London Eye, London — Travelrags

Lonely PlanetOct 2

The Top 16 Things to Do in London

Local tips from London-based writers on the best things to do and how to best do them.

Rotation offers spectacular views of iconic landmarks.

25 things in this story

Kew GardensGardenIts living collections include some of the 27,000 taxa curated by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, while the herbarium, one…
Hyde ParkParkLarge urban park with diverse activities and features.
Tate ModernArts centreModern and contemporary art gallery in former Bankside Power Station.
London EyeSightRotation offers spectacular views of iconic landmarks.
Tower of LondonAttraction11th-century fortress housing the Crown Jewels and armor.
Westminster AbbeyPlace of worshipGothic wonder, venue for royal weddings and coronations.
British MuseumMuseumVast collection of artifacts, art, and antiquity.
Natural History MuseumMuseumAstonishing melding of science and imagination.
Science MuseumMuseumInteractive exhibits mesmerize adults and children.
West EndNeighborhoodArea for famous faces and well-known musical productions.
Shakespeare’s GlobeTheatreFacsimile theater, a triumph of authenticity.
The ShardSightBritain's tallest building.
Borough MarketMarketMarket with pubs, restaurants, dairies, bakers, and gourmet food stalls.
Black History WalksPlaceWalking tours in central London focusing on Black history.
Museum of London DocklandsMuseumLearn about the capital's involvement in the transatlantic slave trade.
198 Contemporary Arts and LearningMuseumDiscover some of the city's best Black artists.
V&A EastMuseumExhibition about Black British music until January 2027.
Victoria & Albert MuseumMuseumWorld's leading collection of decorative art objects.
Donmar WarehouseTheatreIt first opened on 18 July 1977.
Soho TheatreTheatreIt produces and presents new works of theatre, together with comedy and cabaret, across three performance…
Kensington GardensParkThe gardens are shared by the City of Westminster and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and sit immediately…
Royal Albert HallTheatreIconic venue facing Prince Albert's memorial.
Buckingham PalaceSightOfficial London residence of the Royal Family.
Lamb & FlagPubCharacter-filled, centuries-old pub.
Shakespeare's Globe TheatreSight

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Lonely PlanetSep 23

20 Spectacular London Views (and How to Find Them)

From well-known hilltop cityscapes to lesser-visited scenic viewpoints, gardens and rooftops, see London from the best angles with this guide.

Glass capsules offer views of Parliament and Big Ben.

19 things in this story

St Paul’s CathedralPlace of worshipDome walkway offers city vistas from the Stone Gallery.
Tate ModernArts centreViewing Level offers sublime city views.
London EyeSightGlass capsules offer views of Parliament and Big Ben.
Millennium BridgeSightViews of Tate Modern and St Paul's Cathedral.
Primrose HillParkProtected viewpoint with sweeping city panorama.
Parliament HillSightSweeping views of the city, popular for picnics.
Hampstead Heath PondsSightOne of London's best places to swim.
The Garden at 120Garden15th-floor garden with views of Tower Bridge.
London Cable CarSightViews over the river, part of the transport network.
Sky GardenSightLondon's highest public garden with City views.
ArcelorMittal OrbitSightUK's largest sculpture with a 360-degree viewing platform.
King Henry’s MoundSightDirect view of St Paul’s Cathedral, 16km away.
The ShardSightWestern Europe's tallest building with city views.
One New ChangeSightRooftop terrace offers views of St Paul’s Cathedral.
Greenwich ParkParkHilltop views of the Queen's House and the Thames.
Waterloo BridgeTrain stationOutstanding views of the Thames, London Eye, and Parliament.
Alexandra PalaceSightHilltop location with panoramic views of London.
One Tree HillSightEpic views across south London to the city center.
Bussey Rooftop BarBarRooftop hangout with sunset views and pizza.

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Lonely PlanetSep 16

9 of the Best Cities in Europe to Celebrate New Year’s Eve

Join in at the biggest party of the year with our guide to New Year

Launches annual fireworks

21 things in this story

River ThamesSightBanks are lined for fireworks launched from the London Eye
London EyeSightLaunches annual fireworks
Natural History MuseumMuseumHosts NYE party with live music and silent disco
Hampstead HeathParkThis grassy public space sits astride a sandy ridge, one of the highest points in London, running from Hampstead to…
Primrose HillParkIt was named after the 64 metres (210 ft) hill in the centre of the park, one of the highest points in the London…
London New Year’s Day ParadeFestivalAnnual parade starting at 1pm on January 1
Elsewhere
Moulin RougeTheatreParis, FranceVenue for enjoying a show
Guinness StorehouseAttractionDublin, IrelandJames's Gate Brewery in Dublin, Ireland.
Champs ElyséesAttractionParis, FranceOfficial street party with sound and light show
Arc de TriompheSightParis, FranceFireworks fill the sky above at midnight
Tagus RiverPublic artworkLisbon, PortugalLine the river for fireworks
Bairro AltoSuburbLisbon, PortugalArea for vibrant nightlife, clubs, and bars
HogmanayFestivalEdinburgh, United KingdomFour-day program of events including street party
Dublin CastleAttractionDublin, IrelandFocal point for the New Year's Festival
Brandenburger TorSightBerlin, GermanyParty with live music, light shows, and DJ sets
KulturbrauereiAttractionBerlin, GermanyBerlin's biggest indoor New Year's Eve party
Praça do ComércioSightLisbon, PortugalPopular gathering spot for celebrations
Torre de BelémSightLisbon, Portugal16th-century tower, vantage point for celebrations
Sacré-Cœur plazaSightParis, FranceEnjoy incredible views of the Paris skyline
Christ Church CathedralPlace of worshipDublin, IrelandDublin's oldest building
LiffeyAttractionDublin, IrelandSpectacular light display illuminates the skies above

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Lonely PlanetAug 7

A perfect day in London

Spend the perfect day hitting London’s most popular sights and still have time to notice the city’s street-level details.

