15 Things to Do in Central London

One of the best things to do in Central London is to visit the London Eye, the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe. The London Eye, which stands majestically over the South Bank of the River Thames, provides a view of the city that is unmatched. Take a ride in one of its 32 air-conditioned capsules, each designed to provide comfort and safety.

You'll be able to take in some of the most amazing panoramic bird's eye views of London's busy streets and famous sites as the capsule ascends. From the pinnacle, enjoy sights such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Gherkin, and Buckingham Palace. The wheel rotates slowly, giving you plenty of time to appreciate the splendor of these famous structures.

Located at the Riverside Building, County Hall, and Westminster Bridge Road, the London Eye operates from 11:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. daily. Entry fees are £29.50 for adults and £26 for children, making it a memorable and accessible attraction for visitors of all ages. The London Eye is an essential experience, providing a unique and awe-inspiring view of the city's skyline.

Amongst the top things to do in Central London is visiting the Tower of London, a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historic fortress, constructed after 1066, has served various functions over the centuries, including as a royal palace, prison, state mint, and armory, and it now protects the Crown Jewels. A trip to the Tower provides an in-depth look at British history and its notable citizens.

Head over to the White Tower, where figures like Elizabeth I, Thomas More, and Anne Boleyn were once imprisoned. The Traitor’s Gate, through which many prisoners entered, and the extensive collection of armor add to the rich historical experience. The Tower of London is located in London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom, and is open from 09:00 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. daily.

The fee for adults is £29.90, children's ticket is £14.90, and audio guides are £4. History lovers should not miss this famous site, which provides an immersive trip into England's turbulent past. Additionally, there are several free things to do in Central London, such as exploring the picturesque parks like Hyde Park, Green Park, and St. James's Park, visiting the British Museum and the National Gallery, and strolling along the Thames River to enjoy iconic views of the city's skyline.

A must-visit in Central London is Buckingham Palace, the official residence and workplace of Queen Elizabeth II. Explore its grandeur with a tour of the staterooms, royal bedrooms, and offices, totaling 755 rooms. Admire over 20,000 artworks across the palace's wings, including the Queen Victoria Memorial and The Mall in the east wing. Marvel at Canova sculptures, Sevres porcelain, and works by artists like Van Dyck and Titian in the West Wing.

The palace's stunning gardens feature a lake, tennis courts, a summerhouse, and even a helipad. London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom is the location of Buckingham Palace, which is open from 9:00 a.m. to 05:45 p.m. Adults must pay £30 to enter, while visitors between the ages of 18 and 24 must pay £19.50, disabled visitors and those under 17 must pay £16.50, and children under five enter free.

Explore the regal splendor and rich history of this iconic royal residence during your visit to London. It's one of the best things to do in Central London for a glimpse into British royalty and history.

A highlight of Central London is the Houses of Parliament, along with the nearby Westminster Abbey, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Dive into history by visiting the majestic Westminster Hall and public galleries at Parliament, immersing yourself in the heart of British democracy.

Explore Westminster Abbey, a historic marvel since 960 AD, hosting significant religious ceremonies, including royal coronations. Discover the resting places and memorials of iconic figures like the Tudors, King Henry V, Isaac Newton, and Charles Dickens at Westminster Abbey. These iconic landmarks offer a profound insight into British history and culture.

Located nearby, they are easily accessible for a comprehensive exploration of London's rich heritage. Among the fun things to do in Central London, exploring the intricate architecture, historical significance, and spiritual resonance of Parliament and Westminster Abbey is a must.

St. Paul’s Cathedral is a cornerstone of London's history, hosting countless cultural and religious events. Admire the magnificent towers at the west end and its 108-meter-tall dome. Explore the cathedral's crypt and ascend over 500 steps to reach the golden galleries, revealing breathtaking views and the final resting places of eminent figures.

Marvel at the diverse artworks, from intricate sculptures like the Madonna and Child to elaborate Victorian mosaics and contemporary installations by artists like Gerry Judah. Located in St. Paul’s Churchyard in Central London, the cathedral offers enriching experiences for visitors of all ages.  

For those seeking free things to do in Central London, the cathedral's surrounding area, with its stunning architecture and historical ambiance, provides a rewarding experience. With its rich history, architectural grandeur, and artistic treasures, St. Paul's Cathedral is a must-visit destination, open on weekdays with affordable entry fees for adults, students, and children.

