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London, the capital city of the United Kingdom, offers a captivating journey through the most magnificent chapters of the country's history. Adorned with historic monuments, centuries-old churches, abbeys, and other stunning structures from various periods, London seamlessly blends history with modernity. These iconic buildings have become an integral part of the city's landscape. There are numerous things to do in London to explore the city up close, each contributing to its unique charm and atmosphere. The city is rightly celebrated as a perfect amalgamation of centuries-old treasures and the latest in concepts and innovations. To fully experience this remarkable city, consider including these activities in your list of things to do in London before you embark on your visit.
Delightful things to do in London to experience it to the fullest
1. Visit Jamavar London
Jamavar London is one of the best Indian fine-dining restaurants in the London food scene right now. A Michelin-star restaurant that has been winning hearts and accolades and rightly so. Deriving its name from the extraordinary and finely detailed shawls from Kashmir that used to be famous in the 16th century, this luxury restaurant is a must-visit. A meal celebrating Indian cuisine and ingredients here at Jamavar London is one of the most incredible things to do in London.
Category: Luxury
Where: 8 Mount Street, Mayfair, London W1K 3NF
Timings: 12 pm – 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm (Monday – Saturday) and 12 pm – 2 pm and 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm (Sunday)
Cost for two: £150 (approx.)
2. Stay at The Lanesborough for a royal experience
The Lanesborough, regarded as one of London’s most iconic hotels is the hotel for you to stay at, to truly experience luxury. The hotel, located near Buckingham Palace, is the closest you will get to the feeling of being royalty. Thus, staying at this uber-luxurious hotel is one of the most incredible things to do in London, for an authentic experience of the luxury the city is famous for.
Category: Luxury
Location: The Lanesborough, Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA
Tariff: £800 onwards per night (approx.) (Pricing as of 2nd December 2023, kindly check current prices as per your schedule)
3. Indulge in luxury shopping at Bond Street
Bond Street is London’s most luxurious shopping destination. A street lined with stores of some of the biggest luxury brands in the world, Bond Street is an experience unlike any other. Stretching from Piccadilly to Oxford Street, a stroll and a subsequent shopping spree is hands down one of the most exciting things to do in London.
Bond Street in the West End of London links Piccadilly in the south to Oxford Street in the north. Since the 18th century, the street has housed many prestigious and upmarket fashion retailers.
Category: Luxury
Must-check stores: Louis Vuitton, Dior, Bvlgari, Gucci, Chanel, Hermes, Cartier, Tiffany and Co.
Location: 51-52 New Bond Street, West End, England W1S 1DX
Timings: 9 am – 7:30 pm (Sundays closed)
4. Visit Buckingham Palace
Coming to the budget things to do in London, a visit to Buckingham Palace is a must. Exploring the vast grounds of this palace, the official residence of the King of the United Kingdom, is just the thing for people who love exploring historical buildings such as Buckingham Palace. Experiencing the grandeur of the Palace while listening to facts and anecdotes about the place will be one of the best memories you will have of the city.
Category: Mid-range
Timings: 11 am – 4.30 pm (for exclusive guided tours from November – May), 9:30 am – 7:30 am with last admission at 5:15 (11 July – 31 August 2024) and 9:30 am – 6:30 pm with last submission at 4:15 (1 – 29 September 2024) (closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the summer tours)
Entry fee: £60 onwards per person and free admission for children below 5 years of age (for winter and spring) and £32 onwards for adults, £20.50 onwards for people between 18 – 24 years of age, £16 onwards for children between 5 – 17 years of age, as well as disabled people. Free admission for children below 5 years of age and access companions (for summer)
5. Take a ride on the London Eye
London Eye, a huge Ferris Wheel in central London, is one of the more exciting budget things to do in London. The glass pods of the London Eye, moving at a speed that lets visitors take in the beauty of the city’s popular landmarks, are a downright unique experience. An almost thirty-minute long ride, you will be left massively impressed by London and its magnificent skyline, as witnessed from the London Eye.
Category: Mid-range
Location: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, County Hall, London SE1 7PB
Timings: 11 am – 6 pm
Entry fee: £25.50 onwards per person (approx.)
7. Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral
Another exciting addition to budget things to do in London, visiting St. Paul’s Cathedral might just be one of the more educational yet interesting things to do, out of the lot. The seat of the Bishop of London, this Anglican cathedral is a popular historic monument in London. A famous tourist attraction, visit the cathedral to learn more about its riveting history while marvelling over its almost ethereal vision.
Category: Mid-range
Location: The Chapter House, St Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD
Timings: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (Monday – Saturday) and 10 am – 4:30 pm (Wednesday) with last admission at 4 pm
Entry fee: £20.50 onwards for adults, £18.40 onwards for students and people above 65 years of age and £9 onwards for children from 6 – 17 years of age
8. Catch a play at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
If you want to enjoy the wonders of London without shelling out big bucks, worry not. There are plenty of cheap things to do in London, which will have you enjoying the time of your life, without having to leap over your budget. One such activity is watching a play at Shakespeare’s Globe Theater. The theatre is built along the lines of what the original theatre looked like, where many Shakespeare plays used to be enacted frequently. So head on over to catch a play at this extremely affordable theatre and enjoy the taste of the local culture.
Category: Budget
Location: 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside SE1 9DT
Timings: 11 am – 6 pm (Monday – Friday), 10 am – 6 pm (Saturday) and 10 am – 5 pm (Sunday)
Entry fee: £5 onwards per person (approx.)
9. Visit the British Museum for everything British Empire related
A visit to the British Museum, thanks to its free entry, is one of the most fulfilling yet cheap things to do in London. No better way to learn more about the British empire, and mankind in general, the British Museum, home to about two million years of humans and their history, is a trip that will regale not just the history buffs but everyone who visits the museum. A visit to this museum is a definite must for a highly educational and fascinating tourist attraction in London.
Category: Budget
Location: Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG
Timings: 10 am – 5 pm with last admission at 4:45 pm (Monday – Friday) and 10 am – 8:30 pm with last admission at 8:15 pm (Friday)
Entry fee: Free entry
10. Stroll through a Christmas market
If you find yourself in London during the winter, especially during Christmas time, you have to visit one of London’s many popular Christmas markets. A wholesome yet cheap thing to do in London, these Christmas markets will leave you enchanted with their beauty and a feeling as if you have stepped right into a fairytale. Stroll through these charming markets with a mulled wine in hand and it will be one of your most memorable experiences ever.
Category: Budget
Popular Christmas market locations: Hyde Park, Covent Gardens, Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, etc.
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