12 Fun Things To Do in London For Couples in 2024
Are you planning a couple’s getaway to London? The English city is one of the best places for a couple’s vacation. It’s a place a place of history, culture, and many fun activities. From boat rides along the River Thames to afternoon strolls through picturesque parks, there are plenty of fun things for couples to do in London!
In this post, we share some of our favorite fun things to do in London for couples from our experiences in this fantastic city. Sit back and take a few moments to explore London. You might read a few things to include in your next visit to London.
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London, England – Know Before You Go
✈️ Closest Airport: London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
⏰ Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) in Winter, (GMT+1 in Summer)
💰 Currency: Pound Sterling – Currency Converter
🔌 Electricity Socket: In England, you’ll encounter type G plugs with three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. The electricity supply in England operates at 230V voltage and 50Hz frequency. For visitors from other countries, you’ll need this universal travel adaptor.
1. Take a Tour of Tower Bridge
Starting our list of fun things to do in London for couples is one of London’s most iconic landmarks. If you want to experience an iconic London landmark, Tower Bridge is the place to be. This magnificent bridge has stood over the River Thames since 1894 and provides thrilling views of the city from its high-level walkways. A fun couple’s activity is taking a Tower Bridge tour together.
Enjoy beautiful views as you explore the bridge’s history and uncover fascinating stories about its past. During the tour, you’ll learn about the bridge’s history, design and construction, maintenance, and changes through the years.
A highlight is walking on top of the glass bottom walkway high above the bridge below. The 3-inch thick glass bottom walkway was installed in 2014 on the high bridge between the two towers to celebrate the
bridge’s 120th anniversary.
We recommend booking your reservation and purchasing your tickets in advance to ensure you can enter. And plan to arrive early if you have pre-purchased tickets to locate the tour meeting point. Tower Bridge is an excellent spot for photographs. It makes for a great photo setting and a memorable stroll from one side of the Thames to the other.
2. Soak Up London’s Energy at Piccadilly Circus
Located in the heart of the city, Piccadilly Circus feels like the heartbeat of central London. It’s an iconic intersection and landmark that features shopping, dining, entertainment, and, perhaps most of all, people-watching opportunities. You’ll find plenty of funky independent shops, fascinating stores, vintage fabric, clothing, and great nightlife.
It’s close to popular theatre venues such as the world-famous London Palladium, many bars and restaurants, and it is within walking distance of well-known city attractions such as the London Eye, Trafalgar Square, and Big Ben.
On a typical day, many tourists take selfies with the famous neon signs that line the streets. And if you want London souvenirs, you’ll find many shops around this part of London.
There are plenty of street performers to keep you entertained during your visit.
Piccadilly Circus is one place that genuinely encapsulates London’s vibrancy. And it’s one of those places where you’ll want to get some photos of your time in London.
3. Visit Chinatown
Chinatown is a great place to visit when looking for something different. This vibrant neighborhood of London’s West End is the city’s largest Chinatown and home to many Asian restaurants, shops, and businesses. You’ll also find plenty of colorful decorations adorning the area – from red lanterns and traditional Chinese architecture to dragon-influenced signs over the restaurants.
It’s an excellent spot for couples to explore the fantastic culture, sample some delicious dishes, and enjoy the unique atmosphere. There are plenty of food options for eating out – from classic Chinese cuisine like dim sum to international Asian delicacies such as sushi bars and bubble tea stores. It’s also worth checking out Chinatown Market, where you can find various souvenirs and gifts.
A visit to Chinatown is a memorable experience and a fun thing do to for couples looking to explore London’s vibrant culture. Remember your cameras! There are plenty of photo opportunities around every corner.
