London Activities Guide: Is It a Must-See?

London is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. Each year, around 30 million visitors pass through its streets, heading to queue in long lines to see locations like Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Natural History Museum. With so much to do in such a large and historical city, most tourists spend their days trekking from one locale to the next.

But which events, activities, and landmarks are actually worth your time? While it’s impossible to avoid some larger attractions, like the British Museum, there are actually hundreds of hidden gems dotting the city. So what types of activities should you target while you’re in LDN?

Casinos & Social Clubs

One destination that’s high on many London bucket lists is a casino. The city is known for its historical and opulent locations, but are they worth the visit? The answer lies in whether you’ve had your eye on a particular establishment.

If the answer is no, then sticking to a virtual casino will provide you with all the same types of games and entertainment value. Plus, top-tier casino platforms today replicate the magic of the casino floor thanks to live dealer games. If you’re looking for a similar jaunt in London, then consider heading to one of the city’s social clubs. They’ve got all the pomp and class of finer casinos, offering a similar atmosphere.

Here are a few private social clubs. You’ll need to apply and be accepted to join, but they’re well worth the work.

  • Soho House
  • Quo Vaid

Museums & Landmarks

Unlike its casinos and social clubs, London’s museums and landmarks truly can’t be found elsewhere. Rather than try out any alternatives to London’s most famous museums and landmarks, we suggest that you also leave a bit of time in your schedule to book a few unique opportunities.

The city is home to hundreds of walking tours, many of which are helmed by expert professionals and hobbyists. For example, you can book a walking tour that focuses on Harry Potter themes, haunted tales, or the best eats around. Some also include boat tours.

These are a few of the most popular walking tour companies in London, which offer a diverse range of tours and experiences.

Theatre & Performances

London is home to some of the world’s most storied and beloved theatre companies and theatre halls, from the reconstructed Shakespeare’s Globe to Royal Albert Hall to the Royal Opera House. Similar to London’s landmarks, there are certain shows that simply can’t be missed.

In 2024, we recommend you catch Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick shining in their rendition of ‘Plaza Suite’ at the Love Theatre or watch Sarah Snook retake London for the first time since 2016 in ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ at the Theater Royal Haymarket. Those heading to London earlier in the year will also have a chance to watch Ralph Fiennes and Indira Varma in ‘Macbeth’.

If large-scale theatre productions aren’t quite your thing, then there are still plenty of alternatives. Consider catching a cheeky London dinner theatre show or a film festival showing.

Football

For the average sports fan, London is synonymous with football. In the Premier League’s top tier alone, London is home to seven of the top teams, including Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Tottenham, Fulham, West Ham, Chelsea, and Brentford. While it’s difficult to land tickets for the average visitor, there are plenty of great experiences geared toward traveling fans.

Most stadiums offer tours and museum visits, which should be the first stop for any fan. Tottenham’s Dare Skywalk is highly rated, along with Arsenal’s private VIP tour of Emirates Stadium, for example. But there are other great stops, too. For example, the Freemasons Arms in Covent Garden is the location where the English Football Association first wrote out the sport’s official rules.

If you’re determined to make your way to a live match, then we suggest looking into either of these choices. Both offer affordable tickets for visitors who just want to watch live football.

  • The Craven Cottage (Fulham)
  • London Stadium (West Ham)