London holds a special place in my heart. My last semester of college was spent in a study abroad/internship program there, and it was my first independent experience overseas. I landed a job as a market researcher and writer at the American Embassy, which allowed for me to explore the city, see the English countryside, and backpack around Ireland and mainland Europe. I thrived that semester, and awakened a soul-level need to explore the world (Oh, I know, my Sagittarius-ness is through the roof!). I've returned to London several times since, and still feel that same energy and excitement I felt all those years ago.

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There are literally thousands of things to see and do in London, of course, and your experience there should reflect your personal interests and preferences. Buuuuttttt, there are still at least a handful of places you should *definitely* see when you're in town. Here's my list of the top things to do in Central London (Zone 1 Tube pass), including the nearest Tube stops, and nearby restaurant/pub recommendations — because fish 'n' chips and a cold pint are [not, but should be] required fare when you're in London! 

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***NOTE: In January 2025, all visitors — including U.S. citizens — are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before stepping foot in the United Kingdom. Learn more about the new requirement in my recent blog post: Understanding the U.K.'s New ETA Requirement.

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Last updated March 2025.

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British Museum​

• Tube Stop: Tottenham Court Road / Russell Square

• Description: Treasures from ancient civilizations, including the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies.

• Nearby Restaurant / Pub: The Museum Tavern — Classic British pub just across the street with cozy interiors and tasty ales.

Tower of London​

• Tube Stop: Tower Hill

• Description: Medieval fortress with Crown Jewels and a grim royal past. The guides are professionally trained, so don't miss a walking tour while you're inside.

• Nearby Restaurant / Pub: The Hung, Drawn & Quartered — Pub with historic vibes and hearty food, perfect for the Tower theme.

Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard​

• Tube Stop: Green Park

• Description: Iconic residence of the monarch and royal pageantry. The Changing of the Guard takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 11 a.m., but check the Household Division website first because the start time may change due to weather or to accommodate palace visitors.

• Nearby Restaurant / Pub: The Goring Dining Room — Elegant British cuisine; was known to be the Queen Mother’s favorite.

London Eye​

• Tube Stop: Waterloo

• Description: Panoramic views of London from a giant Ferris wheel situated along the River Thames. One rotation takes about 30 minutes.

• Nearby Restaurant / Pub: Skylon — Stylish modern British restaurant with river views in Royal Festival Hall.

Westminster Abbey​

• Tube Stop: Westminster

• Description: Coronation site and royal resting place since 1066.

• Nearby Restaurant / Pub: The Red Lion — Historic pub near Parliament with Victorian charm and political history.

Big Ben & Parliament​

• Tube Stop: Westminster

• Description: Walk around the famous clocktower and houses of Parliament along the River Thames.

• Nearby Restaurant / Pub: Old Shades — Traditional British pub with library-style decor.

Natural History Museum​

• Tube Stop: South Kensington

• Description: Dinosaurs, whales, earthquakes — ideal for families.

• Nearby Restaurant / Pub: Comptoir Libanais — Bright, casual Lebanese food just outside the museum.

St. Paul’s Cathedral​

• Tube Stop: St. Paul’s

• Description: Grand Baroque dome with impressive views from the top (after climbing a couple hundred steep and narrow stairs!).

• Nearby Restaurant / Pub: Paternoster Chop House — “First Dates” restaurant known for British dishes.

Covent Garden​

• Tube Stop: Covent Garden

• Description: Street performances, boutiques, and markets.

• Nearby Restaurant / Pub: The Ivy Market Grill — Brasserie with a lovely terrace view of the piazza.

Hyde Park​

• Tube Stop: Hyde Park Corner / Lancaster Gate

• Description: Lush green park with the Serpentine Lake, Speaker’s Corner, and Princess Diana Memorial. Lots of walking paths and benches to enjoy the scenery.

• Nearby Restaurant / Pub: The Serpentine Bar & Kitchen — Relaxed café with a view over the lake.

Kensington Palace​

• Tube Stop: High Street Kensington / Queensway

• Description: Royal home and gardens of William and Kate, and the former home of Princess Diana, with exhibits on Queen Victoria and Diana.

• Nearby Restaurant / Pub: The Churchill Arms — One of London’s most Instagrammable pubs, famous for its flowers and Thai food.

Harrods​

• Tube Stop: Knightsbridge

• Description: Lavish department store for fashion, food, and luxury souvenirs.

• Nearby Restaurant / Pub: Chai Wu — Upscale Asian restaurant within Harrods for a "posh" little break while shopping.

Victoria & Albert Museum​

• Tube Stop: South Kensington

• Description: Impressive collections of art, fashion, and design from every era and region.

• Nearby Restaurant / Pub: V&A Café — A surprisingly beautiful museum café in a Victorian-era dining hall.

Sky Garden​

• Tube Stop: Monument / Bank

• Description: Indoor garden with jaw-dropping skyline views and tropical plants. Restaurants in the facility require reservations.

• Nearby Restaurant / Pub: Fenchurch Restaurant — Upscale eatery in Sky Garden with beautifully presented delicious dishes. 

Tate Modern​

• Tube Stop: Southwark / Blackfriars

• Description: Industrial-chic home to modern art and thought-provoking exhibitions.

• Nearby Restaurant / Pub: Swan at the Globe — Elegant spot next to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, with a view of the river.