15 fun things to do in London for Teens: ideas for 2024 that don’t suck!

Planning a London trip with older kids brings about some challenges. How to keep everyone happy while still seeing some unique things that you’re there for? All while keeping everyone happy and not bored! Thankfully it’s not a hard task when in London as there is a tonne of really interesting attractions that teenagers will love.

I’ve loved taking my teens to London over the last few years and they’ve always loved visiting too. We’ve looked round markets, found book shops, explored museums and taken in a show too. It’s actually a really great place to spend some time with them.

London is a great city for teenagers with lots to do and bucket loads of history.  These 15 cool things to do in London for teens will keep everyone happy without being too young, too boring, and still being loads of fun.

A note from the writer: Hey! I’m Kirsty and I’m a London travel expert – after being so many times over the years I keep returning! Shout (or comment below) if you have any questions about your next trip and I’ll get back to you ASAP.

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Our top picks for London with teenagers:

If you don’t have time for the whole article check out these fun activities in London that teens will love:

London Eye in winter on a grey and cloudy day

1. Check out the London skyline on the London Eye

A familiar addition to the London Skyline, the London Eye is a really fun thing to do for all ages including teenagers.  You go inside a capsule and it will take you, slowly, all the way round so you can get a really great view of Big Ben, the houses of parliament, the river Thames and much more.

Included in the ticket is entry to a 4D show as well.

It’s worth getting your tickets in advance and fast track option might also be good in high season.

Harry Potter and Cursed Child in London

2. Enjoy a trip to the theatre in the West End

London’s theatre scene is buzzing and there’s some amazing shows going on at all times.  Most teens will come out of a show with wide smiles so I always suggest it as an idea if your budget allows.

Right now I’ve heard amazing things about the Mrs Doubtfire show, Lion King and also Wicked, which I think would be great choices for teens but there are many different shows that could suit.

Also don’t forget to see Harry Potter and The Cursed Child if you’re fans – we recently went and really enjoyed it. It’s a long show, in two parts, but a really good one. (It’s worth checking out the Palace Theatre in any case – it looks amazing!

It’s also worth looking on Theatre Tickets Direct for deals and to see what might be on when you’re in London.

3. Take a walking tour

From Harry Potter walking tours, to film location tours there’s bound to be something to interest your teens.  Maybe a tour to see Baker Street and the history of Sherlock?  Or maybe they’re interested in the James Bond?

Here are some tours that might suit teenagers:

o2 arena in greenwich london

4. Climb the O2 arena

If your teens are of the adrenaline junkie persuasion then you’ll want some high energy things to do for them. Climbing the o2 arena in Greenwich might be right up their street.

You’ll get amazing views from the top heading over to London’s financial district, Canary Wharf. On a clear day you might even be able to see all the way to Big Ben!

If you’re not bothered about going up the O2 yourself you can always spend some time in the shopping area of the O2 while your teenagers get the views of London!

Note that there’s a minimum age of 8 for this attractions and height of 1.2m.

5. Find Platform 9 3/4 at London’s Kings Cross station

Harry Potter Platform 9 3/4 at Kings Cross station with teens

If you have any Harry Potter fans travelling with you, no matter whether kids, tweens, teens or older, then you’ll love London.  There are lots and lots of places you can visit that scenes from the film are based on etc, but the iconic platform 9 and 3/4 at Kings Cross station is a must visit.  Sound like something that doesn’t exist?  It certainly does!

I imagine due to popular demand, or just too many people wandering around trying to see if it was really there, Kings Cross Station created the gateway to the platform.  You can get your picture taken with the trolley as you head onto it as well!  Ok, it’s not quite real, but I think it’s a really awesome little free attraction in London.

There’s no charge to have a go at trying to get to the other side, but there is a professional photographer there who will take your picture.  No hard sell and you’re free to take your own pictures too but if you do buy the image, it’s not overly expensive either.  You pick it up from the Harry Potter shop next door – it’s only small but does have some nice bits in there.

Day trip option
Harry Potter fans might also appreciate a trip to the Harry Potter Film Studios. It’s a little way out of Central London but not too far. You can get tickets with transfers from the centre of London if you want an easy life.

