little symbolic connections between Oxford and JK Rowling’s characters.

It wasn’t just all about witches and wizards. She did dip into the real muggle world to tell us stories of other famous Oxford characters, like C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, who were students and fellows of Oxford University.

We learned about the history of several of the colleges; the architecture of Oxford – much of which was the work of Sir Christopher Wren (as is half of London and St Paul’s); and valuable information as to how to get into Oxford University, and the student’s favorite pub (more below).

A guided walking tour of Oxford will help bring the stories of this fascinating city alive. I suggest making the walking tour your first attraction in Oxford so that you know what to come back and explore deeper. And then you don’t waste time experiencing things twice.

As we had already done an audio tour of Christ Church College, and so Sally was great at pivoting and not revisiting there.

Instead, we got to see a little more of Oxford like the covered market. Sally was great at pointing out little Harry Potter connections everywhere we went, like the Harry Potter-themed cakes in the covered market.

Make sure to visit Duke Humfrey’s Library, which was used as Hogwarts library in the movies.

3. Take A Tour of New College

Sally took us to New College on our walking tour. You do have to pay an extra entry fee to enter and I’m so glad we did. Kalyra and I loved New College the most.

It has a quiet excellence about it.

Whereas Christ Church is front and center and demands attention, New College sits hidden down a dark cobblestone walkway.

New College was actually new in 1379 when it was founded by William of Wykeham, the bishop of Winchester, as ‘the college of St Mary of Winchester in Oxford’.

It was the first college to be built around a quadrangle and it soon became a model for other colleges around the world.

The Oxford City Wall

Inside the college are the remains of the old 13^th-century Oxford city wall. When the college was founded, William made a promise to maintain the city wall. The Lord Mayor and Councilors inspect its condition every three years. Sally tells us it’s quite the grand affair.

There are beautiful gardens in this area of the college. I could imagine sitting here in the sun during my lecture breaks.

The Dining Hall

Said to be the inspiration for the Hogwarts Great Hall is the dining hall of New College.

You will see the resemblance as soon as you walk into the rows of student tables, the elevated seating positions for the elders (in this case seniors), and the portraits surrounding the walls. (No photographs allowed so I can’t show you what it looked like.)

IMO, the Dining Hall at Christchurch (see below with photos) was more like Hogwarts.

The Cloisters and the Tree of Spells

Kalyra immediately recognized the holm oak spreading its branches out across the quad to offer a shady respite for kids (Wait a minute. Does England even need shade?).

Those branches also serve another purpose – for ferrets to run around. That is a white ferret called Draco Malfoy. This is the scene in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire where Moody casts his infamous spell on Draco.

The cloisters surrounding this area are stunning and have several modern-looking sculptures in them.

Speaking of sculptures, don’t miss the fascinating one of Jacob Epstein’s Statue of Lazarus in the chapel – said to be reminiscent of Dumbledore.

4. Take An Audio Tour of Christ Church

Christ Church is one of the largest and most well-known colleges at Oxford University. It was founded in 1546 by King Henry VIII (whose portrait takes center stage in the dining hall).

It’s been the setting for several films, including Harry Potter.

Thirteen prime ministers have been educated at Christ Church. It’s also where student Lewis Carroll found inspiration for Alice in Wonderland.

The character of Alice is based on a girl called Alice Liddell, who was the daughter of the Dean of Christ Church at the time. You’ll find a stained-glass window in the Dining Hall with references to Alice in Wonderland.

All of this will be told to you on the self-guided audio tour of Christ Church College, which is one of the best things to do in Oxford.

From our 10-year-old tween, to our 14-year-old teen, and forty-something-year-old parents, we all enjoyed it very much. It swept all of us up into the magic of higher education, and of course, the hallways of Wizarding Worlds.

Another popular thing to do in Oxford is to attend a choral evensong at Christ Church. These are religious services held at serval Oxford churches, which contain a choir and where the congregation can join in singing hymns.

Christ Church Dining Hall

As soon as you walk through the Cloisters, upon the Grand Staircase, and into the Great Hall of Christchurch College, you’ll feel as if you have arrived at Hogwarts.

The Dining Hall is the Great Hall at Hogwarts. In fact, it felt more real to me than the actual Great Hall at the Warner Bros movie set.

I think because this Great Hall is a real dining hall for students, the tables were laid out in rows and the walls were covered with portraits of past students – of which only ONE was female.

Oxford University did not allow female students until 1920. The demographics now are around 54% female, so I think they can add more female portraits to the walls!

The cloisters (covered walkways) and staircase were also scenes from Harry Potter.

Tom Quad and Tom Tower

The tour takes you through the Tom Quad (the largest quad at Oxford University); the student dorms (where you can see their sporting victories chalk drawn on the walls); and into the 12^th Century Christ Church Cathedral (which also serves as a church for the Oxford diocese).

Sir Christopher Wren designed the iconic Tom Tower, which stands over the front entrance to Christ Church. Every evening at 9:05pm, it chimes 101 times in honor of the 101 first students to ever attend Christ Church.

One of the most fascinating things to see in Christ Church was the Graffiti on the door marked, “No Peel.”

The graffiti was made in protest against Christ Church graduate, Sir Robert Peel, who was the British Prime Minister in the early nineteenth century.

It was here that I learned he started the London police force, which is why they have the nickname “Bobbies!”

5. Walk Along the Meadow Trail, and the Thames and River Cherwell

From Christ Church College, walk down the orange gravel path (the Meadow Trail) to the Thames River for a leisurely stroll. You’ll have the river on one side and the Christ Church Meadow on the other.

Keep following until it meets up with the Cherwell River and takes you past Oxford Botanic Garden and around to Magdalen College (pronounced ‘Maudlin’).

Sally said she thinks it’s the most beautiful of all the colleges, especially with the deer park that has deer roaming around their one hundred acres of grounds. We saw them peeking through the gate on Longwall St.

You can also go punting from Magdalen Bridge here, which is one of the best things to do in Oxford.

For a much quieter and cheaper Oxford punting experience go to Cherwell boathouse (see down below).

6. Cross The Bridge of Sighs

One of the other top things to see in Oxford is The Bridge of Sighs – named so because of its apparent resemblance to the Bridge of Sighs in Venice.

Officially, the bridge is called Hertford Bridge as it connects two parts of Hertford College over New College Lane in Oxford. It is beautiful and may make you sigh.

7. Visit The Bodleian Library

The Bodleian Libraries stretch across multiple buildings and blocks of Oxford University. It needs to, so it can house its collection of thirteen million books. In fact, it has other places outside of Oxford where it stores them!

The Bodleian Libraries is the largest academic library service and oldest libraries in the UK and one of the largest library services in Europe.

It’s a reading library only, so students can’t check books out, but they have access to whatever they need to nail their studies.

Unfortunately, the library was closed due to the Oxford Literary Festival, but you can take guided tours of the library, which include the impressive Radcliffe Camera.

8. Check Out The Radcliffe Camera (Rad Cam)

Imagine wandering along a cobblestone path through the courtyard of the Bodleian library and then stumbling upon the grandeur of the Radcliffe Camera – “Surprise!”

No wonder this stunning building is one of the most photographed in Oxford.

Named after Dr. John Radcliffe, the most successful physician in England, it is the first example of a circular library in England.

Wondering about the name? Camera simply means room in Latin. The Radcliffe Camera functions as the main reading room of the Bodleian. It is linked by underground tunnels to the main library.

It’s not just the stunning architecture of the Rad Cam that’s mesmerizing, but the grandeur of the buildings surrounding it in the square – the Bodleian Library, St Mary’s Church, and the intriguing All Soul’s College.

9. Visit All Souls College

I was so intrigued by All Souls College. It’s not a college for enrolling students. Instead, its graduate members automatically become Fellows (academics who are full governing members of the College), after applying and sitting what is said to be the most difficult exam in the world!

All Souls College was built in the 15th century by Henry VI for the clergy as a center for prayer and learning. Its name was chosen as a remembrance of those who died during the Hundred Years’ War with France in the 14th and 15th centuries.

You can poke your head through the gate for a clearer look at the quad and the buildings that surround it, including Christopher Wren’s sundial up on one of the towers.

Don’t miss the even better views of it from atop St Mary’s Church Tower.

10. Climb St Mary’s Church Tower for Incredible Views

Climbing The University Church of St Mary the Virgin’s Tower for these magnificent 360-degree views overlooking the Radcliffe Camera, All Souls College was one of our favorite things to do in Oxford.

I would arrive first thing in the morning. We were first up the stairs at 12pm Sunday and were so glad, as I can’t imagine how crowded and challenging it would be once the steady stream of people came in.

The stairs going up to the top of the church tower are very narrow as is the viewing deck. There is only one way up and down and around, so you could get stuck up there for some time.

We were in a rush to get our train, so we had to squeeze past people coming up to get back down.

It opens at 9am during the rest of the week. The sun will be in a great spot at that time and hopefully you’ll get blue skies! The clouds covered ours right before we went up!

11. See the Sheldonian Theatre

The Sheldonian Theater was one of the first major commissioned architectural designs for Christopher Wren. If that’s his first, it’s no wonder he went on to create half of the magnificent buildings in London including St Paul’s.

And get this – he was actually Professor of Astronomy at Oxford at the time. Let’s call that a #smartman.

It looks somewhat similar to the Radcliffe Camera, except it is a semi-circle, not a circle. And despite its name, it has never been a theater. It serves as the official ceremonial hall of the University of Oxford for matriculation and graduation ceremonies.

12. Marvel at Divinity School

Another place high on the list of things to see in Oxford is the Divinity School. It is the oldest teaching hall of the whole of the University of Oxford, dating back to 1427, and is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in Oxford.

The Dance School and the Infirmary scenes in the Harry Potter movies were filmed inside the Divinity School.

Sadly, we could not enter due to the Oxford Literary Festival but could enjoy the beautiful views from outside with those windows that kinda sparkled. The photos from Sally’s book showed us the scenes from the movies so we could get a sense of the grandeur inside.

13. Go Punting on the Cherwell River

• Address: Bardwell Road Oxford OX2 6ST

Punting on the river is a fun chapter of the Oxford University story.

Punting is when you use a long pole to push against the bottom of the river to move along while your friends relax in the long flat-bottomed boat. It’s thought to have become an Oxford thing to do in the 1860s.

We loved Cherwell Boathouse in comparison to the Oxford punting we saw on the River Thames (Isis). It was quieter with fewer people, cheaper, and the scenery was more countryside. You have the option to punt back towards downtown to see the colleges if you want to.

After a brief lesson and a shaky practice, Craig had us cruising along the river against the current out towards the country.

We had great laughs in the boat at his paddling, Karate Kid moves, and when the storm quickly came over and he got stuck on the bank with the faster-moving water and wind.

His muscle power eventually got us out – although I think my assistance with the tiny paddle helped! (You can see all that fun in our reel)

I can only imagine how fun this is on a warm summer’s day. You could pack a picnic and explore the lush green foliage of the trees draping over the river.

One of our favorite Oxford experiences was punting on the river here at Cherwell and following it up with an amazing dinner at the Cherwell Boathouse.

14. Have A Fine Dining Experience at Cherwell Boathouse

• Address: Bardwell Road Oxford OX2 6ST

This is a dining experience to remember in Oxford.

The Cherwell Boathouse sits on the banks of the Cherwell River. You get pretty views at dinner with swans majestically floating by a sky turning from blue to pink and black.

The Guinea fowl has made me never want to eat chicken again. It was so moist and melts in your mouth.

Loosen your belts, it would be a sin to skip out on dessert. I was pleased they had one of my favorite desserts, panna cotta washed down with a glass of local Ortega wine. I had no idea Oxford did wine!

We recommend walking to the Cherwell River Boathouse for your punting/dinner experience. (We caught a cab back). It’s only 30 minutes and you can walk along the river through the beautiful University Parks.

Pay attention to the Dragon School near the boathouse. It’s a preparatory school that Emma Watson attended. I am convinced that was destiny leading her to Hermione.

15. Have Afternoon Tea at Victors

• Address: 307 The Westgate, Queen Street

Time to experience modern Oxford with a high tea at the very stylish, elegant, yet informal Victors.

Located in the mall is this light and bright lavender-themed restaurant with bountiful draping wisteria framing different seating areas.

Outside the floor-to-wall glass windows is a beautiful view of a few college spires and towers. You can get even closer to these views by sitting out amongst the flowers on their pretty terrace.

This is a restaurant to suit any kind of diner or occasion. We saw a group of young thirtysomething friends celebrating, couples on a romantic lunch, and other families like ours enjoying the magic of an afternoon tea.

Not only does it have a beautiful ambiance to sit and eat in, but its food is an experience not to miss.

