Must Visit Places for Tourists in London

Right, we all know the famous places in London: Buckingham Palace, House of Parliament, London Eye blah blah blah. But the capital is way more than its landmarks, and by sticking to your usual must visit places for tourists in London, you're essentially missing out on all the character and fun this great city has to offer. So whether you're visiting the city or just never taken the opportunity to see what's in store for you, take a look out recommended list of the best places for tourist in London and find out what it's all about. 

Last edited by Marcus Sanigar

Last updated on 26th January 2026




The Best of British Afternoon Tea

@ The Egerton House Hotel on Fri, 2nd Jan 2026 - Mon, 30th Nov 2026

If you're looking to experience a truly traditional treat, then try out The Egerton House Hotel's The Best of British Afternoon Tea. This venue can be found in Knightsbridge, promising a cosy tearoom feel and a selection of scrumptious sweet and savoury bites.

Their tiered stand is full of classic flavours, from cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches to Battenburg, lemon drizzle cake and warm scones - with an optional glass of Champagne. Plus, they offer vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free versions of the meal as well.

Afternoon Tea at The Milestone Hotel and Residences

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.

See Your City

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!

Royal Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at The Palace Hotel

Afternoon Tea Special Offer

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.

Boogie Silent Disco Walking Tours

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? 

Prince's Head

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.

Bustronome

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.

Aviary

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.

Unique Tours

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.

Buckingham Palace

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.

Roof East

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.

London Dungeon

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.

London Transport Museum

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.

Westminster Abbey

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.

Tate Britain

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.