Best Things To Do In Central London
One of the most demanding and popular things to do in Central London is visiting and taking a ride at the enthralling London Eye. Standing tall on the South Bank of the River Thames, this iconic Ferris wheel offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city's most famous landmarks. With a height of 135 meters (443 feet), it provides a unique perspective on attractions such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London. The 30-minute rotation on one of the spacious glass capsules allows visitors to capture stunning photographs and make unforgettable memories.
- Location: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, Central London, SE1 7PB
- Timings: 11:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
- Entry: £29.50 for adults, £26 for children
Must Checkout: London In February
A secure fortress, a kingly Palace, and an infamous prison, checkout and explore 1000 years of history at this majestic location. Explore the Tower of London, one of the famous Central London tourist attractions and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gear up to be captivated by the famed and distinguished Crown Jewels. Move on to the White Tower here, where Thomas Moore, Elizabeth I, Anne Boleyn, and others were earlier put behind bars. The comprehensive collection of armour and getting your sight of the traitor’s Gate is one of the most pleasant things to do here.
- Location: London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom
- Timings: 09:00 a.m. to 05:30 p.m.
- Entry: £29.90 for adults, £14.90 for children, £4 for audio guides
Also Checkout: London In January
One of the most unmissable things to do in Central London is to make your way to St. Paul’s Cathedral. Christopher Wren rebuilt the prominent structure after the fire calamity in 1666. The Cathedral is one of the popular Central London attractions which marks some of the most historic occasions, including the Royal wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana and the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill. The Cathedral welcomes its visitors to the open five levels, including the Whispering Gallery, Stone, and Golden Galleries, on top of the dome. Here also is a multimedia guide in eight languages and panoramic views to enjoy.
- Location: St. Paul’s Churchyard, Central London, EC4M 8AD
- Timings: 08:30 a.m. to 04:30 p.m (closed on Sundays)
- Entry: £18 for adults, £16 for students and senior citizens, £7.70 for children
Also Checkout: London In November
A trip to London and Central London is incomplete without visiting Buckingham Palace, one of the best attractions in Central London. Home to the Royalty of England and a place of work for the monarch and her highness, Buckingham Palace is known to open for a few weeks in Summer and on other days for public visits. Its Staterooms, official royal bedrooms, and offices showcase the finest architecture with surroundings adorned with the best paintings and art pieces. Over 20,000 artworks are divided into four wings, counting the Victoria Memorial and The Mall in the east wing. A stroll in the well-kept and meticulously manicured sprawling garden is also part of this majestic journey.
- Location: London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom
- Timings: 09:00 a.m. to 05:45 p.m.
- Entry: £30 for adults, £19.50 for visitors between 18 to 24 years of age, £16.50 for disabled visitors and those below 17 years of age, and Free for children below 5 years of age
Must Read: London In October
The Tower Bridge marks the pride of the British and gives a massive take on the development of the bridge and how. Visitors can learn about how the bridge was constructed, the foundations, and the bascule. A walk on the Glass Walkway is your route to view some of the most spectacular sights of the River Thames and London. The Victorian engine room is an exciting place here which helps you know more about the original hydraulic system.
Planning a visit to London, then Checkout London In April
There are many activities to do in Central London, one among them is a visit to the Parliament and Westminster Abbey. They are World Heritage sites known for their architectural marvels, adornments, and huge halls that speak volumes of Imperial art and taste. Westminster Abbey is close to the Parliament and known to host some of the most prolific religious events. Even the Queen’s coronation took place here. It also is the resting place of many significant changemakers, including the Tudors, Charles Dickens, Isaac Newton, and many more.
Also Explore: Ice Rinks In London
Feeding your quest for travel and exploration is a visit to the British Museum, one of the best museums in Central London. Home to more than 7 million artefacts and displays, the museum is a consortium of different departments. If you love antiquities from Ancient Egypt and Sudan, heading to this department will lead you to discover these marvels. A visit to the Greek Department housing more than 100,000 objects will take you back to history. The museum also has other popular highlights, including the Rosetta Stone, Cleopatra’s mummy, and the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus.
- Location: Great Russell Street, Central London, WC1B 3DG
- Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.
Do Checkout: Things To See In Tower Of London
The National Gallery is located in the heart of Central London and is a beautiful place to envision the art of the early 20th Century. The National Gallery is home to more than 2300 paintings from the late mediaeval times. The collection at the National Gallery is divided into 4 major collection zones based on the epoch in time. You’ll be able to find diverse works in these zones. In the 13’th - 15th-century zone, visitors can witness works like Uccello’s The Battle of San Romano. In the 16h century Gallery, you can witness path-breaking works such as Michelangelo’s The Entombment and other religious works.
