The English capital has no shortage of great London gifts, including one-of-a-kind collectables, funny gag gifts, tasty food, and even unique antiques and tea sets.

London is notoriously expensive, but if you’re choosy, and follow our advice, you can even score some cheap London souvenirs.

The best London souvenirs

There’s so much to see and do in London that the souvenirs you can buy are almost endless. There’s a gift shop in every museum, attraction, department store, and sometimes, it seems on every other block in this UK megacity.

Whether you’re checking out the best things to do in London with kids, or being adventurous at the wonderful live theatre shows for kids in London’s West End, there are souvenirs for sale on every corner.

In this article, we show you the places with the biggest and best selection of souvenirs, the cheapest prices on London gifts, and more.

We’ll even share where to find unique London souvenirs, antique gifts from London and those hard to find, one-of-a-kind cool souvenirs from London, England.

What to buy from London

One of the most fun things to do in this city is to shop for presents from London for family and friends.

Whatever you choose, it’s a wonderful reminder of your time in London so buying something precious to you will go a long ways to making your trip memorable and a great talking point when presenting gifts to your loved ones back home after your trip is over.

Classic London souvenirs

If you’re looking for classic, standard souvenirs like London t-shirts, fridge magnets, key chains or mugs, these are easy to find. These souvenirs feature a huge variety of iconic London attractions like Big Ben, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, the Union Jack, Black cabs, antique phone booths and double decker buses.

Classic souvenirs are available almost everywhere, from corner stores to souvenir shops, and even supermarkets.

Here are a few of the classic London souvenirs to consider:

• mugs
• fridge magnets
• t-shirts
• key chains
• sweatshirts
• posters
• Christmas ornaments
• figurines
• pillows
• bottle openers
• pillows

London street signs

London street and tube signs are popular souvenirs. That said, don’t go ripping down a real sign. There are plenty of places to buy one that won’t cause a traffic accident.

You can find them at Portobello Road market, Brick Lane market, and sellers near Oxford Street and Leicester Square.

Food and drink from London

Borough Market has a great selection of British food to take home as gifts.

Tea and biscuits

Fortnum & Mason, one of London’s most iconic department shops, sells charming tea and biscuit gift sets.

A dedicated tea shop like Whittards in Covent Garden is also a great place to browse, and find unique tea sets.

Twinings tea is an iconic London tea, available at most shops around the city.

Looking for something easier? You can buy a gorgeous Twinings boxed gift set on Amazon.

See prices here.

London chocolate

Dating back to 1875, Charbonnel et Walker is one of Britain’s finest chocolatiers. It even has a Royal Warrant as a chocolatier to His Majesty The King. The shop is in the Royal Arcade in Mayfair.

Rococo Chocolates is also a great choice, while Hotel Chocolat is where you can buy beautifully packaged souvenir London chocolate to take back home with you.

Artisan snacks and food

There are plenty of places that sell artisan treats, including local jams, jellies, and biscuits. Harrods is a solid choice, and Borough Market are also a good place to start your search.

Paddington and London-themed biscuits from Biscuiteers are a fun choice and their London inspired cookie tins make a great souvenir for anyone.

Fortnum & Mason, an upscale London department store, makes sweet and savory baskets that are easy to pack up as a London souvenir.

Alcohol

London-based Hayman’s is an iconic London souvenir for gin lovers.

Pimm’s No 1 is the quintessential ingredient in the British cocktail, a Pimm’s cup. A Pimm’s cup is made with Sprite, strawberries, orange, apple cucumber and mint.

If you’re looking for help choosing something local, Spirits near Chinatown, Gerry’s Wines, and the Whiskey Exchange in Covent Garden can offer some guidance on local London drinks.

Harry Potter souvenirs

There’s a wonderful selection of Harry Potter souvenirs from London to delight both wizards and muggles alike.

The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾ is the best place in London to buy Harry Potter merchandise. This Harry Potter Shop is in King’s Cross station.

If The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾ is too busy for your taste, try House of Spells in Leicester Square, or the gift shop at the Harry Potter Studio Tour in Watford.

Royal paraphernalia

While you can buy royal nick-knacks almost anywhere in England, if you’re looking for higher quality, consider Westminster Abbey’s gift shop or the Royal Gift Shop to buy royal souvenirs.

British clothing

There are plenty of choices for clothing souvenirs in London. Here are a few ideas:

• British country clothing at Barbour.
• an umbrella from quirky London Umbrella, one of the quirky and unusual things to do in London.
• a suit from famed Savile Row.
• a Burberry trench coat from their Regent Street shop.
• a hat or fascinator. You can find fascinators and hats in most London department stores. For a unique experience, visit a couture hat maker like Stephen Jones Millinery or a traditional hat maker like Lock & Co Hatters in St James’.
• vintage clothing and accessories on Brick Lane and Golborne Road.
• jewelry. Hatton Garden is the place to go.
• football (soccer in the USA) gear. You can pick up items for popular teas like Chelsea and Manchester United in the stores on Oxford Street and elsewhere around London. You can also buy your favorite team’s merchandise at the gift shop at the arena.

Perfume

London is famous for its perfume. Miller Harris is a great place to start, as is Harrods.

Les Senteurs, London’s oldest independent perfumery, is the place to go for posh perfume shopping.

Penhaligons has lovely, small sets that are easy to take home in your luggage.

