With more than 42 million visitors exploring London's top attractions each year, the city is consistently ranked among the world’s leading destinations for the quality, variety and scale of its experiences (source: London's Attraction Monitor, London & Partners 2025).
London is home to nine out of the top 10 most visited attractions across the UK, so our London-based editorial team can vouch for the incredible landmarks, world-class museums and immersive experiences just waiting to be explored.
We recommend you book your tickets in advance to secure a preferred date and time – and you’ll often save money too! Once you’ve picked your must-see sights, use our London attractions map to plan the perfect route with ease.
How we choose the top 10 attractions in London each month
We curate our monthly top 10 attractions using a data-driven approach that blends real visitor behaviour with seasonal trends. This ensures the list reflects what people love doing in London right now, including:
- Analysing monthly ticket sales
- Reviewing attraction visitor numbers
- Considering seasonal trends
- Adding insider insights and tips
Using this approach, we’re able to create a well-rounded and timely top 10 list – highlighting everything from taking in sweeping city views on the London Eye to uncovering royal history at the Tower of London.
You can even explore our guide to the top 10 free London attractions, so you can make the most of your visit to the capital.
Top 10 London attractions right now
Top 10 London attractions and places to visit in 2026
Nearest station: Watford Junction (Overground)
When: Times vary, check times on your booking date
Duration: Approximately 3 to 4 hours
Have a magical day out with a behind-the-scenes tour of the Harry Potter films at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter.
Wander through iconic sets like the Great Hall, Diagon Alley and the Forbidden Forest, exploring the real costumes, props and visual effects that brought the wizarding world to life on our screens. It’s a must-visit for fans and film lovers alike, revealing secrets of creature design, animatronics and green-screen magic you won’t find anywhere else.
Unmissable highlights include stepping onto Platform 9¾ to see the Hogwarts Express, venturing down Gringotts Wizarding Bank and marvelling at the breathtaking Hogwarts Castle model. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or keen to discover filmmaking magic, the experience is unforgettable.
Best for: Harry Potter fans, film fanatics and families.
Good to know: Don't forget to check out the First Year at Hogwarts takeover! Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and discover original props like the Golden Snitch to authentic sets such as the Hogwarts Express. Until 7 September.
Stop 1, Bulleid Way, London, SW1W 9SR
From £117.45
Based on 48,669 reviews
Nearest Tube: Tower Hill (Circle and District)
When: Sun-Mon: 10am-4.30pm, Tue-Sat: 9am-4.30pm. Hours may differ during school and public holidays
Duration: Approximately 3 to 4 hours
Explore the Tower of London and discover more than 900 years of fascinating history, royal stories and political intrigue at one of London's most iconic landmarks.
Originally built by William the Conqueror in 1078, the Tower of London has served as a royal palace, fortress, prison and even a zoo.
Unmissable highlights include viewing the dazzling Crown Jewels, exploring the medieval White Tower and visiting Tower Green to learn about the famous historic executions, including those of Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey. Other highlights include learning about the infamous Traitor’s Gate used for prisoners, and walking the ancient battlements and discovering the Bloody Tower, bringing history vividly to life.
Best for: History lovers, families and culture seekers.
Good to know: Look out for the legend of the Tower's ravens, which are believed to protect the monarchy.
Tower Hill, City of London, London, EC3N 4AB
From £37.00
Based on 69,720 reviews
Nearest Tube: Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly and Victoria)
When: 9 Jul-27 Sep: Various timesDuration: Approx. 2 hours
Enjoy a glimpse into the life of royalty with a visit to Buckingham Palace this summer.
For a limited time, experience a unique opportunity to admire the grandeur of the British monarchy up close, with exclusive access to areas usually reserved for royal ceremonies and events.
Wander through the grand State Rooms and explore 19 opulent rooms adorned with treasures from the Royal Collection. See the Throne Room, a majestic space often used for ceremonies and photographs, and marvel at the Ballroom, where grand banquets are held. Finish your self-guided tour in the quaint gardens, where you can see the famous lake.
Best for: History lovers, families and regal admirers.
Good to know: Combine the Buckingham Palace tour and afternoon tea for the ultimate London experience.
Buckingham Palace, Buckingham Gate, SW1A 1AA
From £33.00
Nearest Tube: Multiple options – check your chosen starting point
When: First full tour from 9am, with buses every 20 to 30 minutes
Duration: One day, 24 hours, 48 hours or 72 hours – depending on your ticket duration
A hop-on hop-off bus tour is one of the easiest and most flexible ways to explore London’s top attractions.
With bus routes designed to cover all major landmarks, you can hop on and off across London. While on board, spot iconic buildings with a live guide (or audio guide) and hear fascinating insights into London's history and culture, bringing London’s past to life – from Roman origins to royal pageantry. Spot famous attractions from the comfort of your seat, including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye and St Paul's Cathedral.
