London will always have a special place in our heart, having lived there for nearly two years. And in our time calling it home, we set about ticking off our own London bucket list experiences. Since leaving London, we’ve also returned a number of times. Each visit sees us revisit our favourite spots as well as ticking off new items of our London bucket list.
We’ve compiled what will surely be a working bucket list which we’ll add to over time. From the ‘basic’ London bucket list items for first timers, to a few hidden gems, I’m sure there will be something for locals and visitors alike.
With its various boroughs, multiculturalism and history, London is jam packed with things to add to your bucket list itinerary. Read on for London bucket list recommendations.
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50+ things to add to your London bucket list
#1 Do a Monopoly pub crawl
I grew up loving Monopoly. It’s my favourite board game by far. So fans of Monopoly and having a good time will absolutely love doing a Monopoly pub crawl. It’s entirely possible to visit all 26 properties on the board in London in one day, as long as you map out your journey well. You’ll need to start early, and drink at pace as you move through the various colours of the board.
Some call it cheating, but we opted to drink half pints. Which on a hot summer’s day in London (yes, they do exist!) was a saviour.
Check out this Monopoly pub crawl article for some more inspiration.
#2 Stay in London’s tallest building – The Shard
You can’t miss London’s tallest building, The Shard. Opened in 2013, it has become a staple of the London skyline. Impressive from the outside, sitting along the Thames, it’s even more impressive inside.
Don’t just take a trip to the top though. Whilst you can have a meal or a drink up top, the real epic London bucket experience is to stay there. The Shard Shangri-La is an iconic experience with not a bad vantage point in the building. Occupying floors 34-52, you’ll have some sensational views across London.
Aside from the views, the rooms themselves are opulent. Why not take a bath and watch your favourite TV show on the bathroom mirror? That’s a bucket list experience right there.
#3 Borough Market
Just down the road from The Shard and you’ll find London’s Borough Market. Home to an impressive array of fresh food, cured meats, wine and vendors selling food to take away.
You’ll need a full belly for your visit, because Borough Market is best visited with sampling in mind. A few of my favourite picks here would be snapping up a chorizo roll, a roast pork roll, any of the imported cheeses, freshly shucked oysters and some of the softest meringues you’ll find anywhere.
Borough Market is definitely a return destination, although it could take you weeks to try everything on your list!
#4 Watch a show at the Hammersmith Apollo
We resided in Hammersmith when we lived in London, and this meant wandering past the Hammersmith Apollo on a daily basis. And just about every evening, there was an impressive line up of shows.
In our time there, we watched Billy Connolly, Crowded House and Scouting for Girls amongst others. Whether you’re up for a laugh or watching some great live music, chances are the Hammersmith Apollo may have something to whet your appetite.
#5 West End show
And speaking of music, how can you go past the West End. With any number of shows playing each and every day, your hardest job will be picking what to watch.
From classics like Phantom of the Opera to the irreverent Book of Mormon and Wizard of Oz prequel, Wicked, London’s West End has played home to some highly memorable musicals.
If you’re ever at a loss for an activity in the evening in London, the West End will have you covered with oodles of entertainment.
#6 Watch a Premier League football match
Come on Fulham! Slightly biased with this recommendation as a Fulham fan, who have spent the last decade bouncing between the Premier League and Championship. Fulham calls Craven Cottage home, the oldest football ground in London. Perched on the Thames in West London, the location is picture perfect. An iconic and historic ground, football tells only half the story.
Don’t follow a particular football team? No bother. In London, you’ll find numerous football teams you can watch. Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and West Ham also call London home, so there’s bound to be a match in London most weekends of the season.
Even for those who don’t typically enjoy football, it’s a classic London bucket list experience that you’ll long remember.
#7 Watch some cricket at Lord’s
Full disclosure here that I’m a cricket nut. And I know the sport is typically polarising. Those who love the sport and those who don’t. Lord’s is however recognised as the home of cricket, and is a special place with plenty of history.
