The Best Things to Do in London, England
Updated: January 2025
We recently spent 3 glorious days in London, England. In 2019, we spent a week in London and this time, it was a quick weekend trip (too fast, IMHO). I highly recommend that you spend at least a week in London so you can really take in the sights, atmosphere and ALL THE AMAZING VEGAN FOOD! If we could afford it, we could easily spend an entire month and still not even eat at all the vegan restaurants. We have now been to London 3 times and each time has been amazing. It’s such an incredible city to visit!
a perfect trip to london
Visiting London is a thrilling experience for any first-time visitor, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and contemporary attractions. With its historic buildings, royal parks, and iconic landmarks, London is a great place to explore at your own pace. For those interested in Roman history, a visit to the British Museum to view the famous Rosetta Stone or the Parthenon sculptures is a must. You can also enjoy a self-guided walk through the state rooms of Buckingham Palace or join a guided tour to explore the changing of the guard ceremony. Don’t miss St. Paul’s Cathedral, one of London’s most magnificent pieces of architecture, or take a short walk through Hyde Park Corner to enjoy the tranquility of the royal parks.
London offers some of the best views of the city from its tallest buildings, including the viewing platform at The Shard or the London Eye. For those looking to indulge, be sure to visit one of the best restaurants for a classic afternoon tea experience. If you’re a literature fan, Charles Dickens’ former residence offers a fascinating glimpse into his life, while walking tours around the Great Fire of London site provide a vivid look into the city’s dramatic history. Kew Gardens and the Beefeater tour at the Tower of London are also great spots to visit, each offering a cool thing to see in the British capital. Whether you’re exploring the engine rooms of the Cutty Sark or enjoying the serenity of St. James Park, London’s large complex of attractions ensures there’s always something new for everyone.
This blog post is all about what to do in London, where to stay in London, and where to eat vegan food in London. It includes the best things to do in London, England!
After a short 2.5-hour flight from Lisbon, Portugal, we arrived at London Luton airport. Our flights were a mere $20 on EasyJet. Flights into/out of Luton are cheaper as it’s not a super easy airport to reach from central London. London has 6 airports – my favorites for ease of reaching central London are Heathrow and Gatwick. Once we arrived at Luton, we had to wait in the passport control line for approximately 45 minutes. Then, FREEDOM! Well .. almost.
How to get to London city center
We bought bus tickets online to take the Arriva Bus from Luton Airport Stand K (bus 757) to Marble Arch. The tickets cost 35 pounds for a family of 4, round trip. Single tickets are 11.50 one-way or 17.50 round trip. The bus ride takes 1 hour to reach central London. If coming from Gatwick, this bus transfer is great!
Once we arrived at Marble Arch, we took the underground to the Shoreditch area so we could eat lunch/dinner at our first vegan restaurant destination, Unity Diner. Thankfully, I had saved our Oyster cards from our last trip. However, London is tech-advanced and they allow you to pay with just your chip credit card!
How to get around London
London has an extensive and efficient public transportation network, making it easy to get around the city. Here are the best options:
1. London Underground (The Tube)
- The Tube is the fastest way to travel around central London, with 11 lines covering the city and suburbs. It’s affordable and reliable, with stations located near most major attractions. It’s especially convenient for longer journeys or traveling across the city.
- Tip: Use an Oyster card or contactless payment to save money on fares.
2. Buses
- London’s iconic red buses are a cost-effective way to travel, especially for shorter distances or when exploring the city at a more leisurely pace. The bus network is vast, and buses run 24/7 on many routes.
- Tip: Buses are an excellent option for sightseeing, as they often offer views of landmarks and major streets.
3. Overground and National Rail
- The Overground is a suburban rail network that connects parts of London not served by the Tube. National Rail services are useful for reaching destinations outside London, like day trips to nearby towns or cities.
- Tip: You can use the same Oyster card or contactless payment for both Overground and National Rail services within London.
4. Docklands Light Railway (DLR)
- The DLR serves areas in East London, particularly the Docklands area, Canary Wharf, and Greenwich. It’s a light rail system that’s easy to use and offers great views of the city from above.