Craig and the girls enjoyed a smoking Afternoon Tea laid on the table with sparklers and dry ice magic. Forget boring ham and cheese sandwiches and scones, this tea came with sushi, smoked salmon and cream cheese buns, and a mixture of delicious mini desserts including key lime pie and scones for those traditionalists who can’t live without them #raiseshand.

A gluten-free version wasn’t available on our visit, which I was okay with as my baked stone bass was delicious. Its strong ginger and lemongrass flavors transported me right back to Thailand.

Matching its vibrant style are colorful signature cocktails. Truly, this is an unmissable Oxford attraction with a difference.

16. Climb Carfax Tower for a View

It’s only ninety-nine steps and a couple of pounds to reach the highest viewpoint in Oxford. There’s not much else to see in this Carfax Tower, which is all that remains of the old St Martin’s Church, the official city church of Oxford from 1122 onwards.

Go here in the afternoon as the lighting will be better for photos and your view back over “The city of Dreaming Spires” as was the name given to Oxford by poet Matthew Arnold for the spires and towers beautifying Oxford.

17. Wander The Covered Market

The Covered Market is a historic market with permanent stalls and shops in a large, covered structure. This is a great spot to escape from the rain – not the cold though as it seeps in through the open doorways.

The markets will give you an insight into the stories of everyday people here, from the butchers to the cake makers, fresh produce, and flower sellers, to the quaint coffee shops and bakeries.

This is a great spot to pick up a quick lunch or breakfast.

Be sure to check out the Harry Potter-themed cakes. I absolutely loved the mandrake cake.

And in the butchers, you can find hanging up the world’s oldest ham – preserved since 1892. I told you Oxford is full of stories.

18. The House of Wonders Harry Potter Store

• Address: 48 Cornmarket St, Oxford

You’ll find several stores in Oxford selling Harry Potter Merchandise (and Oxford University Merchandise as well).

For Harry Potter fans, be sure to check out the mystical energy of The House of Wonders. It has hundreds of licensed Harry Potter items, including a wide variety of items from every Hogwarts House – Savannah bought herself a Ravenclaw sweater.

19. Check Out Blackwell’s Bookstore

• Address: 48-51 Broad Street Oxford

If you love books, head to Blackwell’s Bookstore, an Oxford institution since 1879. They’ve now grown to a chain of thirty bookstores across the country, but this one on Broad St, Oxford was the first for the family-run business.

Many famous writers debuted at Blackwell’s and in 1915 J. R. R. Tolkien’s first poem, Goblin’s Feet, was published.

Be sure to go below ground to their Norrington Room, listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the single largest room in the world selling books with 160,000 volumes on two-and-a-half miles of shelving.

Our avid teen reader, Kalyra, picked up a couple of books from there.

The bookstore is across the street from the theater and Science Museum (which was closed when we went to squeeze it into our itinerary on Sunday morning (opens at 12pm).

20. Read a Book in A Coffee Shop

We are always on the search for good coffee and sitting in a coffee shop and reading a good book is one of the best past times in Oxford.

To save you time searching for a cozy place, here are our favorite coffee shops in Oxford. They offer a nice chance to relax amongst the busyness of your day’s adventures.

• Jericho Coffee Traders: a small, quirky space with a well-crafted cup of coffee.

Society Café: A UK chain (also in Bath) that serves up creamy espresso drinks and a fun atmosphere. Head downstairs to leave your message on the wall. Savannah shared her love for Oxford.

The Paper Boat Café: A lovely spot on the river to grab a coffee, either to sit outside with views, or take with you on a walk along the river trail.

• Queens Lane Coffee House claims its’ fame is in being the longest-established coffee house in Europe since 1654. How can you say no to an afternoon Bailey’s coffee then? They also have meals, cakes, and other goodies.

But the Grand Café across the road also claims to be the first coffee house in England (according to Samuel Pepys’ Diary, 1650). We did not stop in here, but I have heard the high teas here are good!

21. Take a Trip to Blenheim Palace

• Address: Woodstock OX20 1PP, United Kingdom

Blenheim Palace is a stately home on the outskirts of Oxford and the birthplace of Winston Churchill, the UK Prime Minister who served Britain during WWII.

Built in 1722, the palace has more than 300 years of history to explore and is the only property in the UK not owned by the royal family granted the title, Palace.

It is one of England’s largest houses and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

The house’s Baroque architecture is simply stunning, and the surrounding manicured gardens and parkland are the perfect grounds to explore on a warm day.

In the winter, check out the Christmas festivities as there are often holiday season events held at the house.

22. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History & Pitt Rivers Museum

• Address: Parks Rd, Oxford OX1 3PW, United Kingdom

While it will never compare to the Natural History Museum in London, the Oxford Museum of Natural History is one of the best attractions in Oxford.

It contains specimens related to the natural world that belongs to Oxford University. It was founded in 1860 and has many geological and zoological artifacts.

Its most famous contents are the remains of Oxfordshire dinosaurs and the only soft tissue remains of the extinct dodo bird.

An addition to the museum is the Pitt Rivers Museum. Founded in 1884, this world-class museum displays archaeological and anthropological artifacts that belong to the University of Oxford. It’s located on the east side of the Museum of Natural History, and can only be accessed through the museum.

23. Visit Oxford Castle

Oxford Castle is one of Oxford’s landmarks that you cannot skip from your itinerary. The castle has more than 1000 years of history and is one of the best-preserved castles in the UK.

While much of it was destroyed in the English Civil War, the remains served as Oxford’s official prison until 1996.

After more modern prisons were constructed, the surviving castle turned into a hotel and museum.

Visitors can see behind the scenes of the castle on an Oxford Castle Unlocked tour, which takes you to the Motte, the crypt, the prison, and St George’s Tower.

The tour is conducted by tour guides who play the character of King Stephen, which makes history come alive and more enjoyable. We would recommend you add this to your list of things to do in Oxford with kids.

Pubs to Visit in Oxford

As with any UK destination, the pubs are part of the cultural experience. Even more so in a city as old and rich in history as Oxford. You just know many meetings of great minds have been had over splashing English ales from within these pub walls.

Traveling with a teen means we could duck out for a quick pint in the evening to a couple of these pubs as the girls wanted to crash out on their beds.

Having the hotel so close to the city center was very comforting for us to do this!

24. Enjoy a Pale Ale at Turf Tavern

• Address: 4 Holywell St, Oxford

If it weren’t for Sally’s guided tour, we would have missed the Turf Tavern. That would have been a great Oxford travesty.

We walked past the alleyway several times and ignored it. I don’t know how when it has an arrow on the wall with the crafty sign: “Turf Tavern: an Education in Intoxication” directing you to wonderful things.

In my defense, I was most distracted by the stunning Bridge of Sighs right near it.

Just walking down the narrow medieval alleyway to get to the pub will transport you back to an age long ago – where notorious deeds happened and good times rolled.

The Turf Tavern has been a hangout for Oxford University students for centuries, including many famous ones. Poster sized plaques tell the story of a few.

This was the place where Bill Clinton “did not inhale” that funny cigarette. And where Bob Hawke, our beloved late prime minister of Australia, made history in the Guinness Book of Records for downing a yard glass the fastest – 11 seconds to be exact.

Our nation’s greatest accomplishment. Could you do the same?

The cast and crew of the Harry Potter films also liked to visit here during filming throughout Oxford.

Don’t be deceived by the tiny room with very low ceilings upon entry. (Although cute to stay in. Keep walking past and it will open up to two larger rooms, these ones with slightly higher ceilings.

They have great gluten-free beer here and the menus look really good. This is the cozy pub to snuggle up in on a cold Oxford night.

25. Mind Your Head at The Bear Inn

• Address: 6 Alfred St, Oxford OX1 4EH

The Bear Inn is Oxford’s Oldest Pub at over 778 Years Old (dating back to 1242).

The ceilings are also very low here and the room is tiny and cramped. They also have a small beer garden out back.

Check out the ties on the wall, it’s a tradition that started back in the fifties with the donation of a school membership tie which has led to a collection of more than 4,500 ties on the wall and ceiling, representing clubs, sports teams, colleges, and more.

I enjoyed hearing a group of guys argue over philosophy, economics, and quantum physics here. It is how it should be in Oxford.

26. Get a Pint at St Aldates Tavern

• Address: 108 St Aldate’s, Oxford

I will forever remember St Aldates Tavern as the pub that gave me gluten free fish and chips – that tasted just like the traditional version!

Craig and I stopped in here for dinner sans girls. But it’s also very family friendly with a great menu, plenty of seating space, and boardgames available. It’s also centrally located near Christ Church College.

27. Eat a Sunday Roast at The Chequers

• Address: 131 High Street, Oxford,

The Chequers is another English pub that looks small from the outside but once you walk in you discover a myriad of rooms stretching far back and across split levels.

In the fifteenth-century, it was a private house used by a money lender, which is thought to explain its present name, as the chequerboard was the old money-lending sign. It was rebuilt as a tavern by Alderman Richard Kent in about 1500.

We stopped in here for lunch with the girls. The interior has a traditional, yet modern and cozy feel and there is a beer garden if the weather is nice.

Where to Stay in Oxford

• Address: 15 Paradise Street

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Oxford City Center. This Oxford hotel only opened in 2019, so you’ll have a very modern and comfortable experience.

Its location can’t be beaten – right across the canal from Oxford Castle and then only a minutes’ walk into Oxford City Center.

Be sure to check out the rooftop terrace for views of the Castle and Oxford. This would be a nice spot to sit, with a morning coffee or afternoon drink.

Families can get interconnecting rooms which we always enjoy, especially now we have a teenager who loves to have her own space away from us.

Their buffet breakfast was also fantastic. We love buffet breakfasts in the UK – a full English breakfast is the perfect energy for the day ahead.

It’s also only an 8-minute walk from the train station!

Getting To and Around Oxford

All the things to see and do in Oxford we’ve listed above in this post are within easy walking distance of one another.

You won’t need transport in Oxford, and parking is very difficult. If you are staying outside the city, take advantage of the park and rides just outside the city center instead of driving in.

There are public buses that run regularly from the suburbs to Oxford, but when you are within the city center, you can just walk everywhere. Walking from A to B in Oxford is also an exciting thing to do because there’s so much to see!

Getting to Oxford

Getting to Oxford is really easy by public transport, especially if you are traveling from major UK cities such as Bath, London, or Reading.

We caught the train from Bath to Oxford on the Great Western Railway service, which was comfortable and effortless. It did involve one train change at Reading, but the train stations in the UK are very easy to understand and you usually you have plenty of time to catch your connection.

We also caught the train from Oxford back to London, which also involved a train change as well. It still only took just over an hour!

I would book tickets via The Trainline beforehand, especially if you are traveling internationally, and we found their website to be seamless with the same prices (and sometimes cheaper) than the price you pay at the station!

We had a lot of problems booking with GWR. They only accept international credit cards with 3D verification.

You can also buy your ticket at the station, but allow 10-15 minutes before the train departure if you need to queue up. Otherwise, there are ticket machines at the station which take cash and cards.

There is also the National Express bus service, which is the more affordable option. National Express is the bus company in the UK with the highest reputation and the most decent prices.

If you are on a longer UK road trip, Oxford is around 90-minutes northwest of London, 90-minutes northeast of Bath, and just over an hour east of the Cotswolds.

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Oxford

So there you have it, those are the best attractions in Oxford, and as you can see, there is so much to see and explore.

The city is filled with history, stunning architecture, and fascinating museums. And for you Harry Potter fans, you’ve got so many filming locations to explore!

Whether you’re visiting for a day or a week, we hope you have the best time in Oxford!

London Travel Guides

Are you visiting Oxford as a day trip from London? Then you may find these guides on London useful:

• Why we loved our trip to London
• Top things to see and do in Oxford
• 15 of the top views in London
• Is the London Eye worth it?
• 7 Top Things to do in London for Teens

Whether it’s your first time or your seventh, you will find you will never run out of places to visit in London. It’s a city that beckons you to visit time and time again, and with each visit, you find something new and magical to fall in love with.

Each district in London has its own unique history and story to tell. It is one of the best cities in the world for a reason.

But if you’re not sure where to visit in London or what top places to explore, then don’t worry, because this guide has all of London’s top sites and places to visit.

What is very famous in London?

London has left behind some form of building, structure, palace, or monument as it’s moved through every era of its rich history that goes back for thousands of years.

Mixed in with the old is a vibrant, modern tale told through street art, world-class museums, unique architecture, great food and coffee, and magnificent views all around.

London is definitely most famous for its history. There are so many historical sites all over the city, it will take weeks to explore them all.

Sites such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Tower Bridge are definitely places in London to visit for history buffs.

Places to Visit in London

We spent 10 days in London (and I once lived there for over 2 years). So we’ve been fortunate enough to explore the city quite a lot.