Watching cricket at Lord’s, particularly an international match is an experience unto itself. You’ll have the mix of locals, international fans (Indian and Pakistani fans can be very parochial!) and you’ll have the upper class in their ‘egg and bacon’ ties in the members. Attending cricket here brings people from all classes and countries together. So if the weather cooperates in the summer, it’s well worth your time.
If a match isn’t on, the tour of Lord’s will let you in behind the scenes for a highly memorable visit. With deep history, the museum has a host of exhibits to help you get better acquainted with the sport. Not least of all, the original Ashes urn that calls Lord’s home, the trophy that Australia and England play for every two years.
#8 Take in some tennis at Wimbledon
If cricket and football aren’t your jam, perhaps tennis is? Of all the Grand Slam tournaments, Wimbledon feels the most iconic. In the summer, you’ll find the best tennis players congregating here, battling it out. Most of the time it’s Roger Federer winning, but if you want to watch him or any of the other spectacular top players, you’ll need some luck for tickets.
For those who miss out in the ticket ballot, or aren’t prepared to pay through the nose, an early visit to the tournament can be easy on the wallet. During the first week of the tournament, you can jump in the queue – literally called ‘The Queue’ – and await entry. On our two visits, we went on day 1 and day 2 after work. This allowed us access to the outside courts where we were able to wander about and stop and watch whoever took our interest.
After being cancelled in 2020, I’m sure there will be some pent up demand for people wanting to make this sporting pilgrimage.
#9 Re-enact the Beatles at Abbey Road
After you’ve enjoyed some cricket, why not head around the corner to Abbey Road. Abbey Road records is home to the production of many great British recordings over the years. Perhaps most famously however, it’s also home to an iconic Beatles album cover.
Here, music fans will be able to recreate their own version of the Beatles famed image. The crossing is located on Abbey Road, and you’ll find cab drivers who avoid the area given the number of people who often line up to get their photo taken here.
Remember to be a good traveller, look for an appropriate space and don’t hold up traffic whilst you enjoy making your own memory.
#10 Have a Sunday roast at an authentic pub
You can build a list of excellent pubs in London a mile long. That is for another blog post another day however. What you do need to do though at a minimum is find yourself a great pub for a Sunday Roast. Our favourite would be the Crabtree (up the road from Fulham’s home ground). They do a very good Sunday roast, and the pub itself has a lovely outdoor space, and spacious interior. Bookings essential to avoid disappointment.
Sunday roasts with a Yorkshire pudding are an absolute must.
#11 Get lost in bric a brac at Notting Hill Portobello Market
Notting Hill is well known, not least of all because of Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts’ famous movie. Amongst where many of those scenes were filmed, you’ll find Portobello Market on a Saturday morning. With a range of great food options (think of it as a mini-Borough market) your appetite will be satiated. One of the very best paellas I’ve had (Spain included) was from a market stall here, so you can be assured of some great food options here.
The real gems here are amongst the bric a brac shops. Antiques, vintage fashion, vinyl records and all manner of boutique items can be found here. For the astute bargain hunter, this has to be the best place in London to find something special. It can be a needle in a haystack, but those with time might just find something special.
#12 Visit Buckingham Palace
Not a head of state? No stress. In the summer months, Buckingham Palace opens to the public whilst the Queen enjoys a summer holiday in Balmoral.
A rare opportunity for a few weeks a year when you can walk in the regal footsteps of the Royal family and those that have gone before.
Fans of The Crown will adore this visit, and will no doubt be high up on their London bucket list.
#13 Changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace
This makes the list of just about every first time visitor, and with good reason. Arrive at around 10.30am to secure a good spot – you won’t be alone. And stand back and enjoy the pomp and ceremony that takes place at 11am. The guards walking in synchronicity is mesmerising as they change over and play a range of tunes at the same time.
