Hate Mondays? Well, when you're on vacation, you can make it as exciting a day as any other! Whether you’re traveling as a family, a couple, or going solo, you’ll find heaps of places to explore. Most London attractions are open as usual, and this handy guide will help you decide where to start.
Our suggestions include:
- Museums like the Natural History Museum and the V&A
- Iconic landmarks
- Performances at Shakespeare's Globe
- Shopping, markets, and many more!
Museums and galleries
Culture is the glue that binds our past with our present. Or something. Perhaps we need to absorb a little more culture ourselves. Then we'd have more profound things to say about it. Anyway, if you're looking for a sweet cultural hit, London has a metric tonne of fun things to experience.
The Natural History Museum in South Kensington is open every Monday from 10AM. It’s home to a world-class collection of dinosaur bones, plant and animal specimens and earth science exhibits. With interactive areas for the children – and adults, don't worry – it’s an engaging and educational experience.
Just next door is the Science Museum, another of London’s most famous museums. Alongside award-winning exhibitions, iconic objects and stories of incredible scientific achievement, it also has its own IMAX cinema.
The Tate Modern is a must-visit for art lovers. Housed in a former power station by the river, it exhibits a range of international and contemporary modern art. Head on over to the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square to inspect some of the 2,300 paintings it houses from the 12th century to the 20th century.
These are just a few of London’s top museums and galleries, others include the V&A Museum, British Museum, National Portrait Gallery, Saatchi Gallery, London Transport Museum and many, many more. Enjoy endless art, history and art history on a Monday and don’t forget – entry to most of these attractions is either free or available with The London Pass.
Iconic landmarks
With thousands of years of history, it's no surprise that London is full of iconic landmarks. And the best way to see them all is on a Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour through the busy streets of London to explore some of the city’s most famous buildings and sights. On a Monday, often overcrowded attractions will be quieter, allowing you to explore more thoroughly.
Start at the Tower of London and explore one of the world’s most famous fortresses dating back to the Norman conquest. Next hop over to Tower Bridge, another iconic London attraction, to enjoy the Tower Bridge experience and exhibition.
Westminster Abbey is a must-visit. Being one of Britain’s most famous structures, this gothic architecture is a UNESCO world heritage site and the coronation church of British monarchs since 1066. Another classic London attraction is Big Ben – best viewed, of course, from the lofty heights of the Lastminute.com London Eye.
Finally, Hampton Court Palace is a wonderful day out for all the family. With actors and actresses milling around in full costume, the whole palace comes alive with the magic of the past.
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Theaters and experiences
Why not catch a show why you're here, or see where many theatrical classics were first performed? Visit the Globe on a Monday to explore the open-air playhouse, a reconstruction of the Elizabethan theatre originally built back in 1599. Check out the year-round exhibitions, take a guided tour, or watch a play at the candle-lit Sam Wanamaker theatre located within.
Head to the West End for a stunning performance in one of 40 famous theatre venues. With a range of plays every night – including Mondays – there is always something for everyone. Check out our guide to nabbing cheap London attraction tickets, including theater in the West End and beyond.
If you’re keen for some more ‘back in time’ experiences, head over to the Cutty Sark, the world’s last surviving tea clipper ship. Climb aboard and follow in the footsteps of those who sailed her. Enjoy interactive exhibits and stop for refreshments in the café hidden below the hull.
Markets and shopping
For markets and shops, Monday is just as good as Saturday. Head down to Camden Market for a bustling array of alternative and unique products, heaps of vintage clothes and shed-loads of souvenirs.
If you’re on the hunt for antiques and cute gifts, then Covent Garden Market is the direction to head. Overflowing with all sorts of antiques and located in the pretty piazza square, it’s the perfect place for some shopping.
The West End is home to Oxford Street, one of the best shopping destinations in London. Close by are Regent Street, Bond Street and Carnaby Street – home to many top brands and fashion designers.
Wonderful walks
If after a long weekend of concrete pavements and brick buildings, you’re in need of some serious greenery, there are plenty of places around London to enjoy some fresh air. Head to Kew Gardens to explore the beautiful botanical gardens filled with a huge collection of plants and trees, or visit one of many of the city's free-to-enter parks like Hyde Park and St James's Park and re-connect with nature.
Take the Jubilee Greenway from Little Venice to Camden and stroll along the London Canal. Look out for the hyenas that live in the London Zoo enclosures that line the canal along the way. Check out our guides to the best walks in London (and around Hammersmith) for more strolling inspo.
Nightlife
London comes alive at night, and one of the first places you see this is at Piccadilly Circus, when the famous lights illuminate the intersection of Soho, Piccadilly and Chinatown.
With a whole selection of activities from romantic boat trips, bustling bars and cozy cocktails, the day ends and the night begins. Head out after 5pm to catch a happy hour, and enjoy cheap drinks at some of the best cocktail bars - or secret bars - throughout London.
You can hit the comedy clubs of Soho, or if you really want to hit the club, there's plenty - again in Soho, but also further east in Dalston or Brixton, and south of the river in Brixton.
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Wanna stretch those legs even more? Check out how we'd spend the rest of the week in London, or discover our picks for what to do when the sun shines (a rare but special occasion).
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