London antiques

Portobello Road Market is the world’s largest antiques market. There are over a thousand dealers here, who sell almost anything you can think of.

If you love vintage clothing, check out Brick Lane’s Vintage Market. It seems that everything that was once fashionable makes it way through Brick Lane’s Vintage Market. Make sure to check it out for yourself.

Beatles Memorabilia

Beatles memorabilia from the London Beatles Store is sure to please any Beatles fan. The London Beatles Store carries everything from autographed vinyl, to posters, to books, and more.

London Underground

Visit the London Transport museum for London Underground items. While you can find London Underground souvenirs here and there, the best all-in-one selection is at the London Transport Museum. You also don’t need to pay museum entrance fees to browse the gifts.

The London Transport Museum is located in Covent Garden.

Toys

London is home to some of the world’s best toy shops.

Hamleys is a great choice, with seven floors packed with toys and by far the oldest toy store in London. It was originally opened in 1760 and expanded to it’s current location on Regent Street in 1881. Prepare to be overwhelmed when you walk in.

The toy section at Harrod’s is always a good bet and if you’re not in a hurry, the Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9¾ includes toys and memorabilia. The Disney Store on Oxford Street is the biggest in Europe however if you want something truly unique, check out Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop in Covent Garden. It’s full of marionettes and glove puppets plus more traditional toys with a theatrical flair.

Books from a famous London bookstore

There are so many wonderful bookshops in London that it’s hard to know where to start.

One of the best, and oldest, is Stanfords in Convent Garden.

Stanfords in Covent Garden was established in 1853, and it’s the world’s biggest map and travel retailer. It’s the perfect place to find a London souvenir for travelers, with globes, travel guides, travel fiction, journals, diaries, and even custom maps, made to order.

The Foyles and Daunt Books is also a great choice. There are several locations, including Foyles bookshop on Charing Cross Road and Daunt Books in Marylebone.

Hatchards, London’s oldest bookshop, is a solid choice for those looking for rarities.

If you’re like me, and love stationary, Choosing Keeping in Seven Dials is for you.

Unique London souvenirs at local markets

Looking for a unique London souvenir, or something one of a kind? Try local markets like Chatsworth Road Market, Herne Hill Market, North Cross Road Market, or A South London Makers Market. There’s never a guarantee you’ll find that perfect gift but you won’t know until you’ve checked it out for yourself.

Christmas gifts from London

If you’re lucky enough to be in London during the festive season, Christmas gifts make wonderful souvenirs.

Many Christmas markets open for the holiday season, including Southbank Centre Christmas Market, Greenwich Christmas Market, Christmas in Leicester Square, and many others.

Christmas World in Harrods opens near the end of October, and is an ionic visit, filled with Christmas cheer. Selfridges is another great choice.

Other shops do a wonderful selection of Christmas themed gifts, including Liberty, 307-year-old Fortnum & Mason, family-run Marby & Elm in Exmouth Market, the stylish Conran Shop, the Tate Modern Gift Shop, and the wonderfully charming Benjamin Pollock’s Toy Shop.

There are so many shops that do wonderful Christmas displays and gifts that it’s impossible to list them all.

Hays Galleria is the only year round, dedicated Christmas shop we could find.

Housewares

A tea set from London is a classic British souvenir. Fortnum & Mason has teas and tea sets, including limited edition items.

If you’re looking for an iconic Wedgwood tea set, you can often find them in finer department stores.

Art

London is a vibrant city home to a thriving art scene. Backyard Markets is a good place to start looking, but there are countless galleries in the city.

A print from the National Gallery is often at an affordable price point for an art souvenir from London and the quality is top notch.

Best souvenir shops in London

Souvenir shops in London are likely the best place to buy London souvenirs.

However, they aren’t all created equal. Some English souvenir shops are more expensive, some are specialized in certain items, and still others sell everything you could imagine. Many can easily make the list of best travel gifts from London.

Harrods London

Arguably the most famous store in London, with over 300,000 people visiting daily, Harrods is known for luxury goods and the lavish luxury Food Halls.

Harrods is a fantastic place to shop for London souvenirs for children, as Harrods has an enormous toy department on the fourth floor. Iconic Harrods gifts include the classic Harrods teddy bear, bespoke hampers, gift boxes, fragrances, and cakes.

There’s a Harrods Gift Shop on the lower ground floor to make shopping easy. Rare perfumes are on the sixth floor. You’ll find Harrods in Knightsbridge, one of the richest neighborhoods in London.

Paddington Bear shop

If you love Paddington Bear, the Paddington Bear shop is the place for you.

You can, of course, pick up your very own stuffed Paddington Bear soft toy, or choose a book and enjoy Paddington’s many adventures. The adorable Paddington’s Guide to London travel guide explores famous landmarks around the city.

Gifts from a London museum

London is home to some of the best museums in the world. Check out the gift shops at V&A (Victoria & Albert Museum), Tate Modern, British Museum, and Sherlock Holmes Museum to start – these are all featured in our post on the best museums in London.

Royal Gift Shop London (Buckingham Palace gift shop London)

The Royal Gift Shop, known as the Royal Collection Shop, is just across the street from Buckingham Palace. It’s the place to buy gifts inspired by the British Monarchy and the royal palaces.

There’s a huge variety here, including jewelry, Christmas gifts, tasty treats, kitchenware, and even pet items. If you love the late Queen’s corgis, there are plenty of Corgi themed gifts, including adorable corgi plush toys.

