Things to do around London

Whether you're visiting London for a long period or just the weekend, you'll never run out of things to do, sights to see and activities to get involved in. This dynamic and bustling city is abundant with attractions designed to appeal to people from all walks of life, and the city is a major hub for events and festivals in the UK all year round.



If you're eager to see the major sights of London during your visit, you'll have plenty to choose from - and the good news is that many of them are located within a relatively short distance of each other, in the city centre. Others, such as the O2 Arena (formerly the Millennium Dome) and the Thames Barrier, are further apart but can be reached in no time thanks to London's excellent public transport services, including the world-famous Tube which can be an attraction in itself for first-time riders.



To get a look over the historic city centre, and see stunning architecture old and new on both sides of the River Thames, your first stop should be the London Eye. Taking a ride on this huge Ferris wheel can offer the perfect introduction to London, and could even help you decide where to visit next if you see somewhere that appeals.

This might include the Tate Modern, one of London's many prestigious art galleries, which is located nearby. Free to enter, this converted power station might not look like much from the outside, but it works as a fantastic space to house large-scale installations from many of the world's foremost contemporary artists. Guaranteed to inspire, awe and shock in equal measure, a trip to the Tate Modern could be the most enjoyable artistic day out you have in the capital.



London's history is also a major part of its appeal for many visitors, so you won't want to pass through the city without paying a visit to iconic locations such as the Tower of London. Dating back nearly a thousand years, this tower has an often grisly history as a former dungeon, but it's also the home of the Crown Jewels.



That's not to say all your time in London needs to be spent indoors though, especially as watching the city's residents going about their lives can be very revealing. London's 7.5 million people speak more than 300 languages and come from a diverse range of backgrounds, and you'll really feel this multicultural vibe wherever you're staying in the city - whether it's a hotel Heathrow Airport or in the City of London itself.



Paul Buchanan writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.