I’ve been to London five times, and somehow it still feels like I’ve only scratched the surface. Every visit peels back a new layer…like discovering a hidden wine bar tucked under a railway arch in Bermondsey or stumbling upon a street performer in Covent Garden who could easily headline a West End show.
Sure, I’ve done the classics: Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace. But it’s the mix of old-world grandeur and modern edge that keeps pulling me back. One minute you’re exploring Churchill’s wartime bunker, the next you’re sipping rooftop cocktails with views over St. Paul’s. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, these are my 12 favorite bucket list spots in London. These are places that have made me fall in love with the city all over again, every single time.
My Favorite Attractions in London in 2025
Looking for the coolest things to do in London in 2025? Take in breathtaking views from the Sky Garden, walk across the iconic Tower Bridge, and explore the vibrant streets of Shoreditch. Relax in the greenery of Hyde Park and discover the historic charm of Leadenhall Market. And don’t miss London’s most Instagrammable restaurants! Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or modern attractions, here are the top places to visit in London.
1. Sky Garden: London’s Elevated Oasis
Sky Garden honestly delivers the best free views in London, but you can’t just rock up anymore. Free tickets get released every Monday morning at 10 AM for three weeks ahead, and they disappear fast. I’ve watched tourists cry because they couldn’t get in, so book the second those tickets drop.
The glass dome sits 35 floors up the “Walkie-Talkie” building with 360-degree views that’ll make your Instagram explode. Opening hours are 10 AM-6 PM weekdays and 11 AM-9 PM weekends. That outdoor terrace gives you unfiltered shots of The Shard and St. Paul’s Cathedral without any glass reflection ruining your photos.
If you can’t snag free tickets, book dinner at Darwin Brasserie or drinks at Sky Pod Bar – no separate ticket needed and you skip the crowds. I actually prefer going at sunset around 7 PM when London lights up below. Just bring photo ID and don’t be late because they’re strict about timeslots. The Mediterranean plants cascading through three levels are pretty stunning too, but let’s be real – you’re here for those views.
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2. Tower Bridge: An Iconic Symbol of London’s Grandeur
Tower Bridge just reopened after maintenance with tickets now costing around £12 for adults. The glass floor walkway 42 meters above the Thames still makes my stomach drop, but it’s honestly the coolest way to watch boats pass underneath. Open daily 9:30 AM-6 PM with last entry at 5 PM.
I timed my visit perfectly to catch a bridge lift – they post schedules online and watching the road literally split open beneath your feet through that glass floor is incredible. The Victorian Engine Rooms on the south side show off the massive steam engines that once powered the bridge lifts, and kids absolutely love the interactive exhibits.
Pro tip: enter through the northwest tower where the ticket office is located, and don’t try walking across the main road to get there. Use the underground pedestrian tunnels from Tower Hill or London Bridge stations. The whole experience takes about 90 minutes if you do both the high-level walkways and engine rooms. Those special windows that open for photography are genius – no glass reflections messing up your shots. Worth every penny for the engineering geek in me.
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3. Shoreditch: The Heartbeat of London’s Creative Pulse
Shoreditch keeps evolving but hasn’t lost its edge. Boxpark Shoreditch underneath the overground station remains the world’s first shipping container mall, and it’s still buzzing with everything from Black Bear Burger to indie fashion brands. Open 11 AM-10 PM daily with over 50 food vendors and shops in converted containers.
Columbia Road Flower Market every Sunday 8 AM-3 PM is absolutely mental in the best way – the scents, colors, and cockney banter create this sensory overload you can smell blocks away. I always leave with plants I didn’t know I needed and the surrounding independent cafes and vintage shops stay open specifically for market day.
The street art scene constantly changes, so what I saw last month might be painted over by now. Brick Lane stretches from Aldgate to Old Street with the Sunday markets offering everything from vintage vinyl to curry that’ll blow your mind. Yeah, it’s gotten more touristy, but locals still hang out here for good reason. Just watch your stuff around Old Street at night – this area parties hard but pickpockets work these crowds too.
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4. Hyde Park: London’s Green Oasis in the Heart of the City
Hyde Park‘s 350 acres offer the perfect escape from London’s chaos, and it’s completely free. Winter Wonderland returns November 14, 2025 through January 1, 2026 with six weeks of ice skating, roller coasters, and mulled wine that makes the whole park smell like Christmas. Entry is free off-peak, £5-£7.50 during busy times.
