4 stops we rate worth it. Grouped by area; the map follows you as you scroll.
1Worth itBig Ben & ParliamentPhoto: Alex
Google 4.6 from ~99,000 reviews; visitors say the restored tower lives up to expectations, though most only see it from outside.
Big Ben tickets released three months ahead on the second Wednesday of each month at 10am; max 8 per booking. Parliament tours: book online or at Portcullis House ticket office
2Worth itSt James's ParkPhoto: Myr dn
Google 4.7 from 64k reviews; reviewers consistently call it peaceful and picturesque despite crowds.
3Worth itNational GalleryPhoto: Dandylicious
Google 4.8 from 64k reviews and Tripadvisor 4.7 from 41k; complaints are minor (closed rooms, audio guide).
4Worth itBritish MuseumPhoto: Asad Ziar
Google reviews are overwhelmingly 5-star and consistently say it lives up to its fame; the main gripes are crowding and closed rooms.
Why isn’t Buckingham Palace or Camden Market here? We rate them only “worth it if…”, and in 1 day the places above give you more. If one is a must for you, swap it in for a day’s second half.
On every other list, and you’ll pass some of them anyway. Glance as you go; don’t plan around them.
Skip itMadame TussaudsFrom £27 online and about £39–£42 walk-up per adult, with paid photos and extras pushed throughout; free national museums nearby set a high bar.
Skip itSherlock Holmes Museum£19 adult for a small house most people finish in 20–45 minutes; Londonist called it poor value even at £15.
Skip itPiccadilly CircusSmall-sample Google 4.5 aside, guides call it 'a Times Square type' junction that's noisy and annoying, and it takes minutes to see.Every stop comes from our verdicts on 49 places in London: everything we rate worth it, plus the famous sights we rate “worth it if…”. They’re ranked by our Reality score with some weight for fame, and taken until about 7 hours a day are full. From two days up, the city’s three most famous sights are always in. Visit lengths come from each place’s “time needed” (big parks count at most 2.5 hours), plus 20 minutes between stops. Days are grouped by area, stops that need a booked slot come first, and the rest are ordered to keep walking short. Day trips are on their own page. Nothing is paid placement.
Hampstead HeathPark · Reality 90
Soane's MuseumMuseum · Reality 81
V&AMuseum · Reality 81
IWM LondonMuseum · Reality 81
Hyde ParkPark · Reality 76
Natural History MuseumMuseum · Reality 76