In this guide, we’ve listed some of the best places to visit in London. These places are the best neighborhoods to explore, like Camden, Kensington, and Shoreditch, as well as the most popular tourist attractions. (we have a 3 day London Itinerary to help you plan your trip!)

1. St James’s Park

My favorite of all the parks in London is the 58-acre St James’s Park. It’s home to the Mall and Horse Guards Parade and is on the doorstep of Buckingham Palace. The Mall is a grand processional route, lined with trees, which has seen many historic ceremonial parades over the years.

It’s the smallest of the Royal Parks and has a quiet beauty about it with its manicured gardens, blooming flowers, ponds, ample birdlife, and meandering paths under the shade of hundreds of trees.

There are beautiful views from here of the London Eye, Westminster, St James’s Palace, the Horse Guards Parade, and Buckingham Palace from the footbridge spanning the central lake.

When I lived in London, I would often walk through here on my commute to a nearby bar I worked at. It was a heavenly commute!

2. Buckingham Palace

Let the path through St James’s Park take you to one of the most famous palaces in the world and one of the most popular things to do in London.

Odds are the Union Flag will be flying above Buckingham Palace which signals that the Queen is not in residence. The Royal Standard is flown at royal residences only when the sovereign is present.

Queen Elizabeth has decided to live the rest of her days mostly in her favorite place, Windsor Castle.

The most popular thing to do is see the Changing of the Guards. We timed it for our last day, which also happened to be the day they don’t perform! So, check the schedule before planning your itinerary.

The views are quite lovely from the perspective of the Queen Victoria monument and water fountain out the front of Buckingham Palace. This marble monument, 25 metres high, commemorates the death of Queen Victoria in 1901.

3. Borough Markets, London Bridge + South Bank

Foodies will love visiting the Borough Markets on the South Side of the Thames near London Bridge

Borough Markets are a collection of stalls and vendors selling fresh produce. Whether you’re hungry for strawberries dipped in chocolate, soft local cheeses, bowls of Vietnamese pho, sausage rolls, or a refreshingly sweet peach prosecco, you’ll find it here.

I’ll warn you; weekends are shoulder-to-shoulder busy. During the week it is a much quieter experience.

We loved the coffee from Monmouth Coffee, one of the best we had in London.

The Southbank region where the markets are located has iconic London views, the trendy Tate Modern, and fun pubs lining the river, we loved the Anchor Bankside (4 minute walk). You never know what you might see walking the narrow cobblestoned streets around here.

While here, consider visiting:

• London Bridge Experience
• Tate Modern
• Millennium Bridge
• Founder’s Arms Pub

4. Kensington

Ready to see the more affluent neighborhood with a dash of Royal?

Kensington (including South Kensington) is one of the most beautiful places in London with elegant streets lined with period architecture, beautifully landscaped gardens and parks, fine museums, and elegant stores.

You’ll also find restaurants that range from casual pubs and bakeries to upper-class fine dining.

Don’t miss:

• High Tea at The Ampersand Hotel
• Coffee: Farm Girl
• Harrod’s – in nearby Knightsbridge
• Natural History Museum
• V & A museum (Victoria and Albert Museum)
• Science museum

5. Kensington Palace and Gardens

We decided at the last minute to visit Kensington Palace (like when we walked up to the front door) and we’re so glad we did. As it was on the afternoon of our arrival, it was our first Royal London experience and a perfect introduction for the girls to Royal London.

Kensington is known as the home of the Young Royals.

It’s the official residence of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (i.e. Prince William and Kate) and their children. Harry and Meghan lived here for a time, and most famously, it was beloved Princess Diana’s home.

I remember visiting Kensington when Diana died, and its perimeter was several feet deep with flowers.

This is also where the legendary Queen Victoria was born. You can follow her Royal footsteps on a tour through her re-imagined childhood rooms and the King and Queen State Apartments. and the magnificent King’s State Apartments and Queen’s State Apartments.

I loved the Life Through a Royal Lens exhibition sharing the Royal Family through photography, the views from the windows, the elaborate Kings Staircase, and King’s Gallery.

And the most beautiful Kensington Gardens with their memorial to Diana and the legacy of her work doing good for the world.

I wish we had longer to explore but we had to rush to get to our high tea at the nearby Ampersand Hotel.

6. The Shard

Piercing the sky above London is the needle-like structure of the Shard, the tallest building in Western Europe.

It’s quickly becoming a London icon and popular place to visit, especially for the incredible views from its 72^nd floor open-air platform. There is an enclosed viewing platform on level 69 as well.

The Shard View is an expensive thing to do in London, but the 244m high sweeping London views make it worthwhile. You get a fantastic perspective of the River Thames snaking through the city of London from east to west.

Aim for about an hour before sunset, so you can experience the dusk golden light views, sunset panoramic views, and nighttime views when those London lights sparkle.

7. Soho + the House of MinaLima

I wish we spent more time exploring Soho. Every time we walked through this neighborhood I felt its magnetic bohemian vibe.

It used to be a rocking place for nightclubs and music venues but has quietened down in that regard. It’s still a much loved and proud LGBTQ area of London, and there are a lot of fun cafes, stores, bars, and restaurants here.

On this family trip to London, we visited  The House of MinaLima in SoHo – a must for all Harry Potter fans.

This gallery and store showcase the graphic art of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, all of which was exclusively designed by Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima.

It’s only while exploring the Wizarding World art on display here that you realize just how much these graphic designers are responsible for the magic of the Harry Potter films.

8. Westminster Abbey

I enjoyed our self-guided tour of Westminster Abbey more than I thought I would, as did our kids (14 & 10).

Not only is this place of worship the finest example of early English Gothic architecture, but it is also the Royal Church. Every monarch since William the Conqueror has had their coronations here and there have been many royal weddings in the abbey as well.

A self-guided audio tour through the abbey shares the history and stories of the church.

You’ll walk through the beautiful, tiled sanctuary where weddings happen; the elaborate quire; visit the tombs of many royals and important people; pay your respects at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and see the bland Coronation Chair.

Don’t miss the Poets Corner where you’ll find the resting places of some of England’s finest: Chaucer, Dickens, Tennyson, Kipling, and Hardy.

I also enjoyed seeing the perspective of the abbey from walking around the cloisters and gardens.

9. Big Ben & Houses of Parliament

More a thing to do than a place to visit, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are usually high on the list of any visitor to London.

The Houses of Parliament is where all the important business in running the country happens. You can tour inside during select days and times. I was fortunate to have a friend working there when I lived in London who invited me in for a drink at one of the pubs inside. It was a cool experience!

Big Ben is the 13.5 tonne iconic clock tower that most visitors gaze up at. Officially, it’s the Elizabeth Tower, but everyone calls it Big Ben after Benjamin Hall, the First Commissioner of Works when it was finished in 1858.

You can see it from many viewpoints in London, including the London Eye, Westminster Bridge, cruising along the river, and our favorite, Parliament Square.

Parliament Square is next to the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. It has statues of well-known political leaders including Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, and Nelson Mandela.

One of our favorite iconic London photos we captured on our trip – that even local Londoners didn’t know about – was that of Winston Churchill looking out upon Big Ben.

Around the corner from here is no. 10 Downing Street, the official office of Britain’s leaders, and the home of the Prime Minister. You can only glimpse the Georgian building and its black front door from afar as the entrance to the street is now blocked off by security.

Don’t let its small outside appearance deceive you. It’s actually three houses joined in one and has around one hundred rooms!

10. St Paul’s Cathedral

One of the most famous cathedrals in the world, St Paul’s Cathedral is one of London’s most magnificent buildings seen throughout the city.

In fact, there is a rule that St Paul’s must be visible from eight separate places throughout London which is why so many of the modern skyscrapers are unusual shapes. They are making room for that line of sight!

Now that you’ve seen that impressive dome from around the city, it’s time to see it from the inside and learn about this architectural masterpiece from Sir Christopher Wren, built after the Great Fire of London between 1675 and 1710.

We visited on a guided tour with Independence by Globus, but standard admission includes an audio guide. Visit the crypt to see memorials of hundreds of well known and great people, including the bodies of Wellington and Nelson lying directly under the dome.

Sadly, the whispering gallery around the base of the dome was closed when we visited, but this is one of the best things to do in St Paul’s as well as the Stone Gallery and Golden Gallery, both at the top of the dome offering incredible views of London.

Ask the attendants if they can take you to the spiraling Harry Potter staircase. This staircase in St Paul’s was used as the “Divination Stairwell” located in the North Tower of Hogwarts Castle for the Harry Potter films.

11. Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour

At the top of Kalyra’s London experiences for teens was the Harry Potter Studios tour. Located about one hour northwest of London, this backlot tour will take you through sets, props, and interactive exhibits of the real movie settings of the Harry Potter film series.

You’ll be amazed at how they created magical scenes from such small, intimate settings. We all loved this magical deep dive into the Wizarding World.

Allow for three to four hours for the self-guided tour. That will give you enough time to read the stories, ride a broomstick, walk through the forbidden forest and those scary spiders, and drink butterbeer.

12. Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is one of the most famous places in London to visit.

It’s really the center of London and has always been a place for Londoners to gather, whether that is to bring in the New Year together, or protest, rally, or march for important rights and causes.

The 52-m high statue of Lord Nelson dominates the square as do the lions representing Britain’s courage. (You’ll see them all over London). The National Gallery is the stunning building in the background.

One of my favorite things about Trafalgar Square is the pedestrian lights surrounding it. They are LGBTQ traffic lights that include two men and two women holding hands and forming a heart, and various gender symbols including a transgender sign.

13. Tower of London

The Tower of London is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is not to be missed on a trip to London. Make sure to get a tour with an entertaining, red-coated Beefeater, which is one of the most popular things to do in London.

Yeoman Warders have been guarding the Tower of London since Tudor time when Henry VIII decided that the Tower should be protected by part of the royal bodyguard.

They were originally part of the Yeoman of the Guard – the monarch’s personal, crack bodyguard who traveled with him everywhere.

Nicknamed ‘Beefeaters’, the Yeoman Body of 32 men and women are all drawn from the Armed Forces and must have an impeccable record of service and high ranks.

They give free 45-minute tour and share entertaining and gruesome stories of its macabre history from its former years (and I mean centuries) as a Royal residence, armory, treasury, and zoo (thank goodness they stopped that!)

The Tower of London is actually a castle comprising twenty-two towers but sitting in the middle is the original White Tower built in the 1070s by William the Conqueror. The walls, towers, and moat surrounding it came in the 1200s and have been there ever since.

After your tour, you can walk around the old castle grounds to see the:

• exorbitant crown jewels held in the Waterloo Barracks
• the beheading place of Ann Boleyn and Catherine Howard (King Henry VIII’s wives)
• the prison towers and see the fascinating etchings on the walls (especially the elaborate astronomical ones)
• The famous ravens in the courtyard keep an eye on everyone. Are they the spirits of all the tortured souls executed here?
• The Bloody Tower, where the prince brothers were held for safety and later disappeared, said to be murdered by their uncle Richard III for the crown. As we live in Raleigh, we enjoyed learning about Sir Walter Raleigh’s 13-year imprisonment here and seeing his personal herb garden.
• walk around the castle battlements for beautiful views of Tower Bridge and the River Thames.

We all really enjoyed this top attraction of London.

Thankfully, during our last visit (and early start) we had no lines at all. If it were a “normal” day just the lines to see the crown jewels themselves would be 2.5 hours long. My personal opinion is it’s not worth the wait – but not much is in my eyes!

Honestly, while they were absolutely stunning, I could not help but think about how much world poverty and peasant challenges could be solved if these just weren’t sitting here in a thick glass protected by the military looking beautiful for people to gawk at.

14. Regents Park

Wowzer! This was my first-time visiting Regents Park, Central London’s biggest park, and I was impressed.

Regent’s Park is one of London’s eight Royal Parks and covers an area of 395 acres. Its beauty unravels as you walk across grassy meadows, past water sculptures and topiaries; through colorful, blooming gardens; and across multiple playgrounds and sporting fields.

Highlights include:

• Queen Mary’s Garden
• Boating Lake
• Open-Air Theater (performances in the summer)
• Avenue Gardens
• ZSL London Zoo

15. Hyde Park

When I first moved to London in 1997, Hyde Park was on my top places to visit in London list.

It’s one of the most well-known of the London Parks, most notably for its long history as a site of protest and rallies and for its Speakers Corner, where people from all walks of life share their opinions.

My youthful hippy heart was attracted to it for these reasons. On this trip, I didn’t love it as much as the other London Parks, but it’s still one of the things to do in London for those seeking a little nature respite.

Hyde Park is right near Buckingham Palace and has a beautiful rose garden, trees to climb for the kids, the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, and a pretty lake. We enjoyed the views here with a coffee from the waterside café. It wasn’t the best coffee, but it wasn’t awfully bad either.