The Diana Memorial Fountain made from 545 pieces of Cornish granite creates this tranquil spot where you can actually dip your feet in the water. Speakers’ Corner every Sunday morning still hosts passionate debates – I’ve heard everything from political rants to poetry readings. Marx, Orwell, and Lenin all spoke here, so the tradition runs deep.
The Serpentine lake offers pedal boating and swimming at the lido from May through September. I love those striped deckchairs scattered around the water – perfect for people-watching with a takeaway coffee. The Rose Garden in the southeast corner explodes with nearly 1,000 varieties during June and July, creating this incredible fragrant display you can smell before you see it. Accessible from Hyde Park Corner, Marble Arch, or Knightsbridge stations.
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5. Leadenhall Market: A Glimpse into London’s Historic Charm
Leadenhall Market doubles as real-life Diagon Alley for Harry Potter fans, but it’s actually a working Victorian market since the 14th century. Those ornate red and gold painted arches with cobblestone floors create the perfect backdrop for photos, especially early morning before the City workers descend.
The blue door that became the Leaky Cauldron entrance sits near Gracechurch Street, and The Lamb Tavern has been serving pints since 1780 – I’ve never had a bad meal there. Weekday lunchtimes get absolutely packed with bankers and lawyers grabbing quick bites, so visit before 11 AM or after 2 PM for peaceful exploring.
Located minutes from Bank Station, this hidden gem sits right in the financial district but feels worlds away from the modern skyscrapers surrounding it. The Victorian wrought iron and glass structure is Grade II-listed, so it’s protected from development. Most tourists completely miss this place while rushing between Tower Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral, which makes it feel like discovering a secret. The light filtering through those painted glass panels creates this magical atmosphere that changes throughout the day.
6. Barbican Conservatory: London’s Hidden Jungle Amidst Brutalist Beauty
Barbican Conservatory only opens select Sundays 12-5 PM, making it London’s best-kept secret. Over 1,500 plant species thrive inside this concrete brutalist complex, creating the weirdest contrast between tropical paradise and industrial architecture. You need to book free tickets online because they limit visitor numbers.
Those ancient cycads survived the dinosaurs, and watching koi carp glide through ponds while butterflies flutter overhead feels surreal against the concrete backdrop. I spent three hours here just wandering through different climate zones – desert, tropical, temperate – all hidden inside Europe’s largest arts center.
The Barbican Centre hosts world-class theater, concerts, and art exhibitions, so you can easily make a full day of it. Those elevated walkways connecting the residential towers offer fascinating glimpses into 1960s utopian urban planning. The conservatory gets absolutely rammed when it’s open because it’s only available monthly, so arrive right at opening time. Located near Barbican or Moorgate stations, this place perfectly represents London’s ability to hide incredible surprises behind the most unlikely facades.
7. Highgate Cemetery: A Tranquil Resting Place Steeped in History
Highgate Cemetery splits into East and West sections with completely different vibes. The East Cemetery (£5 adults) allows self-guided exploration of Karl Marx’s towering memorial, George Eliot, and Douglas Adams among 170,000 burials across 53,000 graves. Open daily 10 AM-5 PM.
The West Cemetery requires guided tours (£12) led by passionate volunteers who bring the Victorian necropolis to life. That Egyptian Avenue with moss-covered tombs and ivy-clad mausoleums creates the most atmospheric photography location in London. The autumn light filtering through ancient trees makes everything look like a gothic novel.
I recommend taking the Northern Line to Archway station rather than Highgate – it’s actually closer despite the name. This Grade I-listed site spans both sides of Swain’s Lane, and you’ll want at least two hours to properly explore both sections. The contrast between the wild, overgrown West Cemetery and the more manicured East section tells the story of London’s changing attitudes toward death and remembrance. Definitely not your typical tourist trap, but absolutely essential for anyone interested in Victorian history or atmospheric photography.
8. Windsor Castle: A Royal Retreat Beyond London’s Borders
Windsor Castle remains an active royal residence where King Charles III spends weekends, making it feel properly authentic. Adult tickets cost £31.50 and the castle opens daily 10 AM-5:15 PM (last admission 4 PM). Direct trains from London Paddington or Waterloo take 45 minutes to Windsor & Eton Central station.
Those State Apartments showcase masterpieces by Rubens and Rembrandt while St. George’s Chapel houses ten monarchs’ tombs including Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth II. I was blown away by the Grand Reception Room with its gold-covered walls – pure royal excess at its finest.
