Destination guideEngland · United Kingdom
39 Things to Do in London (2026)
London is a city with a documented history spanning approximately 2,000 years, originating as the Roman settlement of Londinium. Its historical heritage is preserved in structures such as the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage site established in the 11th century, and Westminster Abbey, which has hosted royal coronations since 1066. The city’s architectural landscape includes the 17th-century Baroque designs of Sir Christopher Wren, exemplified by St Paul’s Cathedral, alongside Victorian Gothic structures like the Palace of Westminster and contemporary additions such as the Shard and 30 St Mary Axe.
Updated September 23, 2026 · 39 places verified against live place data
- 39 spots
- 9 must-try dishes
- Researched September 2026
- 24 sources
The short answer
- Start with Horizon 22, Hampstead Heath and St Dunstan in the East Church Garden, the places the research led with.
- For food, Clay Pot-Braised Goat Kid and Coq-au-Vin Jaune Pie lead the must-try list; the full list of places to eat is on the London food guide.
- The best time to visit London is during late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and the city’s parks are at their most beautiful.
39 places worth your time in London
Things to see and do
Horizon 22
The highest free viewing gallery in Europe, situated 254 meters above the city on the 58th floor of 22 Bishopsgate.
- Horizon 22The highest free viewing gallery in Europe, situated 254 meters above the city on the 58th floor of 22 Bishopsgate.
22 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AJ, UK
Hampstead Heath
An expansive and rugged ancient parkland that offers a wilder alternative to manicured city gardens. It features hilly terrain, dense woodlands, and the famous swimming ponds where locals brave the water year-round.
- Hampstead HeathAn expansive and rugged ancient parkland that offers a wilder alternative to manicured city gardens. It features hilly terrain, dense woodlands, and the famous swimming ponds where locals brave the water year-round.
London, UK
St Dunstan in the East Church Garden
A unique public park set within the ruins of a Wren-designed church that was largely destroyed during the Blitz.
- St Dunstan in the East Church GardenA unique public park set within the ruins of a Wren-designed church that was largely destroyed during the Blitz.
St Dunstan's Hill, London EC3R 5DD, UK
The Hill Garden and Pergola
A hidden architectural gem within the greater Hampstead area, this raised Edwardian terrace is overgrown with vines and exotic flowers.
- The Hill Garden and PergolaA hidden architectural gem within the greater Hampstead area, this raised Edwardian terrace is overgrown with vines and exotic flowers.
Inverforth Cl, London NW3 7EX, UK
Epping Forest
An ancient woodland stretching from East London into Essex, this former royal hunting ground contains over 50,000 pollarded trees and numerous hidden lakes.
- Epping ForestAn ancient woodland stretching from East London into Essex, this former royal hunting ground contains over 50,000 pollarded trees and numerous hidden lakes.
Epping Forest, United Kingdom
NEON at Battersea Power Station
Following its massive restoration by WilkinsonEyre, this iconic Grade II* listed landmark continues to debut new architectural phases in 2026.
- NEON at Battersea Power StationFollowing its massive restoration by WilkinsonEyre, this iconic Grade II* listed landmark continues to debut new architectural phases in 2026.
Cringle St, Nine Elms, London SW8 5BX, UK
Kids Hackney Adventure Playground
Located on Frith Street, this restaurant is a collaboration between David Carter and Sertaç Dirik, focusing on the flavors of the Aegean.
- Kids Hackney Adventure PlaygroundLocated on Frith Street, this restaurant is a collaboration between David Carter and Sertaç Dirik, focusing on the flavors of the Aegean.
30 Spring Ln, London E5 9HQ, UK
British Airways ARC
A newly opened 3,800-capacity entertainment venue at the Olympia redevelopment. It is London's first major mid-sized performance space in over a decade.
- British Airways ARCA newly opened 3,800-capacity entertainment venue at the Olympia redevelopment. It is London's first major mid-sized performance space in over a decade.
Emberton Walk at Olympia, London W14 8FJ, UK
Moco Museum London
A fresh addition to the Marble Arch area, this independent museum showcases a rotating collection of modern, contemporary, and street art.
- Moco Museum LondonA fresh addition to the Marble Arch area, this independent museum showcases a rotating collection of modern, contemporary, and street art.
1-4 Marble Arch, London W1H 7EJ, UK
Paddington Square
Designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop, this 18-storey crystalline glass cube appears to float above a new 1.35-acre public piazza.
- Paddington SquareDesigned by Renzo Piano Building Workshop, this 18-storey crystalline glass cube appears to float above a new 1.35-acre public piazza.
