Did you know that London is the fourth biggest city in Europe, with a population of around 9 million? With a city that big, it’s hard to know where to start with exploring. From Big Ben and the London Eye to The Shard and St Paul’s Cathedral, the list is nearly endless!
But that’s where I come in! I’ve visited London three times now, and I think I can safely say that I know the best things to do by now. So today I’m going to be sharing eight things in London every first time visitor needs to experience.
A Thames Cruise
I’m a big advocator for cruises – they’re such a unique way of experiencing a city! I actually tried to do one in Paris but unfortunately I was unsuccessful.
Luckily I was able to do a cruise when I went on holiday in London last year! Most of them will have a guide pointing out all the key sights and you can see a lot that you’d miss otherwise. It’s the perfect way to unwind whilst still doing a little sightseeing – most will take you past Big Ben, The London Eye, Tower Bridge and more.
The Shard
I’ll let you in on a secret: this is my absolute favourite thing to do in London! At 72 stories, The Shard is currently the tallest building in London – making it one of the best places to get stunning views of the city!
The best part? You don’t have to do any climbing – simply get a lift to the top. I’ll be honest, I was absolutely terrified when I visited due to a long-standing fear of lifts, but it was so worth it. When I was there I actually saw the rainbow, which was so magical!
There’s a small bar on the top where you can grab a drink or bite to eat whilst looking out at the city before continuing on your way.
London Eye
You can’t visit London without going on the London Eye! It is a little pricey, but it’s definitely worth it for the experience. You get to see the city from all angles and the ride itself is pretty smooth.
I’ve been on it once and it was awesome! I’d love to go again in the dark – I can only imagine how beautiful it would be seeing the lights twinkle beneath you.
Be aware, though, as the queues for this are incredibly long – so make sure you book ahead!
St Paul’s Cathedral
This is another of my favourite things to do in London! It’s on Ludgate Hill, making it another of the highest points in London. It’s also one of the most spectacular cathedrals I’ve ever been in!
The interior has so much amazing artwork on offer, and the decor is not to be missed. Make sure you look up as the ceilings are just as grand!
You can also climb to the top and look out over the city. Not going to lie, the climb is a lot, but it’s spaced out to different levels which makes it a lot more doable. Once you get to the top you’ll wonder what you were complaining about!
Trafalgar Square
No visit to London would be complete without a visit to the iconic Trafalgar Square! I make sure to stop by every time I visit.
My latest visit was actually during the king’s coronation, so it doesn’t normally have the gates!
It’s the perfect place to sit and relax for a while, as well as doing a little people-watching. Make sure to check out the majestic lion statues and lively surroundings, too!
Buckingham Palace
Your trip to London wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Buckingham Palace! As the king’s official royal residence and the administrative headquarters of the UK’s monarch, it is easily one of the most recognisable places in England.
They actually offer a limited number of tours, which is so cool! I’d love to do one someday.
Tower Bridge
You can’t miss London’s most famous bridge! Whilst you’re crossing it, I’d really recommend making a quick detour to actually climb it. When I visited there were some fascinating displays and the views are amazing, too!
The walkway connecting the two towers is actually see-through, too, which I found really cool, if a little scary! You can see all of the water beneath you and honestly? It’s a little surreal.
The Tower Of London
Last but not least, we have the Tower Of London! Visiting here will easily take a few hours so make sure you plan accordingly. There’s a lot to explore – there’s a long and extensive history behind the castle, and there are tons of little museums and exhibitions delving into it.
Of course, the main draw for many is the appeal of seeing the Crown Jewels, which are gorgeous. Outside, you might even catch the changing of the guard, which is a very interesting experience!
You can also walk along part of the castle’s walls, which is the best way to see it from all angles!
Conclusion
And there we have it! Everything you need to experience during your first visit to London. There really is no shortage of things to do in London so this list is by no means extensive – there’s still a lot that I want to do even after visiting multiple times, so don’t be surprised if you see a part two in the future!
Have you visited London before? What was the highlight of your visit? Let me know in the comments!
Until the next adventure,
Ceri x
Like this post? Pin it for later!
Across the Great Planes 
London is such a great place to visit. It looks like you got so much packed in and visited many places. I have visited London many times, I always enjoy it.
Lauren – bournemouthgirl.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you love it too, there really is so much to do! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome ideas, I didn’t know about the Tower of London but you skipped
Notting Hill. Always happy to go back..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Ooh I haven’t been to Notting Hill yet, I’ll have to do it next time I visit. Thank you so much for the recommendation and for reading and commenting!
LikeLike
This is a great guide! I haven’t been to England before, but I would love to visit London one day! It does look like there are a lot of things to do there!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I hope you make it there soon and this was helpful. There certainly are, there’s still so many places I’d like to go, too! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve been to London 7 times. And still can’t get enough of the beautiful historical city. London is just my no.1 favorite destination.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad you love it too! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
LikeLike
What a great list! I’d definitely love to check these off on a future visit, especially St. Paul’s Cathedral and the London Eye.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I really hope you get to visit soon – St Paul’s is so beautiful and the London Eye is definitely a must see! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
LikeLike
I once went on a Thames boat cruise and the tower bridge opened which was really cool! I mainly go to London to visit my sister 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds like such an amazing experience – I’d love to see that! Thank you so much for reading and commenting 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have always wanted to go to London! Many of the places you listed I would love to visit! Thanks for sharing this! 🙂
https://melissakacar.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you make it there soon and get to visit these! Thank you so much for reading and commenting 🙂
LikeLike
I’ve lived just outside of London my whole life (until this week when I moved!) and I couldn’t possibly tell you the amount of times I’ve been, it’d be in the hundreds. I’ve done basically all the tourist attractions! Although I only went up the shard for the first time this year and it was incredible; we stayed for ages at the bar / cafe at the top, admiring the views. Such a beautiful way to spend an afternoon. These are all fab suggestions.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow that sounds amazing! I’m so glad you love the shard too; the views truly are unmatched. Thank you so much for reading and commenting!
LikeLike
It’s great to see you mention some great things to enjoy in London — there really is so much to see, experience and do. I know it very well as I used to live there (grew up between Cornwall and London) with lots of family still in both places. Wonderful post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Oh that sounds amazing, I haven’t been to Cornwall nearly enough. Thank you so much for reading and commenting!
LikeLike
This is an amazing guide and these are great places to visit in London. My partner and I planning to go there. Thank you for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I hope you both enjoy it, thank you so much for reading and commenting.
LikeLike
I’ve been there as a young girl on a 4 day school trip, but I would love to go again and do some sightseeing with my hubby
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hope you both make it there soon! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
LikeLike
I’ve yet to go to the shard. It’s been on my list for ages but I still haven’t done it lol! I know the view would be incredible. This is a nice realistic list that you’ve put together. Really nice locations with great views to take nice pictures.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you make it there soon – it truly is spectacular! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This was really helpful, I haven’t been to London for a few years now but it is a great place to visit, we went on the London Eye too and it was brilliant, and we visited the Dungeons and the wax works, the Dungeons were really good, if you go again and get chance it’s worth a visit, ZoĂ« x
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad to hear it was helpful! Ooh I’ll definitely check them out next time I visit. Thank you so much for the recommendations and for reading and commenting!
LikeLike
I would love to visit London sometime! Thanks for sharing this guide!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you make it there soon! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing your first timers guide to London, most of these places are great for a first timer, I would add Covent Garden for the mix of shops, food and street performers 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
They definitely are! Ooh yes Covent Garden is great, I have to admit I haven’t explored it as much as I’d like to yet though! Thank you so much for reading and commenting 🙂
LikeLike