The Palace of Westminster, Big Ban and river Thames taken from the south bank of the river. © London and Partners/Jon Reid

Visiting London for the first time

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First-time London sightseeing

Must-see

London Eye

Take in the views from this famous observation wheel.

Westminster Abbey

Explore the historic London church, site of coronations, royal weddings, and burials.
Book ahead - always sells out

Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Book ahead for the ultimate Harry Potter experience.
Extra 24 hours free

Hop-on hop-off bus tour

Easily tick off many top sights on this flexible tour.

If you're visiting London for the first time, here are some top tips to make your first trip safe, easy and, most of all, fun! Take a look at these top recommendations for London's best attractions, sightseeing, events, things to do, travel tips and more.

London first-time experiences

View of the London Eye on the river Thames at sunset.

Top 10 attractions

Find out what not to miss in London – book ahead to guarantee entry.
A group of three friends are enjoying a sunny day on the top deck of the Hop-On Hop-Off tourist bus passing by the London Eye.

Sightseeing tours

See more of the city with wide-ranging tours, from sightseeing to themed fun.
Three cast members of Mamma Mia dressed in orange, green and red outfits performing a song on stage under the spotlight

Top 10 musicals

Discover the best musicals to see in London this month.
A bright sunset over the impressive Stonehenge.

Days out from London

Plan a day out from London with these handy trips to unmissable places.

Top tours and attractions

Two friends cheersing with a drink with the river Thames and London Eye behind them.

River Thames dinner cruises

Explore London as night falls on a spectacular dinner cruise along the river Thames.
London itinerary essential

Tower of London

Join a Beefeater tour, see the Crown Jewels and uncover 1,000 years of history.
See London in a day
As the day draws to a close, one of the façades of Saint Paul's cathedral is bathed in golden light.

The Total London Experience

Short on time? Combine many must-dos in one day on this whistle-stop coach tour.

St Paul's Cathedral

Step inside this iconic cathedral and venture up into the famous dome.
A corgi sits in front of wax figures of king charles and queen consort camilla at madame tussauds.

Madame Tussauds

Meet famous celebrities and explore four immersive experiences.

Royal Walking Tour

Uncover secret stories, learn fun facts and see favourite places of kings and queens.

Explore by category

Save money and access 80+ attractions with

The London Pass

Find out more

Tickets, hotels and offers

Theatre tickets

Attraction tickets
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Hilton hotels in London

1. Experience traditional London

Union jack flags line the mall in front of buckingham palace and the statue.

Royal London

Afternoon tea
A man holding a cast iron bow is laughing with a woman standing with him on the ramparts of the Tower of London.

Historical places London

2. Explore the city

Two friends enjoying the sunny weather at Hampton Court Palace and strolling across its famous gardens.

One-day itineraries in London

Bus tours
Two women are laughing standing on the top deck of one of City Cruises boats in London.

Best Thames river boat tours

3. Plan your trip and see what's on

London by month

What's on
JOIA bar at art'otel Battersea with comfy armchairs, designer chandeliers and huge ceilings with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the illuminated Battersea Power Station at night

London accommodation

4. How to spend your time in the city

The London Eye at sunset facing the river Thames and the Houses of Parliament

24 hours in London

Two people in a green top and grey t shirt look at the ceilings in st pauls cathedral.

First trip to London
A crowd of people stroll along the walkway next to the river Thames on a sunny day with The Shard and City Hall in the background

7 day itinerary for London

Go green in London: Tips for a sustainable stay

Discover many ways to be sustainable in London

5. Get around easily and safely

Getting around London
Person holding a blue London transport Oyster card with a London Underground train arriving at a Tube platform in the background.

Oyster and travelcards
A woman and a man eat ice cream on a street in London on a sunny day

Staying safe in London

6. Find useful travel information

Airport departures area.

UK customs
City of London from airplane window

Do I need a visa?
People walking around on a London shopping street. Credits: Nick Howe.

Tax-free shopping

7. Find more things to do for first-time visitors

Four women chatting on Carnaby Street in London.

Shopping
Three people are smiling as they reach for slices of pizza.

Food and drink in London
A young boy holds up the jaw bone of a shark.

London for kids
There's so much to see and do in London! To help you get started with planning your trip, find some inspiration first with the best things to do in London. Whether you love food, art or culture, take your pick from iconic London sights and attractions, and don't forget to check out the best musicals in London to add an unforgettable experience to your itinerary.