Planning your next trip to London but not sure where to start? We’ve got you! 🗺️
Hundreds of thousands of travellers pass through our London hotels each year and we asked them to vote for their favourite attractions in the capital. Our massive survey had over 14,000 entries, and we’re excited to share the results below! With everything from galleries to food markets and gardens in the sky, you’ll find something for everyone on this definitive list.
20. Tate Modern
Love art? You will by the time you’ve left the Tate Modern – a world-renowned contemporary gallery housed in a former power station. Set on the banks of the River Thames, you’ll find works that have shaped art as we know it – from Picasso and Warhol to paintings, sculptures and installations. Just a 7-minute walk from our London Central Southwark hotel, entry is free – and the spectacular views from the top floor terrace are priceless!
19. St. Paul’s Cathedral
The iconic dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral has dominated the London skyline for the past three and a half centuries. And the treasures inside document its history – from original delicate carvings, to gilded dome murals and modern works by artists including Yoko Ono and Antony Gormley. Climb the 528 steps to the Golden Gallery for panoramic city views, just 10 minutes from our London Central Bank Hotel – we promise it’s worth the effort!
18. Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace is a stunning Tudor estate with a royal history. Guests of our London Kingston Upon Thames Central hotel can hop across the river to the surrounding park, where the palace’s famous hedge maze provides great fun for families. The Great Hall was built as a token of love from Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn (you know, before he beheaded her!) and it’s also the birthplace of the Church of England.
17. Hyde Park
Known as the ‘people’s park’, Hyde Park is where the suffragettes spoke out, the Rolling Stones rocked and Nelson Mandela inspired crowds. Seek out Speaker’s Corner – where public debate still takes place. One of the city’s biggest and best parks, there are endless activities here too – from horse riding to pedal boating. And, of course, plenty of tranquil spots to escape the Big Smoke.
16. Sky Garden
Looking for the best views of the city? Based on the 35th floor of the Walkie Talkie building – just 10 minutes from Travelodge London Central Tower Bridge – the Sky Garden is a lush indoor oasis. Our travellers can’t get enough of its exotic plants, great bars and restaurants, and stunning panoramic views of the capital. Be sure to check out what’s on – it’s colourful programme of events includes yoga classes and live gigs!
15. Science Museum
With exhibits on everything from space exploration to medical breakthroughs, the Science Museum is a must-visit for families and inquisitive grown-ups alike. Our travellers love seeing the real-life spacecraft, immersive galleries and hands-on experiments. A brand new gallery invites visitors to experience a world of careers in one place – from film lighting technician to lifesaving doctor! Be sure to check out the Wonderlab too – a real hit with the kids!
14. Harry Potter Studio Tour
A magical experience for Potterheads of all ages – at the Harry Potter Studio Tour you’ll step inside iconic sets and unleash your inner wizard! Stand within the Great Hall, meander through Diagon Alley and get lost in the Forbidden Forest. Our Watford Central hotel is conveniently located to help you make a full day of it. You’ll see original props and costumes and the special effects that brought the beloved films to life.
13. Battersea Power Station
This legendary industrial landmark once supplied a fifth of London’s electricity before standing derelict for years. Now it’s got a new lease of life and is fast becoming one of the capital’s most exciting destinations. Stay in our London Battersea hotel to be right in the heart of the action. Our travellers love exploring the Powerstation’s 150 shops, bars, restaurants, leisure centres, entertainment venues, parks and historical spaces – and we know you will too!
12. The Imperial War Museum
A powerful and thought-provoking tribute to those affected by war, the Imperial War Museum takes visitors through global conflicts, from WWI to the present day. Just a 10-minute walk from our London Central Waterloo hotel, you’ll find authentic military vehicles, immersive displays, era-defining art, family-friendly activities and deeply personal stories. The museum offers a sobering yet vital insight into human resilience and courage that our guests found unmissable.
11. Victoria and Albert Museum
The world’s largest museum of applied arts, decorative arts and design, the V&A is a celebration of creativity. On Exhibition Road in the upmarket South Kensington, it houses over 2.3 million objects, including dazzling jewellery, fashion and sculptures. From fashionistas to history buffs, the eclectic range of exhibits means there’s something to captivate everyone.
10. Tower Bridge
You may think you know Tower Bridge from London’s skyline, but the real magic is at the heart of it. Climb the high-level walkways and watch the Thames flow beneath your feet as you test your nerve on the glass floor. Just a stone’s throw from our London Central Tower Bridge hotel, you’ll uncover the impressive Victorian engineering that keeps this iconic structure moving.
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Home to an astonishing collection of artefacts from around the world, the British Museum is a treasure trove of global culture. From the Rosetta Stone to Egyptian mummies, there’s something to fascinate every visitor – plus, it’s just a 5-minute walk from our 
On the banks of the Thames, this 135m observation wheel offers 360-degree panoramic views of the city and is not to be missed. The glass capsules feature commentary that points out all the famous landmarks, from Big Ben and St. Paul’s Cathedral to the towering Shard. Visit at sunset for dreamy views or book a VIP experience for a private pod complete with a glass of fizz!
Sheltered under the brick arches of the railway overhead, the atmospheric Borough Market is foodie heaven on the banks of the River Thames! The market’s history dates all the way back 1,000 years. And just a few decades ago it was a major fruit and veg market supplying South London’s market sellers! Today, passionate traders serve world foods, reflecting the diversity of this vibrant city. A must-visit for anyone seeking the true flavours of London.
Did you know Big Ben is actually the name of the bell inside the famous Westminster Clock Tower? It’s become synonymous with the tower itself and no trip to London is complete without seeing it! Part of the Houses of Parliament, it’s a prominent symbol of British democracy. Stop as the clock strikes the hour to hear the haunting chimes and admire its Gothic Revival design. And be sure to stop and snap a selfie from Westminster Bridge!
Camden has a long history of rebellion, creativity and individuality, and its famous market reflects that. With an eclectic mix of vintage clothing, arts and crafts, handmade jewellery and international street food, Camden Market was voted a must-visit by our travellers. Stroll along the canalside, wander through the maze of stalls, explore alternative fashion and soak up the punk spirit.
On Exhibition Road in the upmarket South Kensington, the Natural History Museum tells the story of our planet through powerful exhibits and specimens. You’ll enter through the magnificent Hintze Hall and marvel at the iconic blue whale skeleton suspended overhead. The Earth Hall’s dramatic escalator takes you through the planet’s fiery core, and in ‘Visions of Nature’, see how our planet will look in 2125!
The official home of King Charles, it’s no surprise that Buckingham Palace is a hit with our travellers – up to 9,000 people visit it every day! The Changing of the Guard is a must-see, so time your visit right to catch the famous ceremony. In the summer months, you can even take a tour of the state rooms and admire priceless art collections, opulent decor and stunning views of the palace gardens.
A vibrant food and drink scene and more than 20 theatres line the streets of Covent Garden – all in the heart of the West End. You can always catch a show on the street too – the area is known as the birthplace of street performance in London! This cultural hotspot is the second most popular London spot with our voters – and from our 
Sometimes the oldest is just the best! This historical fortress and castle was founded in 1066 by William the Conqueror and still protects the Crown Jewels! Our travellers love exploring medieval chambers, hearing chilling tales from the sharply dressed Beefeaters and meeting the famous ravens – known as guardians of the tower. All this and more make this UNESCO World Heritage site an unmissable highlight of any trip to the Big Smoke.
