London is a world-class city with a storied history, diverse culture, and a never-ending list of things to do.
There’s a reason why it consistently ranks as one of the greatest cities in the world. Yet somehow, London feels like a city that gets slept on compared to some of its more trendy European peers.
After venturing back across the pond for the first time in four years, I felt inspired to create a list of reasons why every traveler should visit London at least once.
Let’s jump into the five compelling reasons, plus a few bonus ones, to plan a trip to London!
Storied History
Even if you don’t know much about the City of Dreams, you’re probably well aware it possesses a long, fascinating history that includes renowned figures like Queen Victoria, William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, and Winston Churchill.
Visiting London offers the chance to stand where these icons stood at the hallmark moments of their life. Learn of Shakespeare’s playwriting at the Globe Theatre, Queen Victoria’s crowning at Westminster Abbey, and Churchill’s strategical tactics at the Churchill War Rooms.
Admission to many of these sites includes in-depth audio tours, or you can opt for one of the many free walking tours that will take you past these famous sites.
As you explore the city, you’ll notice bits and pieces of medieval architecture scattered throughout. Small portions of the London Wall remain from the second century AD, and historical structures like Westminster Hall and the White Tower date back to the 10th century.
There’s something breathtaking about witnessing structures that have withstood so many chapters of history.
One of my favorite historical sites is the Monument to the Great Fire of London, built the year after the fire broke out in 1666. It’s simply incredible learning of the fire’s devastation and how this area of the city was built back.
The Monument looks like solid rock, but inside are over 300 spiraling stairs leading to the top that will give you unobstructed views of the Thames River and central London.
Numerous Free Attractions
It doesn’t take gobs of money to get the most out of a trip to London. In fact, some of the city’s most worthwhile activities are free.
Look no further than exhibit A, London museums. Spend a day at the British Museum, which houses a comprehensive collection of artifacts spanning all global regions and time periods, including the Rosetta Stone and Parthenon sculptures.
Tate Modern also offers free entry and is considered one of the best art museums in the world. After admiring several floors of exhibits, head up to the level 10 cafe that boasts stunning views of the London skyline.
You can also plan a city walking route that takes you past many notable landmarks that can be observed for free.
One route I would suggest starts at the Tower of London before crossing the magnificent Tower Bridge to the South Bank. Follow the Thames River west from there, and you’ll pass London Bridge and the Shard, before arriving at the 800-year-old Southwark Cathedral, which is free to enter.
Afterward, explore the lively Borough Market with food vendors offering a global assortment of cuisines. Then, finish your walk west past the London Eye before heading back across the Thames to Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.
My wife and I spent most of one day following this exact route, and it turned out to be one of our most memorable days in Europe!
In the evening, head up to Sky Garden, which occupies the 35th floor of the “Walkie Talkie” building in London’s city center. The foliage-filled atrium offers magnificent views of the surrounding cityscape, and somehow, it’s still free! Reservation bookings are still required though, and due to demand, you’ll want to book your tickets three weeks in advance.
Robust Public Transit
Did you know the London Tube is the oldest metro system in the world?
Considering the system is over 150 years old, its efficiency and coverage are impressive, to say the least. The underground rail system covers more than 250 miles, meaning you should be within walking distance of a station no matter where you are.
The city’s bus and tram services share the same network as the Tube, and all three are easy to use and will get you anywhere you could possibly want to go.
While you can purchase an Oyster card and pre-load fares onto it, the easiest way to use the system is to tap your credit card each time you enter and leave the station. The daily maximum for using any combination of transit is $10 US dollars, so you won’t break the bank getting around the city.
As you roam, you’ll notice the Thames River, which bisects the city, is located near many top attractions and sights. Various sightseeing boats take London visitors up and down the river, but the easiest and most affordable option is to take a Thames Clipper boat operated by Uber.
There are twenty-four piers up and down the river where you can hop on the Uber boats with the tap of your credit card. There are several fare options based on how many rides you need and which of the network’s three zones you pass through.
