London is a city that never sits still, yet it manages to hold onto its soul with a grace that few metropolises can match. Having called London home for several years and returned a dozen times since, I’ve watched the skyline shift and neighborhoods transform, yet that unmistakable magic remains constant. To help you navigate this sprawling capital like a local, I’ve put together the definitive London bucket list for first-time visitors. An it’s not about ticking boxes; it’s about sorting what’s truly worth a punt and what’s a bit of a swerve, seeing those famous landmarks from a fresh perspective, and discovering the moments that truly make parts of the city feel like your own.
From afternoon tea to finding great views of the River Thames and Houses of Parliament, and from wandering the streets of London in double decker buses to getting tickets to Sky Garden… I’ve got you!
Sunday roast in a local pub with Londoners
There is no ritual more sacred to Londoners than the Sunday Roast. After a week of hustle, the city slows down to the scent of slow-cooked beef and rosemary wafting from a corner boozer. There is a pure, unadulterated joy in digging into a plate piled high with tender roast and seasonal veg, all doused in a rich gravy—followed by a towering Yorkshire pudding. It is a communal experience that defines the British weekend.
Here are a few noteworthy places in my opinion:
- The Mall Tavern, Notting Hill
- The Grazing Goat, Marylebone
- Duke of Cambridge, Angel
- The Bull and Last, Highgate
- Sekforde Arms, Farringdon
- Blacklock, Shoreditch
What popular things should you do in London? Ride a double-decker bus to catch most tourist sites!
Skip the overpriced tourist shuttles and hop on the top of a red double-decker bus instead. At just £1.75 a ride, it’s a steal. And dead-easy, unique way to bag great views of the iconic skyline when the Canadian exchange rate isn’t playing nice.
Consider Route 9, 24, 11 or 15. Hop on the top deck and you’ll be treated to a front-row seat as you roll through the streets of London past famous places like Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, Millennium Bridge, the Royal Courts of Justice, Trafalgar Square, River Thames, London Eye, and the unmistakable silhouette of Big Ben at the Houses of Parliament. It’s a full day of unashamed deep-diving for history buffs and first-time visitors, and I’m here for it.
It’s also a brilliant shout for London when it rains, keeping you bone-dry while still enjoying the landmarks.
A night of fun and entertainment in the West End
The West End is the beating heart of London’s cultural scene. Walking through the neon-lit streets right before a show, surrounded by the buzz of the theatre crowds, is an essential part of the London bucket list experience.
In 2026, the lineup is spectacular: from the world premiere of Paddington The Musical at the Savoy to the long-awaited arrival of Beetlejuice at the Prince Edward Theatre.
Borough Market
Located under the railway arches near London Bridge, this is the city’s oldest and most renowned food market. It’s a sensory overload in the best way possible: the smell of fresh truffles, the sight of artisanal cheeses, and the taste of world-class street food. Whether you’re grabbing a hot chorizo roll or some fresh oysters, it’s a vital part of the city that celebrates global flavours with a distinctly British heart. It’s particularly buzzing at lunch time!
Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter
2026 is a massive year for the Wizarding World! To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the first film, the studios are launching “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” special features. From May to September 2026, you can experience brand-new sections and themed tours dedicated to where the magic began. Walking through the Great Hall or stepping onto the cobblestones of Diagon Alley feels more immersive than ever. It’s a surreal experience to see the actual “Philosopher’s Stone” prop up close.
This is a must-add to your London bucket list this summer—just be sure to book months in advance as tickets disappear faster than a Snitch!
Afternoon tea
No visit is complete without the clink of fine bone china. From the hushed elegance of Mayfair to the quirky themed teas in Soho, this tradition is a celebration of the finer things in life. If you’re looking for the best spots to indulge in scones and clotted cream, check out this guide on the best afternoon teas in London.
The V&A Museum
While most head to the British Museum, I’ve always been partial to the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in South Kensington. It is the world’s leading museum of art and design, and in 2026, it’s the place to be with the massive opening of V&A East in Stratford. Exploring the main site’s fashion galleries or the breathtaking Cast Courts is a joy for anyone who appreciates beauty.
Like many national museums, entry is free—a huge plus for us Canadians looking to enjoy world-class culture while being mindful of the loonie’s value.
The Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London
For a truly exclusive experience during your visit to London, may I suggest you try to secure tickets for the Ceremony of the Keys. This 700-year-old tradition at the Tower of London is the oldest military ceremonial in the world. As the Yeoman Warder locks the gates, you feel the weight of centuries of history. It is a quiet, powerful moment that stands in stark contrast to the daytime tourist rush.
What is there to see in London? The Sky Garden (plus, it’s free)!
While the Shard is impressive, the Sky Garden offers something truly special: an indoor forest on the 35th floor. As London’s highest public garden, it provides an observation deck with great views of the skyline. Looking down at the Walkie Talkie, the London Eye, River Thames, the Houses of Parliament or over toward St. Paul’s Cathedral gives you a new perspective on the architectural layers of the city.
And the best part? Sky Garden tickets are completely free. Just book in advance on their online platform!
Curry on Brick Lane
“Going for a curry” on Brick Lane is a quintessential London rite of passage that captures the city’s multicultural soul. This street is the beating heart of the South-East Asian diaspora; since the 1950s, generations of Londoners have transformed this part of the city from a gritty industrial hub into a world-famous culinary landmark.
It’s loud, it’s lively, and it offers an authentic taste you won’t find anywhere else.
Hampstead Heath
To wrap up your trip to London, I’d suggest heading north to my absolute personal favourite: notoriously posh Hampstead Heath. A stroll up to Parliament Hill offers one of the most beautiful, protected panoramas of the entire city, allowing you to appreciate its sheer scale while enjoying a rare bit of tranquillity.
Spend some time wandering through Hampstead village itself. You might even encounter a celebrity or two—plenty of them call this leafy enclave home. But to me, the real charm lies in popping into the dusty bookstores, curated vintage shops, and quirky cafés. Whether you’re nursing a pint in a wood-fired pub or grabbing a coffee, it’s a proper London experience that feels special… regardless of your tax bracket.
Fly to and from Europe with the World’s Best
It’s no wonder Air Transat has been named the World’s Best Leisure Airline by Skytrax seven times. We’ve perfected the “little things” so you can focus on the journey ahead… And it’s always about the little things, isn’t it?
- Your carry-on is always included.
- Enjoy two complimentary meal services paired with your choice of fine red or white wine.
- Experience the warmth of our signature attentive and efficient service.
- Relax in the spacious, state-of-the-art cabins of our modern Airbus fleet.
- Our specialized ambient mood lighting syncs with your body clock to help beat jet lag before you even land.
