My Modern Met’s Travel Guide of What to Do in London

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If New York is the city that never sleeps, London must be a close second. The English metropolis is buzzing with contemporary culture as well as a rich history that, together, will ensure you’ll never run out of things to do—whether you’re visiting for the first or the 50th time. My Modern Met had the chance to tour the bustling city and enjoy some of its best accommodations, go sightseeing, and partake in a sampling of its delicious food offerings. Scroll down for our travel guide to art and culture in London.

Where to Stay in London

Park Hyatt London

Photo: Park Hyatt London

Check into the Park Hyatt London and stay in a luxurious locale along the River Thames. Infusing art, culture, and majestic vistas, the hotel embodies refined elegance while offering travelers an immersive London experience. From a statement-making Charlie Whinney sculpture in the lobby to light-filled suites, the heart of the city—including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the Tate Britain—isn’t far away.

Photo: Park Hyatt London

Rosewood London

Photo: Rosewood London

Stay just minutes away from Covent Garden when you make the Rosewood London your accommodation of choice. Boasting a classic style with modern comforts, the residential-style rooms range from the Deluxe Room for an effortless stay to the two-bedroom Grand Premier Suite with two king-size bedrooms. Regardless of what you choose, you can take advantage of many dining experiences and spa services.

Photo: Rosewood London

Shangri-La at The Shard London

Photo: Philip Reed courtesy of Shangri-La Hotel

If you’re looking for a truly luxurious stay while in London, you’ve got to book a room at the Shangri-La at The Shard London. Housed in the United Kingdom’s tallest building, the rooms are located on levels 36 to 51, meaning that you’ll always have an incredible panoramic view of the city skyline.

Photo courtesy of Shangri-La Hotel

In addition to awe-inspiring sights, Shangri-La boasts four restaurants and bars as well as an Infinity Skypool on the 52nd story of The Shard. Couple these amenities with impeccable service and you’ve got a five-star experience that you’ll never forget.

Ace Hotel London Shoreditch 

Situated in the creative neighborhood of Shoreditch, the Ace Hotel is ideal for exploring all that this artsy area has to offer—at an affordable price point. The rooms range from Standard to Suites, and each has a chic industrial feel. A vibrant crowd often gathers in the lobby which boasts a bar and an art gallery. Feel like dancing? Visit the 7th-floor bar with live music and DJ sessions.

During your stay, be sure to walk to the Old Spitalfields Market—a covered retail site that has been around for over 350 years and houses over 50 shops and stalls.

Sights to See While in London

Sky Garden

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Sky Garden is a three-story glass dome located at the top of a skyscraper, offering breathtaking views of the city below. It features landscaped gardens, an observation deck, and an open-air terrace. Tickets to the Sky Garden are free, but you can enhance your experience by visiting one of its bars or restaurants.

Photo: irstone/Depositphotos

Big Bus Tour

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If it’s your first time in London, seeing it via the Big Bus Tour early in your trip can help you to get your bearings. This sight-seeing excursion lets you hop-on and hop-off at any stop. You can exit the bus at Buckingham Palace and explore for a while and then get back on when you’re ready to see the British Museum.

The Big Bus Tour is included in the London Explorer Pass—a special ticket that allows you to visit multiple attractions in the city. You’ll save time waiting in line as well as money. Choose to visit three, five, or seven attractions from the 20 available and enjoy easy, ticketless entry to your chosen places.

Walk Around Covent Garden

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You’ll find shopping and entertainment at Covent Garden located in London’s West End. It has a car-free Piazza with high-end retail stores (we were fans of Neal’s Yard) that’s also home to the London Opera House and the 17th-century St. Paul’s Church. For a quick and delicious meal (or midday snack), grab a slice of pizza at Homeslice.

London Eye

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Get a bird’s-eye view of the amazing metropolis when you take a jaunt in the London Eye. The giant observation wheel comprises capsules that include floor-to-ceiling glazing for an ultimate look at the skyline. A standard ticket places you in a car with other sightseers during the half-hour trip. For an added cost, champagne and private capsules are available.

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Ride Santander Bicycles in Kensington Garden and Hyde Park

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Looking for a nature break in the big city? Hop on one of the rentable Santander Cycles and trek around the gorgeous Kensington Garden or Hyde Park. Like other bike-share programs, there’s no need to return to where you started your ride—just dock the bike at any Santander station and you’re good to go.

Where to Enjoy Culture and History in London

Tate Modern

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The world-renowned Tate Modern houses the UK’s national collection of international modern and contemporary art. As one of the largest museums of this type of art in the world, it features multiple exhibitions on view by artists working in a variety of themes and media. Best of all, the visit is free.

