London is a city that effortlessly blends history, culture, modernity, and natural beauty. From iconic landmarks like Big Ben and the Tower of London to peaceful escapes like Kew Gardens and Hyde Park, there’s something for everyone — whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local rediscovering the city. In this guide, we’ve curated 15 of the best places to visit in London in 2026, covering everything from historic museums and world-class theaters to vibrant markets, lush parks, and panoramic viewpoints. Each location includes practical tips, accessibility info, and insider advice to help you make the most of your visit.
1. London Eye
Location: South Bank, Lambeth, London SE1 7PB
Opening Hours (2026): Daily 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (extended to 8:30 PM on weekends & holidays)
Ticket Price: Adults £32.50, Children (3–15) £27.50, Under 3 free
Best Time to Visit: Sunset for magical views of the city lights; weekdays are less crowded
Accessibility: Fully wheelchair-accessible; assistance available for visually/hearing-impaired visitors
Nearby Attractions: SEA LIFE London, Southbank Centre, Jubilee Gardens, Big Ben (10-min walk)
Tips:
Pre-book online to skip long queues.
Combine your London Eye visit with a Thames River Cruise for a unique perspective.
Each capsule has commentary screens and free Wi-Fi to help identify landmarks.
Website / Booking Link: London Eye Official Website
2. The British Museum
Location: Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3DG
Opening Hours (2026): Daily 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM; Fridays open until 8:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free; special exhibitions may charge £10–£20
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, free wheelchairs available, tactile guides for visually impaired
Nearby Attractions: Covent Garden (10-min tube), Russell Square, Bloomsbury Bookshops
Must-See Exhibits: Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, Parthenon sculptures, Ancient Mesopotamian artifacts
Tips:
Focus on one section per visit; trying to see everything can be overwhelming.
Download the British Museum app for a self-guided tour and expert commentary.
Some galleries have quiet zones — great for reading or sketching.
Website / More Info: British Museum
3. Kew Gardens (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew)
Location: Kew, Richmond, London TW9 3AE
Opening Hours (2026): Daily 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM)
Ticket Price: Adults £20, Children 4–16 £5, Under 4 free
Best Time to Visit: Spring for cherry blossoms, summer for lush flowers, autumn for colourful foliage
Accessibility: Fully accessible, with wheelchairs available; all glasshouses wheelchair-friendly
Nearby Attractions: Richmond Park, Twickenham Stadium, Thames riverside walks
Must-See Attractions: Palm House, Temperate House, treetop walkway, Princess of Wales Conservatory
Tips:
Bring a picnic to enjoy by the lake or in one of the gardens.
Use the Kew Explorer bus for easy transport across the large grounds.
Check the seasonal events: photography workshops, outdoor concerts, or plant-themed activities.
Website / Tickets: Kew Gardens Official Site
4. Big Ben & Houses of Parliament (Westminster)
Location: Westminster, London SW1A 0AA
Opening Hours (2026): Exterior viewing always open; guided tours inside may be limited (check official schedule)
Ticket Price: Exterior free; UK residents can book guided tours inside via Parliament website
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or evening for fewer tourists and better photos
Accessibility: Public areas outside are accessible; inside tours require advance booking and may have stairs
Nearby Attractions: Westminster Abbey, Churchill War Rooms, London Eye (across the river)
Tips:
Walk along Westminster Bridge for iconic photos with the Thames in the foreground.
For photography, use a wide-angle lens to capture the full tower and river view.
Try to time your visit with the hourly chimes of Big Ben for a classic London experience.
Website / Info: UK Parliament Visitor Information
5. ArcelorMittal Orbit / Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Location: Olympic Park, Stratford, London E20 2AD
Opening Hours (2026): Daily 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Ticket Price: Adults £21, Children £12, Family tickets available
Best Time to Visit: Afternoon for clear city views; evening for illuminated skyline
Accessibility: Fully wheelchair-accessible with lifts; assistance available
Nearby Attractions: London Stadium, Copper Box Arena, Westfield Stratford City shopping
Activities:
Slide down the world’s tallest and longest tunnel slide (optional)
Explore the park’s landscaped areas, waterways, and Olympic sculptures
Tips:
Book combined “Orbit + Slide” tickets for full experience.
