Let’s be honest: London is brimming with so many endless things to do, you can spend your entire life trying to tick every last box. But what if you’re after just that one great day out? How do you sift through the endless list of attractions and distractions for one manageable list? That’s where we step in. It’s kind of what we do, y’know. Let us find you the best possible days out in London, plucked from all the beautiful, quirky, thrilling and enthralling things to do in the city.
For instance, you could scale The O2. That makes a pretty leftfield start to the day – climbs kick off at 10am daily. Maybe you could follow that up with a journey down the Thames on the river bus, before getting stuck into one of the best brunches in town and venturing out for a spot of shopping. Of course, the endless supply of top-notch theatre to see in the West End could comfortably fill an evening. And for somewhere to stay? We’ve already rounded up the 100 best hotels in town.
With any luck, you’re feeling inspired to go out and seize London by the horns. Take a look below at our definitive guide to all the best attractions, shops, eateries and events that can make the perfect day out in the capital. Happy exploring!
RECOMMENDED: the 15 best walking tours in London
RECOMMENDED: the best alternative attractions in London
Time Out bags loads of incredible offers for you to explore London for less. From neon life-drawing to deals at the best restaurants, discounted tickets to great events and a whole lot more, this is where to come to make a day out in London a bargain.
It’s not every day that you see sharks and penguins in London, but on the South Bank you can. Almost literally, too, if it wasn’t for the fact that Sea Life London Aquarium is closed on Christmas day. Thousands of tourists and local alike visit this old council building daily, which has been home to a remarkable watery wonderland since 1997.
Much like the Millenium Dome – or, as its known to those who don’t remember the twentieth century, the O2 Arena – the London Eye was built to celebrate the year 2000. But unlike the ill-fated Dome, the Eye was a resounding success, and it’s hard to picture London’s skyline without it. Actually, this astonishingly popular attraction boasts a mouthful of a title: the highest cantilevered observation wheel in the world. It’s hardly any surprise that tourists arrive in their hordes to climb on.
After four decades under the arches in Tooley Street, London Bridge, the city's notorious dungeons moved to the South Bank, where it's made itself at home since 2013. That may not sound like an 'orrible, stinkin' location, but believe us, they've certainly turned it into one: with genuine foul smells and real life rats.
Usher in uniforms circa 1950 will greet you as you enter this enchanting experience. As part of a ‘Dreamworks Tour’ group, you’ll be ferried around on a classic London Routemaster that’s all set to take you on the ‘Shrek Adventure’. Only, something seems to have gone awry… Cue a spirited, panto-style Princess Fiona, who hands out the 3D glasses and leads you on to an alternative mode of transport – which turns out to be the breathtaking 4D opening scene of your adventure.
In 1884 many things happened. The first steam cable trams set off in Highgate, Mr Kellogg patented ‘flaked cereal’ and Marie Tussaud moved into Marylebone Road. Having already made her waxwork debut in the capital in 1802 (32 years after she founded the show in Paris), Tussaud decided to lay down permanent roots and she’s been there ever since. While Madame Tussaud the real life woman passed away in London in 1850, her legacy lives on.
Your critical guide to the best hotels and B&Bs in London.
Discover Time Out original video