5. Taxis and Ride-Hailing
- London’s famous black cabs are available throughout the city. You can hail one directly or book via an app.
- Ride-hailing services like Uber are also widely available in London, providing a convenient, although sometimes more expensive, option.
6. Bicycles
- London is becoming increasingly bike-friendly, with many bike lanes and rental schemes. Santander Cycles (also known as “Boris Bikes”) are available for short-term hire, making cycling a good option for getting around on a budget.
- Tip: Be sure to use designated bike lanes and wear a helmet for safety.
7. Walking
- London is a very walkable city, and many of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other in central London. Walking can be a delightful way to explore neighborhoods, discover hidden gems, and take in the city’s architecture and atmosphere.
8. River Bus (Thames Clippers)
- You can also travel by boat along the Thames using Thames Clippers. It’s an enjoyable way to see the city from the water, with stops at key locations like London Bridge, Westminster, and Greenwich.
9. London Trams
- In certain areas, particularly in South London (Croydon), you can use the tram network, which is a great way to navigate local neighborhoods.
10. Oyster Card / Contactless Payment
- The most economical way to pay for public transport is using an Oyster card or contactless payment methods (like a debit/credit card or smartphone). They provide discounts compared to paper tickets and are valid on the Tube, buses, trains, and more.
Tip for Tourists: Consider getting an Oyster card or using contactless payment to save on fares. Day passes and travelcards for unlimited travel over a set period are also available for visitors.
Overall, London’s transport system is easy to navigate and offers multiple options to suit your needs.
Now that the logistics are explained above, let’s get to the fun part and explore London! Below is my list of favorite vegan restaurants, favorite places to go and where to stay in London.
Where to Eat Amazing Vegan Food
I knew that we would be pressed for time since we only spent a measly 3 days in London so I reached out to Clare from The Little London Vegan for her top recommendations for the area we would be staying in. She recommended Tofu Vegan, Alter, and Club Mexicana. Below is a list of all the places we visited and want to visit on our next trip:
Tofu Vegan Islington, 105 Upper St This neighborhood is super cute and we had fun walking around after we finished eating at this scrumptious restaurant! This is a vegan Chinese restaurant with authentic Chinese food and service. We ordered a plethora of dishes and were truly amazed at the flavors and quality of the food. My favorite dish was the black bean tofu.
Alter, 15 Leman St Unfortunately, there were no reservations available during our visit, but this restaurant comes highly recommended. We will absolutely eat here next time!
Club Mexicana – Kingly Court, we went to the SOHO location in Kingly Court (ADORABLE!) – the food here is so flavorful and mind blowing. I had the best vegan tacos here – jackfruit BBQ. I highly recommend that you order this ultra-satisfying dish!
The Spread Eagle London – 224 Homerton High St. We didn’t make it to this pub, but it’s the top of my list for our next visit. How amazing is it to have a 100% vegan English pub?! London is so fortunate!
The following vegan restaurants are highly recommended, but unfortunately, we didn’t have time to visit all of them. If you’ve been, please report back!
These vegan restaurants are on our list for our next visit:
Mildreds SOHO – we ate at Mildreds during our trip in 2019 and can confirm that it is delicious!
Bokan (view) (near Canary Wharf) – this one would be an awesome + cozy date night!
We are Vegan Everything aka WAVE – I’ve heard the brunch here is outstanding!
london grocery stores
Let’s talk about the grocery stores in London – holy cow! There were aisles after aisles of vegan items. We bought a bunch of goodies to bring back to Lisbon with us. We are talking about going back soon to London with an empty suitcase to bring back all the vegan things we can’t find here in Lisbon. Sainsbury’s, Tesco and M&S were FULL of awesome vegan finds! London even has a Vegan Butcher!
What to Do in London
Tower Bridge is ICONIC – you can’t miss it! I love it so much and feel like it improves the aesthetic of the entire city just by how gorgeous and ornamental it is.
River Thames walk – start at Tower Bridge and then walk across the bridge and walk along the South River Bank from Tower Bridge to the London Eye. You’ll pass some lovely shops, restaurants, Borough Market and green areas. This is one of my absolutely favorite things to do in London. If you and/or your family are fans of Harry Potter, you may want to do this awesome walking tour!
