20 Best Things to Do in London for First-Time Visitors

For a first-time visitor, the best things to do in London involve a mix of historic royal landmarks like the Tower of London, world-class free museums such as the British Museum, and vibrant cultural hubs like Borough Market. To navigate this sprawling metropolis efficiently, you will need a reliable data connection for real-time transit updates and digital tickets. Planning your connectivity before you land allows you to skip the expensive airport SIM kiosks and start exploring immediately.

Navigating London in the Digital Age

London is a city that lives on its smartphone apps. Whether you are using Citymapper to find the fastest route on the Underground (the Tube) or checking the wait times for a table in Soho, data is your most valuable travel tool. While many American travelers rely on their home carrier's international day passes, these often cost $10 per day and can be throttled after a small amount of usage.

A more efficient alternative for international travelers is a travel eSIM. With EuroHop eSIM, you can see plans that provide high-speed data using local networks like EE (which offers extensive 5G coverage in London) and Three (providing reliable 4G across the UK). These plans are data-only, meaning they do not come with a local phone number, but they fully support WhatsApp, FaceTime, and iMessage for staying in touch.

The 20 Best Things to Do in London

1. The Tower of London

This historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames is home to the Crown Jewels and the famous Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters). It is a must-see for history buffs. Since tickets are timed, having a working data connection to show your QR code at the gate is essential.

2. The British Museum

Dedicated to human history, art, and culture, this museum is free to enter but requires a booking. It houses the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles. The building's Great Court is an architectural marvel perfect for photos.

3. Westminster Abbey and Big Ben

No trip to London is complete without seeing the iconic clock tower (officially Elizabeth Tower). Right next door is Westminster Abbey, the site of royal coronations and weddings. The architecture here is some of the finest Gothic design in the world.

4. The London Eye

For a bird's-eye view of the city, the London Eye offers a 30-minute rotation. It is particularly beautiful at sunset when the city lights begin to flicker on. If you are planning a broader European tour after London, you might also consider The Perfect 3 Days in Paris Itinerary for Your First Trip for your next stop.

5. Sky Garden

If you want a view without the price tag of the London Eye, the Sky Garden is London's highest public garden. It is free to visit, but you must book your slot weeks in advance. The 360-degree views of the London skyline are unmatched.

6. Borough Market

A paradise for foodies, Borough Market offers everything from artisan cheeses to fresh seafood and international street food. It is located near London Bridge and is the perfect spot for a lunch break between sightseeing stops.

7. Covent Garden

Known for its street performers, luxury boutiques, and the Apple Market, Covent Garden is always buzzing with energy. It is a great place to wander, grab a coffee, and watch the world go by.

8. See a West End Show

London’s theatre district is world-famous. Whether you want to see a long-running musical like Les Misérables or a new play, the West End offers incredible production values. Check the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for last-minute deals.

9. The South Bank Walk

Walking from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge along the South Bank takes you past the National Theatre, the Tate Modern, and Shakespeare’s Globe. It is one of the most scenic walks in the city.

10. St. Paul’s Cathedral

Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece is an iconic part of the London skyline. You can climb to the top of the dome for a spectacular view of the City of London, or explore the Whispering Gallery.

11. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens

These massive green spaces offer a peaceful escape from the urban hustle. Visit the Serpentine Lake, the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, and Kensington Palace, the former home of Queen Victoria.

12. The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)

The V&A is the world's leading museum of art and design. Its collections span 5,000 years of human creativity. The jewelry gallery and the cast courts are particularly impressive.

13. Natural History Museum

Famous for its Victorian architecture and the massive blue whale skeleton hanging in Hintze Hall, this museum is a favorite for families and science enthusiasts alike.

14. Camden Market

For a more alternative vibe, head north to Camden. The market is famous for its punk history, vintage clothing, and diverse food stalls. It is a maze of shops that rewards those who like to explore.

15. Greenwich and the Royal Observatory

Take a boat down the Thames to Greenwich to see the Cutty Sark and stand on the Prime Meridian line. The view from the top of the hill in Greenwich Park is one of the best in the city.

16. The Shard

As the tallest building in Western Europe, The Shard offers an observation deck called "The View from The Shard." While it is a premium experience, the visibility on a clear day extends for miles.

17. Churchill War Rooms

This underground bunker was the nerve center of the British government during WWII. It has been preserved exactly as it was left in 1945, offering a chilling and fascinating look at history.

18. The National Gallery

Located in Trafalgar Square, this gallery houses a collection of over 2,300 paintings, including works by Van Gogh, Da Vinci, and Monet. Like many London museums, entry is free.

19. Tate Modern

Housed in a former power station, the Tate Modern is Britain's national museum of modern and contemporary art. The Turbine Hall often features massive, immersive installations.

20. Shopping at Liberty and Selfridges

For a uniquely British shopping experience, visit Liberty London with its Tudor-revival facade, or the massive Selfridges on Oxford Street. Even if you aren't buying, the window displays are a work of art.

Staying Connected: Roaming vs. eSIM

When traveling from the US or other international locations, your connectivity options vary significantly in price and performance. London’s infrastructure is modern, but using it effectively requires high-speed data.

Connectivity Option	Typical Experience	Cost Profile	Multi-Country Support
US Carrier Roaming	Throttled after daily cap	High ($10/day)	Varies by carrier
Local Physical SIM	Fast local speeds	Moderate	Usually UK only
EuroHop eSIM	5G (EE) / 4G (Three)	Local rates	30+ European countries

For those on a multi-country tour—perhaps taking the Eurail to France or flying to Switzerland—EuroHop eSIM provides a single QR code that works across 30+ countries, including the UK and Switzerland. This is ideal if you are planning to experience the 5 Most Scenic Train Rides in the Swiss Alps to Book Now after your London stay. You won't need to swap SIM cards or buy new plans as you cross borders.

How to Install Your eSIM

Setting up your connection is simple and can be done before you even leave home. First, ensure your device is compatible with eSIM technology. Most iPhones (XR and newer) and modern Android devices are ready to go.

For iPhone Users:

1. Open Settings > Cellular.
2. Tap Add eSIM.
3. Scan the QR code provided when you see plans and purchase.
4. Label the new plan as "Travel" or "EuroHop."
5. Ensure Data Roaming is turned ON for the travel line and OFF for your primary line to avoid home carrier charges.

For Android Users:

1. Go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager.
2. Select Add eSIM or Add mobile plan.
3. Scan the QR code.
4. Once activated, set the eSIM as your preferred data provider.

For a more detailed walkthrough, you can follow our step-by-step setup guide.

Connectivity Realities in London

While London has excellent coverage, the Underground is a unique challenge. Most Tube stations now have Wi-Fi, and 4G/5G is being rolled out in the tunnels of certain lines (like the Jubilee and Elizabeth lines). However, coverage is still spotty between stations. Having an eSIM that connects to EE's 5G network ensures that the moment you step back onto the street, your maps and apps refresh instantly.

If you are traveling to rural parts of the UK, such as the Cotswolds or the Scottish Highlands, coverage can be more variable. EE generally has the best rural reach, which is why EuroHop eSIM utilizes their network to keep you connected outside the major cities.

The bottom line

London is a city that rewards the well-prepared. By hitting the top 20 sights and securing a reliable data connection through EuroHop eSIM, you can navigate the capital with the confidence of a local. Whether you are posting photos of Big Ben or navigating the complex Tube map, having high-speed data at local rates makes all the difference in your travel experience.