Landmark passed on ferry.

25 things in this story

St Paul’s CathedralPlace of worshipSt Paul's Cathedral, formally the Cathedral Church of St Paul in London, is an Anglican cathedral in London, England,…
Tate ModernArts centreIt forms part of the Tate group together with Tate Britain, Tate Liverpool and Tate St Ives.
London EyeSightLandmark passed on ferry.
Tower of LondonAttractionRoyal palace with 1000 years of history.
Westminster AbbeyPlace of worshipExamine facade from outside if no tickets.
British MuseumMuseumWorld treasures under one roof, free entry.
National Portrait GalleryGalleryNational Portrait Gallery, London.
Tower BridgeSightViews of the bridge from Coppa Club and The Ivy.
Trafalgar SquareSightIt was established in the early 19th century around the area known as Charing Cross.
Coppa ClubBarCoppa Club offers a space for anyone to enjoy any time of day.
WatchHouseCaféFormer warehouse serving cardamom buns and coffee.
Thames ClipperPlaceCatamaran ferry sailing west to Westminster Pier.
Shakespeare’s GlobeTheatreShakespeare's Globe is a reconstruction of the Globe Theatre, an Elizabethan playhouse first built in 1599 for which…
Southbank CentreArts centreBrutalist landmark passed on ferry.
10 Downing StreetSightPeer through gates on way to Trafalgar Square.
The Portrait Restaurant by Richard CorriganRestaurantBritish haute cuisine with views, set lunch menu.
Covent Garden PiazzaNeighborhoodBoutique shopping, market stalls, buskers.
London Transport MuseumMuseumGood spot for kids and transportation enthusiasts.
BloomsburySuburbIt is considered a fashionable residential area, and is the location of numerous cultural, intellectual, and…
Seven DialsNeighborhoodWalk via this area to the British Museum.
Museum TavernPubHistoric pub opposite the British Museum.
St. John cafePubCourtyard cafe next to London Review of Books.
SketchRestaurantTop restaurant for fine dining.
The National GalleryCafé
The IvyRestaurant

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Lonely PlanetJul 24

The best new hotels in the world

Lonely Planet writer and frequent checker-in-er Rebecca Wallwork shares her picks for the best new hotels in the world for 2026.

Iconic view from some rooms across the Thames.

25 things in this story

St. ClementPlace of worshipClubby, homey, and chic hotel on the Thames.
Café ClementPubAll-day dining with al fresco seating.
Bobbi's BarRestaurantMoody atmosphere bar.
London EyeSightIconic view from some rooms across the Thames.
Elsewhere
The CooperHotelCharleston, United StatesHarborside luxury hotel with coastal design.
White ElephantHotelAspen, United StatesContemporary chalet feel with playful flourishes.
WildLand Hope LodgeHotelLoch Hope, United KingdomRestored historic hunting lodge in northern Scotland.
&BeyondHotelOkavango Delta, BotswanaTwo intimate, minimalist camps in Okavango Delta.
Four Seasons CartagenaHotelCartagena, ColombiaModern amenities in Cartagena's artsy Getsemaní neighborhood.
GetsemaníNeighborhoodCartagena, ColombiaArtsy neighborhood in Cartagena.
ONE | GTHotelGeorge Town, Cayman IslandsLuxury hotel and residential development in George Town.
Hotel DaphneHotelHouston Heights, United StatesGuesthouse with bold art and quirky character.
HypsiRestaurantHouston Heights, United StatesPays homage to The Heights's private drinking clubs.
Hoanib Elephant CampHotelKaokoland, NamibiaTented camp with desert elephants and Himba tribe.
WildLand HopeHotelLoch Hope, United KingdomRetreat accommodations on Scotland's northern coast.
Delano Miami BeachHotelMiami Beach, United StatesIconic South Beach boutique hotel with minimalist look.
HOSHINOYA Nara PrisonHotelNara, JapanTransformed penal facility into a luxury resort.
Nara Prison MuseumMuseumNara, JapanExhibits reflect on the realities of imprisonment.
SongTeller HotelHotelNashville, United StatesDolly Parton's hotel, a love letter to Nashville.
Casa RenoirHotelNoosa, AustraliaIntimate six-villa boutique wellness hotel.
Explora’s El CalafateHotelEl Calafate, ArgentinaLodge with stunning views of nature.
Perito Moreno GlacierSightEl Calafate, ArgentinaThe Perito Moreno, Francisco Gormaz or Bismarck Glacier is a glacier located in Los Glaciares National Park in…
Cormorant at 55 SouthHotelPuerto Williams, ChileSouthernmost hotel for Antarctica Fly Cruise package.
Baccarat RomeHotelRome, ItalySecond hotel venture by crystal barware company.
1 Hotel AustinHotelAustin, United States

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London Eye

In the coverage5 stories

The Top 16 Things to Do in London

20 Spectacular London Views (and How to Find Them)

9 of the Best Cities in Europe to Celebrate New Year’s Eve

A perfect day in London

The best new hotels in the world