You can't miss all of London’s most iconic things to do
As a major travel bucket list destination, London is famous for its iconic sights and attractions that everyone should see at least once in their life. For a long-awaited trip with all the trimmings, be sure to include these 10 quintessential things to do in your London itinerary!
Vaccinated Travel Lane to the United Kingdom
Starting 19 October 2021, Singaporeans can enjoy quarantine-free travel to London and the United Kingdom under the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL). In order to qualify for this, you will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and have your vaccination certificate with you during your trip.
#KlookTip: Prepare a digital vaccination certificate via Notarise to facilitate the verification of your vaccination status.
Flying to the UK
While the UK does not require any COVID-19 test before your flight, you will, however, have to abide by the following steps before you travel to the UK:
- Book and pay for a COVID-19 Test – to be taken before the end of day 2 in UK
- Complete a Passenger Locator Form – to be completed in the 48 hours before you arrive in UK
Flying back to Singapore
You will have to fly back to Singapore on designated VTL flights. You must not have any travel history outside of Singapore and the VTL countries in the past 14 days to be eligible for the VTL flights. You will also have fulfil the following COVID-19 tests requirements:
- Pre-departure PCR test within 48 hours before flight departure
- On-arrival PCR test at Changi Airport
#KlookTip: Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to find the latest updates and requirements.
Enjoy the most savings with the London Pass
Let the London Pass take you to all the sights in the city. Depending on the length of your day, pick from a pass that’s valid for 1 through 10 consecutive days – there are over 80 of London’s top attractions to choose from and it also comes with a One-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour (worth $65) included!
Here’s an overview of what the London Pass will include:
- Free access to over 80 of London’s most popular attractions and museums
- Fast track entry to a number of London’s top sites including Tower Bridge, London Zoo, and London Bridge
- 1-day unlimited rides on the Big Bus or Golden Tours Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing bus
- Free guidebook featuring locations and opening hours of all attractions
1. See the city from The View from The Shard (Included in London Pass)
Standing at 95 stories and 310 metres high, the London Shard dominates the city’s skyline.
Take a trip to the top of London’s highest viewing platform at The View from The Shard, which has both an indoor viewing gallery on the 69th floor and an open-air skydec on the 72nd floor. On a fair day, you’ll be able to spot iconic landmarks like The London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, and more.
- Address: 32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG
- Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 7pm (Opening hours may vary depending on season. Please check here before your visit.)
2. Ride to the top of the London Eye
Standing 135 metres high on the Southbank, the London Eye is definitely something to experience when in town. From your air-conditioned glass pod at the top, London’s streets and buildings stretch before you in every direction.
In addition to the panoramas, there are tablets that provide you with information on other famous landmarks that you can spot from your vantage point. You will have a full 40 minutes to enjoy the views of the city from high up above!
#KlookTip: You can purchase Fast Track Tickets on Klook to skip the queue! You can also bundle your London Eye ticket with a 40-minute River Cruise, another must do when in London!
- Address: County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB
- Opening Hours: Daily, 11am to 6pm (Opening hours may vary depending on season. Please check here before your visit.)
3. Visit the historic St. Paul’s Cathedral (Included in London Pass)
An iconic feature of London’s skyline, St. Paul’s Cathedral on Ludgate Hill is one of the most majestic buildings in the city. Climb up to the Cathedral’s Whispering Gallery, for a unique acoustic experience. If you aren’t afraid of heights, climb up another 270 steps to the Golden Gallery, where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views over the River Thames, Tate Modern, and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. The entrance fee (U.P. £20, ~S$37) is included in your London Pass.
- Address: St Paul's Cathedral, St Paul's Churchyard, London, EC4M 8AD
- Opening Hours: Monday & Tuesday, 8am to 4:30pm | Wednesday, 10am to 4:30pm | Thursday to Saturday, 8am to 4:30pm
4. Take a food adventure through Borough Market
One of the largest and oldest food and retail markets in London, Borough Market is definitely a stopover for any foodie. There are a huge variety of international eats to suss out at the Market, from duck confit sandwiches to freshly-made pastas. Take your time to explore the wholesale side of the Market too – there’s lots of eye-catching produce to browse through including truffles and fresh oysters.
