Looking for a to-do list for your trip to London?
Only have a few days and want to make the most of your trip?
I’ve got you covered. Below are some of my favorite markets, parks, restaurants, and activities in London. Have a great trip!
Markets
1. Borough Market
- Cheeses, seafood, fresh veggies and fruit, drinks, flower shops, and so much more. A must see!
- The crowds are part of what makes the market so cool to me. But, if you want to avoid the sea of people, get there close to opening time.
- Make a day of it — the market is near the Tower Bridge, so head to Borough Market for lunch, and walk over the Tower Bridge to the Tower of London.
2. Portobello Road Market
- One of the most vibrant markets I’ve ever been to. There’s hundreds of passionate vendors selling their food, clothing, and antiques.
- Saturdays are the busiest days but also when all of the vendors are there. Part of the fun is being in the hustle and bustle of the market!
- Also stop by the Blue Door from the Notting Hill movie that’s right by here, if you’re a Julia Roberts or Hugh Grant fan.
3. Columbia Road Flower Market
- Opened on Sundays, rain or shine.
- The best flower market I’ve ever been to!
- Don’t buy at the first booth you see — make sure to walk the whole market and check out the best prices and all the different kinds of flowers.
- Walk by the shops on the next street over to grab a vase or pot for your new flowers.
4. Victoria Park Market
- Food market opened on Sundays.
- Many pastries, sandwiches, and cheeses. I recommend the strawberry cheesecake cupcakes!
- Walking distance from Columbia Road Flower Market and Hackney Farms.
5. Camden Market
- Vintage clothing and great food.
- A super vibrant area!
Parks
6. Victoria Park
- A beautiful park that pops up out of nowhere — looks like a beautiful place to run (if I ran).
- Along the Regent’s Canal.
7. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
- The most beautiful and large park I’ve ever been to.
- Plan to spend an afternoon here walking around and picnic-ing.
8. Olympic Park
- You can swim laps for free in the Olympic pool!
9. St. James Park & Green Park
- Beautiful views of the city and Buckingham Palace.
Activities
10. Ballie Ballerson
- A ball pit for adults — yep.
- Has a bar with really cool (but expensive) drinks.
- Wear sneakers and shorts. The ball pit is known for stealing shoes and phones.
- Go on a weekday because tickets are significantly cheaper (8 pounds vs 20 pounds).
11. Little Venice
- Canal near Paddington with house boats lining the water.
- Some restaurants on boats.
- Awesome photo opps.
12. Hackney City Farm
- A farm in the middle of the city!
- See some goats, pigs, and donkeys in the middle of Shoreditch.
13. Oxford Street
- Inexpensive and cute clothing shopping at Primark, New Look, and Top Shop.
- The largest Lush!
14. Covent Garden
- Lots of cute restaurants and vendors.
- Live music and street performers.
15. Westminster Abbey
- Take a tour, go to a service, or just go and walk around for pictures.
16. Pedibus around the city
- Get 8 – 12 of your friends together and ride a Pedibus around London!
- My friends and I did the London Bridge/Tower Bridge route and it was super fun. I know you can do a pub crawl on a pedibus as well.
17. Bloomsbury Lanes
- Bowling! A nice way to break up studying and have fun with friends.
18. Visit John Maynard Keynes’s house
- 2 blocks from the bowling alley. He lived at this house for 30 years!
- Really cool for Economics nerds.
19. St. Dunstan in the East
- This church was bombed in the Blitz, and is now a beautiful garden
Food and Drinks
20. Padella
- Amazing handmade pasta
- Really well priced! Get a bunch of dishes and split among your table.
- At Borough Market.
21. Dishoom
- Amazing Indian food — book early, because it is well-loved.
- Worth the wait! Book in advance to avoid the wait.
22. Nando’s
- Really good chicken chain.
- All grilled chicken — I recommend the Fino Pitta with Peri-salted chips.
23. Bubblewrap
- Amazing egg waffle in a cone that can be filled with gelato, toppings and sauces.
- The best dessert I’ve had in London.
- Located in Chinatown.
24. Mac Factory
- Mac and cheese with a ton of different toppings.
25. Abuelo
- Really cute Australian cafe in Covent Garden.
- Yummy coffee, breakfast and pastries.
26. Afternoon Tea at St. Martin’s Lane
- Afternoon tea is definitely a must-do while in London!
- We got a deal online that included prosecco, sandwiches, and desserts for 32 pounds each.
27. O’Neil’s
- Live music and drinks!
- A really fun way to spend a night or finish the night.
28. Craft Beer Co.
- Get the Mango Cider — it literally tastes like juice.
- Really nice and relaxed place to sit and have a drink with friends.
29. Mahiki
- Really fun on Mondays when most people are students.
- Super cool drinks, but expensive.
Museums
30. Tate Modern
- Free entry and a must-see while in London.
31. National Gallery
- Located in Trafalgar Square, which is really beautiful and right by the Thames.
- Famous paintings from different eras and artists.
32. British Museum
- The Rosetta Stone is here!
- Super close to London School of Economics.
33. Tower of London
- Go on a guided tour or walk around yourself and read the signs.
- Cool history and absolutely beautiful place.
34. British Library
- Nice place to study.
This list is by no means all inclusive of everything I’ve loved in London, but is a good place to start. Whatever you do, have a great time!
