10 Things to Do on Your Next Trip to London

Even though I only spent 72 hours in London, I got to see and experience some pretty interesting things. Here’s what I’d recommend doing on your next trip (in no particular order).

1. Camden Town Market

This might just be my new favorite place to go shopping. From home décor, to rave attire, to handmade jewelry, to leather jackets and boots, this place has everything you could ever want in a shopping center. Not to mention, they have a vast variety of different cuisines to eat, including Mediterranean, Indian, Italian, and so much more. The shops seem never-ending, going in every direction on roads with no end in sight. Camden Town Market is definitely a must-visit!

2. Buckingham Palace

This one seems pretty obvious, but it truly is an amazing sight to see. Everyone knows about the guards out front and their world-renowned bearskin hats, but there’s so much more to see surrounding the royal residence too. There’s plenty of greenery, from St. James Park to The Green Park, and they offer a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. You could spend a whole day just relaxing there while being steps away from one of the most famous buildings in the world.

3. Big Ben & The London Eye

Yet another obvious choice, but you can’t say you’ve been to London without visiting these two of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Plus, they’re right across the street from each other so it’s like killing two birds with one stone! I’d recommend being at Big Ben during a time when it chimes, which is every hour, but if that’s not feasible then listen for the smaller chimes that go off every 15 minutes. As for the London Eye, you can hop on board for the 30-minute ride that gives a new perspective of the city, or you can admire the glass pods from afar at nighttime when the Ferris wheel is illuminated in different colors all the time. Either way, you’ll definitely want to check these places out.

4. Piccadilly Circus

I think this place is like London’s version of Times Square. There are the insanely bright advertising screens, street performers everywhere, Broadway plays and stores to shop at on every corner, along with a plethora of restaurants and pubs to dine and drink at. I’d recommend seeing a play while there, and if you have a good sense of humor then you’ll want to check out The Book of Mormon. All this being said, it’s pretty much impossible to be bored at Piccadilly Circus.

5. Borough Street Market

If you like chocolate-covered strawberries, you’re going to want to pay attention to this one. This street market has all the usual things like freshly baked bread, a multitude of deli meats and cheeses, and farm-fresh fruits and vegetables. The thing that stands out about this street market is the chocolate-covered strawberry stand. I discovered this place through a viral TikTok, where they show a running tap of milk chocolate being poured onto a cup that’s full of the sweetest, freshest strawberries you’ll ever have in your life. If you do anything at all on this list, it needs to be going to this market and trying these strawberries.

6. Abbey Road

I took a whole course on the Beatles during my junior year of college and grew up listening to all of their albums on repeat. That being said, this was a very surreal experience and any fellow Beatles lover will enjoy it as much as I did. Despite the angry locals who hate it when tourists do this, you have to go and take a photo walking across the iconic crosswalk. I mean, when else will you get that opportunity? It’s also a good idea to bring a Sharpie because right next to the crosswalk is a wall completely covered in fan graffiti, expressing the love and appreciation people have for the band that changed the world. Behind this wall is Abbey Road Studios, and right next door is a gift shop filled with all sorts of Beatles paraphernalia that you’ll definitely want to check out.

7. Harrod’s

I like to think of Harrod’s as London’s version of Rodeo Drive. This building has five floors filled with every single designer brand you could ever think of, from Dior to Givenchy to Chanel to thousands of others that I’ve never even heard of. They also have a luxurious dining hall that serves all sorts of foods, along with a butcher and bakery. You’ll want to save up your pennies before buying anything here, but it’s still worth a visit.

8. Covent Gardens

This place is a more upscale version of Camden Market, in my opinion. It’s not super fancy or anything, but it’s definitely a different vibe than the stalls of Camden Town. Instead of shopping at small business-like shops, Covent Gardens is home to stores like Apple, Tiffany & Co., Glossier, and hundreds of other places. Of course, there are local businesses there too, but they’re not as prominent as they are at Camden Market. If you plan on heading over to Covent Garden, I’d recommend grabbing a sandwich from PAUL and then strolling around the area to explore what it has to offer.

9. Tower Bridge

Seeing this bridge in person is definitely a must-do! It’s a lot bigger than I had imagined, and the history behind it is pretty cool. What I found even cooler is the fact that you can actually go inside it and walk around on the top section of the bridge. Part of the floor up there is made of glass, meaning you can see straight to the bottom where cars, buses, and people are constantly crossing over the bridge. If you’re afraid of heights, maybe sit this one out.

10. Fortnum and Mason

Last, but certainly not least, is one of the most unique stores I’ve ever been in. Just outside of Piccadilly Square, Fortnum and Mason is a high-end department store that sells all sorts of things from tea sets to biscuits, to homeware, to some of the most delicious chocolate in London. The Royal Family are big fans of this store, especially Queen Elizabeth before she passed, and it’s reported that they are regular suppliers to the household. If the Queen approved, I think it’s safe to say this place is worth a visit.