Top 10 Things to do in London

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Afraid to not exploring the world-famous London? Check best 10 things to do in London that you musnt's missed. See how travellers around the world enjoy the magnificent city and book top London Attractions tickets with best price on Trip.com.

London Attractions No.1: Madame Tussauds

A family favourite no matter the season, Madame Tussauds is first thing to do on our list of the top 10 London attractions. Pop in and marvel at the lifelike wax figures of world-famous celebrities. Divided into 8 distinct zones representing music, the royals, Marvel, and more, Madame Tussauds is sure to have something for every visitor.

Star in a film with Kate Winslet, walk the red carpet with Adele, or stand your ground against The Incredible Hulk, and do it all while snapping fun photos along the way. Within the venue, a Marvel Universe 4D mini movie is available for children. Plus, you’ll also have the chance to learn about the history of wax figures and how they’re made at the Behind the Scenes exhibit. Tickets start at £30.50.

London Attractions No.2: Kew Gardens

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Kew Gardens in London is home to the largest collection of plants and fungi in the world. With millions of species, the gardens span across 121 hectares of land and includes royal residences, a treetop walkway, and much more.

Visit the Davies Alpine House which recreates the dry, windy conditions where plants grow at high elevations. The award-winning structure houses flora like lavender, thyme, and tulips. Next, see London from above at the newly-opened Great Pagoda, or learn more about how the conditions in which carnivorous plants grow have led them to be able to secure their own food sources.

You can easily spend the entire afternoon at the gardens. By booking your ticket to Kew Gardens in advance, you’ll save around £1.75.

London Attractions No.3: Warner Brothers Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter

It’s all aboard the Hogwarts Express at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. Here, fans of Harry Potter will be enamoured with the sets and props that were used to bring the book series to life on the big screen. Check out technical drawings and models to learn more about how sets were designed and built, then take a closer peek at some of the series’ most iconic costumes.

The tour also includes special features that change every couple of months. If you visit before 15 September 2021, you’ll be able to check out A Celebration of Slytherin which features the house’s green and silver common room as well as costumes belonging to the Malfoy family. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, this is definitely one of the top 10 attractions in London—you won’t find it anywhere else in the world so make sure you book in advance.

London Attractions No.4: London Dungeon

For a taste of the dark side of the city’s history, head to the London Dungeon for an enthralling 110 minute show with real actors and 360 degree sets. First, you’ll be taken back to year 1536 as you descend into the dungeon and your journey begins. Visitors will find themselves as part of the show as they venture through a torture chamber, the Whitechapel Labyrinth, and into the Newgate Prison. It’s all downhill once you reach the Newgate Gallows—here, you’ll experience true fear on a freefall drop ride. Book in advance for a better deal on tickets.

London Attractions No.5: London Eye

Situated in the centre of London opposite Big Ben is the London Eye, a giant big wheel that offers panoramic views of the city. By hopping into one of the wheel’s 32 glass capsules, you’ll catch glimpses of sights like Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and Westminster Abbey. Within the capsules are touch screens that introduce and provide facts about each landmark.

Visited by millions of tourists each year, this famous big wheel is undoubtedly one of the top 10 attractions in London. By booking your tickets in advance, you’ll be able to both save on the ticket price and even skip the queues.

London Attractions No.6: SEA LIFE London Aquarium

London’s massive SEA LIFE aquarium is home to thousands of different types of sea life from around the world. Split into different themed zones, visitors to the aquarium have a chance to view Pacific sharks from above as they walk over them on a glass window, admire vividly coloured tropical fish in the UK’s largest living coral reef, and even go on a rainforest adventure in a climate controlled area with crocodiles and piranhas. The aquarium plays an active role in conservation and protecting the oceans.

London Attractions No.7: Shrek’s Adventure Park

Take a ride through fairytale world of Far Far Away with 10 live shows, a trip on a magical 4D flying bus, and interactions with all of your favourite Shrek characters. As the adventure begins, you’ll find out that Shrek’s gone missing! Visitors will have to track him down step by step as they pass through the settings of the Shrek Swamp, Poison Apple Pub, and more! If you end up finding Shrek, be sure to snap some pictures with him for your photo album.

After the adventure ends, head over to the DreamWorks Play Stations and find new friends from films like Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda. Next, the experience continues as you talk a walk down the rainbow “red” carpet to the Trolls World Tour which includes interactive music stations and plenty of chances for photos. To ensure availability when heading to this top 10 attraction in London, be sure to book your tickets online.