Paddington Sq, London, UK
Stonecutter Court
Recently completed in 2025/2026, this 13-storey super-prime office building by tp bennett is a landmark in post-pandemic architectural design.
- Stonecutter CourtRecently completed in 2025/2026, this 13-storey super-prime office building by tp bennett is a landmark in post-pandemic architectural design.
Shoe Ln, London EC4A 4BL, UK
The Peninsula London
A luxury hotel completed in 2023 with ongoing architectural acclaim through 2026, it is the first £1 billion hotel development in London.
- The Peninsula LondonA luxury hotel completed in 2023 with ongoing architectural acclaim through 2026, it is the first £1 billion hotel development in London.
The Peninsula, 1 Grosvenor Pl, London SW1X 7HJ, UK
Tate Modern
Housed in a former power station, this world-leading gallery of international modern and contemporary art is currently hosting a major retrospective of Ana Mendieta (running until January 2027).
- Tate ModernHoused in a former power station, this world-leading gallery of international modern and contemporary art is currently hosting a major retrospective of Ana Mendieta (running until January 2027).
Tate Modern, London SE1, UK
Hayward Gallery
A premier venue for contemporary art within the Brutalist Southbank Centre, the gallery is currently presenting a landmark solo exhibition by Anish Kapoor (until October 18, 2026).
- Hayward GalleryA premier venue for contemporary art within the Brutalist Southbank Centre, the gallery is currently presenting a landmark solo exhibition by Anish Kapoor (until October 18, 2026).
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX, UK
Young V&A
Awarded Art Fund Museum of the Year 2024, this Bethnal Green institution is a dedicated space for children and young people to explore design and creativity.
- Young V&AAwarded Art Fund Museum of the Year 2024, this Bethnal Green institution is a dedicated space for children and young people to explore design and creativity.
Cambridge Heath Rd, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PA, UK
The Photographers' Gallery
The UK's primary venue for photography, located near Oxford Circus, is currently showing 'Japanese Women Photographers: From 1950s to Now' (until September 27, 2026).
- The Photographers' GalleryThe UK's primary venue for photography, located near Oxford Circus, is currently showing 'Japanese Women Photographers: From 1950s to Now' (until September 27, 2026).
16-18 Ramillies St, London W1F 7LW, UK
V&A East Museum
Newly opened in April 2026, this striking O’Donnell + Tuomey-designed building serves as a contemporary hub for global creativity.
- V&A East MuseumNewly opened in April 2026, this striking O’Donnell + Tuomey-designed building serves as a contemporary hub for global creativity.
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, East Bank, 107 Carpenters Rd, Stratford Cross, London E20 2AR, UK
The British Museum
One of the world's oldest and most comprehensive museums, it is currently the site of a major cultural event: the return of the 'Bayeux Tapestry' to English soil for the first time in nearly 1,000 years.
- The British MuseumOne of the world's oldest and most comprehensive museums, it is currently the site of a major cultural event: the return of the 'Bayeux Tapestry' to English soil for the first time in nearly 1,000 years.
Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG, UK
Richmond Park
The largest of the Royal Parks, this sprawling nature reserve is famed for its free-roaming red and fallow deer and its vast, undulating landscape.
Richmond, UK
Nettle
14-16 Dowgate Hill, Cannon St, London EC4R 2SU, UK
Where to eat
See the full London food guide: where to eat and what to order.
Leadenhall Market
A stunning example of Victorian architecture, this covered market features a richly decorated wrought-iron structure and a magnificent glass roof.
- Leadenhall MarketA stunning example of Victorian architecture, this covered market features a richly decorated wrought-iron structure and a magnificent glass roof.
Gracechurch St, London EC3V 1LT, UK
Impala
Crowned as one of the best new openings of 2026, this Soho restaurant is led by Meedu Saad, former head chef of Kiln.
- ImpalaCrowned as one of the best new openings of 2026, this Soho restaurant is led by Meedu Saad, former head chef of Kiln. It brings intense North African heat to central London, specializing in fire-cooked dishes and vibrant spices.
Try: Bird’s Tongue Pasta with Oxtail
14 Dean St, London W1D 3RS, UK
NAKIMUSHI
Opening in September 2026 in Notting Hill, this dual-concept venue from the team behind Dorian features two distinct culinary experiences.
- NAKIMUSHIOpening in September 2026 in Notting Hill, this dual-concept venue from the team behind Dorian features two distinct culinary experiences.