Unmissable highlights include crossing Westminster Bridge by bus, riding through Piccadilly Circus’ neon glow and stopping at the Tower of London or the London Eye. It’s a relaxed, informative and fun way to see the city at your own pace.
Best for: First-time visitors, families, anyone wanting a relaxed view of the city.
Good to know: Tickets include a free London walking tour. Ticket upgrades available to include a river Thames boat ride.
Stop 1, Bulleid Way, London, SW1W 9SR
From £34.44
Nearest Tube: Waterloo station (Jubilee, Bakerloo and Northern)
When: Daily: Opening times vary (check official website) but general hours are: Mon-Fri, 11am-6pm; Sat-Sun and school holidays, 10am-8.30pm
Duration: Approximately 30 minutes
The London Eye is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, offering unbeatable 360-degree views across London’s uninterrupted skyline.
Opened in 2000 to celebrate the new millennium, it was once the world’s tallest observation wheel and quickly became a symbol of modern London. A ride in one of its 32 spacious glass capsules gives you a unique and grand perspective of iconic sights such as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the river Thames.
Highlights not to miss include the slow, smooth ascent to 135 metres (442ft) and the chance to spot landmarks up to 24 miles (40km) away on a clear day. Whether you’re a first time visitor or a local rediscovering the city, the London Eye provides a memorable and breathtaking way to experience London from above.
Best for: All ages, first-time visitors and photography lovers.
Good to know: Two official photos are taken during the experience (one in the queue and one inside the pod) which can be purchased afterwards as a keepsake.
Riverside Building, London, SE1 7PB
From £32.38
Based on 91,908 reviews
Nearest Tube: Westminster (Jubilee, District and Circle)
When: Daily: Mon-Fri, 9.30am-3.30pm and Sat 9am-3pm. On Sunday it's open for worship only. Opening times may vary, depending on events and services taking place in the Abbey
Duration: Approximately 2 to 3 hours
Westminster Abbey is one of London’s most important historic landmarks, renowned for nearly a thousand years of royal tradition, architectural splendour and national heritage.
Founded in the 10th century and rebuilt in stunning Gothic style in the 13th, it has been the coronation church since 1066 and the setting for royal weddings, state ceremonies and national commemorations. A visit offers the chance to explore the Coronation Chair, Poets’ Corner and the breathtaking medieval Chapter House. Don’t miss the Royal Tombs, where monarchs including Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots are laid to rest, or the impressive Henry VII Lady Chapel with its intricate fan vaulted ceiling.
With its rich history, remarkable craftsmanship and deeply atmospheric spaces, Westminster Abbey is a must-see for anyone interested in Britain’s past and its living traditions.
Best for: Culture lovers, history fans and architecture enthusiasts.
Good to know: Visit Poets' Corner where some of the UK's most famous writers, such as William Shakespeare and Jane Austen, are buried.
Westminster Abbey, Westminster, London, SW1P 3PA
From £27.13
Based on 29,889 reviews
Nearest Tube: Arsenal (Piccadilly)
When: Monday to Saturday: 9.30am-5pm (last entry 4pm); Sunday: 10am-4pm (last entry 3pm). Closed on home match days.
Duration: Approximately two hours
Experience an exciting behind-the-scenes look at one of the world’s most successful football clubs with an Arsenal Emirates Stadium tour.
Explore iconic areas usually reserved for players, including the home and away dressing rooms, the press conference room and the atmospheric players’ tunnel that leads directly to the pitch. Go pitch side to take in panoramic views of the stadium before sitting in the manager’s dugout – an unmissable highlight for any football fan.
The self-guided audio tour, available in multiple languages, shares exclusive stories, history and insights from Arsenal legends as you move through the stadium. Don’t miss a visit to the Arsenal Museum, where historic trophies, memorabilia and interactive displays celebrate the club’s rich legacy. Whether you're a lifelong Gooner or simply love football, it’s a must visit London experience.
Best for: Dedicated Arsenal fans, football enthusiasts and families.
Good to know: Catch a glimpse of the Premier League Trophy, on display at the Emirates Stadium Tour until 31 March 2027.
Emirates Stadium, London, N7 7AJ
From £36.00
Based on 2,038 reviews
Nearest tube: Oxford Circus (Central line)
When: Mon-Thurs: 11am - 7.30pm, Fri: 11am - 9pm, Sat: 10am - 9pm, Sun: 10am - 7pm (last ticket timeslot is bookable one hour before closing)
Duration: Approximately 60 to 90 minutes
Put your senses to the test with mind-boggling sensory experiences and immersive illusion rooms at Twist Museum.
Discover more than 80 interactive exhibits that challenge how you see colour, space, sound and perspective. Designed in collaboration with artists, neuroscientists and philosophers, it encourages hands on exploration as you step into mind altering rooms and discover how your brain interprets reality.
Highlights not to miss include the Kaleidoscope Room, bursting with shifting patterns and vibrant colours, and the Sound Lab, where you can put your hearing to the test. With endless optical illusion photo ops and educational insights at every turn, it’s perfect for families, friends and anyone curious about how perception works.