London Attractions No.8: Buckingham Palace Garden

With history dating back to year 1608, the Buckingham Palace Garden spans across 39 acres and is home to over 300 species of wild plants, a manmade lake, and 1,000 trees. The garden has played host to a number of royal events, including the Queen’s renowned garden parties.

This attraction is only open to the public throughout the months of July, August, and September, which just so happen to be the most suitable months for picnics with friends. Due to limited availability, tickets can sometimes be difficult to come by, so be sure to plan your visit ahead of time.

London Attractions No.9: Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace was once the home of Henry VIII, his wives, and children. Entering the palace, you’ll see the Great Hall which was the site of a number of festive celebrations and the kitchens that once had constantly burning logs and a staff of over 200. The palace is an extravagant display of the wealth and power once held by those in control and worth exploring in detail. For these reasons, it’s one of our top 10 attractions in London.

Outside the palace are the gardens, which feature a winding maze. Here, visitors can try their best to make it to the centre point which is marked with a plaque. The vastness of the entire complex makes you feel as if you’ve left the city and entered the countryside.

The palace has different opening hours based on the season, so be sure to check before visiting.

London Attractions No.10: Tower of London

This UNESCO World Heritage is one of our picks for the top 10 attractions in London because of how iconic it is. The Tower of London has been depicted on thousands of postcards and countless forms of media. While it’s no secret that the English Crown Jewels are housed in the tower, they’re well protected. In fact, imposing Yeomen Warders (also known as Beefeaters) stand outside the tower, and these days, they’re available to give guided tours and share stories from the times when the castle was used as a fortress and prison. During your visit, you’ll also learn about the ravens that guard the tour and even visit the underground torture chamber.

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Things to do in London & Popular Hotels

5 star

9.2/10Great195 Reviews
London|2.72km from city centre
We stayed at Shangri-la for two nights.I can’t praise enough the staff and the hotel itself. Upon arrival, we were upgraded to an amazing city-view room. Our room was facing St Paul’s Cathedral and other famous landmarks. The views were absolutely breathtaking. I decided to use the pool and sauna. It was brilliant! Again stunning views as the pool is located on the 52nd floor. Breakfast was delicious with a great selection of cold and hot food, fruits and pastries. The facilities at the hotel are great but what makes everything perfect is the people and staff. A big thank you to duty manager Tylor and the reception staff, especially Jasmine and Andzelika, the pool attendant. You made our stay memorable.❤️
From€631
9.5/10Amazing385 Reviews
London|3.18km from city centre
The hotel room was beautiful, it was in a great location, and the staff were absolutely amazing - from giving us access to the hospitality suite to freshen up after arriving very early from a long-haul flight, to helping arrange a doctor to visit our room when my daughter was very unwell, they were so friendly and extremely helpful.
From€280
9.1/10Great94 Reviews
Kings Cross-Islington London|2.34km from city centre
Second time staying at The Standard and must say this time they got it right. Smooth check in and checkout with great service both times. The room we got was absolutely gorgeous with so many windows and a great view out to St Pancras. Bed was comfortable. Bathroom is luxurious with great bathtub and shower. Lighting in the room is nice to use. Great breakfast and we had a great meal at the hotel restaurant Decimo.
SOLD OUT
9.3/10Great65 Reviews
London|3.34km from city centre
Facilities: The hotel is a bit old, so the facilities are also a bit dated. Cleanliness: It was clean and tidy. Environment: The location is excellent, very, very close to Tower Bridge. The hotel has a garden-like feel, but the entrance was a bit hard to find and not exactly where Google Maps showed it. It's a bit south of the restaurant in the same courtyard. It took me a while to find it. Service: The service was pretty good. There weren't many staff members, and they weren't waiting outside for you. You have to go to the reception to ask for help with luggage and such.
From€163
8.8/10Very Good114 Reviews
London|3.31km from city centre
This is by far one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed at. The service from the staff was incredible, so thoughtful and kind. The room wasn’t ready for check in time unfortunately. The hotel is beautifully designed. I will definitely be back.
From€176