7 Kensington Mall, London W8 4EB, UK
Music & Video Exchange
Known for: Coq-au-Vin Jaune Pie. Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
- Music & Video ExchangeKnown for: Coq-au-Vin Jaune Pie. Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
Try: Coq-au-Vin Jaune Pie
38 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3HX, UK
TOAD Bakery
Regarded as one of London's most essential bakeries in 2026, this Camberwell-born institution recently expanded with a second site in Deptford.
- TOAD BakeryRegarded as one of London's most essential bakeries in 2026, this Camberwell-born institution recently expanded with a second site in Deptford.
44 Peckham Rd, London SE5 8PX, UK
Oudh 1722
A Summer 2026 addition to the Borough food scene, this restaurant focuses on the refined Awadhi cuisine of Northern India.
- Oudh 1722A Summer 2026 addition to the Borough food scene, this restaurant focuses on the refined Awadhi cuisine of Northern India. It offers a Michelin-level experience with a menu centered on slow-cooked 'dum' style dishes and aromatic spices.
66 Union St, London SE1 1TD, UK
Pearl Street
Located in Brown Hart Gardens and overseen by Culinary Director Lisa Goodwin-Allen, this standalone restaurant opened in September 2026.
- Pearl StreetLocated in Brown Hart Gardens and overseen by Culinary Director Lisa Goodwin-Allen, this standalone restaurant opened in September 2026. It is an all-day Mediterranean destination inspired by the promenades of the Riviera.
Pearl St, London, UK
Poppies Fish & Chips
Known for: Fish and Chips. Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
- Poppies Fish & ChipsKnown for: Fish and Chips. Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
Try: Fish and Chips
6-8 Hanbury St, London E1 6QR, UK
Bleecker Burger Victoria
Known for: Double Cheeseburger. Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
- Bleecker Burger VictoriaKnown for: Double Cheeseburger. Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
Try: Double Cheeseburger
205 Victoria St, London SW1E 5NE, UK
Horse Guards Parade
Known for: Mince on Toast. Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
- Horse Guards ParadeKnown for: Mince on Toast. Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
Try: Mince on Toast
Whitehall, London SW1A 2ET, UK
Mardy's
Known for: Beef Brisket on Focaccia. Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
- Mardy'sKnown for: Beef Brisket on Focaccia. Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
Try: Beef Brisket on Focaccia
Unit 5, Medici Courtyard, Hanover Square, London W1S 1BR, UK
Sông Quê Café
Known for: Rare Steak Pho. Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
- Sông Quê CaféKnown for: Rare Steak Pho. Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
Try: Rare Steak Pho
134 Kingsland Rd, London E2 8DY, UK
Le Café by Nicolas Rouzaud
Burlington Arcade 51 Piccadilly, London, W1J 0QJ, London W1J 0PA, UK
Soraya Restaurant
96 George St, London W1U 8PB, UK
Yo-Chi
Known for: Aussie Frozen Yoghurt with Toppings. Mentioned as a must-try spot in top foods.
Yo-Chi Notting Hill, 81–85 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3JS, UK
Humble Chicken 3.0
54 Frith St, London W1D 4SJ, UK
Shops and markets
Selfridges
Voted multiple times as the best department store in the world, this Oxford Street institution remains at the cutting edge of retail with its 'Corner Shop' rotating installations.
- SelfridgesVoted multiple times as the best department store in the world, this Oxford Street institution remains at the cutting edge of retail with its 'Corner Shop' rotating installations.
400 Oxford St, London W1A 1AB, UK
Liberty London
This heritage department store is essential for its Tudor-revival architecture and its unique focus on British craftsmanship and directional design.
- Liberty LondonThis heritage department store is essential for its Tudor-revival architecture and its unique focus on British craftsmanship and directional design.
Regent St., Carnaby, London W1B 5AH, UK
Apple Battersea
This state-of-the-art live performance venue recently opened within the historic Battersea Power Station.
- Apple BatterseaThis state-of-the-art live performance venue recently opened within the historic Battersea Power Station. It features cutting-edge spatial audio technology and hosts intimate, high-profile concerts and exclusive global music events.
Ground Floor Turbine Hall A, Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, London SW11 8AL, UK
Researched by Varedelo
Planning notes for London
Must-try foods in London
- Clay Pot-Braised Goat KidA signature dish at the newly opened KID in Soho (September 2026), created by chef Sertaç Dirik. This Turkish-inspired delicacy is cooked low and slow overnight in a clay pot, resulting in incredibly tender meat that reflects the chef's heritage and the current trend of modernizing traditional Anatolian flavors.