- Location: Trafalgar Square, Central London, WC2N 5DN
- Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. (Saturdays to Thursdays); 10:00 a.m. to 09:00 p.m. (Fridays)
Must Checkout: Places To Visit Near The Shard
Away from all the action, if you want to unwind to gear up for more action, then taking a stroll and spending some ‘Me time’ here at The Royal Parks is the way to go. The parks include St. James’ Park and Hyde Park. Hyde Park is one of the largest parks in London and has established several memorials, including the Diana Fountain. St. James Park is near Buckingham Palace and the feeding grounds of the pelicans. The guard ceremony can be witnessed from St. James’ Park.
Also Checkout: Clink Prison Museum
One of the must-do activities in Central London is to check out some of the most artistic, exceptional, and small art collections in the world. The profound collection encircles art collection from the early renaissance to art that defines the later part of the 20th century. The arts mentioned are on display in the 18th Century Somerset House. The Courtauld Gallery is one of the famous Central London attractions and also an iconic, impactful structure whose marvelous architecture is impressive. Artwork from ancient times also finds a place here, such as Bernardo Daddi’s altarpiece and Cranach’s Adam and Eve.
- Location: Somerset House, Strand, Central London WC2R 0R
- Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m
- Entry: £9 for adults on weekdays, £11 on weekends, and Free for visitors below 18 years of age
Do Checkout: Restaurants Near London Eye
One of the most indulgent things to do in Central London is to wing your way to the Churchill War rooms. The War rooms have the Cabinet War Rooms, an underground bunker, and the Winston Churchill Museum. Thirty basement offices were converted to use during the war in 1939. The Map room forms an important part of the venture as it was significant for war planning and solidarity establishment. The Churchill Museum is one of a kind that speaks abt Churchill’s life using multimedia projections.
- Location: Clive Steps, King Charles Street, Whitehall, Central London SW1A 2AQ
- Timings: 09:30 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
Must Checkout: Things To Do In London In The Evening
Central London is a classic abode for all the tourists who like flamboyant, wine, and art. The National Portrait Gallery has the choicest and largest collection of portraits worldwide. Portraits dating as far back as the 15th century can be found here. With forty-two galleries, 3 floors, and more than 1000 paintings, visiting the National Portrait Gallery is one of the finest things to do in Central London. There are portraits of Queen Victoria, Sir Winston Churchill, Sir Paul McCartney, and other influential personalities on the first floor.
- Location: St. Martin’s Place, Central London, WC2H 0HE
- Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. (Saturdays to Thursdays); 10:00 a.m. to 09:00 p.m. (Fridays)
Also Checkout: Indian Restaurants Near London Eye
Out of many things to do in Central London is to stop by Tate Britain and get educated about British art from the early 15th century to the contemporary times. The gallery visit is a wholesome experience as one can visualise 500 years of British art, especially from erstwhile top-notch artists like Henry Moore, John Constable, and more. Some other distinguished works include Ecstasy by Eric Gill and work from David Hockney and John Everett Millais.
- Location: Millbank, Central London, SQ1P 4RG
- Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
Do Checkout: Restaurants Near London Bridge
A walking expedition of Legal London is one of the most unorthodox things to do in Central London. One can start at Old Bailey or Central Criminal Court to know more about the most serious crimes in the country. A walk to Fleet Street, Bouverie Street, Inner Temple, and Temple Church is also a part of the walk. A walk to the Temple Church will be a vibrant take on the ancient tombs, also featured in Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code.
Do Checkout: Top 10 Things To Do In London
The Wallace Collection is a place in Central London that has housed some of the best private collections of art. Nestled in the Hertford House, the Wallace collection is the grouping of more than 25 awesome galleries consisting of artwork and artefacts from the 4 generations of the Hertford family. The Masterpieces range from the renaissance period, paintings belong to the era between the 17th and 19th centuries, and the armoury and furniture are from the 18h century. This shining star is from the unmissable list of things to do in Central London.
- Location: Manchester Square, Central London
- Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.
Also Explore: Places To Visit Near London
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Central London?
The best time to visit London is from March to May. During this time, the temperatures are mild, and the city blooms.
Must Read: Windsor Castle Facts
What is Central London famous for?
Central London is famous for several things, including a visit to Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Parliament House, Westminster Abbey, and a visit to London Eye.
Do Checkout: IFS Cloud Cable Car Tickets
How far is Central London from Heathrow Airport?
The express train is the best if one wants to reach Central London quickly from the world’s busiest Heathrow Airport. Some trains operate every 15 minutes between Heathrow and London Paddington. It runs between the Airport and Paddington station taking a mere 15 mins from Terminal 2 and 3, and the journey from Terminal 5 will add up another 3 minutes to this.
Also Checkout: Campsites Near Stonehenge
Which is the most popular attraction in Central London?
There are several attractions in Central London that make it a customary location to explore. Buckingham Palace, National Gallery, Portrait Gallery, Tower Bridge Exhibition, British Museum, and National Gallery are among the popular ones.
Must Checkout: Things To Do In London On Sunday
What makes London so popular among tourists?
It is extremely popular among tourists as there are several things to do in Central London. Great dining experiences, scuba diving, bungee jumping, views of London and the River Thames, visits to Galleries and Museums in London, and much more can be seen here.