Prices run the gamut from inexpensive stuffed animal toys to pricey tableware.

Every purchase “contributes directly to the care of the Royal Collection, which is not owned personally by The Queen, but held in trust by her as Sovereign for her successors and the nation. (source).”

London Eye souvenir shop

The London Eye gift shop is located at the exit of the London Eye.

It sells souvenirs and mementos of your London Eye experience. It’s small, and often busy, and a bit expensive, with an OK selection. You will be better off elsewhere if you’re looking for a good selection or budget price.

London Tower gift shop

The London Tower gifts shop is known more officially as the Tower Bridge Engine Rooms & Shop. It’s owned by the City of London.

This gift shop is in the original Engine Rooms of the iconic Victorian landmark. It’s a nice little gift shop, with plenty of cute souvenirs, but prices can be a bit expensive.

London Zoo gift shop

The oldest scientific zoo in the world, London Zoo is also known as ZSL (Zoological Society of London ), London Zoo, or London Zoological Gardens.

To leave the Zoo, you need to exit through the well stocked gift shop.

There are plenty of adorable soft toys, play sets, toys and games, and unique eco friendly gifts. You can even adopt an animal with ZSL.

Purchases at the online or in-person gift shop directly support the London Zoo.

London Bridge Souvenir shop

There’s no official souvenir shop at the London Bridge, but there are plenty of small souvenir shops nearby that sell souvenirs.

London souvenir shop Piccadilly Circus

There are plenty of London souvenir shops around Piccadilly Circus.

Honestly, none of them really stand out, but they’re all convenient places to get your standard London souvenirs while in the area.

London souvenir shop Oxford Street

There are plenty of souvenir stalls and shops around Oxford Street, all generally selling the same type of gifts.

The souvenir stalls around Oxford Street and Leicester Square can be a great place to pick up London street signs.

Camden Market

Camden Market is at the end of Camden high street. There’s so much on sale here, including clothing, odds and ends, crafts and food.

250,000 people visit Camden market each week. It’s open seven days a week.

London souvenirs online

Did you leave London without getting that perfect gift? Are you looking for a little piece of London to send as a gift, or to enjoy yourself, but you can’t visit in person?

Luckily, there’s a great selection of London souvenirs online.

For ease of access around the world, London souvenirs on Amazon can’t be beat.

If you’re looking for something more hand crafted or artsy, check out the selection of London souvenirs on Etsy.

In addition to dedicated online stores selling London souvenirs, many physical souvenir shops in London sell online as well. Stanfords in Covent Garden is a perfect example, with a large online selection. Even the Royal Collection Shop ships internationally.

Made in Britain gifts

Gifts made in Britain, and London specifically, make great souvenirs. While you can find London made gifts in department specialty stores and at markets, you can also find British made gifts on Etsy.

You might like:

• Harry Potter Souvenirs from Universal Studios Orlando That are Worth the Money (and Where to Buy Them)
• Irish Souvenirs That You’ll Love: The Best Things to Buy in Ireland
• Things To Buy In Dubai – Souvenirs You’ll Love

We’ve all been there. Whether you’re walking off a plane, getting out of a car, jumping off a ferry or disembarking from a train, that first moment in a new city is exciting. The possibilities seem endless and who knows what you’ll find around the next corner.

It also follows that the bigger the city, the more there is to take in. That definitely fits the bill in terms of things to do, see and eat in London. For most visitors, the biggest problem will be deciding what to do first.

For the lucky few, there’s also the other side to the coin. What happens when you’ve seen all the major sites already and though you may love the city, it no longer excites you like it once did?

Check out this Hidden London walking tour.

With that thought in mind, here’s a list of quirky and unusual things to do in London. Whether you check them out before heading over to see Big Ben or after catching the changing of the guards while looking for royals at Buckingham Palace it’s up to you.

Look like too much work?

If you’re looking for a fun tour that will help you navigate London, check out a walking tour. You can even opt for small group or private tours.

See prices and tour details now.

A Playful Day Out on a London Mystery Walk

The CityDays treasure hunt in London is one of the edgiest, most fun ways to discover hidden gems and unusual experiences across this amazing city.

You can choose from different treasure and scavenger hunts, solving clues and challenges with your friends, family or colleagues – and even dress up if you’d like!

As you’re stimulating your mind, and exploring the city, you also get to indulge in tasty refreshments at top-rated pubs and cafes along the way. As you go, you’ll discover fascinating facts about London’s history as you weave around its iconic locations.

There’s no set pace with CityDays hunts – you have the freedom of making the day your own. Complete the tasks at your own pace, or, if you’re feeling competitive, try to get the top spot on the London leaderboard. Race to the finish line or take a leisurely stroll – the choice is yours!

What I really love about this is that bookings are so flexible. If your plans change, you can change the date, time, number of people, or specific London Treasure and Scavenger Hunt, and stop and start once you’ve begun.

Pirate Studios

Pirate Studios is a game-changer for those looking to flex their creative muscle when visiting the capital. It’s a self served rehearsal and recording facility that’s available 24/7, 365 days a year. They have nine London studios equipped with the latest equipment and technology, including drum kits, amps, microphones, and mixing desks, and they can accommodate bands of all sizes. The facilities offer a comfortable and inspiring environment for musicians and those of us simply looking for something different, to be creative and turn up the volume!