One suggested trip that will cost around $12 US dollars is to depart from the Tower Bridge pier and take the boat to Greenwich.
You’ll ride beneath Tower Bridge and pass London’s second skyscraper-filled financial district, Canary Wharf, before docking at Greenwich, a borough of London that feels more like a charming little town.
One of Greenwich’s most notable gems is Greenwich Park, which houses the Royal Observatory. From there, you can stand on the prime meridian line and get one of the best views of London.
Top-Notch Green Spaces
Speaking of Greenwich Park, London is chock-full of incredible parks that provide visitors and locals with an urban oasis from the hustle and bustle.
350-acre Hyde Park is arguably the most popular green space in London. Stroll through its lovely meadows and rose gardens, or join the locals by throwing down a blanket and having a picnic.
London Fields is a green escape in one of London’s hippest boroughs, Hackney. Its convenient location to Broadway Market makes it an ideal stop after grabbing a bite from one of the many market food stalls. While there, grab a drink at Pub on the Park, a large-scale watering hole with a lively beer garden.
Richmond Park is the largest of London’s eight royal parks and the second-largest park in the entire city. If you want to spend an afternoon on a true city getaway, this is the place to go.
Richmond Park boasts an impressive network of wooded and grassland trails and is the home to 650 red and fallow deer that have been roaming the area since the 1700s.
Other notable parks worth adding to your itinerary include Battersea Park (diverse landscape, waterfront), Regent’s Park (rose garden, open-air theatre, city views), and Victoria Park (lakes, fountains, cafes).
Bustling Markets
On my recent trip to London, one of the things I was most excited about exploring was the markets, and boy, there are plenty to choose from!
Borough Market, mentioned earlier, tops my personal list of the best London markets. The market, which has been operating in some form for nearly one thousand years, is always lively, with a diverse selection of global cuisines to choose from.
Its location amidst several Southbank attractions makes it a can’t-miss activity and the perfect lunch spot.
Many locals consider East London to be the “hip” side of town, so it should come as no surprise this part of the city has several of the best markets to choose from.
Broadway Market is a slightly less busy foodie alternative than Borough Market, and the nearby Columbia Flower Market is the perfect follow-up if your visit lands on a Sunday.
East London’s other one-two punch, Old Spitalfields Market and Brick Lane Market, are within walking distance of the other and open seven days a week.
Old Spitalfields leans more modern, with a roof-covered setup that makes it perfect for rainy days, and full-scale restaurants and bars to choose from. Brick Lane Market is actually a collection of eclectic markets offering vintage goods, antiques, and fresh food.
No list of London markets would be complete without including the largest of them all, Camden Market. Located in the northern borough of Camden, the market has been bustling since the 1970s and features over one thousand shops, bars, food stalls, and cafes. If your ideal market consists of tasty food, a vibrant atmosphere, and quirky gifts to browse, add Camden Market to your itinerary.
One more market to mention is a local favorite, Maltby Market. Colorful flags hanging over the street will indicate you’ve successfully found it. It may not be one of London’s biggest markets, but it’s known for having some of the best food in the city.
While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the Bermondsey Beer Mile, a collection of over 15 breweries built under railway arches.
A Few More Reasons to Head Across the Pond
- Pubs- Is there a better way to spend an evening than good beer, greasy food, and a chance to talk to locals and other travelers?
- Architecture-London is not just a city of historical landmarks. The city has an impressive collection of modern, photogenic buildings as well, and the contrast between the new and old structures is remarkable.
- Thames River- Whether you’re on a boat or walking along the river banks, the views up and down the river are simply spectacular.
- Walkability- If you’re a “grab coffee and start walking person” like me, you’ll find London incredibly well-connected with never-ending sights around every corner.
- British Accents- Is there a more endearing accent on earth? Even when they’re cursing, there’s a certain charm to it.
- Day Trip Opportunities- Bath, Cotswold, Stonehenge, York, Oxford..Take your pick!
- Red Phone Booths- An iconic city symbol and the perfect setting for your next profile picture.