Ultimate Bucket List for your first visit to London
Planning your first visit to London? I’ve got you covered with this cute and comprehensive bucket list of must-see places and experiences that’ll make your trip unforgettable.
Let’s be honest—London is one of those places that practically begs for a bucket list. There’s so much to see and do that it can get overwhelming if you don’t have a plan. And while recommendations from family and friends are always helpful, they’re just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what this incredible city has to offer. That’s why I’m all about crafting your own dream list, filled with the spots that catch your eye (and heart).
What does your dream trip to London look like?
So, what does your dream first visit to London look like? Think about the iconic red buses, double-decker sightseeing tours, cute little cafés, and of course, all the historic landmarks that make London so special. Whatever your vision, this guide will help you check off everything you’ve imagined.
London is a huge city, so making it as walkable as possible is key. This list will guide you through the different areas, ensuring your first visit to London is filled with aesthetic, Instagram-worthy stops and, of course, plenty of tea and scones.
Near Notting Hill
Exploring Notting Hill is like stepping into a pastel-colored dream, and if you’re into aesthetic places, this is where you want to start your first visit to London.
Portobello Market is a total must-see. Be sure to check online for the right times before you go, but going to the market in the morning hours is your best bet. Here you can find pretty much anything. Be it antique postcards, old music/books, clothes/accessories, fresh produce, Portobello Market has something for everyone. Even beyond the market stalls, there are plenty of surrounding shops in Notting Hill that are also adorable. And, if you’re a fan of the movie Notting Hill, this area will definitely give you all the feels.
Near to the market is a cute garden area called Holland Park, which includes a beautiful Kyoto garden. And since you’re already nearby, don’t miss Kensington Palace at the edge of Hyde Park. Even if royal history isn’t your thing, the gardens and views are worth the trip. It’s one of those places that just feels quintessentially London.
No first visit to London is complete without a walk through Hyde Park. It’s a sprawling green space where you can people-watch, have a picnic, or even rent a paddle boat on the Serpentine. It’s basically the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city while still being right in the middle of it.
Right below Hyde Park, you’ll find the Victoria and Albert Museum, one of London’s most beloved spots. Whether you’re an art lover or not, the exhibits here are fascinating, and the architecture alone is worth a visit. It’s also conveniently close to another London landmark you have to check off: Harrods. This iconic department store is equal parts fancy and extravagant, and even if you’re not buying, it’s still fun to explore.
Speaking of exploring, no first visit to London would be complete without stopping by Peggy Porschen Cakes. Yes, the entrance is just as flowery and adorable as Instagram makes it look, and yes, there will probably be a line of people waiting to snap that perfect shot. But trust me—the sweet treats are just as cute and delicious as the décor, making the wait totally worth it. (Pro tip: Try to go early or during the week for fewer crowds!)
Near Regents Park
The scenery around Regents Park is gorgeous. While it’s not smack in the middle of the city, it’s still a must for your bucket list on your first visit to London. There’s just something magical about strolling around the west end.
First up, you have to visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum on Baker Street. It’s a total classic for any literary fans, and even if you’re just mildly curious about the famous detective, it’s such a fun spot to check out. And since you’re in the area, why not pop into Daunt Books? This might just be one of the best bookshops in London—it has such a cozy, old-world vibe that’s impossible not to love. It’s one of my personal favorites, and it’s perfect for a little post-museum wind-down.
When you’re done book browsing, take a stroll through Regent’s Park. If you’re feeling adventurous, make your way to Primrose Hill, which offers one of the best views of the city skyline. The view makes the uphill walk totally worth it.
A little walk from the park you can reach Camden town. This location offers one of the best markets in the city, Camden Market. Here you’ll find great food and cute shops, as well as a nice view of the river. It’s definitely a more trendy part of town and should be at the top of your itinerary.
Near Buckingham Palace
Okay, I know, everyone mentions Buckingham Palace when they talk about London, but you just can’t skip it on your first visit! It’s basically the beating heart of all things royal, and even if you’re not super into all that, it’s still an iconic part of the city. Make sure to time your visit with the Changing of the Guard—it’s such a fun and traditional experience (a great way to add a little royal flair to your trip).
