Things to do in London: activities and tours

Life moves fast in this sprawling cosmopolitan city. Famed for its diversity, it’s a melting pot of cultures and a hotbed of progressive art, fashion and music. That said, it’s equally well known for its long and fascinating past that stretches back almost two millennia. This is a place where innovation and the ancient go hand in hand, where you can admire both the historic Tower of London and the modern Shard, or the celebrated British museum and an avantgarde installation. The choices are endless. We make it easier by sharing our top picks with you. From the magnificent Buckingham Palace to an enviable array of world-class museums and a giant wheel with jaw-dropping views, discover the city’s best. Top six things to do in London1. Tour the Tower of London Dating back to 1066, the Tower of London lets you glimpse the city’s grisly yet captivating past. Former royal residence, it also served as an armoury, treasury, mint, zoo and most famously a high-ranking prison where royalty and nobles met their tragic ends. You can also admire the glittering Crown Jewels. 2. Visit Buckingham Palace No trip to London is complete without seeing the Buckingham Palace, symbol of the British monarchy and the official royal residence since 1837. While you can admire it from afar, nothing compares to standing before the grandeur of rooms such as the red-carpeted Grand Hall with its glittering chandeliers. 3. A bird's-eye view from the London Eye The world’s largest cantilevered observation wheel, the London Eye takes you a dizzying 135m up high. On a clear day views stretch as far as 40km, giving you a birds-eye vantage point on the city’s famed landmarks. It’s a slow 30-minute ride that’s so smooth, it’s easy to forget just how high up you are. 4. Uncover the treasures of the British Museum Opened in 1759, the British Museum is one of the world’s oldest and greatest museums, with an awe-inspiring collection of art and artifacts over two million years of human history. From the Rosetta Stone, key to decoding hieroglyphics, to the disputed Elgin Marbles, a visit here is an eye-opening experience. 5. Discover the majesty of Westminster Abbey If only these walls could speak. Since 960 AD Westminster Abbey has held (almost) every monarch’s coronation since William the Conqueror, 16 royal weddings and is the resting place of 3300 prominent people in British history, from poets to politicians. It’s also famed for its early English Gothic architecture. 6. Marvel at the masterpieces of the National Gallery You could easily spend a day immersed in this collection of European masters with more than 2300 works. Covering the mid-13th century to the 1900s, it has paintings by acclaimed artists ranging from Da Vinci to Van Gogh, Picasso and Turner. While temporary exhibitions aren’t free, they’re also worth a look.