Shoreditch area – self-guided street art tour. The Shoreditch area is a bit gritty and also incredibly artistic. I adore the street art in this area and could spend an entire day just walking around, discovering all of the colorful, inspiring murals in the area. I highly recommend this street art tour.
Buckingham Palace – what’s a visit to London without stopping by Buckingham Palace?! We walked by, stopped to take some photos of the gates, the guards and to say hi to Aunt Lizzie (as our kids like to refer to the Queen) from afar. The gardens and pond nearby are exquisite and relaxing.
Kensington is close to Buckingham Palace so we walked around the area to admire how the wealthy live. I think we passed by Piers Morgan while walking in the park, but we don’t like him, so we didn’t acknowledge his presence.
Design Museum – near Kensington is the Design Museum. I definitely recommend it and the good thing is that all of the museums in London are free (other than special exhibits). There’s an interactive station where you can make and design things. We enjoyed spending about an hour here.
other interesting places worth seeing if time allows
Westminster Abbey: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Westminster Abbey is a historic church in the heart of London, known for its stunning Gothic architecture. It has been the site of numerous royal coronations, weddings, and burials, making it one of the most significant religious buildings in the UK.
Westminster Bridge: Connecting Westminster to the South Bank, Westminster Bridge offers iconic views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. It’s a popular spot for tourists seeking a photo of London’s most recognizable landmarks, particularly at sunset.
National Gallery: Located in Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery houses a world-class collection of European paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries, including works by Van Gogh, da Vinci, and Turner. It’s one of the most visited art museums in the world.
Big Ben: Arguably one of London’s most famous landmarks, Big Ben refers to the bell in the Elizabeth Tower of the Houses of Parliament. Its chimes have become synonymous with the city, and it remains a symbol of British history and democracy.
great museums to visit in london
Natural History Museum: A fascinating museum dedicated to the natural world, it features exhibits on dinosaurs, human evolution, and geological wonders. Its grand Victorian architecture and central location in South Kensington make it a must-see for visitors of all ages.
Science Museum: Also located in South Kensington, the Science Museum is a treasure trove of interactive exhibits and scientific advancements. It covers everything from space exploration to medicine and is particularly popular with families.
Victoria and Albert Museum: The V&A is one of the world’s largest museums of decorative arts and design. With a collection spanning 5,000 years, it includes everything from fashion and textiles to sculptures and ceramics, offering an eclectic glimpse into human creativity.
best things to do in london
London Bridge: A historic landmark, London Bridge is one of the oldest crossings over the River Thames. The current bridge, completed in 1973, connects the City of London with Southwark and provides a scenic walk with views of the Shard and Tower Bridge.
Windsor Castle: Located just outside of London, Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. It serves as a royal residence and has been the home of British monarchs for over 1,000 years, offering tours of its lavish State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel.
Leicester Square: Known as the heart of London’s entertainment district, Leicester Square is surrounded by theaters, cinemas, and restaurants. It hosts major film premieres and is often bustling with tourists and theatergoers.
Covent Garden: A vibrant area in the West End, Covent Garden is known for its lively market, street performers, boutique shops, and numerous theaters. It’s a hub for culture, dining, and shopping, offering a lively atmosphere day and night.
Houses of Parliament: Also known as the Palace of Westminster, the Houses of Parliament are home to the UK’s government. Visitors can admire its iconic architecture, including the Elizabeth Tower, and take guided tours to learn about the country’s political history.
Royal Albert Hall: A majestic concert hall located in South Kensington, the Royal Albert Hall hosts a wide range of performances, from classical music to rock concerts. Its distinctive round shape and impressive acoustics make it one of the world’s most famous venues.
St. Paul’s Cathedral: An iconic feature of the London skyline, St. Paul’s Cathedral is known for its magnificent dome and rich history. It’s the site of significant events, including the funerals of Winston Churchill and Lord Nelson, and it offers panoramic views from its dome.
favorite things to do in london
Kensington Palace: A royal residence located in Kensington Gardens, Kensington Palace is the home of several members of the British royal family. Visitors can explore its elegant rooms and learn about the lives of royals such as Princess Diana and Queen Victoria.