Visit the observation deck with binoculars to spot landmarks as far as St Paul’s Cathedral and Canary Wharf.
Take a walk along the canal paths in the Olympic Park for a quieter experience.
Website / Tickets: ArcelorMittal Orbit Official Site
6. Tower of London
Location: Tower Hill, London EC3N 4AB
Opening Hours (2026): Daily 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Ticket Price: Adults £32, Children 5–15 £16, Family tickets available
Why Visit: This historic fortress has stood for nearly 1,000 years and houses the famous Crown Jewels. From medieval history to royal intrigue, it’s a living museum.
Best Time: Early morning to avoid large tour groups
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible in many areas; some sections have stairs
Nearby Attractions: Tower Bridge, St. Katharine Docks, The Shard (short walk)
Tips:
Join a Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) guided tour — they are full of stories and humor.
Don’t miss the ravens — a legend says the kingdom will fall if they leave.
Website / Tickets: Tower of London
7. St. Paul’s Cathedral
Location: St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD
Opening Hours (2026): Daily 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Sunday services limited access)
Ticket Price: Adults £22, Children 6–17 £8.50
Why Visit: Christopher Wren’s masterpiece is an architectural wonder with a magnificent dome, Whispering Gallery, and panoramic city views from the top.
Accessibility: Step-free access for most areas; assistance available for guided tours
Nearby Attractions: Millennium Bridge, Tate Modern, Borough Market
Tips:
Climb to the Golden Gallery for breathtaking city views (275 steps).
Attend an organ recital or service for a spiritual and acoustic experience.
Website / Tickets: St. Paul’s Cathedral
8. Camden Market
Location: Camden Lock, London NW1 8AF
Opening Hours (2026): Daily 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Why Visit: Vibrant, eclectic, and full of energy — Camden Market is perfect for street food, fashion, art, and music lovers. It’s a cultural hotspot for locals and tourists alike.
Accessibility: Partially wheelchair accessible; some areas crowded and narrow
Nearby Attractions: Regent’s Canal, London Zoo, Primrose Hill
Tips:
Visit on weekdays for less crowding; weekends are bustling but fun.
Try international street food — from Ethiopian injera to Japanese sushi rolls.
Explore the nearby canal on a boat tour or walking path.
Website / Info: Camden Market
9. Natural History Museum
Location: Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD
Opening Hours (2026): Daily 10:00 AM – 5:50 PM
Entry Fee: Free; some special exhibitions may charge £10–£25
Why Visit: Dinosaurs, blue whales, and immersive exhibits — this museum is a wonder for families, science lovers, and curious minds.
Accessibility: Fully accessible; wheelchairs available; sensory-friendly facilities
Nearby Attractions: Victoria & Albert Museum, Science Museum, Hyde Park
Tips:
Don’t miss the Hintze Hall’s giant blue whale skeleton.
Book special exhibitions in advance to avoid sold-out tickets.
Website / More Info: Natural History Museum
10. Covent Garden
Location: Covent Garden, London WC2E 8RF
Opening Hours (2026): Shops 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; street performances vary
Why Visit: Covent Garden is a lively area full of boutiques, cafes, theaters, and street performers. It’s perfect for shopping, dining, and people-watching.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible; accessible toilets available
Nearby Attractions: Royal Opera House, Seven Dials, Leicester Square (walkable)
Tips:
Check out the Apple Market for unique handmade crafts.
Visit in the evening for performances by talented street artists.
Stop by one of the many quaint cafes for a traditional afternoon tea.
Website / Info: Covent Garden
11. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
Location: 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT
Opening Hours (2026): Daily 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (performances in evening; check schedule)
Ticket Price: Tours £17–£22, Show tickets £20–£65
Why Visit: Experience authentic Elizabethan theater and history where Shakespeare’s plays first came to life.
Accessibility: Limited wheelchair access; assisted viewing available
Nearby Attractions: Tate Modern, Millennium Bridge, Borough Market
Tips:
Book a guided tour to explore backstage areas and learn fascinating history.