4. Spend an Afternoon Shopping in London
London is a shopper’s paradise! With endless shopping streets and markets, there are plenty of opportunities for couples to find some fantastic deals. The city is a global fashion capital and offers plenty of shopping opportunities. Each street provides something unique. Here are just a few highlights:
Covent Garden has hosted a market for centuries and still operates to this day. You’ll find market stalls with handmade goods and crafts, various affordable clothing, and souvenirs. You’ll find big-name stores, including Apple, H&M, The Body Shop, and many more, along with eclectic boutiques along the cobbled roads. Nearly 300 shops are making it one of the busiest shopping locations in London. And if you love cheese, one of the best cheese shops in the city is here – Neal’s Yard Dairy.
Oxford Street is known as London’s High Street – with clothes, accessories, and shoes – everything to cover you from head to toe.
Bond Street – If you want a bit of luxury, head over to Bond Street, where you’ll find high-end designer labels from Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co, Michael Koors, and more.
Regent Street is the most aesthetically pleasing shopping area. It’s where you can enjoy impressive Christmas displays in December. And you’ll find the largest toy store in London – it’s a must-stop if you’re traveling with kids.
Burlington Arcade is a step back in time. This shopping arcade is nearly 200 years
old and features shops with costly goods.
Knightsbridge is where you’ll find prestigious fashion names from Prada, Gucci,
Burberry, and Agent Provocateur. If you want high-end fashion, Knightsbridge delivers. And you’ll find two of the best-known department stores in Europe here – Harvey Nichols and Harrods.
Saville Row – is where you’ll find the finest tailors in England. Celebrities come here for custom suits; you can get something squanky here for yourself. Many of the high-end shops are by appointment only.
Shopping is one of the fun things to do for couples in London. And this is all just scratching the surface of shopping opportunities in the city.
5. Walk In The Footsteps of The Beatles
If you’re a Beatles fan, you can trace a few of the footsteps of The Beatles in London.
Visit Abbey Road Studios, where they recorded many of their most beloved albums and made history on that famous zebra crossing. Then, head over to #3 Saville Row, where the Beatles gave their last performance before disbanding in 1969. You can explore the buildings that were there at the time, as well as take photos of the famous street sign. There is even a plaque to commemorate their final show.
For more Beatles history, wander around nearby Carnaby Street and discover boutiques that were popular during the band’s heyday. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not take a Beatles-themed walking tour of the city? There are plenty of tours available that will show you around some of the most famous areas associated with the band.
Book The Beatles In London Private Taxi Tour
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6. Explore Royal History at Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is a must-see experience for any couple visiting London. The palace has been the official residence of Britain’s royal family since 1837 and is now home to Queen Elizabeth II. Take a guided tour of the State Rooms, full of magnificent artifacts and artwork collected over centuries by British monarchs. You can stand in awe as you wander through the grand rooms, many of which are still used for official and state functions.
The palace also offers plenty of other activities for couples to explore. The Queen’s Gallery is a treasure trove of artwork from Her Majesty’s art collection, while the Royal Mews showcases traditional horse-drawn carriages with beautiful interiors. The gardens provide stunning views over London,
And a trip to the palace would not be complete without taking photos outside with the iconic front gates. Buckingham Palace is ideal for couples wanting to experience some of London’s royal history firsthand.
7. Relax in St. James Park
St. James Park is the perfect spot for couples looking to relax and enjoy nature at its finest. Located in the heart of London, this tranquil haven offers lush green grass, sparkling waterways, and plenty of wildlife.
Take an afternoon stroll around the lake or find a peaceful spot to sit and admire the stunning views across Whitehall. The park also has plenty of benches and picturesque walkways for couples to enjoy while admiring the beautiful flowers and trees that line the paths. This is one of the romantic things you can experience in London.
After relaxing and people-watching, wander over to the cafe on the grounds – where you’ll also find the always-necessary restroom facilities. And you could also partake in an afternoon tea with cakes and pastries. It’s the perfect setting for afternoon refreshment, steps away from His Majesty’s palace.
8. Walk Past Iconic London Landmarks
If you keep walking from Saint James Park, you’ll quickly find yourself near more iconic London landmarks, including Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the London Eye.