Exploring The British Museum is a captivating experience, offering access to over 7 million artifacts and exhibits. Delve into its diverse departments, such as Ancient Egypt and Sudan, housing one of the world's largest collections of Egyptian antiquities. Explore the vast collection of over 100,000 objects in the Department of Greek and Roman Antiquities.

Admire iconic treasures like the Rosetta Stone, the bust of Ramesses II, Cleopatra’s mummy, and the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, a marvel of the ancient world. Located on Great Russell Street in Central London, the museum opens its doors from 10:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m., inviting visitors to explore history, art, and culture in an immersive setting.

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Central London, the National Gallery houses an impressive collection of over 2,300 paintings spanning from the late medieval era to the early 20th century. As one of the world's top attractions, the gallery's works are grouped into four major collections, showcasing the evolution of art through the centuries.

Explore the 13th to 15th Century Paintings gallery, featuring masterpieces like van Eyck’s The Arnolfini Portrait and Uccello’s The Battle of San Romano. Journey through time in the 16th Century Paintings section, where Holbein’s The Ambassadors and Michelangelo’s The Entombment await.

Admire the 17th Century Paintings, including Caravaggio’s The Supper at Emmaus and Rembrandt’s Self-Portrait. Delve into the 18th to early 20th Century Paintings gallery, where Monet’s Gare Saint Lazare and Van Gogh’s Sunflowers captivate visitors. The National Gallery, which is located in Trafalgar Square, is open to visitors from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Fridays, offering an enriching artistic journey through time.

When exploring Central London, don't miss the opportunity to visit The Courtauld Gallery, renowned for housing one of the world's finest small art collections. Located within the historic 18th-century Somerset House, this gallery offers a captivating journey through art from the early Renaissance to the late 20th century.

Marvel at masterpieces from ancient periods, including Botticelli’s The Trinity with Saints, Bernardo Daddi’s Altarpiece, and Cranach’s Adam and Eve. Admire iconic works like Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear in the Impressionist collection and explore modern art with pieces by Matisse and Kandinsky.

For those looking for fun things to do in Central London, The Courtauld Gallery provides a perfect mix of historical and modern art experiences. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage displayed within the elegant walls of The Courtauld Gallery, showcasing the evolution of artistic styles across centuries. Open from 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m., this gallery offers a discounted entry fee of £9 for adults on weekdays and £11 on weekends, with free admission for visitors below 18 years of age .

Discover the rich history of portraits at The National Portrait Gallery in Central London, boasting the world's largest collection of portraits dating back to the 15th century. With over 1000 paintings displayed across 42 galleries on three floors, this gallery offers a fascinating journey through time and culture.

Explore iconic portraits of historical figures such as Queen Elizabeth I, King Charles I, William Shakespeare, and Jane Austen on the second floor. Marvel at the diverse range of personalities depicted, including Queen Victoria, Sir Winston Churchill, Sir Paul McCartney, and many others on the first-floor exhibits.

The National Portrait Gallery, which is located at St. Martin's Place, is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays to Thursdays as well as 9:00 p.m. on Fridays. This allows visitors plenty of time to explore the fascinating world of portraiture.

Discover the rich history of portraits at The National Portrait Gallery in Central London, boasting the world's largest collection of portraits dating back to the 15th century. With over 1000 paintings displayed across 42 galleries on three floors, this gallery offers a fascinating journey through time and culture.

Explore iconic portraits of historical figures such as Queen Elizabeth I, King Charles I, William Shakespeare, and Jane Austen on the second floor. Marvel at the diverse range of personalities depicted, including Queen Victoria, Sir Winston Churchill, Sir Paul McCartney, and many others on the first-floor exhibits.

The National Portrait Gallery, which is located at St. Martin's Place, is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays to Thursdays as well as 9:00 p.m. on Fridays. This allows visitors plenty of time to explore the fascinating world of portraiture.

Delve into history at The Churchill War Rooms, a must-visit attraction in Central London. This site comprises the Cabinet War Rooms, an underground bunker used during World War II, and the Winston Churchill Museum, offering an immersive experience into Churchill's life and wartime leadership. Discover the 30 basement offices, originally converted for wartime use in 1939.

Explore iconic rooms such as the war cabinet room, where Churchill's cabinet held crucial meetings, and the map room, showcasing vital information through a network of color-coded telephones. Experience Churchill's personal spaces, including his office and bedroom, preserved with meticulous detail.

Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Churchill Museum, featuring multimedia exhibits that narrate Churchill's life story. The Churchill War Rooms are located at Clive Steps, King Charles Street, Whitehall, and are open from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., providing visitors with a captivating journey through wartime history and Churchill's remarkable legacy.