London Bucket List for Tourists: 20 Unmissable Things for First Timers to Do in London

London Bucket List for Tourists: 20 Unmissable Things to Do in London

Planning a trip to London? Whether you're visiting for a weekend, a week, or even longer, the UK's capital is packed with iconic landmarks, fascinating history, world-class museums, and unforgettable experiences.

From riding a classic red double-decker bus to seeing the Crown Jewels, this London bucket list includes some of the very best things every tourist should experience at least once.

1. Ride on the Top Deck of a London Bus

No visit to London feels complete without hopping aboard one of the city's famous red double-decker buses. Grab a seat at the front of the top deck for some of the best views of London's streets, landmarks, and historic buildings.

Top routes for sightseeing include routes 15, 24, and 139. The routes are subject to change but check out this map of the key bus routes in Central London from TFL to get an ideas of the best ones.

Route 15 get on at Charing Cross, Go down Fleet Street, past St Paul’s and on to The Tower. Most of the route is worth seeing.

Route 24 runs between Pimlico and Hampstead Heath and offers a great mix of royal sights, green spaces and vibrant neighbourhoods. Top sights include Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and Trafalgar Square. You can take it all the way to Camden market.

Route 139 runs from Golders Green to Waterloo and is particularly good for first-time visitors because it passes through the heart of the West End including Oxford Street, Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square. It crosses over Waterloo Bridge gives a great view of London, with the Thames, the London Eye and the city skyline visible from the top deck

Or alternatively take a sightseeing bus tour where you can hop on and off with commentary.

2. Hear Big Ben Chime

One of London's most recognisable landmarks, Big Ben stands beside the Houses of Parliament on the banks of the River Thames.

Visit Westminster and listen for the famous chimes that have become a symbol of Britain around the world.

Big Ben chimes every hour with deep, resonant strikes indicating the time. Additionally, smaller bells chime the famous "Westminster Quarters" sequence every 15 minutes.

3. Walk Across Tower Bridge

Often mistaken for London Bridge, Tower Bridge is one of the city's most impressive structures.

Walk across the bridge for fantastic views of the Thames and, if you're feeling brave, visit the glass floor walkway high above the river.

4. Enjoy Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea is one of Britain's most cherished traditions.

Treat yourself to freshly baked scones, finger sandwiches, cakes, and tea at one of London's elegant hotels or tea rooms. It's a wonderful way to experience a classic British tradition.

Coming with kids and teens - then check out our recommendations of the best afternoon teas for the family. On a budget -  check out the best value afternoon teas in the capital.

5. Relax in a London Park

London is home to some beautiful green spaces.

Popular choices include:

St James's Park – Pictured above and the oldest of London's Royal Parks, St James's Park offers picturesque views of Buckingham Palace, a lovely playground for the kids, and resident pelicans (which you can see being fed around 2.30pm most days)..

Hyde Park – One of London's largest and most famous parks, Hyde Park is home to the Serpentine Lake, beautiful gardens, and attractions such as Speaker's Corner. Why not take a boat out on the lake if you're there in the summer? Or get round on wheels by hiring a bike or rollerskates?

Regent's Park – Known for its stunning rose gardens, open parkland, and boating lake, Regent's Park is also home to London Zoo.

Greenwich Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Greenwich Park provides panoramic views of the London skyline and is home to the historic Royal Observatory.

If the weather is good take a picnic or enjoy an ice cream while you relax away from the hustle and bustle of London's busy streets.

6. Visit a London Museum

Many of London's museums are completely free!

British Museum – Home to world-famous treasures including the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies, the British Museum showcases thousands of years of human history and culture.

Natural History Museum – Famous for its impressive dinosaur skeletons, interactive exhibits, and stunning Victorian architecture, this museum is a favourite with families.

Science Museum – Explore fascinating exhibits on space travel, technology, medicine, and engineering through hands-on displays and interactive galleries.

Imperial War Museum – Discover powerful exhibitions that tell the stories of people affected by conflict, covering both World Wars and more recent events.

These world-class museums offer fascinating insights into history, science, culture, and innovation without costing a penny to visit.

7. Take a Boat Trip on the Thames

Seeing London from the water offers a completely different perspective.

River cruises pass many famous landmarks including the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, and Greenwich.

There's so many great ways to do a river cruise on the Thames. You can take afternoon tea or lunch while crusing along the river on a sightseeing tour with commentary.

Or take Uber Boat. Run by London Clippers Uber Boat's are London's official River Bus service on the River Thames. Operating a frequent fleet of high-speed catamarans, it connects 24 piers between Putney in the west and Barking Riverside in the east, doubling as both a scenic sightseeing cruise and a practical commuter route.

It's cost effective and you can purchase a one day hop on / hop off ticket to explore London in a different way.

8. Watch a West End Show

London's West End rivals Broadway for world-class theatre.

Whether you love musicals, comedy, drama, or family shows, there's always something exciting on stage.

