10 Best Things to Do in London

Attractions

• 1. Yes, it's the most touristy thing to do, but if you've never been to the city, taking a hop on/hop off double-decker sightseeing tour is the most convenient way to see some of the best attractions in London, such as the Tower of London, Big Ben and St. Paul's Cathedral.

  2. For the very best views in town, take a ride on the London Eye, the biggest Ferris Wheel in Europe, located on the South Bank of the Thames River.

  3. Horror enthusiasts won't want to miss the underground London Dungeon, a tourist attraction that features live actors, rides and special effects guaranteed to make you scream.

Must-See Museums

• 1. History and culture buffs should pay a visit to the incomparable British Museum, featuring more than 7 million objects and artifacts from nearly every culture and corner of the world.

  2. Set along the Thames river, the Tate Modern is one of the foremost international museums of modern art. After an afternoon of great art, unwind by sipping a cocktail and enjoying the view from the museum's popular restaurant.

Shopping

• 1. It can be crowded, and you might not be able to afford much, but a visit to the world famous Harrod's department store is the quintessential London shopping experience.

  2. Bargain hunters should not miss the Bermondsey Market, considered by many as one of the best flea markets in the world. It takes place every Friday on the corner of Long Lane and Bermondsey Street (nearest tube: London Bridge). Get there ready to bargain, and get there early---the market opens 5 a.m. and though it officially closes at noon, many of the best bargains are snatched up within the first few hours of opening.

Food and Culture

• 1. Pick up some bread and cheese at one of the local cafes or Tescos and have a picnic in St. James Park, the oldest royal park in London, which is home to a group of much-photographed pelicans.

  2. See a play in London's West End theater district. London boasts one of the best theater scenes in the world, and many plays open there first before moving to Broadway.

  3. Go for curry in Brick Lane, the heart of London's Bangladeshi community. It also features a vibrant art and fashion scene, so check out an exhibit at one of the many exhibition spaces.