Walking through this area is an excellent way to enjoy legendary sights. The sheer size of Parliament Square will leave you in awe. On your left, you’ll be able to marvel at the grandeur of Big Ben – it chimes at the top of every hour and makes a sound every fifteen minutes. On your right stands Westminster Abbey — one of the oldest Gothic churches in England.
The area has many other historical landmarks, such as St. Margaret’s Church and Victoria Tower Gardens. As you wander the streets, you can visit some of its quaint pubs and souvenir shops — or simply people-watch from one of the many benches.
It’s an excellent area for a stroll no matter the time of day and where you’ll want to snap many photos to capture your memories. It’s another item on our list of fun things to do in London for couples.
9. Stroll the South Bank of the Thames
Another fun and relaxing thing to do is stroll along the South Bank of the River Thames. It’s where you can get a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city streets. Take in some art at Tate Modern or explore the nearby Borough Market for culinary delights. Head east and enjoy the view from Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, or stroll along the river’s edge.
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not jump on one of the boats that navigate up and down the Thames – an ideal way to get a taste of the city’s remarkable architecture?
10. Walk Through Hyde Park
A favorite couples spot in the heart of London is Hyde Park. It’s perfect for couples looking to spend quality time together.
Hyde Park offers much to see – from its picturesque gardens to Serpentine Lake and the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain. Take a romantic stroll through its kilometers of stunning pathways. It is an ideal spot for couples looking to enjoy some peaceful moments away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
11. Enjoy the Theater Scene in London
The theater scene in London is vibrant. And for those who enjoy a night at the theater, it’s another fun thing to do in London for couples. Consider theater for a great date night option.
You’ll find many live theater shows ranging from traditional classic plays to modern musicals and everything in between. London offers world-renowned productions to smaller, less well-known theatrical performances.
The West End is the home of London’s most popular and successful shows – including musicals, comedies, dramas, and more. You can find many plays and musicals here, like Hamilton, Wicked, and Mamma Mia!
For a more intimate theater experience, try fringe theaters like the Young Vic or Soho Theatre. These venues cater to experimental and cutting-edge works that push the boundaries of theatre conventions. They offer audiences a unique opportunity to explore new types of plays and performance art.
When it comes to choosing which show to watch, you’ll find many great options for a romantic couples night on the town – but these three are some of the best:
- The Globe Theatre – this iconic theater is home to William Shakespeare’s plays. Every summer, they host a series of performances that transport audiences back in time to experience classic works like A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Romeo and Juliet.
- The National Theatre – one of London’s most prestigious theaters, the National puts on a wide range of shows, from classic plays to new works and musicals.
- The Old Vic Theatre has a rich history from the 18th century and is one of London’s oldest theaters. It offers an intimate atmosphere and frequently hosts innovative productions that often become award-winners.
12. Make Memories With A Photoshoot in London
A creative and fun idea that you may not have thought about yet, is a photoshoot with your partner in London. By choosing the right professionals for this experience you will have the chance to see the city through the eyes of an artist and create at the same time lasting memories against the backdrop of London’s iconic landmarks as you enjoy a stress-free session.
With professional photos, you’ll have amazing souvenirs to cherish beyond your trip and the chance to dress up, showcase your style, and celebrate love and adventure in London as an experience, which has to offer much more than a regular selfie.
Where To Stay in London
Budget Friendly: The Star Hotel
The Star Hotel – Shepherds Bush
Finding an ideal charming hotel in London doesn’t to be a challenge The Star Hotel is a 9-minute walk from Hammersmith Station. Rooms offer flat-screen TV and free wifi. We stayed here for 5 nights during a stay in London and enjoyed the location and value.
More Hotels in London
Listen to our Podcast – 10 Fun Things To Do in London
Closing
With so much to do, it can be hard to decide on just a few activities for your trip. There are hundreds of things that can make a list of fun things to do for couples in London. But no matter what you choose, London has something special and unique for every couple. Enjoy your time together in this fantastic city. It’s one of our favorite large cities in the world, and we’re sure London will impress you too. Happy Travels!
Julie & Art
#London
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