There's a reason London keeps showing up on every traveller's bucket list, and it isn't just the red buses. This city somehow manages to be ancient and cutting-edge at the same time, where a thousand-year-old castle sits a short Tube ride from a rooftop bar overlooking glass skyscrapers. 

Whether you're after royal history, world-class museums, buzzing street markets, or a West End show that'll give you chills, London genuinely has something for every kind of traveller.

Malaysian citizens don't need a visa to visit the UK for tourism. As a Commonwealth nation, Malaysia enjoys visa-free access for short stays of up to six months. What you do need, though, is a valid passport (with at least six months' validity remaining) and, since January 2025, a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

The ETA is a simple digital pre-travel permit, not a visa, but it's compulsory. As of April 2026, it costs £20 (roughly RM115) per person, is valid for two years (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first), and allows unlimited entries with stays of up to six months each. 

You can apply directly through the official UK ETA app or at gov.uk in about 5–10 minutes; most applications are approved within minutes, but it's wise to apply at least 3 working days before you fly, just in case yours gets flagged for manual review. Whatever you do, only apply through the official gov.uk channel. Third-party sites often charge more for the exact same thing.

From royal landmarks to buzzing street markets, here are 10 experiences that capture the very best of what London has to offer in 2026. 

Address: Tower Hill, London EC3N 4AB

Opening Hours and Admission: Tuesday–Saturday, 9:00 AM–5:30 PM; Sunday–Monday 10:00, AM–5:30 PM (last entry 4:30–5 PM); Adult tickets from around £37 (£1 = RM 5,51) booked online

This UNESCO World Heritage Site has stood guard over the Thames for almost 1,000 years, and it's every bit as dramatic as the history books make out. Come face to face with the Crown Jewels (23,000-plus gemstones, including the world's largest clear-cut diamond), explore the White Tower's armoury, and hear gruesome tales of imprisoned queens from the famous Yeoman Warders, who lead free guided tours included in your ticket. Give yourself at least three hours here. it's bigger than it looks from the outside, and honestly, you'll want the time.

Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB

Opening Hours and Admission: Daily, typically 10:00 AM – 8:30 AM (hours vary seasonally); Adult tickets from around £30, cheaper when booked online in advance

For a first-timer's view of the whole city in one go, nothing beats a slow spin on the London Eye. From the top of this giant glass-capsule wheel, you'll spot Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, The Shard, and the winding Thames all at once. It's a 30-minute ride, so no rush. If you can, book a sunset slot; the city lighting up beneath you is worth the slightly higher price.

Address: Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG

Opening Hours and Admission: Daily, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (until 8:30 PM on Fridays); Free

One of the world's great museums, and it costs nothing to walk in. Just remember to leave a donation if you can. The British Museum's collection spans 2 million years of human history, including the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon sculptures. It's genuinely huge, so don't try to do the whole thing in one visit. Pick 2-3 galleries that interest you most and wander from there. The Egyptian mummies wing is always a crowd favourite if you're short on time.

Address: Westminster, London SW1A 1AA

Opening Hours and Admission: State Rooms open seasonally (usually July–September), tickets from around £35; Changing of the Guard is free and typically happens at 11:00 AM on select days. Check the official schedule before you go, as it doesn't run daily

Even if you can't get inside, standing outside the gates of Buckingham Palace watching the Changing of the Guard ceremony is a proper London rite of passage, all pomp, brass bands, and bearskin hats. If your visit falls during the summer opening season, it's well worth booking a State Rooms tour to see inside the working royal residence, including the Throne Room and the Picture Gallery.

Address: 20 Deans Yard, London SW1P 3PA

Opening Hours and Admission: Monday–Saturday, hours vary by day (generally 9:30 AM–3:30 PM, later on some days); Adult tickets from around £30

This is where British monarchs have been crowned for nearly a thousand years, most recently King Charles III in 2023. Beyond the coronations, Westminster Abbey is also the final resting place of scientists, poets, and statesmen. Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin are both buried here. The Gothic architecture alone is worth the ticket price, but the audio guide really brings the centuries of history to life.

Address: Tower Bridge Road, London SE1 2UP

Opening Hours and Admission: Daily, typically 9:30 AM–6:00 PM; Adult tickets (Tower Bridge Exhibition, including the glass floor walkway) from around £13

Don't confuse this with London Bridge. Tower Bridge is the iconic Victorian one with the 2 towers, right next to the Tower of London. Walk across the elevated glass floor for a slightly dizzying view of the traffic and river below, then head down to the original Victorian engine rooms to see the steam-powered machinery that used to lift the bascules. It's a smaller, quicker visit than most on this list, so it pairs nicely with a Tower of London morning.

