Best Things to Do in London
London's top experiences in 2026 range from the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London to the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour — both consistently rated among the highest-reviewed attractions in Europe. Whether you have two days or two weeks, the city rewards visitors who book in advance, particularly for high-demand tours that sell out weeks ahead.
What Are the Best London Experiences to Book Right Now?
The best London experiences to book immediately are the Tower of London Crown Jewels tour and the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour, which together account for over 80,000 verified reviews and hold near-perfect ratings on GetYourGuide.
Tower of London Crown Jewels Tour
$42/person · 4.7★ · 38,000 reviews Book this experience
This guided access to the Tower of London includes the Crown Jewels — one of the most visited sights in the UK — along with the medieval towers, Yeoman Warder stories, and the site of Anne Boleyn's execution. With 38,000 reviews at 4.7 stars, it is one of the most consistently rated historical tours in London. Skip-the-line entry is included, which saves an average of 45–60 minutes during peak season.
Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour
$95/person · 4.9★ · 42,000 reviews Book this experience
The Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour in Leavesden is the single highest-rated London-area attraction on GetYourGuide, with 42,000 reviews averaging 4.9 stars. It covers original sets including the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and the Forbidden Forest, plus props, costumes, and the complete Hogwarts castle model. The $95 price includes return coach transport from central London. This tour books out weeks in advance during school holidays — early reservation is essential.
What Are the Best Budget and Evening Experiences in London?
London's most affordable after-dark experiences include the Jack the Ripper Whitechapel Evening Tour at $18/person and the London Historic Pub Walk & Pint at $32/person — both highly rated and ideal for first-time and returning visitors.
Jack the Ripper Whitechapel Evening Tour
$18/person · 4.7★ · 24,000 reviews Book on Viator
This is one of the most-reviewed walking tours in London, taking small groups through the Victorian streets of Whitechapel after dark. Guides cover the 1888 Ripper case with documented forensic detail and East End social history. At $18, it is the most cost-effective rated experience on this list and works well as a standalone evening activity or paired with dinner in Spitalfields.
London West End Musical Backstage Tour
$125/person · 4.8★ · 2,800 reviews Book on Viator
The London West End Musical Backstage experience gives access to working theatres in the West End — including dressing rooms, technical rigging, and stage areas not open to the public. Rated 4.8 stars from 2,800 reviews, this suits travellers with a serious interest in theatre production or performing arts. The $125 price point sits at the premium end but reflects exclusive access.
London Historic Pub Walk & Pint
$32/person · 4.7★ · 8,900 reviews
This guided walk covers London pubs with documented histories dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, including locations connected to Samuel Johnson, Charles Dickens, and the Great Fire of London. A pint is included in the price. With 8,900 reviews at 4.7 stars, it is one of the most reliable mid-range social experiences in the city — particularly popular with solo travellers and small groups.
How Do You Get to London From the UK or US?
London is served by five international airports, with Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW) handling the majority of long-haul and European traffic.
- From the UK: Direct rail and coach connections reach London from every major city. For short domestic flights or connections through regional UK airports, book from the UK via Skyscanner to compare current fares.
- From the US: Non-stop transatlantic routes operate from New York (JFK, EWR), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago (ORD), Boston (BOS), and over 20 other US cities into Heathrow. Book from the US to compare airlines and departure dates.
Average flight time from New York to London Heathrow is approximately 7 hours. From Los Angeles, expect 10–11 hours direct.
When Is the Best Time to Book London Activities?
The best time to book London tours is at least 2–4 weeks in advance for popular attractions, and 6–8 weeks ahead during summer (June–August) and the Christmas period (mid-December to early January).
The Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour in particular operates on timed entry slots that fill up significantly faster than other London attractions. Tower of London skip-the-line entry also sells out during bank holidays and half-term weeks. Budget walking tours like the Jack the Ripper tour have more flexibility and can often be booked 48–72 hours ahead.
FAQ
What is the most popular paid attraction in London? The Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour is currently the highest-rated paid experience in the London area, with 42,000 reviews averaging 4.9 stars on GetYourGuide. The Tower of London Crown Jewels tour is the most-reviewed central London attraction, with 38,000 reviews at 4.7 stars.
How much does a day of London activities cost per person? A full day of London activities costs between $60 and $200 per person depending on choices. The Tower of London ($42) plus the Jack the Ripper evening tour ($18) totals $60 for a strong historical day. Adding the Harry Potter Studio Tour on a separate day brings a two-day total to approximately $155 per person before meals and transport.
Do London tours include transport? Some do and some do not. The Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour listed here includes return coach transport from central London in the $95 price. The Tower of London, pub walk, and Jack the Ripper tour are all self-navigate to meeting points, which are accessible by London Underground.
Is London worth visiting in April? April is one of the best months to visit London. Crowds are lighter than July and August, prices are lower, and spring weather (averaging 12–15°C / 54–59°F) makes walking tours comfortable. Many travellers find April offers a better balance of availability and atmosphere than peak summer.