Pirate Studios isn’t just a rehearsal space – it’s a community. Their studios host events, workshops, and networking opportunities, helping to connect you with other like-minded creative people. It’s a hub for London’s thriving music scene, with a diverse range of artists and genres represented. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just looking for a unique day out in London, Pirate Studios is a must visit!

Visit the website to find the closest location and book studio time.

God’s Own Junkyard

If you like bright lights and big color you’ll want to check out God’s Own Junkyard in London. This eclectic collection of old neon signs will leave your eyeballs searing for days but you’ll find everything from I Heart Elvis to old Soho adult shop signs covering every wall. With its own café, The Rolling Scones Café, you can grab a bite to eat before checking out the free neon sign gallery.

Only open on weekends, God’s Own Junkyard occasionally features live paid performances however the entrance to see the neon gallery is always free. Located in London’s Ravenswood Industrial Estates.

Viktor Wynd’s Museum of Curiosities

Hosted by The Last Tuesday Society, this eccentric collection of oddities will question what makes a museum a museum. From rare dodo bird bones to diamond studded dildos you never know what you’ll find in Viktor Wynd’s Little Shop of Horrors. With a flair for the inappropriate and the occasionally wonderful, this tiny museum will delight and leave you asking more questions than answers. What more can you ask for?

Officially named The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art & UnNatural History, you’ll see everything from shrunken heads and two headed lambs to occult paintings and old master etchings. The lifelong project of artist and writer Viktor Wynd, this unique museum also contains a decent cocktail bar/art gallery and hosts both artist workshops and weekly lectures.

Overnight at the London Zoo

Ever dreamed of staying overnight surrounded by lions? Neither have I, but getting a behind the scene tour of a working zoo after hours is always fun. The London Zoo has nine lodge cabins right on the grounds just outside the lion exhibit for those brave enough to sleep within roaring distance of the big cats. Not only will you wake up to the sounds of lions, you’ll also hear monkeys howling and parrots hooting.

Check out this skip the line tour of the London Zoo.

With your overnight stay at the London Zoo, you get a complimentary drink on arrival, three after hour tours, a two course buffet dinner, a full English breakfast as well as free entry for two full days at the ZSL London Zoo. What more can you ask for?

The Magnificent Seven

Not exactly the classic cowboy movie, London’s Magnificent Seven refers to the 7 private cemeteries that can be found around London. Opened from 1833 to 1841, these 7 Victorian era cemeteries were created to offset the overcrowding that London was facing at the time. Between the Kensal Green Cemetery, West Norwood Cemetery, Highgate Cemetery, Abney Park Cemetery, Nunhead Cemetery, Brompton Cemetery and Tower Hamlets Cemetery, there’s more than a few famous gravestones that can be found in the overgrowths from the grave of Douglas Adams, to Karl Marx at Highgate Cemetery.

Though half are still open for business, all of Lonson’t Magnificent Seven cemeteries feature areas of wild overgrowth, often with park like settings, complete with some of London’s best architecture.

Hoxton Street Monster Supplies

Established in 1818, Hoxton Street Monster Supplies have been supplying everything a little vampire or ravenous werewolf could ever want. From Fang Floss (twine) to Cubed Earwax (creamed fudge) to Tears of Sorrow (sea salt), this quirky store is sure to please those who enjoy the dark and sweet side of life.

If you’re just visiting London, the Hoxton Street Monster Supplies store would make a great place to pick up a souvenir to take back home. Who wouldn’t want a tin of zombie breath mints or a jar of canned sunlight?

The Hardy Tree

Back in the 1860’s, before he became a famous novelist, Thomas Hardy was responsible for moving hundreds of graves to make way for the British Railway System. After moving the remains, he was left with several hundred tombstones. Not knowing what else to do with them, he placed them in concentric circles around an ash tree and, over the course of the past 150 years, the tree roots have grown over, under and around the aging tombstones.

Found in the cemetery alongside London’s St. Pancras Old Church (one of the oldest Christian churches in London), the Hardy Tree is sure to leave you speechless.

The Monty Python Foot

For those that are even the slightest bit familiar with Monty Python’s Flying Circus TV show, as well as the numerous Monty Python movies, and even the award winning London play, it’s worth noting where the iconic Monty Python foot originated. Taken from Bronzino’s Mannerist masterpiece An Allegory with Venus and Cupid, made in the 1500s for King Francis I, Cupids foot, in which Terry Gilliam uses in numerous opening scenes, is hanging in Room 8 of London’s National Gallery.

Though entrance to London’s National Gallery is free, you can find inspiration for a lot of Terry Gilliam’s collage and animations throughout London including some of London’s best museums.

The Clink Prison Museum

If you like your museums more on the notorious side, the Clink Prison Museum is home to one of England’s oldest and most notorious prisons. First opened in 1144, the Clink Prison Museum can be found on the original site in the heart of Central London’s Southwark district. Infamously attributed to our current saying of “sending someone to the clink”, this is the where it all started.

Housing everyone from drunkards and vagabonds to church and state criminals, the 600+ year history of the Clink Prison is on display at this unusual London Museum and here you can experience the sight, sounds and smells of those unfortunate men and women who were once incarcerated there.

The Mail Rail

Ever dreamed of riding the rails under London’s 19th century underbelly? The Postal Museum has finally opened the doors to it’s underground labyrinth of 100 year old tunnels that travel for miles beneath modern London.

