Attracting around 30 million visitors every year, London is the world’s most popular tourist destination and with good reason. The city is home to so many iconic attractions including monuments, galleries, and museums. And no matter your reason for visiting, the capital has something for everyone.
But with so many things to do and see in London, where should you begin? We’ve created a list of the five best attractions and things to do in London to get you started.
1. Take in The Flavours of Brixton Market
Music, food, art, cultural diversity and underground charm, Brixton is an unmissable spot for tourists wanting to explore new things in the capital. This street market in the centre of Brixton is packed with cafes, shops, and restaurants that are making the walkways an exciting hub for both day and night scenes.
During your visit, you’ll find Asia, Africa, India, South America, Europe, and the Caribbean all represented. The restaurants and cafes dish up all types of flavours. You’ll also find shops that sell everything from textile and jewellery to African accessories and traditional Chinese medicine.
2. Get A History Lesson at The Westminster Abbey
One of UK’s most notable religious buildings, Westminster Abbey is a popular attraction to peruse busts, graves, tablets and stone dedications. It is the traditional burial site and place of coronation for English and British monarchs. Seven monarchs are buried here along with countesses, dukes and well-known people in history such as Hardy, Dickens, and Darwin.
This Gothic abbey church has been the venue for 16 royal weddings and every British coronation has taken place within the church’s walls since 1066.
3. Play Crazy Golf
Big into crazy golf? The capital has plenty of options for sheer fun. From themed courses to underground and rooftop challenges, there are loads of options to sink some balls. These places have no dress codes, penalties for going out of turn or ban on mobiles. You just get to enjoy every minute when playing.
4. People-Watch and Party in Soho
Soho in the heart of London’s West End teems with a bustling mix of tourists, foodies, theatre buffs, party goers and media types. This area is home to London’s best clubs, bars, theatres, restaurants, and shops. Relax in Soho Square, browse the boutique shops, order a coffee at one of the pavement cafés or treat yourself to a delicious cocktail, a meal or a West End show.
When in Soho, be sure to get a drink at The French House, a grade-II listed pub where Francis Bacon and Dylan Thomas both drank.
5. Swim in Hampstead Heath Ponds
Located in the middle of the wild green space of Hampstead Heath, these ponds are a great place to splash about any time of the year. The men’s and women’s bathing ponds are lifeguarded and only open to the public in the summer. The mixed pond, on the other hand, is members-only and not lifeguarded in winter. With these ponds, there’s no better or more picturesque way to relax after a long day of sightseeing.