The Changing of the Guard ceremony happens select weekdays at 11 AM (check online schedules), and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House features working plumbing and electricity in miniature detail. What struck me most was how this 900-year-old fortress still functions as a working palace. You might even spot the royal standard flag flying if King Charles is in residence. The Middle Tower entrance has reduced access in 2025 due to conservation work, but the main attractions remain fully accessible.
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9. Notting Hill: A Colorful Mosaic of Culture and Charm
Notting Hill peaked during the 1999 movie, but those rainbow-colored Victorian townhouses along Westbourne Grove still deliver the Instagram magic. Portobello Road Market operates differently each day – Saturday brings hundreds of antique dealers, Monday through Wednesday focuses on fresh produce, and Friday adds vintage clothing to the mix.
I always discover unique treasures I didn’t know I needed, from vintage band t-shirts to antique jewelry. The pastel houses work best for photos during golden hour when that soft light hits the facades perfectly. Ladbroke Grove and Westbourne Park stations on the Circle/District lines provide easiest access.
Notting Hill Carnival transforms the area every August into Europe’s largest street festival with Caribbean culture, sound systems, and incredible food. The gentrification definitely shows – house prices here are absolutely mental – but independent bookshops like Books for Cooks and boutiques around Westbourne Grove keep the creative spirit alive. Central Line to Notting Hill Gate drops you right in the heart of it all. The area works best for leisurely wandering rather than specific destinations.
10. Covent Garden: The Beating Heart of London’s Theatreland
Covent Garden buzzes day and night with world-class street performers in the central piazza who genuinely could headline West End shows. The historic Market Building houses boutique shops and restaurants under that elegant glass roof, while Apple Market offers crafts and antiques daily.
I’ve watched opera singers, acrobats, and magicians draw massive crowds throughout the day. The cobblestone piazza transforms after dark when street lamps create this magical atmosphere. Neal’s Yard just off Monmouth Street features kaleidoscope-colored buildings housing indie shops, natural health stores, and tiny cafes perfect for hiding from crowds.
Rules, London’s oldest restaurant since 1798, serves traditional British fare in historic surroundings, though book well ahead. The area sits perfectly between Leicester Square and Holborn tube stations with Royal Opera House anchoring the cultural scene. Street performers need licenses here, so the quality stays consistently high. I love how this former fruit and vegetable market evolved into London’s premier entertainment district while keeping its historic character. The pedestrianized streets make wandering easy, and there’s always something happening.
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11. Camden Town: A Melting Pot of Subcultures and Creativity
Camden keeps its alternative edge despite gentrification pressures. Camden Lock Market alongside Regent’s Canal offers the most eclectic shopping in London – vintage leather jackets, goth accessories, and global street food from converted railway arches. Open daily but weekends bring the full chaos.
Those giant 3D sculptures on shop fronts – dragons, boots, massive shoes – create this surreal shopping experience unique to Camden. I always sample the international street food; you’ll find authentic cuisine from everywhere. The Stables Market in Victorian railway buildings houses Amy Winehouse’s statue honoring the local legend.
The Roundhouse and Electric Ballroom maintain Camden’s music reputation with legends from Pink Floyd to Prince having played these venues. The Northern Line drops you directly at Camden Town station into sensory overload. Regent’s Canal offers peaceful walks to Little Venice if the market madness gets overwhelming. Yeah, it’s touristy now, but locals still hang out here because the music scene and alternative culture remain genuinely authentic. Just watch your belongings in the weekend crowds.
12. The British Museum: A Portal to the World’s Wonders
The British Museum remains completely free for permanent collections, though you must book timed entry slots online to guarantee access. Open daily 10 AM-5 PM (8:30 PM Fridays) with last entry 75 minutes before closing. The Great Court with its massive glass roof designed by Norman Foster creates Europe’s largest covered square.
That Rosetta Stone in Room 4 still draws massive crowds as the key to deciphering hieroglyphs, but I actually prefer the Winged Victory of Samothrace and those controversial Parthenon Sculptures. The Egyptian mummies in the upper galleries fascinate kids, while the Lewis Chessmen and Sutton Hoo treasures showcase Britain’s ancient history.
I follow the museum’s “One Hour Trail” hitting major highlights: Rosetta Stone → Parthenon Sculptures → Egyptian Mummies, but honestly you need a full day to scratch the surface of 8 million objects spanning 2 million years. Special exhibitions like “Hiroshige: artist of the open road” (until September 2025) cost £17-22 but are worth it. Free guided tours run at 11:30 AM, and Russell Square or Tottenham Court Road stations provide easiest access. The museum cafes are overpriced, so grab lunch outside in Bloomsbury.
