35 Great Ideas For Tourists In London

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By Scarlett Welch Editor, DesignMyNight Scarlett has covered the UK's best restaurants, bars and events for DesignMyNight since 2023. She holds an MA in Media & Journalism, with bylines in The Crack magazine and South London News, among others. Last updated on 2nd September 2026

Whether it's your first, second, third or fourth time visiting London, there's no shortage of things to do for tourists, that's for sure. From eclectic walking tours and trips on the London Eye to rowdy bar crawls and historic talking points, we're here to help you weave your way through the very best that London has to offer. Check out our recommendations for the best of London nightlife for tourists and get familiar with this oh-so-cosmopolitan city. 




Italian Dining at Larch with Access to Sky Garden

@ Larch on Various dates from Monday 21st September 2026

Much more than a meal, the Larch Set Menu serves up spectacular views of the city skyline with its delicious Italian dishes. After tucking into two-courses at the beautiful ground floor restaurant, you'll get complimentary access to London's iconic rooftop oasis, Sky Garden.

Get here after 5pm and the roof garden comes alive with DJ sets high above the city. Tickets to this epic day out start from just £10.45.

Sky Garden

What better way to see the capital in all its glory than from above? Head over to Sky Garden for panoramic views of the city, as well as a whole host of epic events. Whether you fancy a gin tasting, live music session or cute breakfast at sunrise, this is the place of London tourist dreams.

See Your City

From Jack The Ripper walking tours to ghouls, ghosts, cheese and even Harry Potter, there's plenty of cool themes to help you uncover the sights of London over at See Your City. Nab an affordable ticket now to find out what all the fuss is about.

Afternoon Tea Bus with Panoramic Tour of London

@ Golden Tours Bus Stop 1 on Various dates from Friday 25th September 2026

Want to see the sights with tasty bites. Hop aboard the Afternoon Tea bus.

As you tour through the city, you're treated to epic views of the London Eye, Tower of London and St. Paul's Cathedral. To keep you refreshed along the way, there's a delicious mix of sweet and savoury treats, from sandwiches packed with the likes of smoked salmon, hummus and cream cheese to scrumptious scones and cakes.

London: Vintage Open-Top Bus Night Tour with Live Guide

@ Classic tour on Various dates from Monday 21st September 2026

Climb aboard this 1960s open-top bus for a ride around the city you won't forget – complete with tour guide and close-up views of London's most iconic landmarks all lit up after dark. 

With guaranteed top-deck seating, you won't have to strain your neck to catch each landmark as it passes by. Listen out for the historic facts and dark secrets behind the streets you'll be passing through, as your night is soundtracked by a vintage playlist played out from the state-of-the-art sound system. 

Unique Tours

If you want to visit all of London's biggest landmarks in a whole new way, then check out Unique Tours. These are created by knowledgeable experts and guides, who will add plenty of flair as you explore the city on foot - stopping off at palaces and royal sites.

They offer two different tours that focus on the royals, one of which features the Changing of the Guards, while the other takes you around multiple different palaces. These are suitable for adults and children alike, and the luxurious Great Scotland Yard Hotel provides either a Sunday roast or a picnic to end the experience.

City Cruises

Sightseeing just got a lot more suave. With City Cruises, you can take in the London Eye, Houses of Parliament and Tower of London while tasting your way through canapes or tucking into afternoon tea.

Whether it's your first time in the city or you're looking to blow the socks off some out-of-towners, take to the Thames and make it a day to remember.

Historic London Pub Tour

@ St Pauls Underground on Various dates from Monday 21st September 2026

Get to know the history being London's most frequented establishments with the Historic London Pub Tour, led by an accredited beer sommelier. With a wealth of knowledge and years of tour experience, you couldn't be in safer hands as you're guided through London's pub scene.

Learn stories of the pubs' pasts and find hidden gems that aren't widely known. Each week will focus on a different area of London, with tickets best off bought early as each tour is limited to just 10 people. 

BucketRace Scavenger Hunts

Whether you're still navigating the city or a seasoned Londoner, this scavenger hunt will take you on a tour of London like you've never seen before. From miscellaneous tasks to whacky challenged and quirky activities, this is one for any group.

Trafalgar Night Dinner

@ The Admiralty on Wed, 21st Oct 2026 @ 18:30 - 22:00

Immerse yourself in centuries of British naval history with an authentic Trafalgar Night celebration at The Admiralty. Designed as an iconic tribute to HMS Victory, the venue hosts an exceptional dinner featuring live sea shanties, bugling, and traditional toasts to Lord Nelson.

Dress in your finest suit or military uniform and settle in for a night of fine dining, starting with canapés and English fizz before moving on to hearty roast sirloin, artisanal cheese, and coffee.

Ale Hunters

Are you a tourist in London looking to get to know the city's best beer? Join Ale Hunters as they explore pubs, craft breweries and taprooms while teaching you all you need to know about the creation process, with plenty of tasting opportunities (of course). 

Best of British - guided tour with Sunday Roast

@ Great Scotland Yard Hotel on Every Sunday

Experience the crown and the best of British cuisine on this unique walking tour. This guided, storytelling-driven experience begins at the gorgeous St James's Park, before you head to Buckingham Palace to watch the Changing of the Guard.

You'll have worked up an appetite from all this exploring, so the day finishes at The Great Scotland Yard, where you'll enjoy a Michelin star roast dinner. Choose between meat or veggie mains, served with all the trimmings.

London Boat Party

With over 50 years of experience under their belts, these are the OG boat party crew. Hope aboard and set sail on the Thames as you dance the night away, with flowing drinks and non-stop party hits throughout the four-hour adventure. 

