11 Must-Do Things in London

If you’re stuck for ideas of fun things to do in London, especially in colder weather, we’ve got a list of must-do things in London. This is the first timer's guide to London including all the highlights. Whether you love music, museums, shopping and more, here’s our handy guide to different things to do in London this winter. As always, we include the best tips on how to get around London and the best accommodations deals in London!

 

1. See the Changing of The Guard

Even people who have lived or worked in London for years, often haven't taken the time to see the world famous Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace. And truly, there’s no time quite like the present to do that. Frequently supported by the Bands of the Irish or Welsh Guards, see the iconic military procession and check it off of your must-do things in London list. Before you go, be sure to check the official website for times and dates to see this amazing piece of history.

 

Changing of the Guard (Capture by @Gabriella Szekely)

 

2. Choose a London Park and Explore It

There is a multitude of beautiful parks in London, and they all look like winter wonderlands in the snow. Full of iconic monuments, statues, gardens, and secret corners, get wrapped up and go for a walk through the snow. Plus, you have to admit that walking through the park is more appealing than exercising inside a gloomy gym.

 

3. Drink, Shop & Do

This quirky concept is a brand-new way to combine going out for a drink and staying inside to be crafty. Drink, Shop & Do, located in Kings Cross, hosts a variety of different events. From classes on making clutch handbags to bottomless brunch, there’s drinks and food on offer and you can even book in groups for hen nights or birthday parties.

 

4. Visit The British Museum

Many museums in London you can visit for free, but the British Museum is our top pick. Not only does it have a wealth of exhibitions to see, but the building is stunning. You have to visit to see the gorgeous glass-covered courtyard, the largest covered public square in London. Always check online for their newest exhibits, they’re free and certainly something you don’t see every day.

 

The amazing architecture of the Great Court (Capture by @Alister Babb)

 

Related: How to Find Cheap Flights All Around the World?

 

5. Enjoy a West End Show

It’s easy to save big and see a West End show during the winter season. There are many different ways you can find cheap London theatre tickets to a show you’ve been dying to see. Grab some friends or a date and enjoy dinner before or after your show.

 

6. See Something Different at Lights of Soho

An art gallery like no other, Lights of Soho is the world’s first gallery to only feature neon and light pieces. Go over to Soho’s Brewer Street to find this hidden gallery, which also boasts its own cafe and bar. You can see the gorgeous and unusual artwork, enjoy a drink and head off to a nearby show. Make sure to grab your camera to make some very cool neon-lit portraits.

 

A thousand different neon colors in one place

 

7. Sing with a Live Band in Covent Garden

If you’ve always wanted to perform with a live rock bank, visit the Roadhouse in Covent Garden, and sign up for Rockaoke, every Monday and Wednesday. From 9 pm, you can sign up to perform well-known hits with the band for a chance to win a bar tab. We always love singing Queen songs, and Brits do love them too!

 

8. Portobello Road Market

If you love antiques, you have to go shopping at Portobello Road Market, the world’s largest antique market with over 1,000 dealers. With all kinds of antiques and one-of-a-kind collectibles, you can spend hours at this London market. Remember to haggle about the prices and we assure you will get a good bargain!

 

Everything possible can be found at this market (Capture by @Andreas Hunziker)

 

9. National Gallery

With free entrance fees 361 days a year, you must take the time to walk through the stunning National Gallery. Founded in 1824, this museum holds an equally as long history as many of the pictures within. With over 2,000 pieces of art to enjoy, the National Gallery is a must-go-visit in London.

 

National Gallery (Capture by @melfoody)

 

10. Go on a Tour of Haunted Pubs

For those who enjoy all things spooky, winter is the perfect time to take advantage of chilly nights to take a ghost tour in London. We suggest finding a tour through Lantern Ghost Tours, to discover haunted London pubs and other ghostly destinations in the city. This is quite a unique activity to do, it is also super-fun, you will not regret it!

 

11. Tate Modern

This modern art museum is filled with contemporary and international art exhibits. With free entry throughout the year, this is a great chance for lovers of contemporary art to get their fix. With new exhibits throughout the year and some holiday inspired collections, take the time to walk through this museum on a rainy or snowy day.

 

A huge space with a great diversity of art (Capture by @Caetano Candal Sato)

 

How to Get Around London
If the weather is not to chilly choose to cycle around London! The red Santander bikes you see everywhere cost only £2 for 24 hours. London is not that big and all the main sights are near to each other, so why not to bike?

If you prefer public transport or have to travel longer distances use God-sent Oyster card! It makes traveling around London affordable and super easy! Go contactless to save money and use the same card for the whole duration of your visit. You pay as little as £2.40 per ride!

 

The famous Underground signs cannot go unnoticed (Capture by @City.and.Color)

 

Where to Stay in London
It is a myth that accommodations in London are extremely expensive and that the only place you can afford is 2x2 sq. m. room under a staircase. (Harry Potter reference, haha). There are many amazing rooms and even entire places available on Airbnb. You can get a room for as little as $25 a night! Affordable, right? Also, if you are new to Airbnb you can get a $27 (23 EUR) discount on your first booking via this link! That means the first night for free!

If you prefer staying at a hotel, have a look at these places:

• Pension 59 Chicksand Apartment - 1 night for 2 people $50

• Pension City View House - 1 night for 2 people $45

• London Visitors Hotel - 1 night for 2 people $60

Summary

 

As you can see London is all about culture and museums! Thus, most of the must-do things in London are indoors - perfect for the notoriously overcast weather. Also, London does not have to be expensive as almost all the museums are for free. Accommodation and transport costs won't break the bank either if you follow our tips! This leaves you some extra budget to go see a play or indulge in some British treats.

---

Posted from my blog with SteemPress : https://mytravellit.com/11-must-do-things-in-london/

---

Love you all!
If you are interested in our travels or our lives we encourage you to connect with us through one of the social platforms below.

Find us here and join our community!

If you feel particularly adventurous, become a part of our Facebook community (our moms and a couple of other great people) - https://www.facebook.com/travellitoriginal
Follow our daily adventures and stories - https://www.instagram.com/travellitoriginal
We tweet about remote islands with lightning fast wifi - https://twitter.com/mytravellit
Our blog - How to find cheap flight deals, budget accommodations, travel itineraries and how to make travel affordable while still super fun - https://mytravellit.com/