Places to go in London
The 43 places in London SquadAbroad travelers want to go, most wanted first. Filter them by category and tag.
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18 places
Photo by Max van den Oetelaar on Unsplash Activity
Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is London's iconic Victorian Gothic marvel, famous for its distinctive architecture and impressive bascule mechanism. Visitors can explore its historic towers and glass-floored walkways for panoramic views of the Thames and the city, offering a unique perspective on this working landmark.
Photo: Barrafina Dean Street Restaurant
Barrafina Dean Street
Set in the heart of Soho, Barrafina Dean Street is renowned for its vibrant counter dining and authentic regional Spanish tapas. Guests take seats along the sleek marble bar to watch chefs carve jamón and sear pristine seafood in the bustling open kitchen. It is a perennial favorite for a lively meal centered on market-fresh seafood, classic runny tortillas, and chilled sherry.
Photo by Alexander London on Unsplash Restaurant
Dishoom Covent Garden
Modeled after the nostalgic Irani cafés of mid-century Bombay, Dishoom Covent Garden serves rich, aromatic Indian comfort food in a bustling, vintage-styled dining hall. It is famous for its slow-simmered House Black Daal, legendary breakfast bacon naan rolls, and inventive cocktails poured in the moody Permit Room bar. Visitors head here for an immersive dining experience that pairs time-honored recipes with the lively energy of London’s West End.
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Gymkhana
Inspired by the elite sports and social clubs of colonial-era India, this two-Michelin-starred Mayfair institution is celebrated for its rich, unapologetically spiced North Indian cuisine. Guests come to savor acclaimed dishes like the kid goat methi keema and tandoori chops within moody, dark-wood dining rooms. Paired with inventive, spice-infused cocktails, it offers an elevated and deeply satisfying taste of regional Indian heritage.
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Hampstead Heath
Spanning nearly 800 acres of wild meadows and ancient woodland, Hampstead Heath offers an untamed natural escape just miles from central London. Visitors come to take in panoramic skyline views from the top of Parliament Hill or cool off in the historic open-air bathing ponds. It is an ideal destination for scenic walks, picnics, and experiencing a pocket of rural countryside within the city.
Photo by N R on Unsplash Restaurant
Hawksmoor Seven Dials
Set inside a former 19th-century brewery vault in Covent Garden, Hawksmoor Seven Dials is renowned for its thick-cut, dry-aged British steaks cooked over real charcoal. Guests descend into the moody, brick-lined cellar for prime beef, sustainably sourced seafood, and expertly crafted cocktails. It offers a quintessential London steakhouse experience in an intimate, historic subterranean setting.
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Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage site housing the world's most extensive and diverse collection of living plants across 300 acres of landscaped grounds. Visitors can step inside iconic Victorian glasshouses like the Palm House to experience humid tropical rainforests or climb the Treetop Walkway for sweeping canopy views. It is a celebrated destination for botanical research and a peaceful retreat into global nature just outside central London.
Photo by Robert Tudor on Unsplash Restaurant
Kiln
Kiln is a bustling Soho eatery celebrated for its rural Thai-inspired dishes cooked directly over glowing wood embers and charcoal. Diners gather around the kinetic counter to watch chefs craft fiery curries, grilled skewers, and clay-pot noodles using British-sourced produce. It offers a fast-paced, immersive dining experience driven by bold regional spice and authentic live-fire technique.
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Kyoto Garden
Tucked inside Holland Park, Kyoto Garden is a traditional Japanese stroll garden gifted by the city of Kyoto in 1991. Visitors come to wander along tiered rock waterfalls, admire koi-filled ponds, and spot resident peacocks beneath vibrant Japanese maples. It offers an exceptionally peaceful retreat, providing a quiet moment of contemplation in the heart of West London.
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London Eye
The London Eye is an iconic cantilevered observation wheel offering unparalleled 360-degree views of the city. From its capsules, visitors can see famous landmarks such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London, providing a unique and memorable perspective on England's capital.
Photo by Max van den Oetelaar on Unsplash Restaurant
Padella
Situated right by Borough Market, Padella is celebrated for serving exceptional hand-rolled fresh pasta at accessible prices. Diners crowd the lively counter seats to watch chefs toss signature dishes like pici cacio e pepe and rich beef shin ragu in an open kitchen. It is an essential London stop for anyone seeking authentic, unfussy Italian comfort food.
Photo by Jose Llamas on Unsplash Restaurant
Rules
Established in 1798, Rules holds the title of London’s oldest restaurant, tucked away in the bustling heart of Covent Garden. The dining room charms with plush velvet banquettes, dark wood paneling, and walls lined with historic artwork, setting the stage for classic British fare centered on traditional wild game, savory pies, and rich puddings. Upstairs, guests can unwind with impeccably crafted cocktails in a secluded, old-world lounge.
Photo: sketch Restaurant
Sketch (The Gallery)
Step into The Gallery at Sketch, London, an iconic dining destination celebrated for its vibrant, art-filled pink interiors designed by India Mahdavi, showcasing unique artwork by David Shrigley. Visitors come to experience an exquisite afternoon tea or sophisticated modern European cuisine within this immersive and visually stunning setting.
Photo by MJ Tangonan on Unsplash Restaurant
Sky Garden
Perched at the top of the Walkie Talkie building, Sky Garden is a multi-story indoor botanical park offering sweeping 360-degree views across London. Visitors can stroll along terraced pathways lined with Mediterranean and subtropical plants, take in famous landmarks from the open-air deck, or relax at the rooftop bars and cafes. It provides one of the city's premier vantage points, seamlessly blending lush greenery with an expansive skyline vista.
Photo: Jerry Gibson Restaurant
The Clove Club
The Clove Club offers a renowned modern British fine dining experience located within Shoreditch's historic Old Town Hall. Guests are drawn to its innovative tasting menus, which skillfully showcase seasonal British ingredients through sophisticated culinary techniques.
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The Regent's Park
Spanning nearly 400 acres in central London, The Regent’s Park combines grand neoclassical landscaping with expansive recreational lawns and tree-lined pathways. Visitors come to admire the thousands of blooming varieties in Queen Mary’s Gardens, rent a rowboat on the central lake, or catch a live performance at the renowned Open Air Theatre.
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The Shard
The Shard is London's tallest building, renowned for its striking architectural design and offering unparalleled panoramic views of the city. Visitors ascend to its observation decks for a breathtaking 360-degree perspective of iconic landmarks like the Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral, and the River Thames. It's an ideal destination for experiencing the vastness and beauty of the capital from above.
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Up at The O2
Up at The O2 offers an outdoor guided climb across the distinctive fabric roof of London's premier entertainment arena. Secured by a harness, visitors ascend a suspended fabric walkway 52 meters in the air to reach an open-air viewing platform. At the summit, climbers are rewarded with 360-degree panoramic views stretching across Greenwich, Canary Wharf, and the River Thames.
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