A wanderer's guide to the top things to do in London

No matter what your passion or interest, you can not only indulge it, but usually find the world’s best at it in London. 

Museums

Victoria & Albert Museum

Cromwell Rd, South Kensington SW7
Underground: South Kensington

The ‘attic of Britain’, the V&A’s permanent collection is home to a great collection of unexpected and quirky gems that only a colonial power could amass.
The temporary exhibitions are always surprising and worth it.

British Museum

Great Russel St, WC1
Underground: Tottenham Court Rd / Russel Square

When you conquer and run the world you tend to collect a few keepsakes from your efforts, and the British Musuem is where the best of these spoils of colonial conquests are kept.
In short, it is the greatest collection of antiquities in the world, though some are fairly controversial. From the Egyptians to the Greeks (and those troublesome Elgin Marbles) the museum is an ancient historian’s nirvana.
Lord Foster’s dome over the atrium is pretty impressive, too.

Churchill War Rooms

King Charles St, Westminster SW1
Underground: Westminster / Charing Cross

A great insight into both the man and how the war was run (if not won).
In the secret underground bunker you can visit the war cabinet rooms, the transatlantic telephone room and kitchens.

More London museums…

Historical Buildings and Palaces

St Paul’s Cathedral

St Paul’s Churchyard EC4
Underground: St Paul’s

The monolithic Sir Christopher Wren-designed structure really does tower over the city, so much so that St Paul’s and Big Ben are probably the most iconic buildings across the kingdoms supposedly united.
Famous burials include Margaret Thatcher, Winston Churchill, Lord Nelson and Duke of Wellington and, of course, Lady Di married Charles at St Paul’s as well.
Guided tours and climbing to the top of the dome are a highlight.

Houses of Parliament

Parliament Square, Westminster SW1
Underground: Westminster

For anyone who lives in a democracy, a tour of the Houses of Parliament is going to be worthwhile. The House of Lords and Commons, plus the 1000 plus rooms – you obviously don’t see them all, as well as plenty of secret gardens and towers. The guided tours are worth it – even backpackers have been known to enjoy them.

More of London’s historical buildings…

Shopping

Selfridge’s

400 Oxford St, W1
Underground: Bond St

A more wallet-friendly and contemporary department store on Oxford St, Selfridge’s range starts at reasonable prices (vs Harvey Nicks and Harrods).
You will find everything from the conservative to ultra high fashion and, while the food hall doesn’t quite rival Harrods, drop into Selfridge’s when needing some sustenance and this little-known secret: it serves the best salt beef sandwich in London.

Portobello Road Markets

Portobello Road, Notting Hill , W11
Underground: Notting Hill Gate

The world’s largest antique market has food and fashion, too.

Hamleys

188-196 Regent St, W1
Underground: Oxford Circus

A real-life toy emporium, this is the ultimate in the world’s toy shops.
Across eight floors of giddiness-inducing kiddy fun, if you have any gifts to buy for under 18s, use that as an excuse to entertain your inner child for a fulfilling afternoon.

East End Thrift Store

1A Assemblage Passage, Whitechapel E1
Underground: Whitechapel

East End Thrift Store is a little vintage beauty selling fur coats, leather jackets etc. from as little as £10.
Plus there’s plenty of other cute boutiques down this way to check out.

More London shopping haunts…

Tours

Walking Tours

In a city this big, with this much history, walking tours are as prolific as mice in the underground.
Here are our recommendations:

• Art, photography and fashion tour with Fox and Squirrel
• Historical tour with Old Map Man
• Street art tour with Street Art London
• Spooky walking tour with London Ghost Tours
• General city landmarks, Jack the Ripper and everything-in-between tour with London Walks
• Foodie tour with Eating London Tours

Open Bus Tour

It’s almost non-negotiable for London first-timers (and second-timers, we could argue), particularly on a tight schedule.
It’s an efficient overview and introduction to the great city and will help you get your bearings.
The two major operators are the Big Bus Company and the Original London Sightseeing Tour. Just find a bus stop, look up and if it has the logo – wait for the bus.

More London tours…

Parks, Gardens and Heaths

Regent’s Park

Underground: Baker St, Regent’s Park, Great Portland St

Active playground for Londoners and home to the London Zoo, a sojourn on a Saturday will see locals at play well into a long summer night.
Enter via Baker St and hire a pedalo or boat to flop about on the lake.

Hampstead Heath

Underground: Hampstead / Golders Green

The wild and woolly park of London, the Heath has loads of children’s parks, plus three ponds in which people actually swim, so if you are hankering for a dip on a warm evening it’s the go.

More of London’s parks, gardens and heaths…