London; you’ve probably been there. If you haven’t been there, you probably want to go there. And if you want to go there, there’s no doubt that you’ll wanna see the sights and famous attractions that London is so well-known for. I live in Essex, approximately 20 minutes on a train from Liverpool Street Station – a hub to get almost anywhere you want in London. As a kid, I was often taken to London on days out with my parents. I saw all the sights and attractions that brochures and websites always tell you to see by the age of about 10! And well into my teen life, I continued to venture into London with friends almost on a weekly basis to explore and just see where the day took us.
I don’t visit London much anymore; a combination of growing up, developing anxiety and a change of circumstances I never had before definitely stops me visiting as much. But I’m glad to say that I’ve done everything I’d probably want to do in London already so I in no way feel like I’m missing out. Today I wanted to share with you my top places to visit in London if you want the ultimate tourist experience. So grab your Union Jack, embrace your inner Ginger Spice and make some days free in your diary this year!
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The London Eye
Although perhaps not the most adrenaline fueled attraction, The London Eye is a lovely way to spend the afternoon or to round off your day in London. The sights are spectacular and there are some amazing photo opportunities for all you keen photographers.
The London Dungeons
If you love history and want to have a bit of fun, The London Dungeons is the place to go. I’ve been a number of times and always enjoyed it. You learn about Jack the Ripper, the plague and the great fire of London all whilst having an incredibly immersive experience with actors, rides and role-play!
The Natural History and The Science Museum
Although these are two entirely separate museums, I wanted to put them under one umbrella because they’re so close to each other in proximity. And the best thing? They’re both completely free! A super cheap but rewarding day out with so much to see, do and learn. The Natural History Museum is a beautiful place!
Oxford Street and Regent Street
The ultimate hub for you keen shoppers, if you want a proper day of London shopping, these two streets are where you want to be. You’ll be spoilt for choice at the array of different shops and you’ll also be able to visit Hamleys, the most famous toy shop in the world! Even adults absolutely love it.
Madame Tussauds
Possibly one of the most famous London attractions but Madame Tussauds is a must-do if you’re visiting London. The queues are long, so make sure you’re not going at a ‘peak time’ if possible but Madame Tussauds is truly a spectacular experience!
Sea Life London Aquarium
One of the most impressive aquariums I’ve ever been to, this is another fantastic place to visit – with or without kids in tow – and makes a really fun day out. The aquarium is absolutely huge, which thousands of different species to see.
I have plenty more recommendations of places I’ve been in London but the post would have been way to long had I mentioned them all! There really is something for everyone; all ages and whatever you’re into. And if money is an issue, there’s plenty of free attractions for you to enjoy such as the museums and parks and you can get loads of the lastest deals on top London attractions * on Groupon, if you want to save that little bit extra! On Groupon, you can find the best things to see, eat and do in one of the most diverse and colorful cities in the world and save a large chunk of what you’d usually spend!
Have you been to any of these attractions? Where would you recommend to visit in London? Have you ever had a brilliant Groupon deal before?
* This is a sponsored post
I’m taking my sister to London for her 18th birthday in July (it’s a surprise though!) so I’ll definitely be taking her to a few of the tourist attractions! xo
Sian | http://www.siankathrine.co.uk
Oooh hope you both have a lovely time! xxx
Love this! Definitely want to go to the London Dungeons when I visit in the fall!
It’s a great experience!
I love the sound of the London Eye, I’ve heard great things about it but I’d be a bit wary of the height of it! I’d love to try it sometime though! The aquarium sounds great, I didn’t know that there’s one in London. The Dungeons sound like a great way to learn a bit of history! I’m going to London very soon so it was brilliant to read your post and add to the list of places that I want to go to!
Hope you manage to do a few of these. The Eye is very high but it’s safe and you kinda forget about it after a while
Yeah, we’re going to fit in as much as we can! Okay, thanks! Hopefully will try it!
OK I love the sound of The London Dungeon! I am fascinated by history, but when it’s gory or creepy it interests me more! I also love the Sea Life Centre, I been to the one in Blackpool many a time but never London x x x
You would absolutely LOVE the dungeons then girl!
I love London and I’m so lucky to live only twenty minutes from central! I would defo recommend the London dungeons and the London eye!