#14 Shop up a storm at Harrod’s
Can anyone with a penchant for shopping resist a trip to Harrod’s? I think not. This iconic shopping destination is home to any number of high-end brands. And if you’re wondering who has the money to pay for some of the high price tags, just look outside. There will be any number of Lamborghinis, Ferraris and Maseratis waiting for their owner.
And if shopping isn’t high on your agenda, perhaps a scoop of ice cream from the ice cream parlour, or a glass of champers might be?
#15 Wander the posh streets of Park Lane and Mayfair
If you complete the Monopoly pub crawl, you may well have already ticked this one off your London bucket list. If not, spare 30 minutes to wander amongst the streets here. The properties and experience in these post codes are another level all together.
This is an area steeped in old wealth and spectacular buildings and hotels. It is like the blue spots on the Monopoly board after all! This is about as premium as it gets in London, so take some time to take it all in.
#16 Enjoy an afternoon high tea
Like the vibe around Park Lane? Want to hang onto it for just a little while longer? We’ve snuck a couple of high teas in and around the area. Your difficulty here might be picking exactly where.
We’ve enjoyed an afternoon high tea at both the Sheraton Park Lane Hotel as well as the Lanesborough Hotel. No lie, these are about as good as it gets. The food is dainty and delightful, and the rooms are best described as posh.
Even if these ones don’t take your fancy, there are no shortage of high end hotels that offer up a high tea experience.
#17 Visit the Tate Modern
The first of a few museum recommendations, the Tate makes this London bucket list for a couple of reasons. A modern museum, you’ll see a range of exhibits focused on cities, digital integration and forward thinking. Maybe not the ‘classics’ you might be used to seeing in museums, but for me that makes it all the better.
And of course, you can visit here at absolutely no cost.
Perhaps best of all, you might be able to tick a London bucket list item off without visiting. The exhibits are available for perusal online via their website here.
#18 Stroll over the Millennium Bridge
Just outside the Tate Modern, you’ll find the most modern bridge crossing the Thames – the Millenium Bridge. It only needs a short stroll, but the walk towards St Paul’s is iconic in itself.
#19 Admire St Paul’s inside and out
The domed top of St Paul’s is hard to miss and is a key part of London’s skyline. Crossing the Millennium Bridge, you can wander around the outside of St Paul’s before eventually taking yourself inside. The interior is as ornate as you might expect, and there are some great vantage points for you to enjoy as well.
Book your ticket to St Paul’s ahead of time here.
#20 Tower Bridge
More than once I’ve had friends point out Tower Bridge and exclaim ‘London Bridge!’. This is a common misconception. Tower Bridge is perhaps visually the most well known bridge in London. But most of us have grown up hearing about London Bridge.
Tower Bridge however is altogether different, and is a special sight to see and wander across. Make sure you’re around when a boat needs to pass through and the drawbridge goes up.
#21 London Bridge
London Bridge is perhaps one of the less impressive bridges that criss-cross the Thames. But as mentioned, it’s well known. It’s a great spot to wander and get a fantastic vantage point of Tower Bridge however. So whilst it may not look all that special, the views from it are first rate.
#22 Big Ben / Houses of Parliament
Heading along the river and towards Westminster, you can’t miss Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. This is about as iconic as London gets as you hear the chimes ring out from the big clock.
#23 Westminster Abbey
Wander a little further around from the Houses of Parliament and you’ll find the famed Westminster Abbey. This stunning abbey deserves its reputation, and well worth the price of admission. So much history has been created in Westminster Abbey and resides there. Over a dozen royal weddings have taken place here, and the abbey is home to the final resting place of 8 Prime Ministers and 16 monarchs. It’s history personified.
#24 Ride the London Eye
Probably number one on a lot of people’s lists, this was one of the last things we did before we said goodbye to London. A classic, ‘we’ll get around to it’ when we lived there, and very nearly missed out. Like most of the large ferris wheels located around the world – you know what you’re getting into.
It does provide some great views across London, and feels like one you need to put a big fat tick next to on any London bucket list.
Save time and book ahead. Book your skip the line ticket to the London Eye here.
