Things to Do in London for First-Time Visitors: What’s Really Worth Seeing and Practical Tips

London is a city you can never fully see in one trip, and that’s part of its charm. Having lived there for a few months, I’ve learned which sights are truly worth your time and some helpful tips and tricks. 

This guide offers honest, personal reviews of key tourist spots, plus practical pointers to help you make the most of your visit.

Also read: The Ultimate Guide to Budget Travelling in Europe

Tourist spots: Overrated or worth it?

When you’re in London, you’ll probably want to see those classic sights. Some of them are genuinely great, while, admittedly, others are just “yep, that’s it” moments. Here’s my review of the key tourist spots I visited to help you decide where you want to go!

Big Ben & Palace of Westminster

Verdict: Overrated (but you’ll probably go anyway)

It’s as iconic as it gets, but the crowd does spoil the experience a little. Regardless, it’s one of those spots you kind of just have to go to. Even just walking past it feels like a rite of passage. 

You’ll probably end up here naturally anyway; it’s near the river, Westminster Bridge, and a bunch of other landmarks.

Buckingham Palace

Verdict: Worth it!

The walk up to Buckingham Palace is already quite pleasant, especially if you go through St James’s Park. The palace itself is lovely to see, even just from the outside. 

If you’re interested, the Changing of the Guard is a well-organised tradition worth experiencing, though it does attract a crowd. There’s also palace tours which happen seasonally and I really recommend trying to catch one. The tour is really well structured and genuinely interesting.

Do note though, that this glowing review might be a little positively biased, as I was lucky enough to see a rainbow over the Queen Victoria Memorial while there.

British Museum

Verdict: Worth it

Massive, free, and packed with stuff you’ll recognise from textbooks. I didn’t get in (the queue was wild), but people rave about it for good reason. Worth planning ahead for if you’re into ancient history or want a proper rainy-day activity.

Hyde Park

Verdict: Worth it, and I recommend it!

Hyde Park is just stunning; vast open lawns, shimmering lakes, elegant sculptures, and plenty of shady trees that offer respite on a sunny day.

I spent an afternoon there sitting on the grass with a book, soaking in the calm. It’s one of those rare spots where you can truly slow down and feel happy simply being there.

Covent Garden

Verdict: Worth it

Yes, it’s touristy. But the street performances are fun, and there’s a nice energy to the place. It’s the kind of area that’s perfect for a mid-afternoon wander when you’ve got no fixed plans. Good for grabbing a coffee or checking out a few quirky shops.

Camden Market

Verdict: Worth it

Pretty cool overall. It’s got an artsy, slightly chaotic feel, with loads of food stalls and vintage shops tucked into every corner. Some bits feel a bit commercial, but it’s still a fun area to explore, especially if you go with friends!

Borough Market

Verdict: Worth it

It’s busy, yes, but the food is actually pretty good. It’s better if you’re with friends so you can share and try more things. 

Some stalls feel a bit made-for-Instagram, but others are genuinely worth queuing for. My favourites were the Wild Mushroom Risotto and The Black Pig. Both lived up to the hype!

Also read: A Culinary Adventure: 10 Cities Around the World for Foodies

The London Eye

Verdict: Overrated

I didn’t go, and don’t feel like I missed out. It’s expensive, the queue is long, and the view isn’t wildly better than what you’d get from a free rooftop. If you’re travelling on a budget or short on time, skip it and head to the Sky Garden or Primrose Hill instead.

London Bridge

Verdict: Make sure you get the right bridge

London Bridge isn’t the one you’re picturing: that’s Tower Bridge. This one’s plain and easy to miss, and chances are you’ll walk across it without even realising. Take note and go to the right bridge!

Note: this is the Tower Bridge, the “real” London Bridge.

West End Musicals

Verdict: Worth it, and I recommend it!

The shows are top quality, and the atmosphere in the theatres is something special. I saw Phantom of the Opera and loved it so much I saw it again when they came to Singapore. If you’re up for it, try grabbing last-minute tickets on apps like TodayTix for good deals. It’s a great way to spend an evening soaking in a bit of London culture.

And bonus: most theatres are smack in the middle of central London, so you can squeeze in a walk down Oxford Street or grab dinner in Soho before the show.

Other spots to look out for

These aren’t exactly hidden spots, but they’re not always the first places people rush to, and that’s part of what makes them great. If you’ve ticked off the major sights or just want something a little quieter, these are all worth your time.

London’s Other Parks

Hyde Park gets all the attention, but Regent’s Park, Green Park, and St James’s Park are just as lovely in different ways. I liked Regent’s Park especially, as there’s something very peaceful about the open paths and flower gardens, and it’s never too far from where you’ll already be wandering.

Primrose Hill at Sunset

This was one of my favourite moments. It’s a short uphill walk, and suddenly you get this wide, open view of the London skyline.

I went around sunset and just sat there for a while. Nothing fancy, just me, some snacks, and a sky that kept getting better. If you can catch a clear evening, don’t miss it.

Kew Gardens

It’s a bit of a detour and not the cheapest ticket, but worth considering if you want a full-on nature break. Check what’s on if you’re planning to go; they usually have interesting exhibitions.

I visited during their Christmas event, and it was pretty magical. There were beautiful light displays woven through the gardens with some sparkling sculptures, twinkling trees, and even interactive installations.

Sky Garden (Free Visit)

A solid, free alternative to the London Eye. It’s a glassy rooftop garden with panoramic views, and it doesn’t take much effort, you just book a slot online in advance. Time it around sunset if you can. There’s also a café/bar inside if you fancy staying a bit longer.

Practical tips for getting around London

London’s public transport can seem daunting if you’re not familiar with it, but it’s generally straightforward once you get the hang of it. Here are quick tips:

No need for cash

London is very card-friendly; contactless payment is accepted almost everywhere, including buses and the Tube. 

You can use your debit or credit card, or even your phone’s payment system like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Carrying cash isn’t necessary, though having a small amount for markets or tips can’t hurt.

Using the Tube (London Underground)

The Tube is usually the fastest way to get around central London. Download Citymapper (highly recommended) for live updates, route planning, and disruptions.

One thing to keep in mind: there’s no connection underground, so download maps and apps ahead of time. Don’t rely on Google Maps when you’re below street level.

If you’re only in London for a short visit, there’s no need to get an Oyster card; just tap in and out with a contactless card or phone. The system automatically caps your daily fare, so you won’t be overcharged. Oyster cards are more useful for longer stays or if you’re looking at very specific travel discounts.

Apps to download

• Citymapper: For all your London travel planning, live updates and quickest routes.
• TfL Go: The official Transport for London app with live service updates and station info.
• Trainline: Useful if you plan to take trains to day trips outside London and want to book tickets in advance.
  

Off-peak travel

Try to avoid rush hours (weekdays roughly 7–9.30am and 4.30–6.30pm) if you want a more comfortable journey. Off-peak travel is cheaper and much less crowded.

Also read: Barcelona Travel Guide: Iconic and Hidden Gems I Fell in Love With

Making the most of your London trip

London can feel overwhelming at first, but once you settle into its rhythm, it’s a city full of discovery and charm. 

And a final tip: there’s no need to overthink doing touristy things. You are a tourist, and that’s what you’re here for. Just go, take your photos, soak it in, and then move on to the bits you actually enjoy. Enjoy yourself!