Get tickets here.

Riding through 15 minutes of London’s history in a postal sized miniature train will not only give you insights to how semi-modern London handled its postal deliveries, but you can also watch a theatrical experience to highlight London’s 1930’s quirks and eccentricities.

Ride Mail Rail at The Postal Museum from The Postal Museum on Vimeo.

With exhibitions, audio guides, and a postal museum, if you want to know anything about London’s postal past this is the place to be. If you have little ones, make sure you check out Sorted! The Postal Play Space that’s an awesome childrens area that will have your kids sorting mail, delivering parcels and dressing up.

Grant Museum of Zoology

With over 67,000 specimens, the small and quirky Grant Museum of Zoology, located in a former Edwardian library owned by the University College of London, houses a large collection of fossils and stuffed animals ranging from dodo’s to quagga’s to tasmanian tigers. Complete with hundreds of jars of well preserved mice, moles and other assorted creatures, this tiny museum is especially cool for those with a slightly morbid taste.

Be sure to spend some time in the Micrarium, a three sided, back-lighted floor to ceiling space with over 2000 microscopic slides of some of the smallest creatures to ever walk the earth.

New London Architecture

This one’s a great place to start your trip and give you a bird’s eye view of London.

No, it’s not from the giant (and expensive) London Eye Ferris wheel, we’re talking about the free miniature exhibit at New London Architecture. They’ve painstakingly recreated the city in miniature scale from King’s Cross to the Royal Docks. At 1:1500 scale, you can even get a feel for just how much the city has changed over the centuries and what’s in store for it next.

They’ve also recently expanded the model with a 12 metre (40 foot) long virtual interactive map complete with touchscreens and historical maps spanning numerous centuries marking how London has changed over the years.

Serpentine Lido

If you need some fresh air and you happen to love water, there’s no better way to enjoy a little sunshine than at one of the many Lidos (outdoor pools) that crisscross London. Unlike the majority of the lidos with their defined lanes and heated pools, the Serpentine is a non chlorinated, open lake in Hyde Park in the heart of London. What makes Serpentine really stand out is the small group of swimmers that swim (without wet suits) the entire year.

The Serpentine Swimming Club’s semi-famous Christmas Race will have you cringing as you watch these brave souls battle the elements to become the champion. Members can be seen most mornings before 9:30 with races starting at 8 every Saturday throughout the year.

Secret London – An Unusual Guide (Local guides by local people)

James Smith & Sons

If Mary Poppins was looking for a new umbrella, we’re pretty sure she’d check this place out. Making umbrellas since the 1830’s, James Smith & Sons is a scene straight out of Victorian London with its rows of vintage umbrellas to its custom-designed animal head walking sticks.

If you don’t have an umbrella yet, and let’s face it, you’ll probably need one while you’re in London anyway, check out their amazing and varied collection at 53 New Oxford Street.

Attendant coffee shop

Haven’t you always wanted to enjoy superb coffee in a late-nineteenth-century gents’ toilet? I mean, who wouldn’t? One of London’s newest quirky places is Attendant. This tiny coffee bar only has six small tables and is jam-packed at lunchtime with locals. Besides, it’s not everyday you can have a drink and a bite to eat in a former Victorian urinal.

Built in 1890 and left for ruins in the 60’s, Attendant was painstakingly restored to its original Victorian shine and has won numerous awards for its excellent coffee and cool decor.

The Traffic Light Tree

On a roundabout next to the famous Billingsgate Fish Market, this eight meter tall traffic light tree by French sculptor Pierre Vivant holds 75 fully operational, computer controlled traffic lights in a dizzying array of directions. Don’t worry, they don’t actually command traffic, but they will definitely command your attention, especially at night.

If getting lost while driving a car scares you, this tree is sure to give you traffic nightmares.

Cabman Shelter

Speaking of traffic lights, no tour around London would be complete without stopping off at one of the 13 remaining 19th century cabman shelters found in the city. Originally created as a place for carriage and taxi drivers to get a bite to eat while stepping out of the rain, you can still grab a cup of cheap coffee and a delicious hot sandwich for a fraction of what most restaurants charge.

To find a Cabman Shelter, just look for a small green shuttered shed on the side of the road. If you can’t find them, there’s one in Russell Square and another just outside Temple Tube Station.

Outdoor Cinema

Itching to catch the latest movie, a cult classic or some indie fare? Don’t waste your time in a closed theater, check out one of the cities many outdoor cinemas. After a long day checking out the sights and before heading back to your hotel, sit back and enjoy an outdoor theater experience unlike any other.

If you’re in the mood to watch a movie under the stars, you can check out the 4 venues at the Rooftop Film Club, enjoy a night out via Luna Cinema or enjoy one of the many events on the Dalston Roof Park.

The Geffrye Museum

Curious to find out what the average London living room has looked like for the past few hundred years? The Geffry Museum houses 11 highly detailed period rooms ranging from 1630 to 1998.

If you’ve always wanted to see what’s behind the door in a typical Londoners living room, then this museum is sure to give you an eyeful. Coupled with the beautifully laid out herb and period gardens, the free entrance to the Geffrye Museum will make you appreciate life on the quieter side of London.

The Ginger Line

This one is as mysterious as it is quirky. Imagine booking a table at a secret, ever changing location where they send you a text only a few hours before your meal. Sound intriguing? London is chock full these days of supper clubs and instant pop-up eateries and the Ginger Line is one of the best of the bunch.