16. Tower Bridge

Another of the iconic and unique places to visit in London is Tower Bridge. Almost anyone coming to London is already familiar with the elegant beauty of its neo-Gothic turrets and blue suspension cables.

You can head up into the north tower to the (paid) Tower Bridge Exhibition to learn more about the engineering and history.

It is a paid attraction and is included in your London attraction pass.

Or, walk across Tower Bridge for free and get great views overlooking the Thames and back over the Tower of London.

Check for times when the Tower Bridge will raise up its bridge arms so boats underneath can pass by. They do have to book it 24 hours in advance so you can plan ahead for this cool experience.

Take a river cruise to see it from underneath as well.

17. British Museum

As we’re not big museum people, we popped into the British Museum for “just a quick visit” and I instantly regretted it.

The British Museum is outstanding, and I highly recommend it as one of the places to visit in London (for longer than an hour).

It’s England’s largest museum and known to be one of the oldest and finest in the world with vast collections that span Egyptian, Greek Roman, European, and Middle Eastern cultures and histories.

I loved the collection of Egyptian mummies and the Rosetta Stone. Pick up a confusing map when you arrive, which will have the most notable sights to see if you are short on time. It’s massive!

Near this London Museum is the historic Plough Pub. We recommend stopping in at this quite refined yet very cozy Victorian pub for lunch or just a pint!

Our good friends from Raleigh Curt and Jenny recommended it to us as their favorite pub in London. Curt’s dad’s ashes sit in this pub, so we popped in to say G’day and have a drink with him.

18. Covent Garden

One of the most well-known places to visit in London is Covent Garden. That was my weekend playground when I lived in London. With the absence now of Aussie bars, it has a more refined feel to it, and I still love it!

Wander the cobblestoned areas surrounding the central marketplace, which had its beginnings as a convent garden in the 1500s. It served different purposes from then, but by the 1800s it had developed into the largest produce market in the world. Its overwhelming size prompted its relocation in 1974.

Thankfully, the community fought against its demolition and it was presevered into this gorgeous tourist and shipping destination in 1980.

There are endless restaurants and bars and local stores. Wander down the small alleyways off the square to see what you discover. Performers rotate all day long on the street just below the balcony of the famous Punch and Judy pub (good luck trying to get on it!).

You’ll also find several theaters. The girls and I watched Matilda at the small Cambridge Theater. It was fantastic and we highly recommend watching a theater show on your visit to London.

19. Camden Town & Camden Market

Camden Town is known for its alternative, punk rock, grunge vibes. It’s gotten a little more yuppy since I lived in London, but the personality of “Come as you are!” still reigns supreme.

Camden has a long history of live music. It was the home of Amy Winehouse, and Hawley Arms is known as Amy’s pub as she frequented it so much.

Craig and I enjoyed having a pint at the live music venue Dublin Castle, which is where Coldplay got their first start. It’s also the place where Bonn Scott, lead singer of ACDC drank himself to death.

Be careful in Camden, it’s a party place.

We learned a lot of these musical facts, from the very cool mural inside our Holiday Inn hotel located right on the canals.

The other popular reason to visit Camden is for the daily Camden Markets, most popular on the weekends. Here you’ll find loads of stalls selling all kinds of wares including an abundance of food stalls representing cuisines from around the world.

There is a walking path here along the canals that takes you right to Regents Park. You can also catch a boat along the canals to Little Venice or vice versa.

20. Shoreditch

Welcome to Hip Shoreditch!

Since I lived in London, this East London neighborhood has sprinted past Camden and Soho as the hippest, most alternative part of London.

We visited on a Monday, so it was much quieter than a weekend. I think I’d rather take in the atmosphere on the weekend when it’s more alive with its buzzing markets and street activity.

One thing you’ll notice about this place to visit in London in comparison to other neighborhoods is the abundance of street art dressing up the walls.

Street art in the UK is still technically illegal and considered a criminal activity, which means street art can pop up quickly, but be taken down just as fast.

Shoreditch is the anomaly and is the epicenter of London’s street art scene as they fight back against the vandalism label. The most well-known secret street artist of all time – Banksy has left his mark in Shoreditch several times.

Running through Shoreditch is Brick Lane, known for vintage shopping and outstanding Indian restaurants. This was the place to go for your favorite curry dish even when I lived in London in 1997.

Prices have gone up though with this area’s gentrification. Gone are the five-pound curries, but the rich, aromatic flavors and smells are ever-present. We got a suggestion from a local Indian to eat at Monsoon and it was a great choice!

What was once the world’s largest brewery, The Old Truman Brewery is now a space for edgy markets, vintage stores, bars, and live music venues. Columbia Flower Market on Sundays is meant to be phenomenal and fragrant

21. Greenwich

No trip to London would be complete without a visit to Greenwich, the home of time located about 40 minutes southeast of Central London along the Thames.

You can either do a guided river cruise with commentary or take the faster Thames Clipper. If you do another Thames River sightseeing cruise, I’d skip the guided commentary to Greenwich and just get the ferry.

Greenwich has a lovely English village feel yet sits on the edge of royalty with its grand architecture and palace heritage.

A highlight is a visit to the Royal Observatory, the place of time! It’s here you can learn the fascinating history of how the Royal astronomers experimented and studied the stars to come up with today’s modern version of time.

Even better are the views from here as you look out across the leafy greens of Greenwich Village, and Greenwich Park, the old hunting park behind the palaces. Looking beyond that are the stunning buildings of the Queen’s House, The National Maritime Museum, and the Old Royal Naval College, likened to the architectural splendor of the Palace of Versailles.

I loved visiting the Queens House more than I thought I would and the National Maritime Museum is also worth visiting.

In the village, you may want to wander through the Greenwich-covered market and stop for lunch or a drink. We had coffee at Gail’s Bakery, lunch at Grind, and a drink at the Gipsy Moth.

22. Richmond

Richmond is an area many first-time visitors to London (or those with less time) may not get to experience, but it’s one of my favorite places in London to visit.

We didn’t get to it on this trip, we considered it, but since the flowers weren’t in full bloom we decided to hold off instead of wasting our money visiting the nearby Kew Gardens, but I have been before!

Richmond is a leafy neighborhood on the Thames River. This is where you come to get to know a quieter and slower side of London.

Along the way, you’ll find the very popular and beautiful botanical gardens, Kew Gardens. You can also go deer spotting at Richmond Park, walk along the river, and explore the Tudor palaces of Hampton Court, home of King Henry VIII.

After visiting here, get on the tube to the next stop and have lunch down by the river at the Slug and Lettuce, followed by a lovely walk along the Thames.

23. Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill

If you’re a fan of everything vintage and antiques, then you don’t want to miss Portobello Road Market in the Notting Hill district.

The market is famous for being the world’s biggest antique and vintage market. Every week, you’ll find vendors selling bric-a-brac and vintage items, as well as a few food vendors selling fresh produce.

As well as being a cool market where you can find some unique items to take home, Notting Hill is also a very famous district in London. It’s known for being an affluent area, with many large Georgian townhouses home to London’s wealthy residents.

It became famous after the Rom-Com Notting Hill starring Julia Roberts came out in 1999. This is your chance to stand on street corners telling your loved ones “I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.”

The market is only open on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturdays from 9am to 6pm (7pm on Saturdays).

24. The National Gallery

For art lovers, there are two museums you mustn’t miss. The Tate Modern, for modern art, and The National Gallery, for classical paintings.

The National Gallery is one of the top places to visit in London because it is home to the one of the largest collections of Renaissance paintings (outside of Italy, of course).

You’ll find pieces by 15th to 19th century painters, including notable works by Giovanni Bellini, Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Claude Monet, Raphael, Rembrandt, and Vincent Van Gogh.

Before You Go

So there you have it, those are the best places to visit in London and as you can see, there’s a lot of incredible places to see.

London is one of those cities that keeps beckoning you back. Whether it’s your first time or your 100th time, there is always something new and exciting to explore.

Before you go, remember to check out the GO CITY CARD. This discount attraction pass is a must. It will save you so much money on London’s top attractions. 

And if you decide you want to do more than visit London, and instead want to live and work in London, Let Global Work and Travel Help. You can read our full guide on Global Work and Travel here.

More Inspiration for Your London Trip

• Why we loved our trip to London
• 2 days in Bath (itinerary)
• Top things to see and do in Oxford
• Where to stay in London – budget to luxury London accommodation 
• Tips for getting around London

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With a history that spans over 2,000 years, there are a lot of interesting things to do in Bath.

From exploring its fascinating Roman Baths to admiring the architecture of the Bath Abbey and Pulteney Bridge, you’ll never run out of attractions in Bath to keep you busy for a weekend.

We visited Bath during our two-week trip to London, which is only 80 minutes way by train. We knew there were so many things to see in Bath that we had to make it an overnight stop.

If you’re not sure what to do in Bath, then don’t worry, because these are all the top attractions plus a few hidden gems.

Why Visit Bath?

Bath, England is the only entire city in the UK that’s designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It’s a grandeur you can’t deny as you walk its beautiful streets lined with stunning Georgian Architecture made from local golden-colored Bath limestone.

This is one reason it has made the list, along with its fascinating Roman remains, thermal hot springs, and beautiful country surroundings.

The city was founded in the 1st Century AD by the Romans who used the natural hot springs as a thermal spa. (Although there is evidence to suggest Bath was a spiritual home for the Celtics.)

In the 18th century, King George l, ll and III helped develop it into an elegant spa city, famed in literature and art.

Over the past couple of years, Bath has been put back on top of people’s list of places to visit in England thanks to the Netflix hit, Bridgerton, which was filmed extensively in Bath – the perfect backdrop for the glamor and romance of Regency London. When released in Christmas 2020, it quickly became the network’s biggest show to have aired.

Bath is every bit as beautiful as it appears on the Bridgerton screen.

One thing I loved about Bath is the ease of getting around this city. It’s very walkable and most streets inside the historical part of the city are pedestrian streets or see very little car traffic.

It’s a great way to soak up the vibe of Bath, experience its beauty, and get to know the local, independent stores and businesses.

And even though we had a wild weather day while in Bath – alternating between snow and sunny skies – we were not deterred from continuing to walk and explore this fine English city. 

Where is Bath?

Bath is located in the Avon Valley in Somerset in the South West of England. It is surrounded by limestone hills as it is near the southern edge of the Cotswolds.

The city is just over 160 km / 100 miles from London and 12 miles from Bristol, the largest city in the South West of England. It is also only an hour east of Cardiff in Wales and an hour to Stonehenge!

That combined with its seven hills surrounding makes it an ideal base to explore much of south west Britain. 

Things to Do in Bath

Below are the Bath attractions we loved, including some places to eat and drink, and our stunning Georgian accommodation with Bridgerton vibes.

You’ll also find some travel logistics on getting to Bath and a sample two-day itinerary as we experienced Bath to help you plan out your days.

But first, here are all the top things to do in Bath!

1. Take a Guided Walking Tour of Bath

A good option is to start your Bath trip with a guided walking tour. This will give you a fantastic overview of the city, including the history of Bath, some of the characters who’ve lived here, what modern bath is like, and an insight into what some of the best things to do in Bath are!

Then you’ll know what to return to and experience on a deeper level throughout your stay in Bath.

Our tour guide was friendly, and knowledgeable, and made an effort to include our kids in the discussions. She had a bag of artifacts she’d pull out to help tell the story when she could.

She pointed out places where popular movies or TV have been filmed, like Bridgerton, or Bath Street where the new Willy Wonka was filmed only weeks before we visited. You heard it here first.

We began the tour at the Bath Abbey and Roman Baths where we learned its history beginning from the Romans through to the Medieval and Georgian times.

From there we walked up through the more modern Bath (hundreds of years old modern) where we learned more about the architectural story of Bath and its glamorous residential areas of the Circus and Royal Crescent, and the Assembly Rooms (which were closed).

Had we done this tour first thing, I would have returned to see the inside of the Assembly Rooms (the glamor settings of the Bridgerton Balls!)

2. Experience the Ancient Roman Baths

• Address: Abbey Churchyard, Bath BA1 1LZ
• Website: RomanBaths.co.uk

The most well-known and popular attraction in Bath is the 2,000-year-old Roman Baths, the place of Britain’s only natural thermal waters.

It stands in the center of the city and is one of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world and the most important north of the Alps.

Back then the beautiful city the Romans built around the baths was called Aquae Sulis.

A visit to the Roman Baths will give you a great sense of what life was like in ancient Roman times and how these healing thermal waters were a place of communal gathering and spiritual connection.

A self-guided audio tour will take you along some of the original Roman pavements to see bubbling green waters of the Great Bath and Sacred Spring, the treatment rooms and saunas, the ruins of the Temple of Sulis Minerva, and various excavated artifacts like the gilt bronzed head of the Goddess Sulis Minerva.

