Best things to do in London: Top tourist attractions and fun activities to do in the capital

It's hard to be bored in London, with museums, monuments and cathedrals all just a tube line away — and that just scratches the surface.

Whether you're a native or a tourist, we've rounded up the best of London's tourist attractions that everyone should have on their bucket list.

From landmarks that make up the breathtaking London skyline to historical sites and palaces that play a crucial role in the capital’s history, there's lots to discover.

If you're wondering where to go first, these are the top London attractions that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.

London Eye

This London landmark has had pride of place beside the Thames for almost two decades. This South Bank observation wheel topples over the Thames at 135-metres high — making it the tallest in Europe. Those who brave the height will be treated to a 360 degree view of London, with St Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge, Piccadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace all in scope.

Lambeth, SE1 7PB, londoneye.com

Buckingham Palace

If your invite to the Queen’s summer garden party got lost in the post, you can still see the outside of Buckingham Palace in all its glory from The Mall. Royals have called this spot home since Queen Victoria’s reign in 1837, when she declared it her official residence. Passers-by can see the famous balcony and the fur-cladded guards on the gates, and during the summer months there’s even the chance to tour the 19 spectacular State Rooms inside.

Westminster, SW1A 1AA, royal.uk

St Paul’s Cathedral

Despite being over 1,400 years old and a symbol of London's endurance during the war, St Paul's Cathedral still has a weekly programme of services alongside its function as a visitor attraction. Highlights of a trip include the Whispering Gallery — where guests can whisper along the wall and the acoustics of the space allow it to be heard anywhere along the circular walkway, even on the opposite side. It also offers spectacular views over London from its Stone and Golden Galleries. Over the years, St Paul's has been the site of many historic state occasions, including Sir Winston Churchill's funeral and the Royal Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. It's also the burial site of sculptor Henry Moore and scientist Alexander Fleming.

St. Paul's Churchyard, EC4M 8AD, stpauls.co.uk

Borough Market

As a hotbed of gourmet goods, Borough Market is a must-visit for foodies. A wander through the market is an assault on the senses in itself, with fresh cheese, bread and seafood just a few of the treats lining the walkways. The time to visit is between Wednesday to Saturday, when the market is in full swing. On Mondays and Tuesdays, a limited number of traders are in operation, while the market is closed on Sundays.

8 Southwark St, SE1 1TL, boroughmarket.org.uk

Big Ben

The House of Parliament's clock tower is one of the best known landmarks in the capital, and its bongs are immediately recognisable. It's been uncharacteristically quiet since August 2017, when urgent repair work began - but the 160-year-old tower is expected to be back in its full glory in 2021.

Westminster, SW1A 0AA, parliament.uk/bigben

Tower of London

The fact this London castle is home to the Crown Jewels is obviously one of its main draws, but there's plenty more to put it in your radar. The Tower has seen more than 1,000 years of history — in Tudor times, it’s where traitors were kept captive, and in the 16th and 17th centuries the castle was commonly used as a prison. The practice continued up until the 20th century when the functioning jail saw the likes of the Kray twins and Rudolph Hess, deputy leader of the Nazi party, imprisoned there. It's also the place to meet the legendary ravens of the tower — legend has it that if they ever leave, the kingdom will fall.

St Katharine's & Wapping, EC3N 4AB, hrp.org.uk

Hampton Court Palace

It might be slightly further afield, but for history buff's this southern spot is worth a visit. Once the majestic abode of Henry VIII and his wives, it’s jam-packed with Tudor history, including the magnificent Great Hall with ornate tapestries on the walls. The gardens are a spectacle in their own right, and are home to the world's oldest puzzle maze. Costumed tours of the grounds and talks happen daily, as well as an eclectic programme of seasonal events, including Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival.

Molesey, KT8 9AU, hrp.org.uk

Kensington Palace

The walls of Kensington Palace have seen more than 300 years of royal history. The Jacobean mansion is now home to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their family, along with a fair few others in line to the throne. The W8 spot is known for being a glamorous royal residence — chosen by both Princess Margaret in the 1960s and Lady Diana, who had her own apartment there.

Kensington Gardens, W8 4PX, hrp.org.uk/kensington-palace

Royal Observatory Greenwich

The Royal Observatory, which sits on a hill in Greenwich park, is the historic home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), the Prime Meridian line and British astronomy. Scientific work is no longer carried out at the site so the The Royal Observatory is kept as a museum. But the galleries still reveal phenomena of time, space and astronomy, through clocks, paintings and other instruments.

Blackheath Ave, SE10 8XJ, rmg.co.uk

ZSL London Zoo

It isn't just the Night Tube that makes Zone 1 a wild place sometimes - it's also home to London Zoo, which has more than 800 different species of animal. Here you can see penguins, lions, meerkats, reptiles and otters, to name just a few. It may be the world's oldest scientific zoo but it still keeps up with pressing wildlife issues, and helps with conservation work around the globe. The site itself offers something for the whole family, from talks and feedings to immersive exhibits.

Outer Cir, NW1 4RY, zsl.org

London Dungeon

If you like your history on the gory side, the London Dungeon should be top of your list of places to visit. Live actors, shows, rides and interactive special effects recreate hideous tales from 1,000 years of London’s history. From Jack the Ripper and Sweeney Todd to the Gunpowder Plot and the Black Death, the immersive attraction covers murder, torture and all round gruesomeness.

County Hall, SE1 7PB, thedungeons.com/

Kew Gardens

Come rain or shine, this horticultural hotspot offers a variety of shows and installations all year round, with more than 30,000 different types of plants across 300 acres of land. Kew’s indoor offering includes Temperate House, the world’s largest Victorian glasshouse, and Palm House — an indoor rainforest made up of tropical plants. Elsewhere the Great Pagoda and Tree Top Walkway allow visitors to enjoy Kew from a height.

Richmond, TW9 3AB, kew.org

ArcelorMittal Orbit

This striking red landmark was designed by sculptor Anish Kapoor as part of the site of the 2012 London Olympic games, and remains as a legacy of the event. Not only is it the UK’s tallest sculpture but it also boasts the world’s longest and tallest tunnel slide, thanks to a additional build in 2016. The looping red structure is made up of 35,000 bolts — enough to make 265 double decker buses.

5 Thornton Street, E20 2AD, arcelormittalorbit.com

Madame Tussauds

The capital is home to a whole host of A-listers and you can see them for yourself down at Madame Tussauds - in wax form, that is. Rub shoulders with film royalty such as Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and George Clooney or get up close and personal with Team GB legends Jessica-Ennis Hill and Mo Farah. There’s more than 300 life-size wax figures to pose with so be sure to leave plenty of time to explore.

Marylebone Rd, NW1 5LR, madametussauds.com

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge, a defining part of the London skyline, has stood tall on the Thames for nearly 124 years. On average, the bridge is raised 850 times a year for relevant registered boats and ships. The high level walkways offer panoramic views of city and the glass floor also gives thrill-seekers a view of bustling London life on the bridge beneath.

Tower Bridge Rd, SE1 2UP, towerbridge.org.uk