Nov 2024

7 must do activities for first-time visitors in London

By Wan Muhammad Hafiz Bin Zainuddin

London can be a lot. The iconic landmarks, endless museums, vibrant food scene, and the infamous British weather – it’s no wonder it’s one of the most visited cities in the world. So if it’s your first time, where do you start? Here are ten tried-and-true London essentials that’ll give you the perfect taste of this bustling, historic, and oh-so-charming city.

Marvel at Big Ben & the Houses of Parliament

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Let's start with a classic. Big Ben isn’t just an overused screensaver; it’s an actual working clocktower attached to the equally grand Houses of Parliament. Walk along the Thames on a sunny day (or rainy, it’s London after all) and take in these iconic structures that embody British culture. Pro tip: Head to Westminster Bridge around sunset for those unbeatable golden hour shots.

Cross the Tower Bridge

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Tower Bridge, with its twin towers and blue accents, is the one you’ve seen in every London movie scene. Walk across the bridge, take a peek at the River Thames, and for the brave, hit the glass floor in the upper walkway. You’ll be staring straight down – 42 meters above the river!

Admire the Buckingham Palace

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If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of royalty, Buckingham Palace is where you start. Even if you don’t see the Queen (or her new King successor), there’s a high chance you’ll catch the Changing of the Guard – a well-rehearsed spectacle involving red-coated guards in fuzzy bearskin hats. For those visiting in the summer, parts of the palace open to the public, so you can step inside the life of royals.

Get lost in the British Museum

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It’s one of the largest museums in the world – and entry is free! With an incredible collection ranging from the Rosetta Stone to Egyptian mummies, the British Museum could easily take up your whole day. But no pressure, just hit the highlights if you’re short on time. And don’t skip the gift shop – perfect for unique souvenirs.

Stroll around Covent Garden

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London's Covent Garden is the kind of place you could stumble upon by accident and end up spending hours in. From street performances and markets to boutique shops and cute cafés, Covent Garden has a bit of everything. You’ll even find Neal’s Yard, a hidden courtyard splashed in colorful buildings – ideal for Instagram and a cup of artisanal coffee.

Ride the london eye for epic views

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The London Eye might be a bit touristy, but it’s a must. This massive Ferris wheel offers 360-degree views of the city, and on a clear day, you can see up to 40 km away. Book tickets in advance to skip the line, and consider a sunset ride for that extra bit of London magic as the lights start to twinkle.

Shop at Camden Market

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Looking for something quirky? Camden Market is your spot. This iconic market in north London is bursting with character – and street food. Browse vintage clothes, sample foods from around the world, and people-watch among Camden’s alternative crowd. You’re bound to find unique souvenirs, or at the very least, some killer photos.

Visit these top attractions and more with our London All-Inclusive Pass

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Dive into the heart of London with the Journify All-Inclusive Pass, powered by Go City! Choose between a 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, or 10-day pass to explore over 90 attractions, tours, and experiences, and save up to 50% compared to buying tickets individually. 1 credit is worth £1, and your credits are redeemed when you enter attractions. Click on the link to learn more!

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