I really enjoyed the projected images of Roman characters which gave you a sense of what the room would have looked like. They also have an animated recreation of how the (thought to be) Gorgons head on the Temple Pediment would have looked in Roman times.

My favorite was learning about the curses, where people would write down on a piece of lead, a curse to those who had done them wrong and then throw it into the baths, where they believed Silus Minerva would catch it and seek revenge for them!

I loved this concept of writing out your grievances and then letting them go for karma to take care of.

Plan for around two hours for this experience. We were fortunate to walk straight in, but typically, as it’s Baths’ top attraction, it can see crazy crowds. So, book ahead and get there early. (They are currently doing timed entries).

The Roman Baths are one of the best things to do in Bath England, so for first-time visitors, it’s one not to miss!

3. The Bath Abbey

• Address: Bath BA1 1LT, United Kingdom

On the doorstep of the Roman Baths is the magnificent Bath Abbey, the last Medieval Abbey of its kind. We learned a lot about the history of this abbey on our walking tour. It was founded in the 7th century and is one of the highest buildings in Bath.

Legend has it that the Abbey was built after Bishop Oliver King had a vivid dream about angels climbing up and down ladders to heaven.

In his dream, he heard a voice telling him to restore the church. And so he did.

The Abbey took many years to build and is decorated with ornate detailing and statues. You should make sure to check out the west front of the Abbey, which is adorned with more than 300 statues.

The inside is meant to be filled with magnificent stone and stained-glass windows and a fan-vaulted ceiling that is said to be one of the finest in the world

You can climb the 212 stairs of the Bath Abbey Tower for 360-degree views of Bath. We’re leaving that for our next trip to Bath.

4. Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein

• Address: 37 Gay St, Bath BA1 2NT
• Website: houseoffrankenstein.com

Many visitors to Bath will dive deep into the Jane Austen story as she lived here for five years and loved it. But did you know there is another female writer in Bath who made history by creating a story that would forever change history?

Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein, the first example of science fiction, wrote most of it while she briefly lived in Bath back in 1816 as a 19-year-old. You can no longer see where she lived as it was torn down once it was discovered the Roman Baths were underneath. It’s now known as The Pump Room.

A new attraction to Bath, Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein pays tribute to her by telling the story of her troubled life – including her strange marriage to Percy Shelley and friendship with Lord Bryon – and what inspired and motivated her to write the book about this much-loved creature throughout the ages.

You’ll find four floors of historical stories, unusual artifacts, special effects, and props as well as a small cinema room showing the original 11-minute silent film. See if it scares you or makes you laugh!

What I loved was discovering what Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein REALLY would have looked like – it’s not the green creature version that we all know.

There is only about a paragraph in the book that actually describes Frankenstein, so owners took that description to an animatronics expert who then got to work creating the monster. You can see that inside the museum.

Soon to be opening in the HOF, is an Escape Room that goes inside Victor Frankenstein’s attic laboratory. We had a brief look inside and if you love playing these games, you will love this one. You have to find the body parts to help create Frankenstein!

The thrills continue down into the basement. This fun addition to the museum is very much like tiptoeing through your favorite haunted house during Halloween. It’s filled with macabre creatures and things that shake, rattle, and jump out! Kids may find this a little frightening. Our girls raced out of there halfway through.

But, as soon as we left, Savannah messaged her friend to tell her the story of her visit to the House of Frankenstein and the scary basement. That’s always a sign of a memorable adventure!

The House of Frankenstein is a new Bath attraction. It’s one of those positive success stories born out of the pandemic, when ideas for people started to run free.

5. Admire The Royal Crescent

• Address: 1 Royal Cres, Bath BA1 2LR

Known to be one of the greatest examples of Georgian architecture in Britain, The Royal Crescent is another one of the unique things to do in Bath.

It’s a grand sweeping curve of 30 Grade 1 listed terraced houses, each with a view out over what once would have been rolling countryside.

On our walking tour we learned of father and son architects, John Wood Snr and John Wood Jnr who were responsible for designing much of the “newer” Bath.

They laid out many of the city’s present-day squares and crescents within its green valley and surrounding hills, which UNESCO notes as being “the deliberate creation of a beautiful city”.

John Wood Jnr is responsible for the 150m long Royal Crescent. Built between 1767 and 1774, these homes were designed with the intention to bring the countryside into the city.

Pay attention to the ha-ha, a ditch in front of the Crescent’s private lawn. It was designed to create an invisible divide between the lower and upper lawns so as to not interrupt the view from Royal Victoria Park.

It was also made this way so the residents could look out and see cows in the lower pasture – that country feel – without them being able to walk onto the upper pasture – their private space for gathering.

No.1 Royal Crescent is the house of Lady Featherington in the Bridgerton series. It is also a historic museum where you can get a glimpse of how the wealthy lived in Georgian times. Most of the rooms are decorated and furnished just as it might have been during the period 1776-1796.

The large central house at number 16 is The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa.

6. Admire The Circus

• Address: Circus Place, Bath

Only a five-minute walk from the Royal Crescent is the equally grand Circus, which are three curved segments of Georgian townhouses facing a public circular lawn with the most divine plane trees in its center.

It was John Wood Snr who designed and built the Circus between 1754 and 1768 and has also been designated as a Grade I listed building.

To tie into Bath’s Celtic history, Wood created The Circus to reflect Stonehenge, creating the same circular diameter of these mystical stones. Some also say the rows of stone houses reminds them of the Colosseum in Rome.

On our guided walking tour, we visited the backyard of one of these homes (No 4 Circus), which is owned by the local government to see an example of a Georgian garden. Archeologists dug it up and decided to replicate it.

It’s plain and simple with flower beds, box hedges, and topiaries and plenty of space on a paved path for walking – as was the Georgian Way. 

7. Coffee With a View on The Pulteney Bridge

• Address: 17 Pulteney Bridge, Bath

On the side of the city is the small Pulteney Bridge spanning the River Avon, built in 1774 to connect the city with the land of the Pulteney family which it wished to develop.

The bridge is only one of three bridges of its kind in the world that have shops built on both sides of the bridge.

There is a small coffee shop here, the Bridge Coffee Shop, which is a good place to rest for a while with a warm cuppa and a view of the River Avon and its weirs below.

8. Visit The Holburne Museum (Lady Danbury’s House)

• Address: Great Pulteney Street, Bath, BA2 4DB
• Website: Holburne.org

This stunning Georgian building is located within Bath’s beautiful Sydney Gardens, the only remaining eighteenth-century pleasure gardens in the country and overlook the famous Great Pulteney Street. Before becoming the museum in 1916 it was the popular Sydney Hotel.

If you’re a Bridgerton fan, this will be high on your list of things to do in Bath!

The Holburne Museum is otherwise known as Lady Danbury’s House. And like Bridgerton, the Sydney Hotel used to be a place for grand parties. It was also a place Jane Austin used to enjoy visiting.

Be sure to walk around the back to see a very modern exterior with a lovely café and gorgeous gardens.

Inside the museum are exhibitions of historical and contemporary art with pieces such as renowned 18^th Century portraits and Renaissance bronze sculptures.

9. See Where Jane Austen Lived

• Address: 4 Sydney Place, Bath

Jane Austen is the most famous resident of Bath, and fans may be interested in seeing where she lived in Bath from 1801 – 1806. Two of her books, Persuasion and Northanger are set in Bath, a city she grew to love for its social status.

Walk right across the road from the Holburne Museum to see her terraced home at 4 Sydney Place.

We did not get a chance to visit the Jane Austen Center, but fans will want to put this on their list of Bath things to do.

The center gives a snapshot of her life during Regency times and how it affected her writing (it’s right next door to House of Frankenstein, to help with your itinerary planning).

10. Walk along River Avon and the Canals

Bath is surrounded by beautiful waterways, including the historic Kennet and Avon canal, and the iconic River Avon. It’s the perfect place for an afternoon stroll, or even a boat tour, or punting experience. 

We loved that our accommodation was just a 15-minute walk into town along the picturesque Kennet and Avon canal paths.

11. Eat a Bun at Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House and Museum

• Address: 4 N Parade, Passage, Bath
• Website: SallyLunns.co.uk

No trip to Bath is complete without tasting a famous Sally Lunn Bun. We were so happy to run into Sally Lunn’s Historic eating House after a freezing, and snowy, Bath guided walking tour. There is no better way to warm up than with a Bailey’s coffee and jam and scones.

Sally Lunn’s is known to be the oldest house in Bath, dating back to the 1600s. 

You’ll notice its age immediately upon entering and crouching down due to the low ceilings, narrow creaking staircase, and small rooms.

The kitchen museum shows the actual kitchen used by the legendary young Huguenot baker Sally Lunn in Georgian Bath to create the first Bath Bunn, a light, flaky treat that’s part bread, part cake and topped with savory or sweet toppings.

The decision now is will you choose sweet or savory? Craig and the girls decided on sweets with a cinnamon butter topping and chocolate butter for Savannah.

As I am gluten free, I was thrilled to see they had delicious gluten free scones with jam for me. They were probably the best I’ve ever had.

So now, do you want the Sally Lunn bun or the gluten free scones?

12. Visit the Jane Austen Centre

• Address: 40 Gay Street, Bath, United Kingdom, BA1 2NT

If you’re looking to learn more about Jane Austen and her novels, then you should make sure to check out the Jane Austen Centre.

The museum tells the story of her life and work, as well as gives a historical background to the Regency period that she lived in. What’s unique about this museum is that the story is told by actors dressed in Regency costumes, bringing you closer to her life in a more immersive way.

The museum also runs the Jane Austen walking tours, which take you past places that either featured or inspired her work.

13. Roam Around Prior Park Landscape Garden

• Address: Ralph Allen Dr, Bath BA2 5AH, United Kingdom

Prior Park Landscape Garden is a National Trust property in Bath showcasing a lovingly restored 18th century manicured garden.

The garden features historic bridges and dams, as well as a river. The gardens were designed by the English 18th century poet, Alexander Pope, and landscape gardener, Capability Brown.

This is a lovely, quiet place to relax and see some authentic 18th century gardens. The garden’s iconic feature is the Palladian bridge, which sits in the center of the park.

14. Learn About William Herschel at the Herschel Museum of Astronomy

• Address: 19 New King St, Bath BA1 2BL, United Kingdom

William Herschel was a famous astronomer and musician born in Germany who lived in Bath. He used to live in a townhouse on New King Street, which has now been turned into a museum dedicated to him.

William Herschels lived in this house from 1777 – 1784 with his sister, Caroline, and is most famous for discovering Uranus using a small, 7-inch telescope which he built himself in his workshop.

The museum has been operating since 1981, and contains original possessions that belonged to Hershel, including his dining table and the workshop where he made his famous telescope.

You can take an audio tour of the house, as well as visit The Caroline Lucretia Gallery, which is an extension of the house.

15. Visit the Bath Christmas Market (Seasonal)

• Address: all over the city!

Christmas is the most magical time of the year and in Bath, they go big for Christmas. The Bath Christmas Market has become legendary in the UK, having sustainable pop-up chalets selling artisan gifts and food, and spreading Christmas cheer to everyone who comes here.

The market is open from the 24th November until the 11th December, so it’s a great place to get into the festive spirit and shop for unique gifts to give on the big day.

There are more than 150 chalets at the market, and you can also see dance troupes, choirs, musicians and performances by local schools in the evenings.

The market is spread all over the city, but you’ll find most chalets near popular sites such as the Bath Abbey, Roman Baths, and Thermae Spa.

Places to Eat in Bath (and Drink)

Bath has a vast array of places to eat and drink to suit any kind of preference. When we visit England, we love to eat at pubs, as it’s such a homely experience with fascinating history, and good food and ales.

Our focus wasn’t on food for this trip, more just grab and go to fill the belly in between attractions. I’m sure foodies will love the Bath food scene…

Here are the places we ate at and enjoyed.

Breakfast

Boston Tea Party: Not only will you find healthy, delicious British food here that uses quality ingredients, it’s also a business that cares about sustainability. We enjoyed a relaxed breakfast here. Either go for the traditional Big Boss English breakfast, or the more modern Sweetcorn Hash, and our kids enjoyed pancakes with bacon. There is an outside seating area on the edge of a busy Bath square perfect for people watching.

Diana’s Cafe: Across the road from the train station, we found a great breakfast spot before catching our train to Oxford. All organic, good coffee, good English breakfast, and hot chocolates.

Lunch

Bill’s Restaurant: A great spot for an intimate sit down lunch with table service. Bill’s uses seasonal ingredients with an ever-changing menu. They have plenty of options for dietary requirements and kids. Craig enjoyed his burger, and my Butternut Squash and Spinach lasagna.