Best for: Curious minds, illusion lovers and groups.
Good to know: Keep your phone charged to snap those incredible optical illusion shots. Take a look at our Twist Museum review for some funny photo ops to look out for.
248 Oxford Street, London, W1C 1DH
From £29.50
Based on 542 reviews
Nearest Tube: Baker Street (Bakerloo, Circle, Jubilee, Metropolitan and Hammersmith & City)
When: Daily: 10am-3pm. Summer hours may vary.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Check out the world-famous attraction Madame Tussauds for a unique and immersive experience in the city.
Come face to face with some of the world's most famous celebrities, from Shakespeare to Taylor Swift, and interact with more than 150 influential lifelike figures from showbiz, sport, politics and even royalty.
Pose for selfies, hug your favourite celebrities or strike a dramatic pose with historical icons. Explore special zones like the Marvel Universe 4D cinema and the Star Wars experience, making it a perfect day out for fans of movies and comics.
Best for: Families, celebrity enthusiasts and pop-culture lovers.
Good to know: Usually the first and last tours of the day are less prone to overcrowding, making it easier to get close to your favourite wax icons and snap some pics.
Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5LR
From £32.38
Based on 32,770 reviews
Nearest Tube: Westminster (Jubilee, Circle and District)
When: Daily: 9.30am-6.30pm
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Visit Churchill War Rooms and discover the underground headquarters where Churchill and his wartime government directed the course of the Second World War.
Explore the secret underground bunker and walk the top-secret corridors to learn about the life and work of Winston Churchill, the charismatic British politician who inspired Britian's finest hour.
See the Cabinet Room where Churchill and his key ministers met with heads of the British Armed Forces to make decisions that influenced the course of the Second World War, and take a look in the Map Room where the books, maps and calendars remain as they were in August 1945.
Best for: History enthusiasts, families and culture seekers.
Good to know: Pick up a complimentary audio guide, available in eight languages, at the beginning of the tour for insights into Churchill's cabinet war rooms.
Clive Steps, King Charles Street, Westminster, London, SW1A 2AQ
From £29.75
Based on 24,047 reviews
Book tickets for London's top attractions
From iconic landmarks to unforgettable experiences, London’s best attractions are just a click away. Whether you're planning your first visit or rediscovering the city, make the most of your time with curated experiences like The Total London Experience or unlock access to multiple attractions with The London Pass.
Make your London adventure memorable – book your tickets now with Visit London and skip the queues!
London attraction FAQs
What are the top five tourist attractions in London?
Top attractions to have on your London list are:
- Westminster Abbey – Marvel at impressive architecture and discover memorials of more than 30 kings and queens buried at one of London's most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- St Paul's Cathedral – Explore the working cathedral steeped in history and experience breathtaking views across London from the Stone and Golden Galleries.
- Buckingham Palace – On select dates during the summer months, tour the 19 State Rooms, the magnificent Grand Staircase and special exhibitions at one of the few working royal palaces in the world.
- National Gallery – Admire some of the greatest collections of paintings in the world and discover many artistic treasures at the National Gallery.
- Big Ben – Visit The Houses of Parliament's iconic clock tower, commonly known as Big Ben, with its four clock faces illuminated against the backdrop of the London skyline. Tours can be booked by visiting the official UK Parliament website.
What is the number one London attraction?
The number one London attraction is Tower of London, welcoming 2.9 million visitors from around the world in 2024.*
The popular historical site is famed for its nearly 1,000 years of history, glistening Crown Jewels and its famous raven residents.
What is the best way to see the sights of London?
The best way to see the sights of London is by bus tour, walking tour, bike tour or Thames river cruises! A sightseeing tour is the perfect way to experience London's top attractions and explore lesser-known areas of the city.
Explore the best attractions with a London attractions pass and access more than 100 top attractions including Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, Kew Gardens and more.
What are some of London’s modern landmarks?
London's skyline is home to some of the world's most striking modern architecture, and in the last 50 years many landmarks have been designed and built, five of which include:
- The Shard – The 1,017ft (309.6 metres) building houses a hotel, several bars and restaurants, office space and a public observation deck on the 72nd floor, offering panoramic views across London.
- The London Eye – Opened on New Year's Eve 1999 and open to the public from March 2000, the London Eye offers 360-degrees of London from a cantilevered observation wheel.
- 20 Fenchurch Street – The Walkie Talkie – Experience unparalleled views from Sky Garden, situated at the top of the glass building, nicknamed due to its aesthetic similarity to a Walkie Talkie.
- The Gherkin – Enjoy 360-degree city views in the restaurant and cocktail bar, Searcys, located on level 40 of The Gherkin. This unique building has five-degree rotation on each floor, producing the unique glass pattern on the building's exterior.
- Tate Modern – Originally used to house electricity generators for the Bankside Power Station in 2000, the space transformed into gallery spaces, from paintings and film to performance and discussions.
