Are you a fan of Harry Potter or Netflix’s The Crown? Do you happen to love scones or be fascinated with British architecture? It can be hard to narrow down what exactly to see and eat in England’s capital city when you love so many things about it. While it’s a beautiful and vibrant destination for tourists, it’s also an ideal place to settle in. From places to visit in London, restaurants in London, and sports in London, we’ve got you covered. Read on to discover some of the best things to do in London.

Related: Find Rooms For Rent In London

Outdoor Activities in London

1. Have a picnic in Hyde Park

This is one of the best things to do in London if you want to avoid from the crowds. Fun fact: King Henry VIII was known to have hunted wild boar and deer on these grounds during the 16th century.

Timings: Daily, from 5am – 12 midnight

2. Follow a London cycle route

If you’re having a hard time choosing places to visit in London, why not hop on a bicycle and explore the city on your own or on a guided tour? Choose from the many different options that let you take in the sights you’re most interested in.

Sports in London

1. Catch a game of cricket

Cricket’s a popular sport in England, so watching a match is one of the best things to do in London. Check out the upcoming fixtures at either of the city’s major cricket grounds—Lord’s or The Kia Oval.

2. Watch the annual Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race from the River Thames

Join the thousands of people every spring who watch the Oxford-Cambridge boat race by the banks of the River Thames. The two universities have been racing each other since 1829. This is one of the best things to do in London if you want to feel like a local.

5. Witness the sheer brilliance of tennis legends

Home to the oldest tennis tournament in the world, London is the best place to enjoy this sport as a spectator. Expect some upgrades to the All England Club’s Centre Court as it turns 100 years old in 2022. Wow!

Museums in London

1. Appreciate art and artifacts at the British Museum.

If you’re on a budget, then you can visit the British Museum for free. The museum has nearly 100 rooms, so make sure you plan your visit ahead of time to avoid missing anything.

Timings: Daily from 10am – 5pm

2. See masterpieces up close at the National Gallery

Feast your eyes on Vincent Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers,” Claude Monet’s “Bathers at the La Grenouillère,” or Rembrandt’s self-portrait. Measures are in place for your safety, so you can enjoy your visit without care.

Timings:

• Sunday – Thursday: 10am – 6pm
• Friday: 10am – 9pm

Cultural Locations in London

1. Take a selfie at the Buckingham Palace gates

An iconic landmark, Buckingham Palace is definitely one of the best places to visit in London. Tours are available so you can visit staterooms and ooh and ahh at all the exquisite furniture and artwork. Plus, watch out for the changing of the guard every day at 11 am.

9. Relive the old days of theater at Shakespeare’s Globe on Bankside.

Theater and literature buffs, this one’s for you. Seeing Shakespeare’s plays performed at his reconstructed Globe has to be one of the best things to do in London for bardolators!

Shopping Centers, Bars, & Restaurants in London

1. Check out the Portobello Road Market

If you’re looking for a cool souvenir or collectible, then you should head on over to Portobello Market in Notting Hill (yes, that Notting Hill). You might just score a beautiful piece of jewelry or artwork from one of its 1,000+ merchants. Definitely one of the best things to do in London, hands down.

Timings:

• Monday – Wednesday: 9am – 6pm
• Thursday: 9am – 1pm
• Friday: 9am – 7pm (antique stalls)
• Saturday: 9am – 7pm

Note: Shops and cafes remain open throughout the week.

2. Drink with a touch of whimsy at Mr. Fogg’s House of Botanicals

This bar features the botanical library of Phileas Fogg, the protagonist in Jules Verne’s Around The World In 80 Days. With its Victorian horticulture theme, you’ll feel as if you’ve actually stepped into the novel’s timeline. For foodies and book lovers, this should make it onto your personal list of some of the best things to do in London.

Timings:

• Monday: 4pm – 1am
• Tuesday – Thursday: 5pm – 11:30pm
• Friday: 3pm – 12am
• Saturday: 12pm – 1am
• Sunday: 3pm – 1am

3. Snap an IG Pic At Circolo Popolare

With its hanging trellises and delicious Italian food, this spot is the most queued-for restaurant in the city. It’s one of the best things to do in London if you want to enjoy an unbeatable meal.

Timings:

• Monday – Wednesday: 11:45am – 3:15pm; 4:45pm – 10:45pm
• Thursday: 11:45am – 3:15pm; 5pm – 10:45pm
• Friday – Sunday: 11:45am-10:30pm

We hope this guide has given you plenty of great ideas for sports events, museums, outdoor activities, cultural locations, and amazing restaurants to try in London. Have fun!

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