The Boater: We stopped in for lunch here with our friend Laurence who lives just outside of Bath. Boater is located next to Pulteney Bridge, so expect river views and a spacious beer garden. We enjoyed the window views of the SNOWY landscape from the warm interior.

You’ll find typical pub faves such as fish and chips. I was satisfied with one of my favorite English meals – chips with mayo (that is fries for the Americans).

Dinner / Drink

The Curfew: Our accommodation recommended The Curfew as their favorite place to eat in Bath. Sadly, the kitchen was closed due to the chef having COVID. But, we did stop for a drink. I was thrilled they had gluten free beer.

It has a cozy, sophisticated Georgian vibe with a wood paneled bar, beamed ceilings, high windows, nooks, and crannies to sit in.

Slug and Lettuce: Here you’ll find that modern floral color style with Bridgerton vibes. They have a kids’ menu with £4.99 kid’s meals that include a drink and dessert.

Be sure to eat before 8pm, as kids aren’t allowed after that time when it becomes the place for young’uns to party! There’s a great menu for adults too with a huge variety. I loved my butternut squash tagine. 

The Pulteney Arms: While most pubs are kid-friendly, we were glad the girls stayed in the house when we popped in here for a drink and some takeout.

It was packed with local rugby players – well we assume that, as it is known as a rugby pub. Bath Rugby Club is one of the oldest in existence in the UK. It was small and cozy with a great neighborhood vibe.

Best Coffee in Bath: Colonna & Smalls

We’re always on the hunt for good coffee. When I read that Colonna & Small’s is known to have some of the best coffee in the country, I led us straight there. 

This bespoke coffee shop that gives love and attention to the craft, will serve you a delicious creamy cup of coffee in any style you like. 

2-Day Bath Itinerary:

Below is the itinerary schedule we followed, except I switched around the House of Frankenstein and Bath Walking Tour for you, as I think that’s a better order to do it. And you may wish to choose different dining experiences.

Of course, change this to best suit your interests and time in Bath. 

Day 1

• Arrive by rail from London (noon)
• Lunch at Bills Restaurant
• Bath Guided Walking Tour (incorporated the Circus and Royal Crescent)
• Assembly Rooms
• Walk along canals and through Bath’s city centre
• Drink at The Curfew (and maybe dinner)
• Alternatively Dinner at The Slug and Lettuce

Day 2

• Breakfast at Boston Tea Party
• Coffee at Colonna & Smalls
• The Roman Baths
• Walk through Bath
• Coffee Pulteney Bridge
• Holburne Museum and Jane Austin House
• Lunch at the Boater
• House of Frankenstein
• Sally Lunn Bunn
• Drink at The Pulteney Arms (with take-out dinner)

Getting to Bath

The best way to get to Bath is by train. It’s about 80-minutes direct from London (Paddington Station). We booked our train tickets via TrainLine on a Great Western Railway service.

We also caught a train from Bath to Oxford, which is an option if you are coming from that direction. That was just over an hour but did include one stop and change.

The Bath Spa train station is located in the city center. From there we walked 15-minutes in either direction to our accommodation and related sites. 

There are places across from the station where you can store your luggage if you arrive too early for check-in (which is very useful as you don’t want to drag your luggage around the cobblestone streets of Bath all day).

A car is not needed or recommended to get to Bath.

One of the things you’ll love about Bath is the noticeable absence of cars. In an effort to reduce high levels of pollution the city of Bath has created a Clean Air Zone. You will be charged a fee of £9 if driving a higher-emission vehicle in the zone.

Bravo. That means cleaner air and fewer cars within the city center making it feel almost like a pedestrian-only city.

Plus, car rental in the UK is expensive, fuel prices are high, and cars tend to be smaller (to fit on smaller village roads), which can pose a problem if you are traveling in a group with a lot of luggage.

For all our train tickets from London > Bath > Oxford > London we paid around $220 for the four of us. Car rental for 6 days was going to be about $1,500.

If you are on a UK road trip and are driving, there are 3 Park and Ride services in Bath, offering buses into the city. That way you avoid the tax and try to park in the city center.

National Express is also an option if you want to catch the bus, which is much cheaper than a train but it takes a lot longer.

If you insist on renting a car, check rates here with RentalCars.com If renting a car from Central London, you will have to pay a Congestion surcharge of £15 per day you are in the zone (i.e. pick up and drop off = an extra £30).

Where to Stay in Bath

In a city like Bath, part of the experience is staying in accommodation that reflects the unique beauty of Georgian architecture.

While you could stay at one of the luxury hotels in Bath, a Georgian townhouse is much more authentic.

We stayed as guests at the Steam House, a luxury Georgian townhouse that has a chic modern style reflecting a Bridgerton flair.

Just like every scene in the Netflix series, this house pops with colors from the featured floral wallpaper to the photo booths draped with flowers, the vibrant colored couches and furnishings, and the little features like framed letters from Lady Whistledown.

There are five floors, and six bedrooms that can sleep up to 25 people. The bedrooms have king size beds that can be unzipped to single beds. There are also extra single beds and a few sets of full sized bunk beds for extra guests.

Each room has its own dry bath with comfy pink stools in front of gigantic mirrors with hairdryers AND hair straighteners. You’ll also have a bath tub near the window in the main room and one in the main bathroom.

We appreciated the laundry room to catch up on laundry after a week in London!

The townhouse is huge and perfect for large groups of families and people traveling together. It actually makes it an affordable and glamorous Bath accommodation choice.

The house was an easy 15-minute walk into Bath city center and was across the road from a small Tesco, and a couple of other small independent stores, and around the corner from Lady Danbury’s house and a cool neighborhood rugby pub!

It’s best to book Bath accommodation that lies within or near to the city. Bath is a very walkable city, and a car is not needed.

Further London Reading:

If you’re visiting Bath on a day trip from London, then you might enjoy reading these other guides on places to visit in London.

• Why we loved our trip to London
• Top things to see and do in Oxford
• 15 of the top views in London
• Is the London Eye worth it?
• 7 Top Things to do in London for Teens

If you liked this post on Washington DC Vacation travel please consider sharing it. And if you are on Pinterest, you can pin the below image to save for later!

I hope this post helps you have a wonderful trip to Bath. We have fond memories of our visit, and look forward to returning for more. Leave a comment below if you have any questions, or tips of your own, about Bath, England?

I’ve not only visited London several times, but I lived there for 2.5 years. I’ve explored every nook and cranny, as the British would say, and selected some of the most unmissable London attractions that you need to make sure you check out.

If you want to see the best of London, I would recommend you spend at least a couple of weeks there. We did 10 days of intense exploring from early morning to late at night, and I still feel like we could have seen more.

But, from a tourist perspective, and you’ll most likely only have a short visit to London. If that’s the case, you’ll need to be selective about which of these attractions in London you see first.

If you are moving to live in London or intending to experience London for longer and on a deeper dive into local experiences, then we challenge you to see all of this list.

London is a top tourist destination for a reason!

Tips for Visiting London

London is jam packed with top attractions, cultural experiences, cool neighborhoods, and surprises and hidden gems on every street, corner, and cobblestoned alley.

Before we get started with what to do in London, I have just a few words of advice for you…

We walked on average 10 miles a day to see and do as much as we could. London is one of our favorite cities in the world and has been our favorite family trip so far!

But it’s pretty big, so you’re going to need comfortable walking shoes when exploring.

I also recommend you get yourself an Oyster Card. This is the easiest and most cost-effective way to use London’s public transportation. You can pick up an Oyster Card from any major underground station.

You should also pack an umbrella and be prepared for rain. It’s no exaggeration what they say about England, it really does rain a lot.

London Bucket List + Itinerary Guides

A FREE Printable Checklist of the best things to do London and itinerary outline. 

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The Top Things to Do in London

Now I’ve given you a few tips to help you plan your trip, it’s time to take a look at the top London attractions. These are the most unmissable things to do in London as well as some hidden gems.

1. Discover the Magic at Warner Bros Harry Potter Studios, London

High on the list of many visitors to London is the Harry Potter tour at the Warner Bros Studios. It was one of our favorite things to do in London with kids.

Located about one hour northwest of London, this backlot tour will take you through sets, props, and interactive exhibits of the real movie settings of the Harry Potter film series.

You’ll be amazed at how they created magical scenes from such small, intimate settings. We all loved this magical deep dive into the Wizarding World.

Allow for 3-4 hours for the self-guided tour. That will give you enough time to read the stories, ride a broomstick, walk through the forbidden forest and those scary spiders, and drink butterbeer.

You must book in advance for timed entry tickets, otherwise, you will wait for hours.

• Hours: 9.30am – 8.00pm
• Address: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, WD25 7LR

2. Do a Beefeater Tour in the Tower of London

A visit to the Tower of London would not be as good without doing the free 45 minute beefeater tour. 

Nicknamed Beefeaters, Yeoman Warders have been guarding the Tower of London since Tudor time when Henry VIII decided that the Tower should be protected by part of the royal bodyguard.

They were originally part of the Yeoman of the Guard – the monarch’s personal, crack bodyguard who traveled with him everywhere.

The Yeoman Body of 32 men and women are all drawn from the Armed Forces, and must have an impeccable record of service and high ranks.

They share entertaining and gruesome stories of its macabre history from its former years (and I mean centuries) as a Royal residence, armory, treasury, and zoo (thank goodness they stopped that!)

The Tower of London is actually a castle comprising twenty-two towers but sitting in the middle is the original White Tower built in the 1070s by William the Conqueror. The walls, towers, and moat surrounding it came in the 1200s and have been there ever since.

There is a lot to see and do here, including seeing the Crown Jewels.

• Hours: dependent on tour. General opening hours 9.00am – 5.30pm Monday – Friday, 10.00am – 5.30pm Saturday and Sunday
• Address: London EC3N 4AB

3. Experience Extraordinary Views from the London Eye

One of the most famous attractions in London, with some of the best views of the city, is the London Eye on the River Thames.

It is the tallest observation wheel in Europe and a great way to see different viewpoints of the famous buildings in London, like the Big Ben and Houses of Parliament. 

The capsule you sit in moves slowly enough (30-minutes to do a full revolution) that you get time to enjoy the experience and get great photos.

• Hours: 11.00am – 6.00pm daily
• Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB

4. Visit a Royal Park

Londoners love their Royal Parks. These 5000 acres of quality green spaces provide a beautiful respite from a busy day exploring the city  There are eight royal parks in London, many of which are in the central tourist area, and all are free to visit.

They’ll have beautiful gardens, fields for picnics and sports, lakes with boat rides, tree-lined paths, beautiful views, wild life, and many will have public events, concerts, and festivals.

My favorites are St James’s Park, Regent’s Park, Kensington Gardens, Greenwich Park, and Hyde Park.

As you are probably on a short visit to London, these are the London parks you’ll visit the most. But, London is full of delightful parks, gardens, and squares all over the city!

5. Shop and Eat at Borough Market

One of the best places to eat in London is the popular Borough Market on the south side of the River Thames, a collection of stalls and vendors selling fresh produce.

Whether you’re hungry for strawberries dipped in chocolate, soft local cheeses, bowls of Vietnamese pho, sausage rolls or a refreshingly sweet peach prosecco, you’ll find it here.

On the periphery you’ll find pubs, cafes, restaurants, murals and a few Harry Potter filming locations, including the Leaky Cauldron Pub.

I’ll warn you; weekends are shoulder-to-shoulder busy. During the week it is a much quieter experience.

• Hours: 10.00am – 5.00pm Monday – Friday, 8.00am – 5.00pm Saturday, 10.00am – 3.00pm Sunday
• Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB

6. Experience a Traditional Afternoon Tea

It is alleged that afternoon tea began in England in 1840, by Anna Stanhope, the Duchess of Bedford. As dinner was served late in the evening, this was a way of satisfying her hunger pains mid-afternoon.

It became a fashionable form of entertainment and over the years it became an experience for more than just the wealthy. 

Some also say the French started it. But, let’s not get involved in that battle.

For now, we’ll celebrate the English tradition of high tea, named so for the high tables it’s served on. They come in layers of savory and sweet items such as scones with jam and cream, finger sandwiches, macaroons, and pastries.

While you might think you’re required to drink copious amounts of tea with it, you can choose to have coffee, and many will now come served with flutes of champagne or cocktails. Now we’re talking! 

High Tea at the Ritz is the most famous for setting the standard for afternoon tea. The Savoy is another old-school favorite for traditional pomp. We had many recommendations for high tea at Fortnum & Mason.

The Lanesborough is going to give you that vibrant floral Bridgerton afternoon tea flair. Equally aesthetically pleasing – in a bright and modern way is the Ampersand Hotel where we experienced our science-themed high tea, which made Kalyra’s London for teens list!)

There’s even a quirky experience like afternoon tea on a London bus or on a Thames River cruise

First-time visitors will want to add a high tea experience to their list of things to do in London. 