Watch a live performance in the open-air theater for a truly immersive experience.
Website / Tickets: Shakespeare’s Globe
12. Hyde Park
Location: Central London, W2 / SW1
Opening Hours (2026): 5:00 AM – Midnight
Entry Fee: Free
Why Visit: One of London’s largest and most famous parks — perfect for walking, cycling, boating, or simply relaxing.
Accessibility: Fully accessible paths, wheelchairs welcome
Nearby Attractions: Kensington Palace, Serpentine Gallery, Marble Arch
Tips:
Rent a pedal boat on the Serpentine lake in summer.
Check out Speakers’ Corner for lively debates and performances.
Ideal for picnics, jogs, or casual sightseeing in the heart of the city.
Website / Info: Hyde Park
13. The Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A)
Location: Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2RL
Opening Hours (2026): Daily 10:00 AM – 5:45 PM
Entry Fee: Free (special exhibitions £10–£25)
Why Visit: The world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design, featuring fashion, jewelry, sculpture, and Asian art.
Accessibility: Fully accessible; wheelchairs available
Nearby Attractions: Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Royal Albert Hall
Tips:
Don’t miss the Cast Courts and the Raphael Cartoons.
Check the museum’s event calendar — it hosts workshops, talks, and evening events.
Website / Info: V&A Museum
14. Notting Hill & Portobello Road Market
Location: West London, Notting Hill, London W11
Opening Hours (2026): Market open Friday–Sunday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Why Visit: Famous for colorful streets, charming shops, antiques, and the iconic Portobello Road Market.
Accessibility: Partially wheelchair accessible; some narrow streets
Nearby Attractions: Kensington Gardens, Holland Park, Electric Cinema
Tips:
Go early to browse antiques and rare finds.
Visit on a Saturday for the liveliest market experience.
Great photo opportunities with pastel houses and street art.
15. The Sky Garden
Location: 20 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 8AF
Opening Hours (2026): Daily 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; evenings may vary
Entry Fee: Free (advance booking required)
Why Visit: London’s highest public garden with 360° views of the skyline — a modern oasis in the heart of the city.
Accessibility: Fully accessible; lifts available
Nearby Attractions: Tower 42, Leadenhall Market, Monument to the Great Fire of London
Tips:
Book a free visit in advance online to guarantee entry.
Enjoy a coffee or meal at the Sky Garden restaurant while taking in city views.
Sunset visits are stunning — the city lights and riverside reflections are magical.
Website / Booking: Sky Garden
Final Thoughts
London is more than just a collection of tourist spots — it’s a living, breathing city full of stories, art, culture, and unforgettable experiences. These 15 destinations provide a perfect balance of classic landmarks, hidden gems, modern attractions, and peaceful escapes.
To get the most out of your visit:
Plan ahead and book tickets where possible.
Mix “popular attractions + hidden gems” for a balanced itinerary.
Take your time to explore neighborhoods, parks, and markets — not just the famous landmarks.
Use public transport or walking to soak in the city vibe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best time of year to visit London?
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–October) offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful scenery in parks and gardens. Summer is lively but busier, and winter brings festive markets and lights.
2. How many days do I need to see London?
For a first-time visitor, 4–5 days allows you to cover the main landmarks and some cultural experiences. Locals or repeat visitors may focus on hidden gems or themed itineraries.
3. Are these attractions family-friendly?
Yes! Most attractions on this list, such as the London Eye, Natural History Museum, Kew Gardens, and Camden Market, are family-friendly. Check each site’s website for age-specific activities or exhibits.
4. How can I get around London efficiently?
The London Underground (Tube) is the fastest way to navigate the city. Buses, walking, river cruises, and cycling are also convenient for shorter distances. Consider an Oyster Card or contactless payment for hassle-free travel.
5. Which attractions are free to visit?
Many museums and galleries, such as the British Museum, V&A Museum, and Natural History Museum, are free. Public parks like Hyde Park and Kew Gardens (select areas) are also free or have low-cost entry for special exhibitions.