Address: 8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL

Opening Hours and Admission: Monday–Saturday, roughly 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (best on Wednesday–Saturday when full trading happens); Free entry

London's oldest food market has been trading in some form since the 12th century, and today it's an absolute feast for the senses. Think artisan cheese stalls, wood-fired pizza, fresh oysters, and every kind of pastry imaginable. It's the perfect lunch stop if you're exploring the Tower Bridge and Shard area, and it sits right beside Southwark Cathedral if you fancy a quieter moment afterwards.

Address: Camden Lock Place, London NW1 8AF

Opening Hours and Admission: Daily, roughly 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; Free entry

Camden is where London's alternative, creative side comes out to play. Wander the canal-side stalls for vintage fashion, global street food, and quirky souvenirs you won't find anywhere else in the city. It has a completely different energy from central London's polished streets, a bit grungier, a lot more colourful, and always buzzing, especially on weekends.

Address: Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden WD25 7LR (about 20 miles / 35 minutes from central London)

Opening Hours and Admission:Daily, typically 9:00 AM–7:00 PM, depending on season; Adult tickets from around £59, must be pre-booked

If you or anyone in your travel party grew up on Harry Potter, block out half a day for this one. Walk through the actual Great Hall set, board the real Hogwarts Express at Platform 9¾, and see how the Knight Bus, wands, and Butterbeer all came to life. It's a bit of a trek outside central London, but there's a direct shuttle bus from Watford Junction station, and fans consistently say it's worth every minute.

Address: Various theatres across Covent Garden, Soho, and the Theatre District

Opening Hours and Admission: Evening and matinee showtimes vary by production; Tickets from around £25 for restricted view seats, upwards of £150 for premium seats

No London trip feels complete without a night at the theatre. The West End rivals Broadway for its sheer range of world-class productions, from long-running favourites like “The Lion King” and “Wicked” to newer hits each season. Book ahead for the best prices and seat selection, or try the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for same-day discounted tickets if you're happy to be a little spontaneous.

*Admission fees and opening hours are subject to change without prior notice. Please check the official website or contact the attraction directly for the latest ticket prices before your visit. 

Read More: 5 Best Experience of Walking Tours in London

A few practical pointers to help your trip run smoothly, from getting around the city to making the most of your budget. 

Skip queuing for paper tickets. Tap your contactless card, phone, or an Oyster card at every Tube, bus, and train gate. It automatically caps your daily and weekly fares, so you never overpay.

London weather is famously unpredictable, even in summer. A light rain jacket or umbrella is non-negotiable, whatever month you're travelling in.

Popular spots like the Tower of London, London Eye, and the Harry Potter Studio Tour sell out on peak dates, and online prices are almost always cheaper than walk-up tickets.

The British Museum, National Gallery, Natural History Museum, and Tate Modern are all free to enter. This is a brilliant way to stretch your travel budget without missing out on world-class culture.

On Tube escalators, always stand on the right side so people can walk past on the left. It's a small thing, but Londoners take it seriously!

The currency is the British Pound (GBP). Most places accept card payments, and tipping isn't as ingrained as in the US. Around 10–12.5% at restaurants is generous, and it's often already added to your bill as a service charge. so double-check before tipping twice.

Whatever your budget, here are 3 well-located picks to suit everyone from luxury travellers to independent explorers. 

Located prominently on the vibrant South Bank, Sea Containers London brings a trendy, nautical-chic aesthetic designed by Tom Dixon. The property features a stunning rooftop terrace bar with sweeping river views, a lush underground spa, and an in-house cinema. It places you just a short 10-minute stroll from the Tate Modern art gallery, and 17-20-minute walk to the delicious food stalls of Borough Market. Room rates start from RM 1,225 up to over RM 6,000 per night. 

Housed in a handsome Edwardian building just off the Strand, The Resident Covent Garden is a stylish aparthotel and only a 3-minute walk from Covent Garden's lively piazza and around 6 minutes from Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square. Rooms come with mini-kitchens, Nespresso machines, and soundproofing that's surprisingly effective for such a central spot. Room rates typically range from around RM 1,160 to RM 1,472 per night.

If you want to be right in the heart of London’s West End entertainment hub without breaking the bank, The Z Hotel Covent Garden is an incredible choice. Known for its compact, cleverly designed rooms that maximize storage and comfort, it also treats guests to a complimentary cheese and wine selection every single evening. The hotel is situated just steps away from the street performers at Covent Garden Piazza and a 4-minute walk from the Royal Opera House. Room rates typically range from RM 775 per night. 

*Please note that all prices mentioned in this article are accurate at the time of publication. Prices are subject to change at any time depending on the season, availability, and the hotel's policies. 

Read More: Best Time to Visit London

To experience the best things to do in London, book a flight and arrange your hotel, car rental, airport transfer, and activity with Traveloka. Enjoy special deals, hotel discount of up to 25%, free hotel cancellation, and easy flight rescheduling. Terms and conditions apply. 

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