Just a short walk from the palace, you’ll find St. James’s Park. This is one of the prettiest parks in London, and with its beautiful pond and lovely views, it’s a great spot to relax after sightseeing. Keep walking along The Mall, and you’ll eventually hit Trafalgar Square, which is like the cultural hub of London. Between the National Gallery and all the street artists hanging out in the square, you’ll be in for a treat—there’s art everywhere, both inside and out.
Of course, no first trip to London would be complete without swinging by Westminster Abbey and seeing Big Ben. They’re absolute must-sees, and after all the construction work Big Ben has had, you’ll (hopefully) be able to see it in all its glory, sans scaffolding. Cross the river and hop on the London Eye for one of the best views of the entire city.
Another place you can’t miss is the Leake Street Tunnel right behind the London Eye. This tunnel is full of street art and while it might look sketchy, it’s perfectly safe and adds a bit more color to your trip. It’s the perfect way to cap off your day in this iconic area.
Near Piccadilly Circus
Central London is of course one of the more iconic areas in London, and you have to spend a day out shopping around Piccadilly Circus. Just around the corner from the Wellington Arch at the corner of Hyde Park, is the famous Hard Rock Cafe, the first of many in the chain of restaurants around the world.
Down Piccadilly you will find another iconic spot, Fortnum and Mason, a beautiful old department store with the cutest looking sweets and goods.
If you keep going down Piccadilly, you’ll eventually find yourself in the times square of London, Piccadilly Circus. As described, it’s a very popular spot, with flashing big screens and tons of street artists, making it a great place to entertain yourself with people watching and shopping.
As you’re exploring what I would say is the shopping district of London, you might as well head over to a really fantastic part of the city, in London’s Chinatown. And just connected to Piccadilly Circus is Regent Street, a very beautiful shopping street that leads all the way up to Oxford Street.
Both are very big and popular shopping streets, with the biggest department stores and shops. Even if shopping isn’t your thing, I still recommend you have this on your bucket list for your first visit to London.
Lastly, don’t miss the British Museum—it’s packed with treasures from around the globe and is hands down one of the best museums in London. Whether you’re into history or not, it’s an incredible spot to add to your first visit to London bucket list.
Near Southbank
The Thames River runs through the heart of London, and Southbank offers some of the best sights and activities along its scenic path. While the area might seem extensive on a map, you can actually explore all of these bucket list places for your first visit to London in just a few hours.
Start by catching a show at the National Theatre. It’s just off the Southbank path, so it’s easy to find. Afterward, take a walk to the Tate Modern. I’m not typically the biggest fan of modern art (give me classic literature any day), but this place is definitely worth a visit—it’s massive, and the building itself is so impressive that even if you don’t get the art, you’ll appreciate the experience.
Once you’ve had your fill of culture, head across the Millennium Bridge—arguably the coolest bridge in London. Not only do you get one of the best views of the city, but it leads you directly to St. Paul’s Cathedral, which is one of the most iconic landmarks in London.
Next up, one of my all-time favorite things to do in London—The Globe Theatre. It’s an absolute must for any literature lover. See a Shakespeare play here and imagine the magic of live performances in the exact place they were meant to be. If you’re feeling adventurous (and the weather isn’t too cold), grab a standing ticket in the pit for the true, raw experience. Just don’t forget to bundle up if it’s chilly because the theater is partially outdoors.
Now, no trip to London is complete without experiencing the markets, and Borough Market is a must. Not only will you find the freshest foods and produce, but the whole place is set up under old train lines, giving it a unique atmosphere for a market.
One little heads-up: don’t confuse London Bridge with Tower Bridge. London Bridge is fine and all, but what you’re really looking for is Tower Bridge, the one on all the postcards and Instagram posts. It’s quintessentially London, and honestly, you can’t leave without snapping a few photos of it.
Last, but definitely not least, cross Tower Bridge and you’ll land at the Tower of London. This place is steeped in history—like, seriously, centuries worth of stories. It’s one of those spots where you can almost feel the history all around you, so if you’re a fan of British history (or even if you’re not), it’s a must.