You’re the same distance more or less as me then 🙂
I always go to London for work now and never get to really explore, but I smile whenever I see the London Eye in front of me.
I need to visit more of the museums and have a proper shopping spree!
Amy | hookedonthemusic.com
The museums are fab!
I love London. I had a dream I moved back there the other day. I was so disappointed when I woke up 😀 The London Dungeons were really interesting. This is a great bucket list.
Haha awh! Tbh I would rather not live here but you can have some amazing experiences here.
I would absolutely love to visit London at some point in my life! These will all definitely be on my to go to list if I ever go, because you always recommend such amazing things!
Haha Awh thank you! Where are you based? You must be quite far from London.
Boston, MA USA
The only place I’ve been is Oxford Street and I loved the buzz of it. I’m not too interested in the dungeons, Madame Tussads or the Aquarium. Things like that are in most cities and I prefer to visit places more unique to the destination.
But they’re definitely bigger and better in London! 😉
Ah I love London!! I’d recommend the view from the Shard too, there was a quote on the wall that I loved saying “when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life” x
I haven’t been to the shard yet. I gotta day I don’t entirely agree with that quote though!
I remember going on a school trip to London and we didn’t really do much, we did go on the London Eye though which was a memorable experience! I would love to visit all of the theatres in London, and see The Lion King, there’s so much to do and see. I must visit again soon (when I’m not restricted by school teachers lol)! X
Haha going anywhere with a school is super restricting!
The dungeons are on my London bucket list I always here such great reviews! Camden market is my favourite place to explore in London, I love checking out all of the stalls and shops, and of course trying the food, haha! Loved reading your post 🙂
Kate | http://www.katelovesx.co.uk/
Oh gosh Camden I literally spent all my teenage years down there when I was a Grunger and fit RIGHT in 😂
I’d love to visit London one day, it just looks so beautiful via the photos! This post is definitely going to be saved. I think I’m most stoked about the London eye and the sea life aquarium! Seems so cool.
They’re both very good! Hope you get to visit one day.
London is one of my favourite places! I prefer doing the non-touristy stuff now, but probably only because I’ve already done it all! This is super a helpful post for anyone who has never been or rarely goes! The only thing I haven’t done is the dungeons because I’m too much of a wimp haha!- https://sophiehearts.net x
Haha oh no! It’s not THAT scary, it’s very fun!
I LOVE London so much! I’ve been at least once a year since I was 13!
Some of my favourite touristy places/must sees are Camden Market and Harrods as well as all the ones in your post! 🙂
Lainy x https://bookishbitsblogblog.wordpress.com/
Camden Market is great!
I love the Natural History and Science Museum, it’s one of the places my husband and I love to go!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
They’re lovely days out!
When i went to London for the first time we did all of those apart from the dungeons and the sea life aquariam! They’re all really tourist attractions to visit!
Wow that sounds like a jam packet trip!
Eventhough I only live about 20 minutes away from London I really don’t go there enough. It’s so nice just to have a look around the shops and see some sights!
Yeah same! We’re about the same distance.
I had no idea you are in Essex Jenny! I was born and raised there and have fond memories of travelling into London with my grandparents visiting the attractions. My favourite was always the Natural History Museum 😃 I have been on the London Eye once a few years ago but I’m not great with heights so not a great idea- although the view of London you get is terrific .
Melanie | http://www.frasersfunhouse.com
Wow really?! Where in Essex?
Grays 😃 where are you ?
Omg Hornchurch 😂 I’m literally 20 minutes from you, I’d love to meet up one day!
I moved to cumbria a number of years ago but come down quite regular as family still live in Rainham
Oh wow! I’m only 10 mins from Rainham. But I LOVE Cumbria!
I still haven’t visited The London Dungeon, Madame Tussauds and Sea Life Aquarium. I’m looking forward to when I’ll get the chance to visit them! But I’ve been planning for a day where I’ll just go to museums in London, including The Sherlock Holmes Museum. Hopefully soon. x Ain
Oh I didn’t know about that museum!
Well it’s only because I’m a big fan of Sherlock Holmes that I knew about it. Haha.
This made London sound more interesting than I thought!! Nice read! I definitely want to check out the aquarium.