Kensington Gardens: Adjacent to Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens is a peaceful space with beautiful landscaped gardens, fountains, and historical monuments, including the Albert Memorial. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll or a visit to the Serpentine Galleries.
Portobello Road Market: Situated in Notting Hill, Portobello Road Market is famous for its antiques, fashion, and fresh produce. On weekends, the street comes alive with vibrant stalls, and visitors can explore a wide array of quirky goods and delicious street food.
Regent Street: Known for its grand architecture and high-end shops, Regent Street is one of London’s most famous shopping streets. It features a mix of global brands and iconic British stores, making it a popular destination for shoppers and sightseers.
parks + cute london neighborhoods
Hyde Park – after walking through Kensington Park and being WAY too excited about seeing squirrels, we made our way to Hyde Park. On our last trip to London, we stayed near Hyde Park and spent a lot of time there so this was a quick visit. It’s fun to see the different ponds, flower beds, playgrounds and watch people play sports.
Number 11 bus (hits all the tourist hot spots) – we didn’t take this bus, but if we had more time, it would have been fun. London is huge so taking a bus to see many of the major sights is a welcome addition.
Brixton and Camden Town – both of these areas are HIP and trendy! They are also chock full of vegan food and fun artisan markets. You could also do this awesome Thames River Cruise. Or this super fun canal ride from Camden Locks.
St. James’s Park: One of London’s oldest and most beautiful parks, St. James’s Park is home to serene lakes, lush gardens, and vibrant flowerbeds. It’s a favorite spot for both locals and tourists, offering views of Buckingham Palace and the nearby Horse Guards Parade.
More free things to do in London
London Mithraeum – Roman ruins in London? Check them out here.
Columbia Road Market (Sunday – flower market) – this market can get incredibly busy so try to get there when they open (8:00 a.m.) or towards closing time (2:00 p.m.).
Tate Modern – check out the enormous collection of modern art and then take the elevator for the view from the top floor
British Museum – the world’s oldest national museum as it was founded in 1753 and opened in 1759. As with all London museums, there is no entrance fee.
Sky Garden – Reserve free tickets online (DO THIS EARLY!) or make a reservation at one of the restaurants or bars. You could simply order one drink and enjoy the expansive view of London among the greenery.
The Churchill Arms pub – this traditional English pub was built in 1750 and was renamed The Churchill Arms after Winston Churchill’s grandparents who used to frequent the cozy pub.
Leadenhall Market (Diagon Alley) – if you’re a Harry Potter fan, then you definitely want to check out this market. It’s ornate covered pathways represented Diagon Alley in the first Harry Potter movie.
tourist central
Trafalgar Square – this is tourist central and super crowded, but it’s still worth a visit. Trafalgar Square is named for Lord Nelson’s naval victory in the Battle of Trafalgar. The plinth has 4 lions at the base. Do you know why? Apparently, the designers associated the fierce lions with Lord Nelson.
Piccadilly Circus – this area reminds me of a mini Times Square from NYC. There are neon advertisements, overpriced shops nearby, and numerous theaters. If you have the time and money, I HIGHLY recommend you see a West End production. We didn’t have time on this trip, but on our last trip, we saw Wicked and it was AMAZING!
Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel – this 300-meter tunnel of graffiti is a must-see if you love street art.
Kenwood (free entry) – This is a bit out of the way near Hampstead Heath so only go here if you have time to spare. It’s an interesting way to spend some free time and see how the ultra-wealthy live.
Regent’s and Greenwich Parks – these are very posh parks to visit if you have extra time. It’s truly awesome how much London values its green spaces. You will definitely feel relaxed and at peace at either of these parks.
SOHO and Kingly Court area – if you go to Club Mexicana or Mildred’s in SOHO, you will be right by Kingly Court. This area is adorable and I love the little side streets with different light and art installations. It’s very Instagrammable!
