Experiences Still on My London Bucket List
As I prepare for my upcoming trip to London, I’ve been revisiting my personal bucket list for the city. Even though I’ve visited London several times, there are still so many experiences I haven’t had the chance to enjoy yet.
That’s part of what makes London such a special destination — no matter how many times you visit, there is always something new to discover.
Here are five experiences still on my London bucket list, and ones I’m hoping to check off on my next trip.
1. London Transport Museum & Railway History
If you’re fascinated by the evolution of cities and how transportation shapes them, the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden is a must-visit.
The museum explores the history of London’s transport system — from the early days of steam trains to the iconic red buses and the development of the London Underground.
It’s a great way to understand how transportation helped shape modern London.
How to Book
Tickets can be purchased online through the official London Transport Museum website.
- Adult ticket: around £18
- Discounts available for children, families, and seniors
Your ticket is also valid for 12 months, which means you can return again within a year.
How to Get There
Address: Covent Garden, WC2E 7BB
Nearest Tube station:
- Covent Garden (Piccadilly Line) – 2 minute walk
Leicester Square and Holborn stations are also within walking distance.
Highlights
- Historic Underground trains and red buses
- Interactive exhibits for all ages
- Insight into how London’s transport shaped the city
2. Tower of London Guided Tour
The Tower of London is one of the most famous landmarks in the city and an essential stop for anyone interested in British history.
Built in 1066, the Tower has served as a royal palace, fortress, prison, and even a zoo. Today it houses the Crown Jewels, one of the most valuable royal collections in the world.
How to Book
Tickets can be purchased through the official Tower of London website.
- Adult ticket: approximately £29.90
I highly recommend booking in advance, especially during busy travel seasons.
You can also join a Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) guided tour, which is included in the ticket price and offers fascinating stories about the Tower’s history.
How to Get There
Nearest Tube station:
Tower Hill (Circle & District lines)
The Tower is also easily reached by several bus routes.
Highlights
- The Crown Jewels collection
- The White Tower and medieval armory
- Famous Beefeater guided tours
3. The London Eye at Night
The London Eye offers one of the best views in the city, but experiencing it at night takes it to another level.
As the capsule slowly rises above the Thames, you’ll see London’s most famous landmarks illuminated below — including Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Houses of Parliament.
How to Book
Tickets can be purchased through the official London Eye website.
- Standard adult ticket: around £27
You can also book:
- Fast-track tickets
- Private capsules
- Champagne experiences
How to Get There
Location: South Bank
Nearest Tube stations:
- Westminster
- Waterloo
Both are within a short walking distance.
Highlights
- 360° panoramic views of London
- Beautiful city skyline at night
- Perfect photo opportunity
4. River Cruise on the Thames
One of the most relaxing ways to see London is from the River Thames.
A sightseeing cruise allows you to glide past many of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Some cruises even include lunch or dinner, making it a memorable way to spend an afternoon or evening.
How to Book
Popular companies include:
- City Cruises
- Thames Clippers
Prices start from around £12 for a basic sightseeing cruise.
Dinner cruises and premium experiences can cost £50+.
Departure Points
Common departure piers include:
- Westminster Pier
- Tower Pier
- Greenwich Pier
All are easily accessible by Tube or bus.
Highlights
- Unique perspective of London’s landmarks
- Informative commentary during the cruise
- Dinner cruise options available
5. The Shard: A Sky-High View of London
Standing at 310 meters, The Shard is the tallest building in the United Kingdom and one of the most iconic features of London’s skyline. From the observation deck, known as The View from The Shard, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views across the city — on a clear day stretching as far as 40 miles.
It’s one of the best places in London to take in the city from above and a must-visit for anyone who loves skyline views and photography.
How to Book
Tickets for The View from The Shard start at around £32 per adult, and it’s recommended to book online in advance to secure your preferred time slot.
You do not need to book a restaurant to visit the observation deck. The viewing platform is a separate attraction located on floors 68–72, and you can access it with a standard ticket.
There are also several restaurants located in The Shard — such as Aqua Shard, Hutong, and Oblix — which offer incredible views while dining. However, these restaurant reservations do not include access to the observation deck, so if you want the full viewing experience, you’ll still need a ticket for The View from The Shard.
How to Get There
The Shard is located at London Bridge.
Nearest Tube station:
London Bridge Station (Jubilee and Northern lines)
The station connects directly to the building, making it one of the easiest attractions in London to reach by public transport.
Highlights
- Panoramic 360° views of London
- Indoor and outdoor viewing platforms
- Stunning views both during the day and at sunset or night
Final Thoughts
London is a city that never runs out of things to experience. Even after several visits, my list of places to see and things to do continues to grow.
Whether it’s learning about the city’s transport history, enjoying skyline views, or cruising along the Thames, these experiences offer a fresh perspective on London.
And honestly, that’s part of the magic — every trip reveals something new.