The Ginger Line operates only on selected dates and features an entertaining themed meal somewhere along the ginger colored East London line. Not only is the food supposedly delicious, but you’ll be part of a delicious secret as well. Make sure you book early if you want to be part of it.

The Drawing Room

If you’re craving alcohol and someplace a little out of the ordinary, you can check out the Drawing Room in the Benugo Bar & Kitchen at the British Film Institute (BFI). Hidden behind the bookcase in the upscale bar is a private lounge filled with old fashioned leather chairs, mahogany tables and lots of soft lighting.

This hideaway is the perfect place to sip your cocktails after a tasty meal and having experienced all the quirky and unusual things that London has to offer.

Big Ben and London Double-Decker Bus photo by Kevin Poh.

This week we’ve scoured the amazing world wide web, gotten help from our fellow traveling friends and put out a call to other travel writers to bring you their very best things to do, see and eat in London, England.

We hope this roundup of tips and tricks will give you some helpful hints and inspire you to travel to one of the world’s true great cities, London, UK.

Top London Tips

Top 10 tips for your first trip to London 

London is a big, busy city, and it’s easy to be overwhelmed by all there is to do and see in your first visit. Ceri at A Luxury Travel Blog gives some great tips for first timers to the city.

12 Tips for Navigating the London Underground

The maze of lines and connections in London’s famous Tube system can be overwhelming. Bucket List Journey writer Annette has some great tips for navigating the underground, including tips for using the Oyster Card and the Smart Card.

Take a Hike

London’s main attractions are surprisingly walkable. You can take a funky walking tour around London, a Harry Potter walking tour  or even a Jack the Ripper tour.

Avoid the Tourist Traps

Let’s face it: London can be busy. From picnics in the park, to village shopping and swimming in lidos and ponds, Dave and Deb at ThePlanetD have some great suggestions for getting away from the crowds.

Look like too much work? Take a Tour!

If you’re looking for a fun tour that will help you navigate London, check out Get Your Guide, which offers a plenty of highly rated and popular tours. You can even opt for small group or private tours.

See prices and tour details on Get Your Guide now.

London: 60 Things to See and Do

London’s a great big place, and it’s easy to miss some of it’s best attractions if you stick just with the guidebooks. Jen, The Trusted Traveler has come up with a pretty comprehensive list here of London’s 60 best that should be enough to satisfy any over planner.

Budget

Free Things to Do in London

Even though London can be one of Europe’s most expensive cities, there are still a lot of great free things to do in the city. Michael from Changes in Longitude dishes on hidden freebies like the Evensong services at Westminster Abbey, and even crossing Abbey Road for Beatles Fans. Don’t forget to check out National Army Museum, the Royal Air Force Museum and the Wallace Collection. Victoria and Albert museum in the Borough of Kensington and Chelsea area of London is also highly recommended. All are free.

5 Places to See the London Skyline – For Free!

With a ride on the London Eye costing a whopping 20.95 £, it may just pay to take Alyssa from Alyssa Writes advice and find a cheaper place to see the London skyline. Her top picks include Alexandra Palace, Parliament Hill Hampstead Heath, and Greenwich Park in South-East London from the Royal Observatory.

London on a Budget

You can save money in London by taking free guided city walks, traveling on the train and getting 2 for 1 entry to many attractions. Lucy at On the Luce also recommends picking up an Oyster card for the Tube.

Rick Steves London

Things to do in London on a budget

London is almost as famous for being expensive as it is for iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London. Talon from 1dad1kid.com has tips ranging from food to ways to save on transit and admission prices.

How I Had a 10 Day London Vacation for $700
It’s an oldie for sure (written in 2011), but this post from Nomadic Matt is packed with tips, including some travel hacking advice, that can still save you good money in this pricey city.

Free Attractions on a London Stopover

The London Underground makes a quick, efficient way to check out some of London’s biggest attractions. Planned correctly, Allan at Live Less Ordinary says you can take in the Houses of Parliament, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and Trafalgar Square and more on a budget, and quickly as well.

Off the Beaten Track – Quirky London

Looking for more? Check out our top quirky and unusual things to do in London post!

Architecture of London streets by Panorama Streetline 

If you’re an architecture buff, you’ll get a kick out of Jörg Rom’s images of the streets of London, including Camden Market, Picadilly and Portabello Road.

London ghosts, the Burial Spot of Benedict Arnold

You’ll find the remains of Benedict Arnold, the most notorious traitor of the American Revolution just a stone’s throw from the murky River Thames. Michael at Changes in Longitude has even more for you if you’re in the mood for more Americana; check out The Benjamin Franklin House in London, where Franklin lived for nearly 16 years.

An Amazing Time At ClueQuest!

Looking to channel your inner Sherlock Holmes (or James Bond). Sarah and her kids from Family Travel Times dishes on the closest thing you may be able to find in modern London: ClueQuest. Cluequest lets you play secret agent for a few hours, as you use your deductive skills to make your way out of a series of locked room, using a series of clues.

East London Street Art & Graffiti – An Alternative London Attraction

If you’re looking for an alternative look at London, check out the East London Street Art scene. Amar from Gap Year Escape even has suggestions for a few places that you can buy graffiti art on Canvas in East London.