Best time to visit London
The best time to visit London depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, and events. Here’s a breakdown of each season:
Spring (March to May): Spring is an excellent time to visit London, with mild weather and fewer crowds than in the summer. The city’s parks and gardens come alive with blooming flowers, making it perfect for outdoor activities. April and May are particularly pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10-15°C (50-59°F).
Summer (June to August): Summer is the peak tourist season in London, with warm weather, longer days, and a lively atmosphere. However, it can be crowded, and prices for accommodations and attractions tend to be higher. Temperatures can range from 15-25°C (59-77°F), though heatwaves can make it hotter at times.
Autumn (September to November): Autumn is another great time to visit, as the weather is still mild, but the crowds begin to thin out. The fall foliage in London’s parks adds a scenic charm to the city. September and early October are particularly pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10-18°C (50-64°F).
Winter (December to February): Winter in London is colder and can be rainy, with temperatures averaging around 2-8°C (36-46°F). However, the festive season brings a magical atmosphere, with Christmas lights, markets, and seasonal events. If you don’t mind the chill, this is a great time to experience London’s winter charm, especially with fewer tourists.
In summary, the best times to visit London are during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) for mild weather, fewer tourists, and vibrant scenery.
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Where to Stay in London
Keep in mind that London is not a very budget-friendly city, especially if you want to stay near the center! London is a splurge-worthy city, but if budget accommodations are essential, I would recommend looking for places to stay on the outskirts of the city.
General list of London places to stay
Budget-friendly + great location apartment
Stay right in the middle of the action in Trafalgar Square
Amazing location in Westminster
Great location + extra spacious apartment
fun paid activities
This awesome London Eye Skip-the-line ticket
See all the hot spots on this London Hop-on/off bus
Super fun London River Cruise on the Thames
This amazing Tower of London and Crown Jewels experience
The best paid view of London from the Shard
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THE 5 ITEMS WE WERE SO HAPPY TO HAVE FOR ALL OF OUR TRIPS:
- Merrell women’s light hiking shoes – these are amazing because they are lightweight, but are extra grippy and helpful! I also have this pair that I always get compliments on: Merrell Rainbow shoes. Fernando loves his Asics trail runners which are also grippy and perfect for walking on cobblestone streets.
- Thermoflask water bottle – like a Hydroflask, but more affordable! We don’t go anywhere without these water bottles full of purified water.
- North Face Aphrodite 2.0 capris – Seriously, I wear these pants every.single.day! I couldn’t live without these ultra-comfy, lightweight pants that dry so quickly. They are 100% worth the money!
- Osprey Day Pack – this is an awesome lightweight backpack! We easily put the belongings we need at hand for traveling around the city and on public transportation.
- Travel-friendly chewable toothpaste tablets – these are so fantastic for keeping your teeth clean on the go!
OUR FAVORITE EUROPEAN SERVICES:
- DISCOVER CARS – If you want to rent a car while you’re in Europe, our favorite car rental aggregator is Discover Cars. We frequently rent cars and they always have the best prices and great quality vehicles.
- iTalki – if you want to learn another language before traveling to Europe or while you’re there, we love iTalki. We highly recommend their language services.
- NORD VPN – perfect to use your technology in other countries!
- Airalo E-Sim – this let’s you use your phone anywhere in the world without having to get a physical sim! We use this all the time when we travel outside Europe!
- Big Bus Tours – the perfect way to see the city when you first arrive!
- Get Transfer – transfers between all of the airports and cities
This blog post was all about the best things to do in London, England including what to do, where to stay and where to eat vegan food in London. I hope this helps on your next trip to the dazzling city of London! Have you been there? If so, what was your favorite thing to do?
If you haven’t had a chance to read my post all about travel hacks, I highly recommend it!
TRAVEL HACKS TO SAVE MONEY WHILE TRAVELING
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Amazing blog, really interesting, I loved reading it, please keep on writing blogs like this in future as well.
Wow, I would to visit this place sometime and i loved reading your blog, it is so well written, please keep on writing blogs like this in future as well.
I loved reading your blog, so beautiful, would love to read more blogs like this. Please keep on writing them.
Thank you so much, Elena! I really appreciate your kind words!