Popular productions often include long-running favourites such as The Lion King and Les Misérables.

9. See the Changing of the Guard

The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is one of London's most famous ceremonies.

The colourful uniforms, marching bands, and royal setting make this a memorable experience for visitors and a good one to tick off any first timer's bucket list.

Changing of the Guard takes place at Buckingham Palace on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 11:00 am. The ceremony lasts for about 45 minutes, with the main handover occurring at exactly 11:00 am.

It's worth getting there early to get a good place to see the ceremony.

10. Ride the London Eye

Standing 135 metres high, the London Eye offers spectacular panoramic views across the city.

On a clear day you can see as far as Windsor Castle.

If the London Eye is too expensive for your budget there are lots of other alternatives to get a great view of London's skyline. Book a free ticket to visit the Sky Garden (London's highest public garden). Climb the Monument or take a trip London's cable car to enjoy views of Docklands and Canary Wharf.

11. Stroll Along the River Thames

Some of London's best walks follow the River Thames.

The South Bank is particularly enjoyable, with street performers, food stalls, public art, and fantastic views.

12. Eat Traditional Fish and Chips

Trying fish and chips is a must for many international visitors.

To be truly local, grab some fish and chips from a takeaway and sit in the nearest park or by the river and enjoy

13. See the Crown Jewels

The Crown Jewels are housed within the Tower of London and include some of the most valuable royal treasures in the world.

This is one of London's most popular attractions and well worth adding to your itinerary.

14. Visit an Art Gallery

London's galleries contain masterpieces from around the world.

National Gallery – Located in Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery houses one of the world's finest collections of European paintings, including works by Van Gogh, Monet, and Leonardo da Vinci.

Tate Modern – Set inside a former power station on the South Bank, Tate Modern showcases modern and contemporary art from some of the biggest names in the art world.

Victoria and Albert Museum – The V&A is the world's leading museum of art, design, and performance, featuring everything from fashion and photography to sculpture and decorative arts.

Many of London's major galleries are free to visit, making them a great addition to any sightseeing itinerary.

15. Explore the Tower of London

For nearly 1,000 years, the Tower of London has served as a royal palace, prison, fortress, and treasury.

Today, visitors can explore its fascinating history and meet the famous Yeoman Warders, often known as Beefeaters.

16. Browse a London Market

London's markets offer everything from street food to vintage fashion.

Popular choices include:

Borough Market – One of London's oldest and most famous food markets, Borough Market is a paradise for food lovers, offering everything from artisan cheeses to international street food.

Camden Market – Known for its alternative atmosphere, Camden Market is packed with independent traders selling fashion, artwork, gifts, and delicious food from around the world.

Portobello Road Market – Located in colourful Notting Hill, this iconic market is best known for its antiques stalls, vintage treasures, and lively street atmosphere.

Old Spitalfields Market – A vibrant covered market combining independent boutiques, craft stalls, food vendors, and regular themed events in the heart of East London.

17. Watch the Street Performers at Covent Garden

Covent Garden is famous for its lively atmosphere and talented street entertainers.

You might see magicians, musicians, acrobats, or comedy performers during your visit.

18. Ride the London Cable Car

The IFS Cloud Cable Car crosses the Thames between Greenwich and the Royal Docks.

It offers unique aerial views of London's skyline and is often overlooked by tourists.

I tried out the cable car with my 12 year old son, read our account of riding the London cable car here. 

19. Take a Black Cab Ride

London's black cabs are an iconic part of the city's identity.

Many cab drivers have completed "The Knowledge" – an intensive test of London's streets and landmarks.

20. Visit a Royal Palace

No London bucket list would be complete without a royal attraction.

Popular choices include:

gBuckingham Palace - the main residence of King Charles. You can visit Buckingham Palace in July and August. Read a review of our visit to Buckingham Palace. 

Kensington Palace -  a historic royal residence set in Kensington Gardens, London. For over 300 years, it has served as a glamorous home for British royals—most notably as the birthplace of Queen Victoria, the former home of Princess Diana, and the official London residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales

Hampton Court Palace - located a short train ride out of London, Hampton Court Palace is a spectacular, 500-year-old royal estate on the River Thames in Surrey. It offers an unmatched deep dive into Tudor history—letting you walk in the footsteps of Henry VIII

These historic residences offer a fascinating glimpse into Britain's royal history.

Bonus London Bucket List Ideas

If you've already ticked off the essentials, consider adding these experiences:

Climb to the top of The Shard
Visit St Paul's Cathedral
Explore Greenwich Observatory
Tour Windsor Castle on a day trip
Experience a Premier League football match
Discover London's hidden speakeasy bars
Visit the Harry Potter Studios

Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning for another adventure, these London bucket list experiences will help you make the most of your trip and create memories that will last a lifetime.

How many of these London bucket list experiences have you already ticked off?