#KlookTip: Eating out at Borough Market will definitely be a lot cheaper than heading to a sit-down restaurant. For more tips for travelling London on a budget, our Ballin’ On A Budget: London Guide has all the bases covered!
- Address: 8 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1TL
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm | Saturday, 8am to 5pm | Sunday, 10am to 2pm
5. See the city on a Uber Boat by Thames Clippers (Included in London Pass)
Take a mini-voyage through the heart of the city on an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, which has 23 convenient piers along the River Thames. With the London Pass, you'll be able to redeem a River Roamer ticket (U.P. £20.40, ~S$37.80) that allows you unlimited use for one day, and you'llbe able to hop on and off at famous stops including Westminster Abbey, London Eye, Tower Bridge, and Greenwich.
These boats departs every 20 minutes and will also take you past quintessential London landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, The London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral and more. Don’t miss out on this special way to see the sights of London city!
- Address: Redeem your River Roamer ticket at four conveniently-located ticket offices: Westminster, Embankment, London Bridge, and Tower Bridge
- Ticket Office Opening Hours: Daily, 10am to 6pm
6. Admire the beautiful interiors of Westminster Abbey (Included in London Pass)
You can’t leave London without a trip to this architectural stunner. The Westminster Abbey is one of the most important buildings in Britain, serving as the site of royal coronations since 1066. This was also where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were married in April 2011.
Admire The Modern Martyrs and Blessed Virgin Mary statues on the Abbey’s exterior, which has been restored and re-faced several times over the years. Its interior is just as stunning, with jewel-like stained glass windows and intricately sculpted chapel ceilings. The entrance fee (U.P. £24, ~S$44.50) is included in your London Pass.
- Address: 20 Dean's Yard, London, SW1P 3PA
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 3:30pm | Saturday, 9am to 1pm
7. Take a Stonehenge Day Trip
One of the most iconic prehistoric monuments in Europe, Stonehenge is a must-do day trip from London. A drive through the picturesque Wiltshire countryside will lead you to this UNESCO-protected historical site, where you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported back in time.
Take your time to explore the stone formations that make up this 5000-year-old monument – for a deeper insight into the mysteries and history surrounding this stone circle, embark on a Stonehenge guided tour that includes comfortable transfer on a tour bus and stops at Windsor Castle and Bath.
- Address: Stonehenge, Wiltshire SP4 7DE
- Opening Hours: May to August, Daily, 9:30am to 5pm | September to April, Daily, 9:30am to 7pm
8. Head out on a magical Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour
To up the ante on your London Harry Potter experience, whisk away to the Warner Bros. Studio London for a tour of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Just an hour out from the city, the studio tour is a must-have for true fans of the series. From the iconic Platform ¾ to the grand, fully-furnished Great Hall, it’ll be a magical adventure you won’t forget.
#KlookTip: You can also arrive in a Harry Potter themed bus with this package that comes with round-trip transfer from Baker Street or Victoria. You'll even get to watch the first Harry Potter movie on board as you make your way to Warner Bros. Studios!
- Address: Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, WD25 7LR
- Opening Hours: Daily, 9:30am to 10pm (Opening hours may vary depending on season. Please check here before your visit.)
9. Visit all the Harry Potter film locations in London
Perfect for Potterheads, this special Harry Potter London Walking Tour takes you to famous locations that you might recognize from the Harry Potter films like Diagon Alley, Platform 9¾, the Leaky Cauldron and more!
On this tour, you’ll get to see the iconic visitor’s entrance to the Ministry of Magic, the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron and even walk through the laneways of Diagon Alley.
Complete with a knowledgeable tour guide who knows all the stories behind these locations, this walking tour is the best way to combine magic and real life on a sightseeing escapade.
10. Explore the colourful Neal’s Yard in Covent Garden
Known for its picturesque alfresco cafes, boutique shops and vibrant piazza, Covent Garden is a lovely place to spend an afternoon exploring. Tucked away in a little corner of Covent Garden is Neal’s Yard, an enclave that hides many colourful shops and cafes, including the iconic Neal’s Yard Remedies and the popular Wild Food Cafe.
- Address: 14 James St, London WC2E 8BU
- Opening Hours: Daily, 10am to 7pm (Opening hours may vary from shop to shop.)
