Must Visit Places for Tourists in London

The capital has one of the best skylines in the world, so the only appropriate course of action to take is find the best place to see it. A great place to visit if you're a tourist in London, the Aviary Rooftop Bar & Restaurant not only delivers on an elegant bar, botanical cocktails and delicious food, they've got a 6000 sq ft rooftop to enjoy it all on. And even if the weather is behaving as it does, they've got heaters outside, so you can enjoy alfresco dining and beautiful sites no matter the time of year.

Looking to see a different side of London? Get off the beaten track by taking part in one of CityDays' immersive treasures hunts around the capital. With clues being sent to your phone, you'll have to solve riddles and hunt down hidden treasures.

For a quintessentially British experience, make sure to try The Rubens at The Palace Hotel's Royal Afternoon Tea. Located directly opposite Buckingham Palace, this five-star hotel offers sweeping views of the Royal Mews alongside a refined afternoon tea that celebrates British tradition at its finest.

You can expect elegant finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and intricate pastries crafted daily by an award-winning pastry team. With bottomless Champagne and sparkling halal options available, it's an ideal stop on any tourist itinerary in Victoria.

When it comes to must-visit places in the city, head on over to The Churchill Arms in Notting Hill. Just a stone's throw from Kensington Gardens, this fabulous boozer is in the heart of West London and flaunts traditional features, alongside a top-notch Thai menu. 

Explore the city in style by joining the Vintage Open-Top Bus Night Tour, on a beautifully restored 1960s vehicle. With a guaranteed top-deck view, you won't miss any of the action as you're whizzed around the city's most iconic landmarks. From the London Eye to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, you'll get to see the capital's most famous sights all lit up after nightfall. 

Your guide will be sharing facts and tales that aren't widely known, all while a vintage playlist plays out from the state-of-the-art sound system. Ticket start from just £18.70, making it a great choice for family outting that everyone can enjoy. 

Not your average tourist trap, this gourmand bus is serving up iconic views and sumptuous spreads. From dinner to lunch and even afternoon tea, Bustronome values your culinary experience just as much as your tour of London, so you're in for a treat.

The Prince's Head is a 300-year old pub in Richmond, which has become a popular tourist hotspot after featuring in sitcom Ted Lasso. You can catch live music and sports screenings here, as well as a great choice of dishes like mezze platters, sirloin steaks and pan-fried gnocchi while you sip quality real ales. For a true London experience, these guys offer a cracking Sunday roast too.

This interactive Harry Potter tour will not only take you through various filming locations – everywhere from Diagon Alley to Platform 9 ¾ - but you'll take part in a fun Harry Potter quiz to find out who is the biggest Potterhead. There's also loads of other themed tours for you to enjoy!

With three floors of amazing views, bars and restaurants, Sky Garden is a must-visit tourist spot in London. Get the best skyline views form the heart of the city at the ultimate London drinking spot. 

If you're a lover of rock music, then this unique tour could be just for you. With over 25 years in the music industry, Stephen Channell invites you to explore some of the city's best rock n roll landmarks; from Freddie Mercury's house to Abbey Road Studios.

With views of iconic landmarks like Tower of London and the Shard, cloudM is already a great place for tourists to have a drink. But that's not all, as the unique cocktail list is inspired by quintessential parts of the city - think concoctions themed around the Chelsea Flower Show, Wimbledon and more.

Searching for cracking rooftops? Head to London Bridge and you'll be in for a treat. Boasting stunning views of the city from its top floor, the venue also supplies cocktails, beers and gourmet burgers.

Looking for a way to explore the capital that's both fun and quirky? Then check out Unique Tours, an interactive experience that will take you on a walking tour around the city's royal palaces and landmarks - led by a friendly, expert tour guide.

You'll venture everywhere from Buckingham Palace to St James's Park, and you can even watch the Changing of the Guards. To end the day, you can enjoy either a Michelin star Sunday roast or a luxury picnic, prepared by The Grand Scotland Yard Hotel.

Enjoy a spot of sightseeing with a tipple to hand at Vicinity. The perfectly situated riverside bar boasts some of the best views of Tower Bridge and the glimmering Thames possible, as well as a fantastic menu of cocktails, bubbles and beers.