#25 Watch some Shakespeare at the Globe
What’s in a name? A rose by any other name would still smell as sweet. Shakespeare may well be right on this point. But is Shakespeare performed in the Globe Theatre in London better than anywhere else? Most likely!
The Globe is a reconstruction of a theatre that existed here in the 1600s. Being inside it, watching some of Shakespeare’s original works is a wonderful experience for any thespian or theatre lover.
#26 Eat at The Ledbury
On our most recent trip to London, we finally made it to The Ledbury. With 2 Michelin stars, The Ledbury is well known as a London bucket list dining experience. It might have taken us a while to sample it, but it was well worth the wait and an appropriate way to celebrate Kristen’s birthday.
Put yourself at the hands of a set menu, let the staff pair some matching wines or beers and while away a long afternoon over your meal.
Like ticking off items on your bucket list? Us too. Check out our Italy bucket list as well!
#27 Have a curry at Brick Lane
From two Michelin stars to the opposite end of the spectrum – Brick Lane. There’s something both enjoyable and annoying eating in this part of London. The street is adorned with Indian restaurants. All with their staff out the front offering up deals to coax wandering potential diners into their restaurant.
Sometimes aggressive, often annoying, find someone you connect with. Get yourself a good deal – you should be getting some entrees and pappadums free at the very least! And be sure to check the Google rating to make sure you’ve not just been hoodwinked into eating at a sub-par restaurant.
I’m yet to have a bad experience at Brick Lane, the home of Indian food in London.
#28 Eat at Inamo
Going digital, one of the most fun places we’ve found to eat in London is Inamo. Inamo gains its spot on this list for its innovative approach to dining. Serving up a mixture of Asian fusion dishes, overhead projectors beam down onto your plate. Select what you want off the digital menu and have it delivered directly to your table.
Watch the chef cook your meal and play battleships with your dining companion, all on your plate. It’s a cool and unique experience and food is very good as well.
#29 Check out the British Museum
Arguably the best museum in London by my reckoning. The British Museum is home to a vast array of exhibits that could keep you coming back for days.
From ancient Roman, Greek and Egyptian artefacts to featured European artworks and regularly rotating new features, the British Museum is home to a phenomenal collection. So much so, many of the collections find themselves loaned out across the world.
The British Museum is an absolute must see and with no cost to enter, there’s no reason to leave this one off your London bucket list.
#30 Spot the deer in Richmond Park
Richmond is one of my favourite areas in all of London. It has more of a village feel, and parts of Richmond feel very far away from the hustle and bustle of London city.
No finer point can be made of that, than in Richmond Park where you’ll find a host of deer who call Richmond home. No need to go deep into the countryside, wild deer aplenty reside here.
Be warned though, they are wild animals and you should proceed with caution and keep your distance at all times.
#31 Check out Kew Gardens
Not too far from Richmond, you’ll find the sprawling Kew Gardens. Another great destination for those looking to stretch their legs, there are any manner of gardens to explore. We visited a few months after leaving Australia, and stepping into the Australian garden was like an instant return trip home. The dryness, scents and seeing so much flora from home pulled at the heart strings.
You’ll enjoy strolling the grounds with any number of art installations amongst them too.
Make your trip a breeze and book your ticket ahead of time. Kew Gardens admission tickets available online here.
#32 Bathe yourself in neon at God’s Own Junkyard
This is possibly my favourite hidden gem for any London bucket list. You’ll be heading to Walthamstow to visit this art display filled with neon lights, reclaimed advertising signs and art constructed from waste.
God’s Own Junkyard is an eclectic mix of artworks that is hard not to be mesmerised by. None of it belongs in the British museum, but there is something about the art sitting in a warehouse that makes it come to life so much more.
A completely Instagrammable location, God’s Own junkyard is a very easy and enjoyable addition to any London bucket list.