Near The Strand
Okay, time to explore The Strand. This old, picturesque street is perfect for a leisurely walk, taking you from Trafalgar Square all the way up to St. Paul’s Cathedral. Trust me, it’s such a pretty walk, especially if you love cute little spots and hidden gems.
Speaking of hidden gems, you’ve got to stop by Covent Garden. It’s not far from The Strand and is this totally charming, open-air mall with cute cafes and unique little shops. The vibe is immaculate—grab a coffee, sit back, and people-watch for a bit.
Right around the corner is the Royal Opera House. Now, I get that opera or ballet isn’t everyone’s thing, but if you’re looking for a magical evening out, this is it. Plus, the building itself is stunning.
If you’re a tea lover like me, make sure to visit the Twinings Tea Shop along The Strand. It’s teeny-tiny, but there’s something so delightful about squeezing into this historic little shop and picking up some tea to take home. It’s a cozy stop that feels like stepping back in time.
And of course, while you’re in the area, you have to check out St. Paul’s Cathedral. I don’t care how many times you’ve seen it in pictures—seeing it in person, sitting on the steps, and maybe even imagining yourself in the Mary Poppins, you can sit along the cathedral steps and enjoy the pigeons flying about and the aesthetic scenery around you.
The East End of London
Alright, now for something a little different—the East End of London. If you’re looking for a bit more edge and a lot more character, this is the place to be. First up, the Sky Garden. It’s a skyscraper with this lush indoor garden at the top, and the views? Unreal. You can see all of London spread out below you.
Another market in London which is a must see on your bucket list for your first visit to London, is Old Spitalfields Market. Since this market is away from all the chaos of the center of London, it’s a much more chill atmosphere to shop and look around all the different stalls this cute old market offers.
Depending on your comfort level, you may be interested in going on a Jack the Ripper tour in the East end. This is a fairly popular activity, and is a great way to explore this side of town, though if it doesn’t suit your interest you can also opt for going on a street art tour where the best of London’s street art exists in the east end.
Bucket List Things to do in London
Of course there’s always more to see and do in London that is in no particular area or time. For one, you can have an afternoon tea pretty much anywhere. Though this is absolutely something you must try on your first visit, even if you’re not a huge fan of tea. There’s more to afternoon tea than just tea.
And while it’s a bit stereotypical and maybe a little cringe, you shouldn’t miss out on your chance to take a picture with a classic red phone booth.
Something I recommend everyone should do, is to explore a place outside of London just for a day. There’s so much to see within a good driving distance. So you might as well explore a bit outside of the usual. If you want to know more about what are the best day trips outside of London, check out this post.
Of course any time is an ideal time to visit London, though it is particularly special to visit London during Christmas time or for New Years Eve. A rare but can’t miss occasion is attending a royal wedding. I’m not very updated on the royal family, but I can imagine it will be some time before another big royal wedding. However, if you ever get the chance, and even if you’re not at all interested in the royal family, it’s a fun opportunity you can’t miss.
There are plenty of other bucket list items that you may wish to write down for your future trip to London. But I hope this offers a good start to inspire you to make the most picturesque, unique, and memorable trip.
Let me know what other bucket list places and activities you have planned for London or any experiences you wish to share. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
– Maeve
Maeve
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Just an American girl living in India and exploring the rest of the world on the side. Most of my joys come from traveling beautiful places, good old fashioned handwritten letters, fresh flowers, and a warm cup of chai.
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We're Maeve and Kart – an introvert with a love for letters, flowers, and chai on one side, and an introverted extrovert nature enthusiast with a sweet tooth on the other. Get yourself a cup of tea and a spoonful of chini and settle in. To all aspiring travelers, folks in long distance and multicultural relationships, and those kindred spirits out there looking for advice on life in India as a foreigner - consider this place your sanctuary. As an American/Indian couple, we are currently living together in India in a cross cultural relationship as a result of one of few successful long distance love stories. Our journey is unique, and we're here to share insights and advice for anyone in similar circumstances. Come along with us as we share stories and advice on multicultural discussions, long distance relationships, and the beauty of travel.