Head to The Milestone Hotel and Residences in Kensington for one of the most quintessentially British experiences in London. Perfect for tourists looking for that classic London day out, the setting offers both a traditional yet opulent atmosphere, located just opposite Kensington Palace.

Starting from £85, their generous afternoon tea showcases delicious finger sandwiches, such as smoked salmon, dill and lemon creme fraiche and Wiltshire ham with English mustard mayonnaise, alongside freshly baked scones (both traditional and raisin) served with clotted cream, strawberry preserve and your choice of tea. You'll also have hand-crafted French pastries, tarlets and cakes to look forward to.

Whether you're visiting for a day or a week, this restaurant in Farringdon should be on your list of things to do. Eat in the dark and transform your dining experience at this unique concept.

Take in the most iconic landmarks London has to offer at this fun and educational walking (or dancing) tour. You'll get to explore and learn while listening to your favourite hits from the 70's all the way up to present day, with the occasional flash mob thrown in for good measure. Is there any better way to take in a city than to dance through it? 

The Escapologist is steeped in a very special, fun kind of history. Modelled as a modern day Victorian men's club and Masonic lodge, the fun yet elegant venue has a story behind it: legend has it that vagabond Baron Von Took fled execution through these very tunnels. You can stop by for a cocktail, grab some of their delicious gastro food and enjoy this quirky London bar.

Nestled in the heart of Covent Garden, Guinness Open Gate Brewery London is a must-visit for tourists seeking a mix of culture and fun. The multi-level brewery lets you explore a working microbrewery, enjoy guided tours, and sample limited-edition brews exclusive to London.

With bars, a lively courtyard and several restaurants serving everything from oysters to hearty British grills, it's a unique London experience where heritage meets modern innovation. Perfect for those looking to tick off a one-of-a-kind spot in the city.

Few landmarks are as instantly recognisable as Buckingham Palace - so if you're in the city, you've almost got to stop by. Standing at the end of The Mall, it's an icon of elegance that makes for a phenomenal photo op.

Get down here when the state rooms are open and you can step inside to explore the lavish interiors. Whether you wander past or take a tour and make a day of it, you certainly won't regret paying a visit to the King's official residence.

There's a hub of activity and it's all taking place on a roof! Overlooking the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, this rooftop playground features everything from crazy golf to batting cages to a rooftop roller disco. There's also loads of fun places to settle in and have a drink, as well as interesting decorations like signature cars converted into plant pots.

If you're in London to see the sights, Westminster Abbey has got to be right at the top of your list. The site of almost every coronation since 1066, it makes history feel close enough to touch.

Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and Saint Margaret's Church”, this place has seen plenty more too, from royal weddings to state funerals. Grab a free audio guide to make your way through the Chapter House, the fan‑vaulted Henry VII Lady Chapel, its medieval Cosmati pavement and centuries of monuments.

Packing in bundles of charm, character and nostalgia, the London Transport Museum is a surprisingly fun day out for all the family. In the heart of Covent Garden, you'll find beautifully restored vintage buses, iconic Tube carriages and eye‑catching displays charting how London's transport network shaped the city we know today.

Immersive without being overwhelming, it's well worth a visit whether you're a transport geek or simply looking for something a little different for your next day out. Expect interactive exhibits and classics visuals, from vintage posters to bold typography and architecture.

Do something a little different on your next sightseeing trip to the city at the London Dungeon. An amazingly immersive attraction, it brings together live actors, theatrical sets and state-of-the-art special effects. 

Knowingly over the top, it blends genuine scares with laugh-out-loud moments to stay on the side of fun rather than frightening. Whether you're with a friend, a group or travelling solo, step on in to relive some of the city's most bloody and infamous tales.

The Tate Britain is a must-visit for any art-lover. With the largest collection of works by Turner, plus classic pieces from David Hockey, Francis Bacon and John Constable, it spans an incredible 500 years of art.

On the riverside at Millbank, you can make your way through the benchmark Pre‑Raphaelite rooms and the stunning Clore Gallery. The best part is, entry to the main collection is absolutely free.