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10 Best Things to do Around the London Eye

The London Eye is one of the most iconic and attractive sights in the capital city’s skyline. Towering high above the Thames River, the Eye acts as sort of a landmark for tourists and locals alike who are making their way on foot around the sprawling city. If you have just a few days to kill in this popular tourist hotspot, check out these top things to do around the London Eye. 

Head out on the Thames

River Thames – By Diliff – Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3639626

One of the best activities and excursions to do around the London Eye is to take a boat tour down the Thames River. Not only will you get a different point of view of the city from down below, but you can learn a little bit about the city with knowledgeable tour guides. One of the best tours in the city is City Cruises, a boat tour that brings you to the other end of the Thames or circles back around to your starting point. For those who need to rest their feet from the dozens of kilometers you have walked on vacation so far, propping your feet up on the boat tour is a great way to soak in the views without getting blisters in the process.

‘Sea’ the animals at Sea Life London Aquarium

Sea Life London Aquarium – By Fernando Losada Rodríguez – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5121947

Located literally right next to the London Eye, the Sea Life London Aquarium is a great half-day trip for families with children or nature lovers that want to escape the cold drizzle of London’s gray skies. Featuring dozens of marine animals and underwater specimens, children and adults alike will love this expansive museum.

Listen to Big Ben

London skyline with Big Ben – By © User:Colin / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=35768815

Big Ben challenges the London Eye for the most iconic landmark in the entire city. After you hop off the London Eye, stroll across Westminster Bridge and check out the towering clock. Fun fact: did you know that ‘Big BEn’ is just the name for the bell inside of the clock tower? This extraordinary bell weighs over 13 tons, with the minute hands weighing around 220 pounds. Even during the bombing of World War II, the hopeful sounds of Big Ben continued to chime throughout the day and night.

Head to the Dungeons

London Dungeon – By giggel, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=56971684

The London Dungeons is a great activity to do during the winter days where the sun sets at around 4pm and staying outside in the cold is less and less appealing. The London Dungeons is a great family activity – for older teens – and can be a great bonding activity.

Tower of London

Tower of London – By [Duncan] from Nottingham, UK – Tower of London from the Shard, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32007084

National Gallery

National Gallery – By Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=35481651

Located in Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery is a free museum that contains remarkable pieces from renowned artists all over the world. Walk down the quiet hallways and gaze at intricate paintings by legends like Van Gogh, Picasso, and Michaelangelo after a spin on the London Eye.

Shakespeare’s Globe Theater

Shakespeare’s The Globe – By Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=35491689

Just 20 minutes away from the London Eye down the Thames, the Globe Theatre is a stand-out building in London. Constructed to resemble the original Shakespeare theater, this open-air playhouse aims to recreate what plays were like back in the day, using natural light, no microphones, and no spotlights. 

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace – By SAC Matthew ‘Gerry’ Gerrard RAF/© MoD Crown Copyright 2016 – This file has been extracted from another file, OGL v1.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=91227401

Currently the home of Queen Elizabeth II, Buckingham Palace is just 25 minutes from the London Eye. While the Queen is away on important duties – and summer holiday – the Palace Is open for visitors to check out the Royal collection, French furniture, and Throne Room. 

St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral – By Mark Fosh – originally posted to Flickr as St Pauls, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=46084308

Another iconic building in London, St. Paul’s Cathedral is just 30 minutes on foot from the London Eye. easily noticeable in the skyline, St. Paul’s has an outdoor garden space that is ideal for picnics and lunch-time drinks during the day. For colder days, head inside to check out the Whispering Gallery, burial crypt, and interior architecture.

Morpeth Arms

Morpeth Arms – By Ewan Munro from London, UK – Morpeth Arms, Pimlico, SW1Uploaded by Oxyman, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22395376

After walking around to see the sights, getting a bird’s eye view from the London Eye, and venturing into a few museums and churches, you might be hungry – and thirsty. We recommend heading to Morpeth Arms, a supposedly haunted pub that has many reports of paranormal encounters in the pub’s basement level.