Subterranean London – five unmissable sights below the city

While most of London’s most famous sights are firmly above ground, there’s a whole secret world hiding beneath the city streets. Caz at yTravelBlog shares London’s subterranean secrets, including the Cabinet War Rooms, Chislehurst Caves and the London Tombs.

The Best Eats and Pubs in London

Drink Pints & Eat English Mushy Peas at the Princess of Wales Pub 

London is packed with great pubs that are perfect for grabbing the quintessential British pint. Annette from Bucket List Journey gives two thumbs up to the brew, but isn’t so keen on the mushy peas at the Princess of Wales Pub in Charing Cross.

Searching for the Elusive Grenadier Pub in London 

If you’re looking for a bit of history with your pub food, The Grenadier, is a well-preserved pub that lets you experience what London used to be like. Liz at Travelogged says it’s a bit on the small side, and rumored to be haunted.

The Highlight Of Vegetarian Cuisine In London – tibits

Vegetarians in London are in luck; with an ever growing range of vegetarian and vegan restaurants. Dale and Franca at Angloitalian dish on some of their favorites at tibits in London, where you can load up on a buffet that offers vegetarian, vegan and even gluten free options.

British Food Souvenirs from the Supermarket (Tesco Editon) 

This may not be the first place you’d look for a souvenir, but your local London supermarket is probably full of great London eats to take back home. Kristin of Souvenir Finder suggests Branston Original Pickle, piccalilli, beef-flavored or prawn cocktail crisps, and British rhubarb in a can.

A Taste Explosion At London’s Borough Market 

Set inside an Art Deco building, Angloitalian says that Borough Market has something for everyone, from traditional English pastries to international favorites, curries, and fresh veggies and fruits.

Review: Dinner by Heston

If you’re looking for somewhere upscale to eat in London, Carmen from Double-Barrelled Travel dishes on Dinner by Heston in Knightsbridge that offers up food based on old English cuisine.

Where to Stay in London

An Affordable Design Hostel In London – Generator Hostel

Newly redecorated, Dale and Franca at Angloitalian dish on this hostel that mixes affordable prices with funky decor that even incorporates Willy Wonka, Mary Poppins, Ali G, James Bond and Austin Powers.

Click here to see prices.

Apartment Stay in London

Given that London’s accommodation options can be pricey, especially for couples and families, getting an apartment rental through a site like Airbnb can be a great option. Dave and Deb at The Planet D found out how great it was and give a nice rundown on things to look for when renting a place.

See apartment rentals on VRBO here.

Apartment rentals can be a great alternative to hotels and hostels. You can get more space and privacy than at a hotel, and even have a kitchen to save a bit of cash on eating out. You can even get a great apartment in downtown and pay a lot less than a similar hotel.

Click here to search hotels now.

What to See and Do in London

Attend a Proper British Afternoon Tea in London 

It doesn’t get much more quintessentially English than attending a proper British afternoon tea. Annette of Bucket List Journey dishes on proper tea time etiquette.

Photos of London at Night: A Walk Along the Thames 

A walk along the Thames is the perfect chance to take in some of London’s most iconic sights, including Big Ben, Westminster Bridge, Millennium Bridge and the London Eye. Kellie of Destination Unknown, an expat who has lived there nearly 15 years and now calls the place home, dishes on her favorite sights along this famous river.

My Favourite Place in London – The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew 

The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, just on the outskirts of London, make a fantastic break from the business of London. Jen at The Trusted Traveller says to just take the Tube on the District Line or the Overground, and enjoy the peace and quiet.

A Spin on the London Eye 

The London Eye, a giant ferris wheel, is one of London’s most iconic landmarks. Not only does it offer one of the best views of London and the River Thames, but Annette of Bucket List Journey notes that you can catch glimpses of the Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Hyde Park, Alexandra Palace, Hampton Court and many other landmarks.

The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace 

It’s probably one of London’s most iconic sights, with crowds to match. Annette at Bucket List Journey shares some great photos, and a rarely seen look at an Irish guard escorting his Irish Wolfhound.

Tourist Tips for attending a Barclays Premier League Football Match 

If you’re a football (or soccer, as we say in Canada and the USA) fan, then London is a fantastic place to get your game on. It’s a great way to get a deeper feel for the English culture, as their love of the game is legendary. Kristin at Souvenir Finder gives us the highlights.

London with Kids

Things to Do London With Kids

Like most European cities, London is surprisingly walkable, making it a great destination with little ones. Kids will love the Changing of the Guard and the Royal Parks of London, and Jen of The Vacation Gals suggests taking kids to see the Millennium Bridge (which was destroyed by Death Eaters in the last Harry Potter movie).

Experience the Magic of Harry Potter at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

If your kids are huge Harry Potter fans like ours (Cole’s Halloween costume for two years in a row), they’ll love tour of the former Leavesden Studios, located outside London. The Leavesden Studios were the production home for all eight Harry Potter movies, so you’ll be seeing a lot of the authentic props and sets used in the film. Lisa from Gone With the Family dishes on walking through the Great Hall (with tables set for dinner), as well as the Gryffindor House Common Room, and costumes and props used in the movie.

Want to see some of London in the USA? Check out our post for great tips for visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida.

London – Dining With The Kids 

Canadian Traveller has some fun, quirky, and even healthy picks for eating out with the kids. We’re itching to check out the rock and role vibe at Sticky Fingers, founded by Rolling Stones’ bass player Bill Wyman, and rosemary chips at Honest Burgers in Soho.