7. See the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

Ok, so technically we didn’t see the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace on this recent London trip – but I did see it when I lived in London.

We had planned for it on the day it doesn’t happen, so, check the schedule!

This is how you make Buckingham Palace a little more than just a sticky beak through the gates and a few “I was here” photos.

The Changing of the Guards is the ceremony where The Queen’s Guard hands over responsibility for protecting Buckingham Palace and St. James’s Palace to the New Guard.

The pomp and ceremony of the precision drill and bands playing stirring music make it one of the most popular London attractions – and it’s free!

Buckingham Palace has been the official London Residence of the Royal Family since 1837. If the Royal Standard flag is flying it means Queen Elizabeth II is in residence, and if the Union flag is flying it means she’s out of town.

As the Queen has chosen of late to reside more at Windsor Castle, her favorite of all her palaces, the odds are you’ll see the Union flag.

8. Eat a Traditional Sunday Roast

You will see them all across London and the UK – traditional Sunday Roast. It is a British cultural experience not to miss.

It’s said to have started during the reign of King Henry VII in 1485. The royal guards would eat roast beef every Sunday after church, which is claimed to have given them the name ‘beefeaters.’ (they now run the tours at the Tower of London).

On Sundays throughout the U.K., pubs and restaurants are packed full for the roast dinner; it’s considered the time for families or friends to get together and share great food.

Although Roast Dinners began with beef, modern times make room for chicken, pork, lamb, or even vegetarian. Many places will offer a traditional pub roast or one with a little more of a modern flair.

Typically included are roasted potatoes and root vegetables, green vegetables like cabbage and spring greens, cauliflower cheese, and lots of gravy. It’s traditional to serve it with a Yorkshire pudding, which is a savory eggy batter poured over beef drippings.

We thoroughly enjoyed our Sunday Roast at the Edinboro Castle Pub in Camden. They have a lovely beer garden and gluten-free beer to match!

• Hours: 12.00pm – 11.00pm Monday – Saturday, 12.00pm – 10.30pm Sunday
• Address: 57 Mornington Terrace, London NW1 7RU

9. See the Iconic Big Ben

Big Ben is to London, what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. It’s one of London’s landmarks that cannot be missed off any itinerary. 

Big Ben is the 13.5 tonne iconic clock tower at the Houses of Parliament. Officially, it’s the Elizabeth Tower, but everyone calls it Big Ben after Benjamin Hall, the First Commissioner of Works when it was finished in 1858.

You can see it from many viewpoints in London, including the London Eye, Westminster Bridge, cruising along the river, and our favorite, Parliament Square.

Parliament Square is next to the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. It has statues of well-known political leaders including Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, and Nelson Mandela.

One of our favorite iconic London photos we captured on our trip – that even local Londoners didn’t know about – was that of Winston Churchill looking out upon Big Ben.

The Houses of Parliament is where all the important business in running the country happens. You can tour inside on select days and times. I was fortunate to have a friend working there when I lived in London who invited me in for a drink at one of the pubs inside. It was a cool experience!

If you’re interested in British Politics, Number 10 Downing Street is a five-minute walk from Big Ben and is known for being the home of the Prime Minister. Nowadays the Prime Minister doesn’t live there, but still uses it to hold meetings.

• Hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm
• Address: London SW1A 0AA

10. Tour Westminster Abbey

Since you’re at Parliament Square, let’s cross the road and tour Westminster Abbey, the Royal Church of England. Every monarch since William the Conqueror has been crowned here and many have been married in the abbey as well.

I enjoyed our self-guided audio tour of Westminster Abbey more than I thought I would, as did our kids (14 & 10).

You’ll walk through the beautiful, tiled sanctuary where weddings happen; the elaborate quire; visit the tombs of many royals and important people; pay your respects at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier; and see the bland Coronation Chair.

Don’t miss the Poets Corner where you’ll find the resting places of some of England’s finest: Chaucer, Dickens, Tennyson, Kipling, and Hardy.

I also enjoyed seeing the perspective of the abbey from walking around the cloisters and gardens. This tour is part of the London Pass by Go City.

• Hours: 9.30am – 4.30pm Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 2.00pm Saturday, Sundays for services only.
• Address: 20 Deans Yd, London SW1P 3PA

11. Tour Kensington Palace and Gardens

Kensington is known as the home of the Young Royals. It’s the official residence of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (i.e. Prince William and Kate) and their children. Harry and Meghan lived here for a time, and most famously, it was beloved Princess Diana’s home.

This is also where the legendary Queen Victoria was born. You can follow her Royal footsteps on a tour through her re-imagined childhood rooms and the King and Queen State Apartments, and the magnificent King’s State Apartments and Queen’s State Apartments.

I loved the Life Through a Royal Lens exhibition sharing the Royal Family through photography, the views from the windows, the elaborate Kings Staircase, and King’s Gallery.

And the most beautiful Kensington Gardens with their memorial to Diana and the legacy of her work doing good for the world. We really enjoyed this London experience.

• Hours: 10.00am – 6.00pm, Closed Sunday and Monday
• Address: Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX

12. Explore Covent Garden

One of the most well-known places to visit in London is Covent Garden. 

Wander the cobblestoned areas surrounding the central marketplace, which had its beginnings as a convent garden in the 1500s. It served different purposes from then, but by the 1800s it had developed into the largest produce market in the world. Its overwhelming size prompted its relocation in 1974. 

It is also next to other tourist attractions in London, like Trafalgar Square and Nelson’s Column, Leicester Square, Soho, and the West End theater district. 

There are endless restaurants and bars and local stores. Performers rotate all day long on the street just below the balcony of the famous Punch and Judy pub (good luck trying to get on it!).

Don’t forget to spread out across the central Covent Garden marketplace area to explore the surrounding cobblestone streets and side alleys for other secret gems!

When you need a break, head to Lamb & Flag for a family pub lunch in the oldest pub in Covent Garden. (this was one of our favorite London pubs).

13. See a theater show at the West End

London is renowned as one of the best places in the world for theater. There are over 40 theater venues in the West End performing to over 14 million every year.

There is a large variety of musicals on offer, some of the most popular ones being the Lion King, Wicked, Les Misérables, and Hamilton. (I saw Les Misérables and Saigon when living in London)

On this family vacation to London, Kalyra, Savannah and I went to see Matilda in the Cambridge Theater in Covent Garden, while Craig caught up with his old Rugby teammates from Sydney in Chelsea.

Matilda the Musical is based on the Roald Dahl book and movie. Most of the cast are young children, who are very talented. We laughed the entire time!

I’m glad we added this it to our London itinerary at the last minute as our teen said it was one of her favorite London experiences.

If you want to have a unique experience and see something quintessentially English, you can catch a Shakespeare production at The Globe Theatre on the banks of the River Thames.

Fair warning; this theater is a standing theater so maybe think about that if there’s a production of Hamlet or King Lear.

14. Explore the Murals in Shoreditch

If you are short on time and want to experience more traditional London attractions, then save Shoreditch as a thing to do on your next London trip. 

Those with longer than three days in London and love exploring modern culture, you will want to do a mural tour of the Hip Shoreditch in East London. 

Street art in the UK is still technically illegal and considered a criminal activity, which means street art can pop up quickly, but be taken down just as fast.

Shoreditch is the anomaly and is the epicenter of London’s street art scene as they fight back on the vandalism label. The most well-known secret street artist of all time – Banksy has left his mark in Shoreditch several times.

15. Drink a Pimm’s & Lemonade

If you are coming to England and intend on experiencing a high tea, you cannot pass on drinking a Pimm’s & Lemonade. It’s somewhat of an unofficial drink of London, especially on a hot summer’s day. (What? You mean that’s a thing?)

James Pimm invented and marketed the very first “Pimm’s’ as a health tonic in the 1840s. It was a gin-based drink mixed with a secret mix of herbs and other liquids and was used to aid digestion. It was served in a small tankard-style cup which was known as the ‘No.1 Cup’

It’s a great drink to have with friends as it’s often served by the Pitcher, ice-cold and filled with fresh fruits. It has a mildly sweet and spiced flavor and is refreshing. I can’t believe I never drank it when I lived in London. I liked it a lot!

Choose a bar, any bar, but if you want to follow our advice: When it hits Pimm’s o’clock on a sunny day in London enjoy yours with a view at the Founder’s Arms on the River Thames at Southwark.

Hours: 10.00am – 11.00pm, Monday – Thursday, 10.00am – 12.00am Friday, 9.00am – 12.00am Saturday, 9.00am – 11.00pm Sunday
Address: 52 Hopton St, London SE1 9JH

16. Have a London Ale + a Traditional Pub Lunch

As we mentioned in our best pubs in the London post, we absolutely love the English pub experience, and had lunch in one almost every day. Well, at least we stopped in for a pint of ale!

Almost any pub in London will have a cozy, warm ambiance with an incredible historical tale to tell. You’ll find low ceilings, creaky stairs, live music, beer gardens, and beautiful London views. 

Most will offer a menu of traditionally English pub meals. We already mentioned the unmissable Sunday roast, but other English favorites to try are the fish and chips, bangers and mash and gravy, and pie with mash and gravy. You may even find some mushy peas – another English favorite.

And I was thrilled to find a couple of pubs that had gluten free fish and chips.

Alongside your pub lunch, be sure to taste a traditional English ale pulled into the glass by a hand pump. As a previous bartender in London, I can tell you pulling a few of these pints of an evening can give you sore arms!

This is a uniquely British dispensing device that is specifically appropriate for traditional cask-conditioned ales. It allows the casks to be kept in a cooler cellar below the bar and the beer to be pulled or drawn up to the bar and gives a lower carbonation beer.

The English will tell you it’s a far better tasting beer. Craig agrees and drank plenty of them to arrive at that conclusion.

17. Do the Southbank Walk

We took any chance we could to walk along Southbank to get from A to B.

This South Bank to Southwark walk along the Thames starts at Westminster Bridge, looking towards the Houses of Parliament all the way to Tower Bridge. Or vice versa. It’s approximately  2.5 miles / 4km in total. 

There are stunning views all around and you’ll pass iconic attractions like the Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe, The Shard, London Eye, and Tate Modern all under the omnipresent watch of St Paul’s Cathedral. 

Along the way, you’ll find some popular and famous pubs like our favorites The Anchor and The Founders Arms. Plus, the sunsets from here are beautiful.

18. Straddle the Prime Meridian in Greenwich

Head to the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, the Place of Time, located about 40 minutes southeast of Central London along the Thames. This is definitely one of the more unique things to do in London.

Here you can learn the fascinating history of how the Royal astronomers experimented and studied the stars to come up with today’s modern version of time.

Its measurement (GMT) all starts at the Prime Meridian. You can check off your bucket list that you have stood with one foot in the West and one foot in the Eastern hemisphere.

Putting the icing on the cake is the view behind the glittering modern skyscrapers forming the Canary Wharf skyline in front of the Thames.

It’s the perfect encapsulation of the modern and ancient worlds that London has evolved through to become this incredible city we love so much.

• Hours: 10.00am – 5.00pm
• Address: Royal Observatory, Blackheath Ave, London SE10 8XJ

19. Visit Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is one of the most famous places in London. Everybody who visits loves to have their photos with the huge lions, which represent the courage of Britain. Kids will love climbing them!

The 52-m high statue of Lord Nelson dominates the square and the National Gallery is the stunning building in the background.

It’s really the center of London and has always been a place for Londoners to gather, whether that is to bring in the New Year together, or protest, rally, or march for important rights and causes.

One of my favorite things about Trafalgar Square is the pedestrian lights surrounding it. They are LGBTQ traffic lights that include two men and two women holding hands and forming a heart, and various gender symbols including a transgender sign.

• Hours: 24 hours
• Address: Trafalgar Sq, London WC2N 5DN

20. Take in the Best View of London from The Shard

Piercing the sky above London is the needle-like structure of the Shard, the tallest building in Western Europe.

It’s quickly becoming a London icon and a popular place to visit, especially for the incredible views from its 72^nd floor open-air platform. There is an enclosed viewing platform on level 69 as well.

The Shard View is an expensive thing to do in London, but the 244m high sweeping London views make it worthwhile. I absolutely loved the fantastic perspective of the River Thames snaking through the city east to west.

It was particularly moving for me as I lived in London for two years and never saw it from this angle. I LOVE this city so much!

Aim for about an hour before sunset so you can experience the dusk golden light views, sunset panoramic views, and nighttime views when those London lights sparkle.

You must reserve your tickets in advance. (It will also save you money). This attraction is included in the Go City Card. This would be the star event of the pass!

• Hours: 10.00am – 10.00pm Thursday – Saturday (access until 8:30pm). 10.00am – 7.00pm Sunday – Wednesday (access until 5:30pm)
• Address: 32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG

21. Explore Regents Canal (cruise or walk)

One of the best things to do in London that we haven’t done before was a canal boat cruise from Little Venice to Camden Market in North London. 