#33 Dine at Sketch
Sticking to the Instagram theme, I’m not sure there are many more locations more instagrammable than Sketch Gallery. And whilst the food and drinks served here are very good, it’s the colour and inspiration in every room that makes Sketch so memorable.
I can’t believe I’m writing this, but the bathrooms themselves are destinations unto themselves. With an overflowing garden dividing the bathroom pods, a rainbow skylight illuminates the bathroom. Never before have I seen so many cameras in a bathroom, and I suspect I won’t again.
Bookings essential, and be sure to have a sticky beak in the different rooms which all have their own unique themes.
#34 Be part of the Insta crew at Peggy Porschen
Ok, Ok. I know I said there’s nowhere more instagrammable than Sketch. But perhaps the only other destination that gives it a run for their money is Peggy Porschen. Peggy’s is renowned on Instagram. Look it up and you’ll find endless scrolls of dressed up people in the doorway of this pretty, sand pink building. I’m not even sure how many people actualy dine here or come strictly for the photo shoot.
But I would encourage you to come along and enjoy a sweet treat and a hot drink here. It’s a picturesque location full of soft tones and absolutely delightful baked goods. Just be sure to put the camera down for 5 minutes at least and enjoy your visit.
#35 Visit Highgate Cemetery
It’s not often a cemetery would make a bucket list, but Highgate deserves a spot on yours. In north London, this cemetery is most notable for being the resting place of the father of communism Karl Marx. Aside from that, there are some phenomenal head stones and crypts to walk amongst. If there is beauty in death, that is evident here.
The cemetery fell into disrepair in the 1970s, before a volunteer organisation started to manage the cemetery. On a clear day, it’s a beautiful place to get some fresh air and learn about some of those who have gone before us.
#36 Catch the view from Parliament Hill
Not too far from Highgate, you’ll find Parliament Hill. With an impressive vista, the hill overlooks the London skyline. It’s a fantastic spot to give some perspective to some of the buildings you’ve checked out up close.
#37 Hampstead Baths
The high density city of London means green space and fresh air come at a premium. Even moreso when you think of swimming. And that’s why the Hampstead Heath Baths are so popular. This outdoor pool area is a haunt for those who love their swimming. The temperature might not get to what you’d normally consider swimming weather often, but this is a special spot in the British capital.
#38 A show at Royal Albert Hall
The Royal Albert Hall plays host to any number of artists in a given year. It is a much loved building in London and distinctive both inside and out. From ballet to pop concerts and classical recitals, the hall has seen it all.
And if the venue is good enough to host the Queen’s birthday, it probably deserves a spot on your London bucket list right?
#39 Kensington Palace
A hop, skip and a jump from the Royal Albert Hall is Kensington Palace. Probably most well known as being Princess Di’s residence. Here, you’re able to take a tour inside as well as stroll around the grounds. As homes go, this one is right up there.
#40 Stroll Hyde Park / Regents Park
It’s hard to identify any one thing to do in Hyde Park and Regents Park. But these luscious green spaces play such an important role for Londoners. With a series of wonderful walking tracks and importantly, offering a window of fresh air, they provide a hospitable escape. Each season brings with it a different look and feel.
Grab your walking shoes and enjoy endless wandering through these stunning parklands.
#41 Camden markets
I’ve featured a few markets in this London bucket list and they’re all just a little different. Camden is the alternative side of London and has its own flavour when it comes to its market stalls. Punk themes, music and an eclectic mix of recycled goods are on sale here.
#42 Check out Little Venice
From Camden, you can jump on a boat and hit Little Venice. There a host of boats that can ferry you down the Regents canal. Just like Richmond Park, it’s another part of this city that feels like it transports you to somewhere very different.
#43 Grab a bite at Chinatown
Hey I know most major cities have a Chinatown. And London does too. And you’ll find what you find in any Chinatown – a suite of great restaurants at good value prices. This is the perfect location after you’ve watched a great West End show to come and have a meal amongst friends washed down with a few drinks.
