Experiences
The 6 Best Things to Do in Central London
Free galleries, the South Bank, Sky Garden and Soho: the best of central London in a day.
In short: our top picks are The National Gallery, Covent Garden and Sky Garden. 6 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
Central London packs more into a square mile than most cities manage in total, and the best of it is walkable and often free. Start with the great galleries around Trafalgar Square, wander the South Bank, book a free slot at Sky Garden for the view, and let the evening drift into Soho. This is the tourist trail done properly, skipping the tat and keeping the genuinely good bits. Wear comfortable shoes and let one thing lead to the next.
| Place | Area |
|---|---|
| The National Gallery | Trafalgar Square |
| Covent Garden | Covent Garden |
| Sky Garden | City of London |
| Borough Market | Borough |
| The South Bank | South Bank |
| Soho | Soho |
-
Editor’s choice
The National Gallery
Why we pick itFree masterpieces from Van Gogh to Turner on Trafalgar Square, the anchor of central London's culture.
free art museum
-
Covent Garden
Why we pick itThe theatrical heart of the West End, street performers, the market halls and endless people-watching.
piazza and market
-
Sky Garden
Why we pick itBook the free 35th-floor garden for the best City view in London without paying for a ticket.
free viewpoint
-
Borough Market
Why we pick itLondon's most famous food market under the railway arches, a central foodie pilgrimage.
food market
-
The South Bank
Why we pick itA riverside stroll from the London Eye to the Tate, the best free afternoon on foot in the city.
riverside walk
-
Soho
Why we pick itThe West End's most electric square, theatres, bars and restaurants stacked three storeys high.
nightlife and dining
Before you book
Many of the best central sights, the galleries and the South Bank walk, are free, though Sky Garden and the popular attractions need booking ahead. It is all close enough to do on foot, with the Tube filling any gaps. Weekday mornings are calmer than weekend afternoons around Covent Garden and the South Bank.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
The National Gallery is our editor's choice: Free masterpieces from Van Gogh to Turner on Trafalgar Square, the anchor of central London's culture. The National Gallery, Covent Garden and Sky Garden lead the guide, with 6 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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