Thanks 🙂
This is such a great list of things to do in London! I’ve been to Madame Tussards and The Science Museum which were both really interesting. I’d love to go on the London Eye someday, I bet the views are spectacular. I don’t go to London very often, I’m not a big fan of busy places but the occasional touristy trip is okay. Great post Jenny! 💖 xx
Bexa | http://www.hello.com
Same! That’s why I’m reluctant to go anymore because busy places and crowds make me anxious! xxx
My husband and I are actually stopping in London on our way to Athens (from Chicago) and I cannot wait. We’re only there for 3 days (not nearly long enough) so we’ll have to hit the “major spots” this time around. I definitely plan on keeping your list handy. Thank you!
Have a great time! 🙂
I’ve been to the Science Museum and Madame Tussards which were great! I loved the science museum but I really really really want to go to The Natural History Museum next time I am in London that’s for sure! And perhaps I might pluck up the courage to be able to try going on The London Eye.
The Natural History Museum is INCREDIBLE! And the Eye isn’t that scary and it’s so safe. You kinda forget that you’re on it after 10 minutes haha!
I used to visit Oxford Street and Regent Street all the time when I lived nearer. I’d love to visit The Natural History and Science Museum. I think on my last London trip I visited 221b Baker Street for the first time – love anything Sherlock Holmes 😄
Haha you’re the second person to mention something Sherlock
Holmes on this post!
Ah what a lovely and informative post! I really hope we’ll get to visit London soon (I can’t believe we already haven’t), more than just for a small few hour layover!
Hope you do too!
Hey Jenny
Fab post babe! I need to do one for Liverpool as i absolutely loved the city & want to write about it for other people! I don’t love London so much so try to avoid it but my sister lives in Essex too so i always have somewhere to stay should i need/want to visit!
I do love the museums though always my favourite tourist attractions. As well as The British Library. Have you been there? Xo
I actually haven’t been to the British Library can you believe it x
I’m going to London later this month and I’ve definitely got some of these on the list. Thanks for the recommendations!!
You’re welcome! Enjoy your trip 🙂
I love the London Dungeons, they’re a must for anyone who hasn’t been before! I haven’t been to the Madame Tussaud’s in London but I have been to the one in Amsterdam and really enjoyed it! X
Absolutely! So much fun! I love the rides.
This is a lovely post and I live in London and can say I’ve done quite few of these and they were amazing! Ayse x
Glad you enjoyed them too!
Even though I visit London so regularly and don’t consider myself a tourist anymore, I still love to go to the classic spots!
Florence x
You can’t beat them sometimes!
I visited London last month and loved it – I visited st Pauls, HM Belfast and the british museum x
http://www.ofbeautyandnothingness.co.uk
I saw your post – I’ve been to all apart from the British Museum x
I’ve managed to get down to London quite a few times so I’ve visited a few of these. They are such excellent picks – the London Eye is so good for a sunny afternoon (although I admit I was terrified at first haha!). We have a Dungeons in Edinburgh so I’d love to see the London one and find out more about the gruesome history of the city! My best friend lives in London so hopefully I’ll get down to visit her this year and perhaps check out Madame Tussauds at long last!
Beth x
I definitely think a visit to me is in order when you’re down this way! The Eye can be quite nerve wracking at first but you soon get used to it. My mum hates heights so you can imagine how that turned out 😂
I recommend the London Dungeon to everyone who mentions travel to London! It’s so much fun. Also the London Eye is probably the most worth it tourist attraction I’ve ever experienced! And people definitely can’t go wrong with museums since most are free admission. I love London. I can’t wait to go back again.
The Dungeons definitely are fun and an experience you won’t forget!
London eye is so cool xx
The Natural History Museum, Oxford Street, Hamleys and of course Madame Tussauds: all check! The aquarium doesn’t attract me much though and we have that here anyway as well. Next time I’d like to go on the London Eye though to take some nice snaps :-).
I think the Aquarium is so worth it just because of how big it is.
I lived in London for six years so I’ve visited a few of these: London Dungeons, Oxford Street, Regent Street, Natural History and Science Museums. Now that Flora’s little older we’re planning to take her up to London over the summer holidays. I know she wants to go to the Aquarium already so I’ll have to check Groupon nearer the time for a deal!
Lisa | http://www.lisasnotebook.com
Awh I bet she’ll love the aquarium!