#44 Get touristy at Covent Garden
It’s perhaps the hub of London tourism, but on that note makes it logical to include on a London bucket list. Morning, noon and night Covent Garden seems to be buzzing with activity.
With buskers and performers to keep you entertained along with a host of shops and eateries, there’s guaranteed to be something you fancy.
#45 Trafalgar Square
Is this even a London bucket list without Trafalgar Square? With Nelson standing proudly on his column, this feels like the intersection of so many parts of London. And in many ways it is. Take a different route out of it and you’ll be heading towards some other iconic part of London.
You won’t need long here, but it is a sight that must be seen.
#46 Piccadilly Circus
The same goes for Piccadilly Circus. Which you’re likely to find yourself in at some point in time. I love Piccadilly Circus in the evening. It’s a hive of activity and there’s just a real vibe here with people heading off to shop, or enjoy a show or a meal.
#47 Neal’s Yard
This secret spot you’ll have to know to find. Down a small alleyway in the Seven Dials area you’ll find this pretty courtyard area. Dotted with colourful buildings, you’ll find a pub, some restaurants and a number of shops. It’s a destination that is easy to miss and in fairness, we missed it for many years ourselves!
It’s a cute pocket of London and worthy of adding to your London bucket list.
#48 Another great view – Skygarden
Right off the bat we recommended The Shard. But like all impressive buildings, generally the view of the building is better than being in it. This is where Skygarden comes in. Located directly opposite The Shard, you can get high enough here that you can enjoy a view over London, including the tallest building.
Free to enter, but bookings required, Skygarden has a host of indoor plants and a café which make it a more well rounded experience beyond simply a viewing deck.
#49 Ice skate at the Natural History Museum
I’d recommend a visit to the Natural History Museum for its exhibits. It’s full of amazing works, and the Diplodocus skeleton upon entry sets the tone for this museum. But come in winter, the opportunity to ice skate in front of this historic building is the real London bucket list item.
There are a few spots around London you can ice skate in the colder months, but this one would be our pick.
#50 Visit the Prime Meridian point
What time have you got? No matter, you can reset your watch here. The central point for all time is located in London, in Greenwich. The home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). The invisible line here represents zero degrees longitude. So every time zone you know is measured from this point around the world.
One for the nerds for sure, there’s nowhere in the world quite like the Prime Meridian.
#51 Victoria and Albert museum
The Victoria and Albert museum sees us returning to it again and again. Another great free museum in London, it’s touted as the world’s leading museum of art and design. With – wait for it – over 2.3 million objects at the ready, even return visitors are sure to see something new. Well, maybe not new new, but new to them!
#52 Shoreditch street art
Taking the art to the street, there are some impressive outdoor murals around London. Shoreditch would be home to some of the most impressive. A stroll around Shoreditch will take you through a range of high quality outdoor art.
And for those who really love their outdoor art, keep an eye out for the odd Banksy. He’s got a few located around Shoreditch.
If you fancy a guided tour, why not book one via Get Your Guide? Great value options for street art tours available here.
#53 Hampton Court Palace
We might be pushing the friendship when it comes to considering Hampton Court Palace in London. Admittedly it is the furthest of our London bucket list from central London. All the same, it’s a worthwhile venture to see this magnificent Tudor palace. Henry VIII’s home has some spectacular gardens and walks, not to mention some of the interiors which are stunning.
Check out the great kitchen, see where they play Royal tennis and admire the longwater. The slight venture out to Hampton Court Palace is well worth it.
#54 Ride the underground
Now public transport is public transport. I get that. But London’s iconic Tube criss-crosses the city and feels like an experience in itself. You can get to just about anywhere in London on the Tube. The fun starts when you map out how best to get there.
And whilst you’re at it, riding up top on a red London bus and inside a black cab also just need to be done.
Whilst we’ve spent a lot of time in London, we certainly haven’t been everywhere. And we’re always on the hunt for different places to see and visit. The one downside to a London bucket list is it will likely keep growing. What have we missed that you’ve enjoyed? Let us know below!
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