We have a confession to make. While we at Secret London may have built up a reputation for being ‘in-the-know’ with top tips and recommendations for hot, new spots in London, we have a silly blind spot. When someone visits London for the first time, we get so over-excited to show them all the cool, secret-ive stuff, that we sometimes forget to show them the main sights! To reset our brains, we asked Secret London readers about the first place they take people on their first visit to London. And boy did you all have plenty of suggestions!
So if you’ve got a friend coming by soon, or you’re taking a solo trip, here are the can’t-miss spots to kick off your first visit to London:
1. “A walk along the South Bank”
There sure is plenty to see along the South Bank – from world-renowned theatre to street food, shopping, gardens, and the London Eye. Not to mention the views across the River Thames!
2. “The George Pub in Borough High Street & then a walk along the river”
A pub and a river-side walk sounds like the ultimate way to spend a day – regardless of whether it’s your first visit to London or your 17th! (Especially when the pub is an important piece of London’s history, as one of the oldest pubs in the city.) Pubs were a popular answer in general, with many suggesting trips to their local or other various popular London drinking spots.
3. Covent Garden
Does anyone place quite scream LONDON like Covent Garden? Everything you could want from London can be found here from gorgeous architecture and sights to delicious food, great shopping, and more.
4. Museum tour
Our famed museums were a common thread in the comments, and it’s easy to see why. We’ve got some truly impressive museums. In particular, don’t miss these legendary museums if it’s your first time in London:
- British Museum
- Victoria & Albert Museum
- Natural History Museum
- The Science Museum
- The Design Museum
- Sir John Soane’s Museum
- Tate Modern & Tate Britain
5. “Maison Bertaux for coffee and cake to plan the rest of the trip!”
Honestly, this actually might be a great idea for my weekend. What better way to start a day/weekend/trip than some coffee and delicious baked goods from London’s oldest patisserie?
6. “Zedels for cocktails, a show and dinner”
What a shout! While it mightn’t top the list of iconic London landmarks, it sure does give visitors a taste of London life in one handy location.
7. Kensington Gardens
Kicking off a visit to London with some time exploring our gorgeous greenery is a fantastic idea. It’s a good reminder for everyone, tourists and locals alike, that London is far more than the concrete jungle it’s sometimes made out to be.
8. Hop-On Hop-Off bus
Is it touristy AF? Yes. But is it also a pretty great way to see a whole host of London sights, with a knowledgeable guide to boot? Also yes!
The Tootbus London Discovery Bus Tour is a great example of a hop-on hop-off bus tour that allows you to see London’s landmarks at your own pace, with unlimited journeys throughout the day.
9. Tower of London
Now that is a truly iconic London landmark. You can even practice and prepare for every Londoner’s favourite correction – “No, actually, that’s not London Bridge. That’s Tower Bridge.” A visit to London really isn’t complete without checking out this tourist hotspot. It may get busy – but it’s popular for a reason!
Grab your ticket for your visit here.
10. Knightsbridge
I’ve got three words for you: shopping, shopping, shopping.
11. “Greenwich Park, Cutty Sark, Royal Observatory, Maritime Museum”
There sure is SO MUCH to see even if you restrict yourself to individual areas or boroughs in London. Greenwich is full of things to do, see, and visit. Did you know you can even climb the rigging of the Cutty Sark!?
Grab one ticket for access to all of Greenwich’s best sights here.
12. St Katharine Docks
Central London’s only marina is a hot spot for activities, culture, dining, shopping, and more. You mightn’t ever need to leave once you’ve arrived!
13. “Take the tube to Westminster Station. Climb the steps and there’s London! Walk out to a view of the Thames and the London Eye on one side and Big Ben on the other side.”
It’s truly magical how close together so many of London’s iconic sights are. The landmarks and architecture can become part of the scenery when you live here – but on your first visit to London it can be awe-inspiring.
14. Hampstead Heath
Get out and explore the great outdoors – without even having to leave London!
15. On the Thames
There probably isn’t a more stylish way to explore London than via the Thames. There are plenty of options to choose from, with leisurely cruises and exhilarating high-speed experiences.
16. London Eye
How can you resist the chance to see the unparalleled views out over London?
17. Liberty
Truly, what is a visit to London without a bit of shopping?
18. Borough Market
You can’t forget a trip to this foodie heaven. If you miss out on all the delicious delights here on your first trip to London, you’ll need to plan another trip ASAP!
19. Horizon 22
A relative newcomer to London’s landmarks, this is a can’t-miss spot for gazing out over London. And it’s free! (Did you know it’s the highest free viewing platform in all of Europe?)
20. Camden Market
Another foodie hotspot – Camden’s energy is incomparable. Anyone who doesn’t head here on their first visit to London is missing out…
21. “Thames boat trip including dinner and live music, open top bus around London, afternoon tea at a top hotel, the theatre, Covent Garden, St Catherine’s Dock, the Tower [of London], cable car across the Thames, one of the old pubs backing onto the Thames”
Phwoar – what an itinerary. Can you plan our next day out, please? (Psst if you need help picking where to have afternoon tea – why not consult our guide to London’s Loveliest Afternoon Teas?
22. Cross Bones Graveyard & Garden of Remembrance
A humbling spot to visit, but also a touching look into London’s past. As a city full of history, it’s a wonderful way to commemorate those who came before us.
23. Hyde Park
If you’ve been to New York, you can compare and contrast the stunning greenery of London’s Hyde Park to its titular twin. (We reckon ours takes the crown, though!)
24. Royal Opera House
A great example of some of London’s most jaw-dropping interiors and exteriors. The Royal Opera House is a gorgeous spot and a great pick for the must-visit spots in London.
25. Buckingham Palace
Of course! You absolutely cannot come to London for the first time and not visit the Palace! Even if you just stroll through the surrounding St James’s Park or Green Park and peer over at the stately sight, you can’t miss it.
Grab a ticket to head inside and see The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, here.
26. The Shard
The Shard is an inescapably iconic part of the London skyline. And, in turn, it provides stunning views of London’s skyline.
Grab tickets to see the view from The Shard here.
27. Sky Garden
If it’s views you’re after, as well as stunning interiors that threaten to tear your eyes away from the skyline, Sky Garden’s the spot to go.
28. Leake Street
Perhaps a lesser-known must-visit destination for those outside of London, Leake Street is a truly impressive spectacle. You can even add to the artwork in the tunnel yourself if you want – Grafitting in the Leake Street Tunnel is not only legal but actively encouraged!
29. Hampton Court Palace
It might not be the most central or convenient of places to visit if you’re only in London for a short trip, but if you have time to make it out to Hampton Court Palace you’re sure to be blown away.
Grab your ticket for the Hampton Court Palace, Gardens & Maze here.
30. The Globe
If it’s your first visit to London, you surely can’t miss a chance to visit an iconic spot like The Globe! It’s only, you know, one of the most famous theatres in the world… Ever heard of a fella called Shakespeare?
Learn all about The Globe’s history and take a guided tour with these tickets.
But if it’s your first visit to London and you’re stressing out about making a list and trying to see everything – fret not! You’ll never be able to see absolutely everything, so just see what you can. And remember, as one comment said: “It doesn’t matter [where you go]. It’s all unbelievably good and a complete buzz!”
Ah, London – you really are one of a kind!