Top 10 reasons to visit London

London is a vibrant and exciting city with some of the world's best sights, attractions and activities. With so much to do, it's hard to narrow down the long list, but below you'll find 10 of the best reasons to visit London.

1. Top London attractions

An aerial view of Tower Bridge on a bright day, with The Shard and City Hall in the background.

Amazement is guaranteed when you discover places to visit in London. See London from above on the London Eye; discover the secrets of Hogwarts and the wizarding world of Harry Potter at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter; learn about the city's royal history at Buckingham Palace; examine the crown jewels at the Tower of London or marvel at the magnificence of Tower Bridge.

2. London theatre

Giraffe and Cheeter puppets on stage in front of a large yellow and orange sun in The Lion King

London has one of the best theatre scenes in the world and attracts many famous faces to the stage. Take your pick from classic plays, long-running musicals including the Lion King, Phantom of the Opera London or Wicked, or new works making their West End debuts.

3. Nightlife in London

Friends sat around a table with pints on the table in winter clothes and laughing.

Fun in the city doesn't stop when the sun goes down. Explore all that the London nightlife scene has to offer, from buzzy clubs to comedy shows and extravagant cabaret performances. Dance the night away to live music or make your own at a karaoke bar, before hopping on the Night Tube.

4. Free London attractions

The steps at the back of the Natural History Museum's Hintze Hall on the left lead into the main hall on the right with the blue whale skeleton above

London is home to some of the best museums and galleries in the world – many of which are free, as well as many other free attractions. Spend an afternoon at the British Museum, Tate Modern, Natural History Museum or Science Museum, where you can browse the permanent collections at no cost.

5. Food and drink in London

Mini patisseries including a strawberry cake, a lemon dessert, a chocolate treat and a Paris-Brest on a white plate alongside a pot of tea and a pot of milk.

Take a culinary journey around the world with London's best food and drink, with choices ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants, to gastropubs, traditional British restaurants, afternoon tea and quirky restaurants. London's bar scene is equally as varied, so make sure to check out rooftop bars, riverside pubs and champagne bars.

6. Best views in London

The purple coloured IFS Cloud Cable Cars fly over a Transport for London sign with the words Lift Off on it.

There are plenty of places to get the best views of the iconic skyline during your trip. Make sure to take in a panoramic views of London from up high at locations such as The View from The Shard or the London Eye, or take in the sights from the sky on an IFS Cloud Cable Car.

7. Shopping in London

The Selfridges London facade, lit up in pale pink.

You're spoilt for choice when shopping in London; from the flagship stores on Oxford Street and Regent Street, to sustainable shopping options for food and clothes, and London's markets selling gifts and bric-a-brac. Shop in one of Europe's largest urban shopping centres at Westfield Stratford City, or visit an iconic department store such as Harrods or Selfridges.

8. Sports in London

Looking up at Wembley Stadium from the lower concourse outside the stadium, on a bright day.

London attracts some of the biggest sporting events in the world, not least the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. See a football, cricket or rugby match in London, or take a tour of the capital's spectacular sporting venues, from the home of the English national football team at Wembley Stadium, to Lord's Cricket Ground, Arsenal Emirates Stadium or the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum.

9. Parks and outdoor London

City skyline from Parliament Hill in Hampstead Heath.

Lush green space is abundant in London, which has been crowned the world's first National Park City. The capital is home to eight beautiful Royal Parks, including Hyde Park and Richmond Park. There's also Hampstead Heath and Greenwich Park, with amazing views over the city. Alternatively, visit peaceful Kew Gardens, a botanical garden and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

10. London's river Thames

The sun sets over the river Thames as its bridges glow with colourful lighting as part of the Illuminated River installation

The river Thames provides a stunning backdrop to many of the city's top attractions. Enjoy wonderful views of London on a river sightseeing tour, check out the Illuminated River at night or dine in style on a lunch or dinner river cruise. Don't forget London's canals as well, including Regent's Canal and Little Venice.

Frequently asked questions

How many days in London is enough?

London is an exciting city to visit, and so the recommended number of days to spend in London will vary depending on what you would like to experience and places you wish to visit.

Explore the city with the help of a one-day itinerary to discover top attractions and the best foodie hotspots in a short amount of time. Enjoy a jam-packed trip to London and follow a 48 hour itinerary, spotting cultural icons, iconic landmarks and enjoy an evening of theatre entertainment. If you have more time to explore London, check out the three-day itinerary to make the most of your time in the city.

Is London a fun city to visit?

Whether you're interested in history, art, shopping or dining, London is a fun city to visit with something to offer everyone!

Renowned for its vibrant mix of history, culture, entertainment and iconic landmarks, such as the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace, London is a must-visit city to add to your travel list.

Find more things to do in London, from top attractions and day trips to sightseeing tours.