- Coq-au-Vin Jaune PieOpening in late September 2026 in Covent Garden, Cassette serves this 'in-your-face' reimagining of a French classic. It features rich chicken braised in Vin Jaune encased in a buttery, golden pastry, representing London's 2026 obsession with elevated, high-technique bistro pies.
- Bird’s Tongue Pasta with OxtailA standout dish at the recently opened Impala in Soho, which has quickly become a 2026 hotspot. This North African-inspired 'lesan al asfour' (orzo) is rich, pungent, and deeply savory, showcasing the city's current shift toward sophisticated Maghrebi and Levantine cooking.
- Mince on ToastA quintessential 'posh' bar snack at the newly opened gastropub The Horses in Clerkenwell (September 2026). It epitomizes the 'New British Gastropub' movement, where simple, nostalgic comfort foods are executed with high-quality seasonal ingredients and served alongside craft pints.
- Double CheeseburgerConsistently ranked as one of London's best, this iconic burger remains a staple in 2026. Known for its dry-aged beef and intense flavor profile, it's the benchmark for the 'no-frills' burger movement that local foodies continue to champion over flashier newcomers.
- Fish and ChipsA timeless London icon that remains essential in 2026. This dish features sustainably sourced flaky white fish in a crisp, golden batter, served with chunky chips and mushy peas, maintaining its status as the city's most recognizable comfort food.
Trip guide
VisitBritainVisitBritainThe official destination guide for London from the British Tourist Authority, providing travel information, attractions, and itineraries for the capital.
Where to eat in London: the dishes and their linked places.
When to visit London
- The best time to visit London is during late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and the city’s parks are at their most beautiful. While summer offers the warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours, it also marks the peak tourist season with high prices and significant crowds. For lower costs and fewer tourists, consider the off-peak winter months of January and February, though you should prepare for cold, damp conditions and shorter days.
Getting around London
- International Air Travel London is served by six major airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted, offering extensive global connections and express train services like the Heathrow Express directly into central London terminals.
- London Underground (The Tube) This extensive rapid transit system covers most of the city across eleven color-coded lines; it is most efficiently accessed using contactless payment or an Oyster card for seamless travel between zones.
- London Buses The iconic red double-decker buses provide a comprehensive 24-hour network across the city, offering a cost-effective way to see sights while traveling, with a daily price cap for multiple journeys.
Things to know before you go
- Always stand on the right side of escalators in the Underground to allow commuters to pass on the left.
- Pay for all public transport using a contactless card or mobile device, as buses do not accept cash.
- Tap your payment card on the yellow reader at both the start and end of train journeys to ensure you are charged the correct fare.
- Look both ways when crossing the street and remember that vehicles drive on the left side of the road.
What’s new in London (September 2026)
- The Bayeux Tapestry exhibition at the British Museum, marking its first return to the UK in nearly 1,000 years (opened 10 September 2026).
- KID, a high-profile Turkish restaurant in Soho from the acclaimed team behind OMA and Mangal II (opened 1 September 2026).
- Cassette, a new contemporary Parisian-style bistro in Covent Garden from the team behind Peckham’s Levan (opening 23 September 2026).
- Es Devlin: The Everythingists, a major solo exhibition at the Design Museum showcasing the artist's immersive stage and set designs (opened 18 September 2026).
Research receipt
How this London guide was researched
- Live web search, 14 of 14 research areas completed.
- Places verified against real place data — address, hours and coordinates come from the place record, not the article.
- Researched September 2026. A newer build for London replaces this page automatically.
Sources checked
Planning questions
What is London known for?
London is a city with a documented history spanning approximately 2,000 years, originating as the Roman settlement of Londinium. Its historical heritage is preserved in structures such as the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage site established in the 11th century, and Westminster Abbey, which has hosted royal coronations since 1066.
What should I eat in London?
Start with Clay Pot-Braised Goat Kid, Coq-au-Vin Jaune Pie, Bird’s Tongue Pasta with Oxtail, and Mince on Toast. Each dish on this page lists the places known for it.
When is the best time to visit London?
The best time to visit London is during late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and the city’s parks are at their most beautiful. While summer offers the warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours, it also marks the peak tourist season with high prices and significant crowds.
How do I get around London?
London is served by six major airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted, offering extensive global connections and express train services like the Heathrow Express directly into central London terminals. International Air Travel; London Underground (The Tube); London Buses.
How many places are on this London map?
39 places, each with an address, hours where known, and a line on why it was picked. The map in the app shows them by status so you can walk to the nearest one.
How was this London guide researched?
Live web research across 14 research areas, cross-checked against real place data, citing 24 sources. Researched September 2026.