Hop On Hop Off In London With Kids 

If you’re touring London with little ones, Alan of Wagoner’s Abroad suggests a hop on, hop off bus tour as a great choice. Open-top buses give you a great view of London’s neighborhood, and you can get off and on at some of London’s biggest sights.

The 15 Best Things To Do with Kids in London 

London with kids is a lot easier when you’re armed with the basics about where to go, when the attractions are open, and what will interest kids most. David from My Little Nomads has a great list here, ranging from the predictable Royal Air Force Museum to the less likely National Portrait Gallery.

Look like too much work?

If you’re looking for a tour that will help you navigate London, Get Your Guide offers a plenty of highly rated and popular tours.

You can even opt for small group or private tours.

See prices and tour details on Get Your Guide now.

Photo of Big Ben by Grand Parc – Bordeaux, France.

Have you visited London? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Look out for the free museums

Everyone says that London is expensive and it is true, it can be! But the high costs can be avoided. Many of London’s leading museums can be enjoyed for free, including the British Museum, The Tate Modern and the National Gallery.

Look like too much work? Take a London tour with GetYourGuide

If you’re looking for a fun tour that will help you navigate London, check out Get Your Guide, which offers a plenty of highly rated and popular tours. 

You can even opt for small group or private tours.

See prices and tour details on GetYourGuide now.

Enjoy an afternoon in the park

With a population of 8.3 million and as one of the leading financial and business centers in the world, you may be surprised to hear that London has many large green open spaces. All of London´s main parks are well-maintained, well-facilitated and reasonably safe.

Spend an afternoon in Hyde, Regent´s or Richmond Park to enjoy another side of London.

Avoid London traffic

London is a very busy city, formed by a maze of narrow Roman streets, which often, especially during rush hour, can experience extremely high traffic congestion. This means that taking a taxi can be a very timely and expensive experience, especially if you only have one day in London.

Fodors London 2023

The London underground is the easiest way to get around, walking is evening better… if it’s not too far!

Seek the cheap West End theater tickets

It is possible to line up at the theaters themselves on the day for stand-by tickets. These are heavily discounted returned and unsold tickets for that evening’s performance. Of course you may be disappointed and have to run to another theater.

If grabbing a stand by ticket sounds a little hectic for your taste, then head to the ticket booth in Leicester Square on the day for tickets discounted up to 50% off.

Catch some live sports

Many iconic sports teams and venues call London home and you could enjoy the live action. The home of Cricket Lord’s Cricket Ground, the home of Football Wembley Stadium and the home of English Rugby Twickenham, all host events year round. London also has 13 professional football teams, more than any other city in the world, including Chelsea and Arsenal.

Explore London’s markets

Markets are at the heart of London’s culture and way of life, and can be a great way to see the quirky side of London.

Whether you are looking to buy or not, a peruse around one of London’s markets, combined with a cup of tea and a slice of cake in a nearby café will give you a sense of local life. Check out Brick Lane for vintage gems, Portobello Road for antiques and Columbia Road for flowers.

Don’t miss the traditional attractions

Just because Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and Piccadilly Circus are some of the best known, most touristy attractions in London, does not mean that they should be avoided. Brave the crowds and don’t miss out. In no time you’ll be muttering “that’s where that historical event took place” or “that’s where that great scene in that movie was shot!” They are famous for a reason.

Don’t rush your trip

London is a huge city which cannot be seen in a single weekend. It is likely that you will return home feeling like you have only scratched the surface. If possible try to stay for more than a few days. You could even study for a semester at one of the many reputable universities or attend a London school of English to improve your language skills. The city is one of the most multicultural in the world and is very international student friendly.

Shop till you drop

London has some great shopping areas to suit all budgets. Check out iconic Oxford Street for high street flagship stores, Bond Street for high end fashion and Knightsbridge for prestigious brands and famous department stores such as Harrods and Harvey Nichols or Westfield, Europe´s largest urban shopping center.

Escape the city

If you are staying for more than a few days, you may want to get away from the noise and bright lights and explore some of London’s outer boroughs. Only a short train ride away are some of England’s most beautiful areas, like Oxford, Richmond and Henley-on-Themes are leafy, historic towns with many sites and musings.

Plan for the weather

In London you need to plan for all eventualities, whenever the time of your visit. Despite being situated in one of the mildest areas in the UK, the weather can be unpredictable, so pack an umbrella and sun glasses at all times! Rain fall is consistent throughout the year with between 11 and 15 rainy days every month.

Watch out for pickpockets

In comparison to other major cities, London is not particularly rife for pickpockets. However, as in all busy areas, you need to be vigilant, especially when on the tube, which is a target area for criminals during rush hour.

Sample the cuisine

The UK in general is not famous for food. But it would be wrong to think that you will not enjoy a great meal during your stay. London is said to be the world in one city, due to its cultural diversity and this reflects in its food. There are more than 6,000 restaurants covering every popular cuisine, with 55 Michelin star restaurants and the home of many celebrity chefs.

Look like too much work?

Look like too much work? Take a London tour with GetYourGuide

If you’re looking for a fun tour that will help you navigate London, check out Get Your Guide, which offers a plenty of highly rated and popular tours. 

You can even opt for small group or private tours.

See prices and tour details on GetYourGuide now.