Regent’s Canal is a nine-mile ribbon of water that runs from Little Venice to the where it spills into the Thames at Limehouse.

It offers visitors a chance to experience a quieter side of London. What was once a busy cargo transportation route has become leisurely waterways through London offering people a tranquil place to walk, paddle, or boat ride.

The relaxing and picturesque 40-minute canal ride will take you along Regents Canal, through the 248m Maida Hill tunnel, and past the exclusive neighborhoods of Maida Vale and Primrose Hill, with homes of celebrities, and expansive and landscaped back gardens of grand houses.

We also walked along here from Camden to Regents Park. We have more information in our full guide on a day out in Camden Town.

22. Explore Camden Town and Camden Market

While you’re exploring Regent’s Canal, you must incorporate a stop off in Camden Town. It’s one of our favorite places in London for its eclectic, grungy, alternative style. 

It’s a London neighborhood known for the Camden Markets and its live music scene. Many famous artists from around the world have played here or got their start here, or sadly, died here.

Click the following link for our guide on things to do in Camden Markets which includes the canal boat ride, a Sunday pub roast, Regent’s Park, and some top pubs for live music!

• Hours: Camden Market is open 10.00am – 6.00pm daily
• Address: 54-56 Camden Lock Pl, London NW1 8AF

23. Visit the London Museums + Art Galleries

We’re not big museum people, so we didn’t visit many for this London trip. We travel so much and have visited so many museums that we tend to run the other way now. 

However, on my next visit to London, I will plan to visit more as London has exceptional museums. And, as a bonus, the permanent collections at London’s museums are FREE. If you love museums, I have no doubt they would be one of the best things to do in London.

You can find a museum of any size and suit any interest. We even came across the Vagina Museum in Camden!

Most notable are the National Gallery and the British Museum. We did spend an hour in the British Museum and it was fantastic and I do wish it was longer.

For those traveling with kids, you can’t miss the Natural History Museum which features a life-size blue whale skeleton and a huge robot T-Rex. Right next door is the interactive Science Museum, where children can learn about science through play.

Across the road from the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum is the Victoria and Albert Museum, which is the world’s largest museum of decorative arts – if you like statues, this is a museum to check out.

The Tate Modern was another London gallery attraction we dedicated some time to and thoroughly enjoyed the art on display. It’s well worth adding this to your London itinerary, if not for the views alone!

Some other museums in London that visitors love are the British War Museum, The National Maritime Museum, the Cutty Sark (a retired navy ship), and National Portrait Gallery. As you can see, you could use at least two days to just explore the museums of London!

24. Take a walking tour through London’s history

Every street and cobblestone alleyway in London has a fascinating historical story to tell. One of our favorite ways to experience the culture and history of a destination is to take a walking tour. 

What do you want to learn? There’ll be a walking tour for it. 

As we were visiting London with kids on this trip, we did not do the Jack the Ripper walking tour. But that was one of the first things I did when I moved to London. I LOVED it! Yes. It will freak you out. 

What freaked me out even more was I often had to walk past one of his killing alleyways on an evening after my shift at the pub to get home. The chills in my spine doubled the pace of my legs!

25. Walk Across Millennium Bridge

The Millennium Bridge is one of the coolest, more recent additions to London city. Opened in 2000, it has a warped, futuristic look with magnificent views all around.

I loved the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral growing in front of your eyes with each step. And look behind for views of Tate Modern, and to the right for Tower Bridge views, and views of life on both banks of the river.

It’s also known as the Wobbly Bridge as when it was first opened an engineering defect caused it to shake and wobble when people walked across it. They had to close it down for two years to fix it.

Be sure to look down. An unknown artist frequently comes by and secretly creates artwork out of the dried-up gum. Gross but cool.

Harry Potter Fans: London Boys School (on the left as you approach the north side) was where Daniel Radcliffe went to school. Remember when the Death Eaters attack London in the scenes from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince? They were filmed on the Millennium Bridge.

26. Walk across Tower Bridge (and see it open!)

Another bridge you’ll want to walk across is Tower Bridge, another famous landmark of London. Almost anyone coming to London is already familiar with the elegant beauty of its neo-Gothic turrets and blue suspension cables.

Walk across Tower Bridge for free and get great views overlooking the Thames and back over the Tower of London.

You can head up into the north tower to the (paid) Tower Bridge Exhibition for higher views and to learn more about the architecture, engineering, and history. It is a paid attraction and is included in your London attraction pass.

Check for times when the Tower Bridge will raise up its bridge arms so boats underneath can pass by. They do have to book it 24 hours in advance so you can plan ahead for this cool experience.

On average, Tower Bridge opens its bascules around 800 times a year, that’s around twice a day. Check opening times here.

Take a river cruise to see it from underneath as well.

27. Take a Thames River Sightseeing Cruise

There is nothing like seeing London from the perspective of its snaking River Thames.

The Lastminute.com London Eye River cruise is a 40-minute circular tour of the Thames on a small open-top ferry with guided commentary. The departure landing dock is right under the London Eye.

I loved the commentary that taught us a lot about the history of the Thames and the role it’s played in London life.

The cruise will take you past Big Bend and the Houses of Parliament before turning around to head east passing under many of London’s bridges spanning the river – each with its own name and story.

You’ll learn many stories about the iconic Landmarks you’ll pass like Big Bend, London Bridge, HMS Belfast, The Shard, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, and Tower Bridge, which you’ll get to sail under before turning around to cruise back.

You can see more in our Reel of the River Thames cruise. (Follow us over there for more fun travel adventures and tips!)

28. Tour St Paul’s Cathedral

St Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most famous cathedrals in the world and one of London’s most magnificent buildings.

There is a rule that St Paul’s must be visible from eight separate places throughout London which is why so many of the modern skyscrapers are unusual shapes. They are making room for that line of sight!

Now that you’ve seen that impressive dome from around the city, it’s time to see it from the inside and learn about this architectural masterpiece from Sir Christopher Wren, built after the Great Fire of London between 1675 and 1710.

We visited on a guided tour with Independence by Globus, but standard admission includes an audio guide. Visit the crypt to see memorials of hundreds of well-known and great people, including the bodies of Wellington and Nelson lying directly under the dome.

Sadly, the whispering gallery around the base of the dome was closed when we visited, but this is one of the best things to do in St Paul’s as well as the Stone Gallery and Golden Gallery, both at the top of the dome offering incredible views of London.

Ask the attendants if they can take you to the spiraling Harry Potter staircase. This staircase in St Paul’s was used as the “Divination Stairwell” located in the North Tower of Hogwarts Castle for the Harry Potter films.

• Hours: 8.30am – 4.30pm Monday and Tuesday, Thursday – Saturday. 10.00am – 4.30pm Wednesday, 8.30am – 6.00pm Sunday
• Address: St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD

29. Get your photo at Platform 9¾ Kings Cross Station

Even if you don’t follow the Harry Potter filming trail across London, I recommend you plan for getting your photo running the cart into the wall at Platform 9¾  at Kings Cross. 

That is of course if you are a Harry Potter fan, otherwise, it might not float your boat. 

I was the only one in our family who did it and I had a load of fun. The Head Wizard was so cool in showing each person different witchy poses. As this was a once in a lifetime, I was not going to hold back!

We were lucky to only have a 10 minute wait. Lines here can be up to two hours. Get there as early as you can, or later close to finish time. Good luck muggles. 

Just so you know, Kings Cross Station is real. Platform 9¾ is not. They have a designated space at the station (not even on the platforms) for your photos with the cart going into the wall. 

There is a Harry Potter store here as well where you can buy your fan favorites.

If you want to see the platforms (where many scenes were filmed) either catch a train somewhere or ask the guards if they can let you on the platform to take a photo. Across the road is St Pancreas which is the background setting for the flying car scene in the second movie.

Kings Cross was my arrival point in London when I first arrived in 1997 as a broke backpacker with an infected foot and not knowing a soul. I was overwhelmed and scared.

I got quite emotional coming back here as it reminded me of my journey from there to here and how much I’ve grown! You can read more about that story here. 

• Hours: 24 hours
• Address: Euston Rd, London N1 9AL

30. Visit Leadenhall Markets

If you’re heading east towards Liverpool Street then I recommend you visit the stunning Leadenhall Markets in Central London.

These beautiful covered markets were originally established in 1321 as a market for butchers and fishmongers (However history says it was the center of Roman London as a bazaar area in the 1st Century!)

Much of the ornately decorated interior and cobbled laneways that you see preserved today are from a redesign in 1881.

It’s now a shopping precinct with trendy bars, cute cafes, boutique stores, and a couple of taverns. One of the reasons tourists come here is that it was used as the exterior for Diagon Alley in the first couple of Harry Potter films.

The Lamb Tavern is a great pub here, in operation since 1790.

• Hours: 24 hours
• Address: Gracechurch St, London EC3V 1LT

31. Follow the Harry Potter Film Locations Trail

There are quite a few locations in London where scenes from the Harry Potter movies were filmed. If you’re a fan, this might be one of your favorite things to do in London. It is certainly one of the best things to do in London with kids.

We didn’t specifically follow a trail or do it all in one day. But we knew where a lot of the locations were and, if it was in the area we were visiting, we made a side step to go and see it. 

One of the best ways to experience Harry Potter locations in London is through a walking tour. I wish we did this just so we could have heard more stories and felt more connected to each location. Doing it ourselves didn’t have quite the same magic and was more just a “well this is it,” snap a photo and then leave. 

I’ve mentioned a couple in this post already (and I’ll write a separate post on each one soon)

Some of the major spots are:

• Kings Cross Station & St Pancreas
• The Leaky Cauldron at Borough Markets
• Cecil’s Court and Godwin’s Court, Covent Garden
• Leadenhall Markets
• Millennium Bridge

32. Watch a football match

If you can time it right, I highly recommend incorporating a football match into your London itinerary. 

You can either see a live match at one of the many football stadiums around the city, or simply from within a pub, or outdoor big screen when big matches are on. 

It is an electric experience with much fever and excitement with the English chanting, singing, and celebrating long into the night … if they win. God help London if they don’t!

As I lived in a house with Australians, Kiwis, South Africans, Irish, and Brits, you can imagine the fun we had at the pub nearly every weekend watching cricket, rugby, or football.

Don’t forget London is home to Wimbledon, the iconic tennis stadium. Cricket fans may also want to visit Lords (my dad’s favorite thing to do in London. He even played on it.) Rugby fans at Twickenham, and football fans, Wembley (there are a lot more!)

33. Get your Selfie at Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus is like a mini Times Square in New York. Full of neon lights, massive flashing advertising billboards, and people getting selfies. It’s overrated, but many tourists love it so I’m adding it here for you. 

It’s just a road junction with a circular space in the middle with a statue of Eros on it. 

From here you can easily walk to Piccadilly, Leicester Square, Shaftesbury Avenue, the curving Regent Street, and Covent Garden.

34. Shopping on Oxford Street

Surprisingly high on many visitors’ list of things to do in London is to visit Oxford St, the world’s biggest high street (that’s Main Street for non-UK people).

Maybe it has no allure for me as I walked along it scores of times while living in London to get from A to B.

Oxford Street is one of the busiest streets in London, especially on a weekend, so be prepared for shoulder rubbing. It just gets too intense for me. 

It stretches 1.5 miles from the corner of Hyde Park all the way down to Tottenham Court Road and is filled with stores selling fashion, beauty, tech, and homeware. You’ll find brands and department stores such as Gap, River Island, Primark, Selfridges, House of Fraser, and Marks & Spencer.

There are also more than 500 restaurants along the street and side streets.

35. Take a day trip from London

Need a break from the intensity of London? There are many fantastic UK destinations that are easy day trips from London.

We recommend going by train as it’s easier than a car rental, and depending on where you’re going, cheaper too. You could also do the National Express bus service which is the most affordable way to reach the major cities in the UK.

We caught the train to Bath from London for two nights, and then Oxford for two nights in the middle of our London trip. Both were fantastic.

You can also hire a car from Oxford (way cheaper than hiring in London) and take a trip out to the iconic Cotswolds villages for a chance to see rural England and its quaint medieval villages.

Instead of a day trip, we recommend an overnight stay, so it’s not as rushed.

Other top places to visit in England close to London include Windsor, Stonehenge, Brighton, Cambridge, and the South Downs (where the White Cliffs of Dover are located).

Book your London Accommodation

In need of a hotel or apartment rental when visiting London?

• We have a list of vetted London accommodation options, including a short review of the three we stayed at in Kensington, Shepherds Bush, and Camden.
• Check Booking.com for hotels in London
• See what home and apartment rentals are available on VRBO

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