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Business travel

8.3/10Very Good792 Reviews
Bloomsbury London|1.72km from city centre
The hotel is centrally located in London's Bloomsbury district, right next to the British Museum and University College London (UCL). Covent Garden and Oxford Street are also within easy walking distance. Russell Square and Euston Underground stations are just a short walk away, making it incredibly convenient for both business travelers and tourists. The neighborhood is steeped in literary and academic history, ideal for guests who appreciate a tranquil setting while still wanting to experience the city's vibrant energy.
From€166
8.3/10Very Good119 Reviews
London|0.76km from city centre
My wife and I had a stay at Mimis recently, and overall, we enjoyed it and would stay there again. However, I suggest doing some research beforehand, as the rooms are quite tiny. Even though we were aware of this before arriving, we were still a bit surprised by just how small they were. Despite this, it didn't negatively impact our experience or spoil our stay. The room and bathroom was nicely decorated. I only have a few minor observations rather than complaints. Upon check-in, we requested a late check-out, but the person at the reception seemed a bit abrupt, as he did with an older couple in front of us who had questions about their room location in the annex and that they hoped to stay in the main building. The pillows provided were not very supportive, as they deflated to almost nothing. If we had stayed for more than one night and asked for extra pillows, they would have been accommodating. Regarding breakfast, we inquired about the options available and were informed that they offered coffee and pastries. Unfortunately, they couldn't provide hot food, which was a bit disappointing. It would have been nice to have the choice of continental-style breakfast with cold meats and other items; we would have been willing to pay for it as we only wanted somthing light. Despite these very small things, they did not affect our overall enjoyment of the stay. We still had a pleasant time, and we are looking forward to returning to Mimis in the future. Location is great!
From€138
8.6/10Very Good51 Reviews
London|3.75km from city centre
located in a good location for exploring the city of London, Whitechapel and Shoreditch. Rooms are small and basic but clean,
From€108
7.5/1091 Reviews
London|5.71km from city centre
Visited this hotel the day before my birthday as a treat from my daughter. Room was nice and the beds were very comfy.  Found the staff very unfriendly especially the young lady on the food counter. Very blunt and no please or thank you when we ordered food. Also a few males walking around who were reception team and a manger, we smiled and said hello without any response, we were booked for 5 days and we would have left and gone elsewhere but it was non refundable.
From€116
9/10Great77 Reviews
Sutton|0.19km from city centre
Holiday inn Sutton 4*hotel. Close to local amenities shopping , eating. The hotel has Jacuzzi, sauna, swimming pool, gym, and steam room. Excellent selection of breakfast (help yourself / buffet). Friendly staff at the hotel. Good public transport nearby. I high recommended Holiday Inn Sutton.
From€85

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Family friendly

8.9/10Very Good294 Reviews
Waterloo and Southwark London|1.01km from city centre
The location is absolutely superb! It's just a short walk to Big Ben and the London Eye. The only slight drawback is that the room is a bit small. However, considering everything, I think it offers good value for money. I would definitely stay here again on future trips. The hotel service was decent, and the breakfast was a typical English breakfast.
From€202
8.8/10Very Good403 Reviews
Waterloo and Southwark London|1.02km from city centre
Let's start with the positives: The hotel is located at the south end of Westminster Bridge, about a 6-7 minute walk from Waterloo Underground Station. From the room, you can see the London Eye and City Hall. This hotel is perfect for families, as its one-bedroom king suite is approximately 40 square meters and features a separate living/sleeping area. Upon entering, there's a sofa bed, and further inside is the king bed, with separate TVs in both areas. This setup can comfortably accommodate two adults and two children, with a bathroom in the middle. It feels spacious even with more people, and there's plenty of room for luggage. I was pleasantly surprised to find a microwave in the room. Now, for the downsides: Housekeeping service is quite basic; daily cleaning only involves emptying trash, changing towels, and making the bed. They occasionally even forgot to clean. Before check-in, I received an email stating we could get a complimentary bottle of wine if we opted out of housekeeping, but no one offered it proactively when we checked in. The hotel's breakfast is extremely repetitive; not a single dish changes daily, making it very monotonous. It's the same baked beans, sausages, and roasted tomatoes every single day... After an 8-day stay, we were thoroughly fed up with it. However, if you don't eat breakfast there, your options outside are mostly just sandwiches. The hotel does not proactively provide toothpaste, toothbrushes, or slippers. You have to ask the front desk at check-in or call from your room to request them.
From€225
8.5/10Very Good101 Reviews
Marylebone London|2.24km from city centre
Stayed 5 nights pre tour. Location is central to see places of interest. Can walk on Oxford street for shopping. Close stroll to Hyde Park, then to Kensington Palace. Easy to catch the buses to Piccadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace. Managed to get the train from Heathrow airport to the hotel easily but will need to change lines (not hard to do) part way. Rooms clean and comfortable. The fridge was small and hardly cold. There was a lot of ice caked on. I let the fridge defrost when we were out the first day and it worked much better after that. The towels were massive, too big for us. If you put out a green card tag outside your room door to ask for no room service for the day you can claim a £10 voucher to spend at the cafe the next day. It will allow you to get 2 coffees or 4 Kit Kats. You can only do this for 2 consecutive days. The room needs to be serviced on day 3 of stay. We found the meals nearby expensive and nothing that I would recommend. We took the buses to China town for cheaper and better food (need cash). Staff are friendly and helpful. We were offered 1 morning of complimentary breakfast. Otherwise breakfast is £22 per person - buffet. Husband likes flat white which wasn’t available on the coffee machine. Staff went and got us a flat white from the cafe for no extra charge. Well done to Baswathi at check in and Nisha and Khalid in the dining room. Service was exceptional. Prices can fluctuate considerably. Initially when I looked it was AUD 300 per night without breakfast. A week later I had to pay AUD 400. Good hotel but not cheap (personal opinion).
From€238
8.8/10Very Good89 Reviews
London|11.13km from city centre
The hotel is very grand, very nice and good access to transportarion with the DLR and Elisabeth line just at the footstep of the Hotel. My only little worry is that it seems that my purse with my home local money disappeared during that time which left in the hotel as i could not use in London. This was a disappointment upon my departure but as of course there is no proof could not advise the hotel so it is a little disappointment and will take more care next time..
From€89
8.4/10Very Good120 Reviews
London|4.63km from city centre
Issues with luggage as held and have 7 tickets and returned 6. Had to cancel train for two people as had to Wait for Uber driver to deliver the missing luggage and had to pay myself. Ended up paying 2 x Uber fares and getting a later train for two people and lost two tickets trains as had to wait for luggage. Was a very expensive trip for an overnight stay
From€113