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Saatchi Gallery

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The Saatchi Gallery is an institution. Founded in 1985 by Charles Saatchi, the contemporary gallery has become a globally recognized authority in contemporary art. In 2019, Saatchi Gallery became a registered charity and reinvests all of its revenue into its “core activities to support access to contemporary art for all.” Visit the gallery to enjoy its latest exhibitions.

Photo: artistan/Depositphotos

British Museum

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Give yourself plenty of time to peruse the British Museum. The institution’s permanent collection features eight million works that span human history, art, and culture, meaning there’s no shortage of interesting exhibitions and amazing artifacts. You might even want to go back during the course of your trip—admission is free.

Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met

Buckingham State Rooms

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Feel like a royal when you visit the 19 State Rooms at Buckingham Palace. Used to entertain visitors with lavish ceremonies, the spaces are furnished with incredible paintings and pieces of furniture. During the tour, you’ll see the Royal Collection, which has works by famous artists including Rembrandt and Rubens, as well as exquisite furniture from greater England and France.

Make sure that you plan your visit to the State Rooms accordingly. They are open for 10 weeks each summer and on selected dates during winter and spring.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Photo courtesy Graham Lacdao/St Paul’s Cathedral

Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or worship, St. Paul’s Cathedral is a sight to behold. Its world-famous dome is an iconic part of the London skyline, and stepping inside the awe-inspiring space is a peek into 1,400 years of history. Gain extra insight into the church by scheduling one of their guided tours. (Many tours are included in the price of admission.)

Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met

Tower of London and Tower Bridge

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The Tower of London isn’t just a tower; it’s a historic castle that has an interesting—and sometimes dark—history. Founded at the end of 1066, it was a royal residence early in its existence and used as a prison from 1100 until 1952. Now, it’s a place where you can explore, learn, and admire the world-famous Crown Jewels.

Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met

The Tower Bridge, one of the city’s most defining landmarks, is a short walk from the Tower of London. You can simply traverse the bridge or learn more about its fascinating history by taking a guided tour.

Street Art in Shoreditch

Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met

Head to East London and take a tour of street art in the Shoreditch neighborhood. While there’s no one designated area for murals and wheatpaste, just stroll down Brick Lane, Whitby Street, and Bethnal Green Road to see what’s currently on the walls. The street art changes constantly, and you’ll never know what you’ll find and where.

Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met

Places to Eat and Drink in London

Hawksmoor

Photo: Hawksmoor

Hawksmoor is a premium steak-and-seafood restaurant that’s been around for nearly 20 years. The institution has a reputation for ethically sourced, UK grass-fed beef and sustainably caught seafood with an open-fire, charcoal-seared flavor. With multiple locations around London, each has its own vibe. Regardless of location, try Hawksmoor’s viral Big Matt burger, which was named the “World’s Best Burger” in 2023.

Rosewood Hokusai-Inspired Art Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea is a British tradition, but the Rosewood London turns it into an immersive art experience. Called the Art Afternoon Tea collection, the experience is inspired by the Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai—best known for his woodblock print The Great Wave off Kanagawa. The iconic print is fashioned into a lemon chiffon cake, along with an edible Mount Fuji inspired by Hokusai’s celebrated Thunderstorm Beneath the Summit print.

Eating London Food Tours by Eating Europe

Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met

When we learn about a culture’s food, we’re exposed to more than just a new dish or flavor. We get an understanding of the history of that place. The immersive Eating London Food Tour shows how to eat like a local by taking you to beloved restaurants and sharing the stories behind dishes and the people who create them.

Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met

We recommend the popular East End Food Tour, but if you’re interested in happy hour, try the Twilight Soho Food Tour that takes you to inventive cocktail bars.

Borough Market

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If you enjoy the experience of a grocer, be sure to walk around Borough Market. Located in Central London, this space is rich with high-quality food options. Spend some extra time in Three Crown Square, the part of the market that is dedicated to an array of fruits, veggies, meat, fish, and cheese from around the world.

Dishoom (multiple locations)

Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met

Did you know that chicken tikka masala is the national dish of England? Give the entree a try when you dine at the renowned Dishoom restaurant. Created as an homage to Irani cafes and the food of Bombay, they have various locations around the city (including Convent Garden and Shoreditch) that offer delicious brunch and all-day service with tasty cocktails to boot.

Resources for Making the Most of Your Trip

London Explorer Pass

As mentioned earlier, the London Explorer Pass gives you access to multiple attractions that will save you time and money at the places you were always intending to visit. Buying the pass isn’t always worth it, however, if you are planning on seeing lower-priced attractions that, together, would cost less than the pass itself. But, if you’re eager to go to the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, or take the Big Bus Tour, you can save a significant amount of money. Just do the math before you buy the pass.

This article has been edited and updated.

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