London Attractions: How to Choose the Best Places to Visit in London
Choosing among the endless places to visit in London is enough to make any travel planner’s head spin. Should you spend your Saturday afternoon amidst the charm of Camden or the charm of Notting Hill? Are the views from the Shard worth the ticket price compared to free attractions in London?
I’ve spent years exploring this city as an American living in London. And I realize that most “best of” lists are unhelpful because they don’t actually help you choose. In this guide, I’ll pit London’s biggest rivals against each other. I even included a “This or That” video for each spot so you can see the vibe for yourself before you spend the afternoon.
1. Market Battle: Camden vs. Notting Hill
The vibe
- Camden: Edgy, loud, and world famous for its punk roots. This is an international street food spot (especially at Hawley Wharf). Suitable for those who don’t mind crowds and alternative fashion.
- Notting Hill: An “Instagrammable” dream. It’s chic, classy and home to the Portobello Road antique market. It’s the perfect choice for a romantic stroll through some of London’s most famous stables and colorful streets.
| Feature | Choose Camden for | Choose Notting Hill for |
|---|---|---|
| Best Food | Street food | Lunch and cafe |
| Shopping | Alternative fashion & craft | Antiques and curated boutique |
| Best Day | Saturday/Sunday high energy and busy | Saturday (Main Market Day) |
2. Places to Visit in London: Soho vs. Covent Garden
Even though they are next to each other, these are two very different places to visit in London. I’ve written an in-depth explanation of the Soho vs Covent Garden comparison, but here’s a brief breakdown:
- Soho: It’s not just “nightlife.” It is home to a great variety of restaurants, bars and historic pubs. These tend to be more rowdy and high energy. If you want a late night vibe and a “cool” dining atmosphere, Soho is the answer. If you’re going here to bar hop, make sure you know the unwritten rules for visiting London pubs. Soho is also known as one of the places visited by the LGBTQ community in London.
- Covent Garden: Better for families and couples who want to get away from the late night noise. It’s beautifully maintained, theatrical, and home to the Apple Market and street performers. It feels much more “classic London”.
Hotel
If you haven’t booked a hotel for your trip to London yet, here’s an interactive map to get you started! It is based on the most central location in the city.
3. Foodies’ Duel: Borough Market vs. Borough Market Maltby Street
The vibe
- Regional Market: An iconic choice but often blamed for becoming a “social media sensation”. It’s a total zoo on weekends and weekdays after 12 noon. I love Borough Market and visit it several times a year, but I plan strategically to avoid the crowds. While you’re there, make sure you look for the specialty foods to eat in London that make this market famous.
- Maltby Road: These are “Insider Secrets.” Located under a railway arch, it’s only open at weekends and is a bit off the beaten track, but that’s its appeal. It’s quieter, allowing you to talk to independent traders.
4. Culture Clash: V&A vs. British Museum
These two museums are worth adding to your London itinerary. And they’re all free but offer very different experiences.
- British Museum: It is a “cultural institution.” You go here for the heavy hitters: Rosetta Stone, Elgin Marbles and it Egyptian Mummy.
- Pro Planning Tips: The British Museum is the perfect starting point for a winter morning. It’s centrally located and puts you within easy walking distance of the massive Christmas displays in Covent Garden, Mayfair and Westminster. If you’re visiting London at Christmas, start here and make your way south towards the lights.
- V&A (Victoria & Albert): This is a “culture day”. It focuses on art, design and performance. You’ll find incredible statues, Theater & Performance galleries, and even costumes worn in famous stage and television productions. Although the museum is free and usually does not require reservations, their exhibits sell out quickly.
5. The Titans of Architecture: Westminster Abbey vs. St. Paul’s
- Westminster Abbey: Place of coronations and royal weddings. As this is one of the most popular places to visit in London, it requires strict entry times.
- St Paul’s Cathedral: It’s grand, spacious, and home to the famous Whispering Gallery. Pro Tip: Because St Paul’s is one of those few major attractions No requires timed entry, I always advise my 1:1 London travel planning clients to visit at a later date. There are plenty of free and paid things to do nearby to fill your morning.
6. Places to Visit in London: The Battle for the Best Views
- Sky Garden (My Personal Favorite): I’ve been here 6 or 7 times. Come rain or shine, the atmosphere is fantastic. This remains one of the best free things to do in London that is worth doing.
- Horizon 22: Currently the highest free view in Europe. This could be considered a bit “cold” as the viewing rooms are quite sparse.
- London Eye: This seems to appeal most to teens because of the “driving element” of the capsule.
- Views from Shards: Perfect for pairing with a morning at Borough Market, although pricey and a bit touristy.
7. Speed vs. Speed Scene: ThamesRocket vs. River Cruises
- Thames Rocket: For thrill seekers. You’ll sail around the River Thames to James Bond music on a high-speed RIB boat. It’s about speed and adrenaline. It’s a thrill seeker’s dream of a London road trip.
- River Cruise: For relaxed travelers. This is a relaxing way to see the city and London’s attractions. City Cruises can take you all the way to Greenwich, which is a great day out.
Plan Your Trip Without Crowds
The secret to a successful trip to London is not just knowing where to go, but also knowing When to go. Most people waste hours waiting in line because they visit the biggest tourist attractions at the wrong time.
my London Travel Guide built on a “crowd avoidance” strategy. Every itinerary starts with the attractions you should visit first to avoid the rush: Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Tower of London and the British Museum.
If you want a seamless plan that tells you how to group them places to visit in London To help you spend more time browsing and less time waiting in line, check out my digital planner and guide below.
London Travel Planner
1:1 Travel Consultation
Iconic London Trip Planner 3 days 2026
The Ultimate Christmas Guide in London
London Restaurant Guide
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Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them. This comes at no extra cost and helps support the Sunny blog in London.
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