StreetHunt Games

What do you get when you combine an escape room with a scavenger hunt and a mystery? StreetHunt Games of course. You'll be exploring the streets of London and cracking clues on this self-guided outdoor activity.

Afternoon Tea At The Natural History Museum

At Benugo, you can tick off several top notch tourist to-dos. A collection of cafés and dining spaces inside the Natural History Museum, it's the perfect pitstop between sightseeing and exhibition hopping. 

Head over to the elegant Anning Rooms for an English staple - the Inspired by Nature Afternoon Tea. Served daily between 12pm and 3pm, it packs in seasonal savouries, handcrafted cakes and classic scones, all washed down with artisanal teas.

London Premier Walking Tours

London Premier Walking Tours brings a great level of expertise to the streets this March. Their latest series of treasure hunts proves that learning about London's heritage doesn't have to be a passive experience.

By gamifying the walking tour, they've created a carefully planned itinerary that hits all the major attractions while keeping you actively engaged in the story of the city. Grab your tickets from £27.50.

The Silent Disco Boat

If there's one fun thing to do in London before you leave on further travels, it's silent disco. And not just any silent disco, this is a silent disco on a boat. Join this late night party for a fun filled romp across the Thames alongside a killer playlist.

Flight Club

Looking for a night out during your visit to London that promises fun, food and drinks combined? Blending pizza and cocktails with state of the art dart boards, not only does it look great on Instagram, Flight Club are one of the best nights out in the city. 

London Tours

Ready to explore London in style? Grab a ticket starting at £17 and enjoy London Tours like never before. With themed rides ranging from spooky ghost tours to festive light displays, there's a tour to suit every vibe.

Plus, you'll be cruising around on a vintage 1960s Routemaster bus, the perfect retro ride for a day of discovery in the capital.

Royal Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at The Palace Hotel

To get the full London experience, you'll want to enjoy The Rubens at The Palace Hotel's Royal Afternoon Tea.

After visiting Buckingham Palace or strolling through Victoria, guests can settle into the Palace Lounge or English Grill for a Royal Afternoon Tea for some classic British flavours (think mini sandwiches and fluffy scones) and five-star service. From bottomless Champagne upgrades to vegan and halal menus, it's a flexible, indulgent experience.

VU at The Tower Hotel

Head up to VU at The Tower to see the London sights all from one spot. High above the city, you'll get epic views of Tower Bridge, the Thames and plenty more of the capital's legendary skyline.

Treat yourself while you're up here with a sky-high afternoon tea. You'll get freshly baked scones, delicious pastries, fancy finger sandwiches and a choice of speciality teas and coffees for just £35 per person.

Bustronome

Looking for a truly unique way to dine and see the city at the same time? This unique bus ride around London pairs fine dining with iconic landmarks as you feast on expertly-created dishes with a fine wine pairing, under a glass-topped roof giving you panoramic views.

Borough Market

With a history dating back over 1,000 years, Borough Market has long been a top spot for visiting tourists. Its stalls pack in everything, from seasonal fruit and veg to cured meats, fresh bread and artisanal cheese. 

The street food is off the charts too. You can tuck into everything here, from Asian, Middle Eastern and Mexican to Italian, Greek and Venezuelan.

Tate Britain

For a tour of top tier art, take a trip to the Tate Britain. Right on the riverside, it packs in works from many of the greats - Turner, Hockney, Hepworth and Bacon to name just a few.

Make your way through the pre‑Raphaelite rooms for in-depth looks at Blake and Constable, as well as the stunning Clore Gallery. Entry to the main collection is free, with some other exhibitions requiring a ticket.

Westminster Abbey

If it's history you're looking for, make your way to Westminster Abbey. One of London's most legendary landmarks, its fan‑vaulted Henry VII Lady Chapel, medieval Cosmati pavement and centuries of monuments put the past right before your eyes.

Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and Saint Margaret's Church”, it's just as famous for its architecture as for its role at the heart of the country's church and state. Since 1066, almost every English and British monarch has been crowned right here beneath the Coronation Chair.

SEA LIFE London Aquarium

Discover the magic beneath the waves at SEA LIFE London Aquarium, a must-visit attraction on the South Bank near the London Eye. Journey through 14 themed zones across three floors, featuring over 6,000 marine creatures - from playful penguins to impressive sharks and rays.

Wander through the Ocean Tunnel to see giant turtles and sharks swimming overhead or marvel at the UK's largest living coral reef display. With interactive exhibits and seasonal events, it's a fascinating experience for anyone curious about the ocean's wonders.

The Sherlock Holmes

If you're a fan of the legendary detective, The Sherlock Holmes Pub in Westminster is an absolute must. Just steps from Charing Cross, this Victorian-style pub is packed with character and charm.

Upstairs, you'll find a full-scale recreation of Holmes and Watson's study, complete with memorabilia from the 1951 Festival of Britain, including Holmes' violin, pipe, and even the stuffed head of the Hound of the Baskervilles. Downstairs, enjoy hearty British classics and themed ales, all in an atmosphere that perfectly blends history, mystery, and fun.

The British Museum

Planning to pack a lot into your day out in the city? Get on over to the British Museum to walk through over two million years of human history, all under one roof. In just a few hours, you can explore the art and culture of Africa, the iconic sculptures of Ancient Greece and the artefacts that unlock the mysteries of tutankhamun and co. 

The best part is, a trip here has no impact whatsoever on your sightseeing budget. Entry to the British Museum is completely free seven days a week.