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Breakfast

8.7/10Very Good208 Reviews
London|0.63km from city centre
The staff at Warldorf Hilton London are exceptional. The hotel is beautiful. Comfortable bed. Perfect temperature. Spotlessly clean. The friendly offer of a glass of Prosecco on arrival was a lovely touch! I would definitely recommend the hotel and return to it again. The only issue we had was that we booked a family room through a third party (Trip.com) while looking for somewhere for 2 adults and 1 u18 to stay for the weekend. Trip offered a bigger ”Family room”, with a view of 2 beds side by side, one being a sofa bed/large rollaway. This was not the room available on arrival. We had a large double bed only. They kindly brought a single rollaway in to accommodate us. However, it was a smaller room, and they had no larger available. They were as surprised as us as Trip.com did not forward a ”Family” booking, even though I listed the 2 adults and the age of the child.
From€260
8.8/10Very Good429 Reviews
London|3km from city centre
Amazing stay in Hilton London Tower Bridge. Excellent location near Tower Bridge/ The Shard, well- taken care of a very polite, pleasant ,very considerate and professional  service from Ivy at the reception who upgraded our booking with complimentary breakfast/drinks after realising we are celebrating an occasion. Will definitely recommend and book again.
From€162
8.8/10Very Good173 Reviews
London|1.96km from city centre
We stayed four nights as a couple over the weekend and had a great experience. Check-in and check-out were super quick and friendly. The hotel has a car park right below with direct access (managed separately, but easy to book online) and it’s close to public transport and Regent’s Park, which is lovely. Our room was clean and serviced daily, with very comfortable beds. Nice bonus: a Starbucks on the first floor, perfect for us since we usually just want a good coffee in the morning. Overall, fair pricing for solid quality – we’d definitely book again!
From€177
8.9/10Very Good176 Reviews
London|4.84km from city centre
Honestly, the service was excellent, and the English breakfast was a proper hearty one. But you know, London is always pricey. The pool was also nice; I felt the water could be even clearer with proper chemical treatment.
From€194
8.8/10Very Good169 Reviews
London|2.03km from city centre
This hotel boasts an excellent location, just a 5-minute walk from Victoria Station (train + underground). There's even a side exit from the station directly across the street from the hotel, which is super convenient. The room size was decent; for London, it was actually quite spacious. The bathroom had a stand-up shower, which was great, and the overall cleanliness was good, with daily housekeeping. I particularly want to praise the breakfast – it was excellent, an authentic full English breakfast with fresh, hot ingredients, perfect even for a Chinese palate. The front desk and room service were also good. Overall, highly recommended!
From€134

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