London Tourist Attractions (That Are Actually Worth The Hype)

London attracts over 20 million tourists per year, so in a city packed full of iconic landmarks and historic sites, there’s no shortage of crowds. But as such a popular travel destination, it can be hard to tell which tourist attractions are worth it and which aren’t. You may be tempted to skip the major spots for fear of them being overrated, but after my trip, I just couldn’t shake these experiences from my mind! We’ve compiled this list of London tourist attractions that are actually worth the hype.

Eat at The Famous Maggie Jones’s Restaurant

Beloved by both tourists and locals, Maggie Jones’s is an authentic spot for British cuisine established in 1964. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a cluttered interior that’s never overwhelming, like a visit to your grandma’s country home. Its rustic vibe is matched perfectly by a quintessentially British menu – they serve Sunday roast, shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, and more! While walk-ins are accepted, I’d recommend reserving a table as it can get pretty busy.

• Address: 6 Old Ct Pl, London W8 4PL, United Kingdom
• Hours: Daily 12 PM – 9 PM

Explore The Victoria & Albert Museum

If you want a break from the outdoors and feel like marveling at impressive collections of art – think photography, books, music, paintings, and fashion – visit the V&A Museum (South Kensington location). This is a massive museum spanning 12.5 acres and holding 145 galleries, so get there early if you want to see as much as possible! For the artist at heart, there’s no medium this museum doesn’t have on display.

Keep up with their current events and exhibitions here.

• Address: Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL, United Kingdom
• Hours:
  • Daily 10 AM – 5:45 PM
  • Fridays close at 10 PM
• Admission: Free!

Have Afternoon Tea at the Milestone Hotel

Afternoon tea is a staple of English culture that is best experienced in London itself. Born from 19th century aristocrats and continuing into today, this tradition is a good way to refresh and socialize during the day. Most places offer a good variety of tea accompanied by finger foods like small sandwiches, pastries, and other little goodies.

Pro tip: While you can find an endless amount of teahouses to stop at throughout the city, I recommend the Milestone Hotel for its beautiful Victorian decor and less touristy atmosphere. Reservations are highly encouraged.

• Address: 1-3 Kensington Ct, London W8 5DL, United Kingdom
• Hours: Daily 1 PM – 7 PM

Take Pictures at the Big Ben Phone Booth

Though you can find many of these iconic red booths around the city, this spot offers a perfect angle of Big Ben in the background, making it a prime location for postcard-worthy pics. If you could only take one photo in all of London to prove your visit, this would be the place to do it. No wonder it’s so popular!

• Address: 1 Horse Guards Rd, London SW1A 2HQ, United Kingdom
• Hours: Open 24/7

Stroll Down Portobello Road Market

One of the best ways to spend a day outdoors in London is at the Portobello Market. Famed for its bric-a-brac stalls packed with books, antiques, and crafts, this is definitely a hot spot for tourists. Don’t let that deter you, though: this only makes it livelier! Plus, its 160 year-long history and hundreds of stalls makes it a worthy visit for anyone who appreciates a historic (if busy) stroll.

Stop at one of the food stalls for a bite after finding your next closet addition at their vintage clothing market.

• Address: London W11 1LJ, United Kingdom
• Hours: Daily 8 AM – 7 PM, but all the main sections are open Saturday

Ride the London Eye

Everyone knows about this giant wheel, so it might seem a little basic, but trust me: the hype is so worth it. At the top, you’ll see a beautiful panoramic view of London’s skyline with all its historic landmarks, making it another perfect spot for photos.

Keep in mind that, while the view is just as stunning at night, you may not get full visibility; first-timers may want to stick to daylight hours. To avoid the busiest times, visit either early in the morning or just before closing.

• Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom
• Hours: Daily 10 AM – 8:30 PM
• Admission: For the best prices, buy from their website.
  • Adults: $45 USD – £33
  • Child: $40 USD – £30

Shop for Souvenirs at Harrods

As London’s favorite luxury department store, Harrods’ beautiful Victorian exterior is only rivaled by an equally intricate and grand interior. Tourists tend to flock here to shop, eat, and explore, but be warned that the shops here are in fact pricey – fine jewelry, high fashion, and gourmet food isn’t cheap! Even if you aren’t looking to buy, though, just visiting this spot makes for an unforgettable experience.

• Address: 87-135 Brompton Rd, London SW1X 7XL, United Kingdom
• Hours:
  • Mon – Sat 10 AM – 9 PM
  • Sun 11:30 AM – 6 PM

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