Check out my tips for visiting the Harry Potter Studios here or see what it was like visiting at Christmas

6. Go on a high speed boat trip along the Thames

A trip on the Thames is a must for anyone visiting London, but for something a bit special and extremely memorable for your teens how about a high speed boat trip?

These RIB Boat tours will take you all along the river in an exhilarating way while still taking in the sights along the way such as the Tower of London, Big Ben and Greenwich. Some even go as far as the Thames Barrier so it’s a decent length of a boat ride!

7. Explore some of London’s horrid past at the London Dungeons

We all love learning about the past of the areas that we travel to and the London Dungeons is great for indulging in that! (We loved the York version recently – highly recommended and a lot of fun!)  

You can learn about all sorts of things that happened in London, with a bit of a dark and creepy underside to it.  It’s an attraction that is suitable for ages 12+ so nothing too babyish here!

Prices vary but are best if you book online.

8. Visit iconic sporting grounds

Home to many of the world’s best football (soccer) teams, London has a number of sporting grounds where you can get a tour around.

Of course it’s not only football that England is known for – how about a visit to a cricket ground?

9. Watch Shakespeare at the Globe Theatre

Globe Theatre in London


If your teen is studying Shakespeare at school (and who doesn’t have to at some point!) or has any interest in drama, theatre and plays at all then you’ll want to look out for performances being shown at the Globe Theatre.  

It is an amazing place to visit – it’s a faithful reconstruction of the original building (and only about 200 metres from the original site) which was built in 1599.  Imagine getting to watch a Shakespeare play in the setting in which they were written for!

Not only can you watch plays in the Theatre, but you can also go for guided tours like this one (recommended by my daughter who recently took a similar one).

10. Shop for quirky items in Camden Market

Camden Lock bridge in London

There are many markets in London and many areas to go and shop, but if I ask any teenagers that I know where to go, they’ll answer Camden Market.

Camden market is easily reached by tube, being about 10 minutes away on the Northern line  and it has a real village vibe to the place.  The canal is great to walk around, there’s loads of quirky market stalls with unique things to buy and it’s an amazing place to get street food.  If you have teenagers like me you’ll know to go where great food is!

Also check out Portobello Road Market, Covent Garden and Oxford Street for more shopping.

11. Hang out with the stars at a London Film Premiere

Leicester Square in London is where many of the London film premieres happen.  If you’re in the city when one is taking place why not go down and see if you can meet the stars of the film and get an autograph?

Remember to take plenty of food and drink and also an umbrella!

New for 2022/2023 in Leicester Square is an installation of some iconic character statues such as Harry Potter, Mary Poppins and Mr Bean!

12. Travel across the Thames on the Emirates Air Line

A cable car ride that takes you from North Greenwich to the Royal Docks is a really fun addition to the day, especially if you’re visiting Greenwich (see below), to get a brilliant view of the city.  You’ll see the O2 arena, the business district of Canary Wharf and much more.

Tickets are reasonable at £4 for an adult and £2 for a child and you can use your Oyster card to pay for it too.

Greenwich Thor film location

13. See where the day begins at Greenwich

Greenwich is a familiar name to many because of the phrase Greenwich Meant Time (GMT).  It’s the place where all time is measured from at 0 degrees longitude and the divide between the Eastern and Western hemisphere.

Greenwich is a lovely part of London, a little out of the centre but easy enough on the tube or DLR (docklands light railway).  If you take the DLR will also take you past Canary Wharf – the financial district of London.  

Once there there’s a lovely park which is great for a picnic, the Royal Observatory, where you can see the ‘Prime Meridian Line’ up close and get your photo taken, and also the Maritime museum (free) to really make a long day of it.  The Cutty Sark is also a big draw and interesting for any teens with a love of history.

It was also where the end scenes in the second Thor movie were filmed so a good one for Marvel movie buffs!

14. Visit Churchills War Cabinet Rooms and HMS Belfast 

I have to include this because if you have teens like my son who are interested in World War 2 or perhaps are studying it, then these London WW2 sites are a must see.  

Churchill’s cabinet war rooms are underneath the city, near the current Prime Minister’s residence and the place where he orchestrated some of the major campaigns of the war. A walking tour might be good for those history obsessed teens. 

HMS belfast warship in london

Another London WW2 attraction is the HMS Belfast which is permanently moored on the River Thames.  Go along and find out what life was like at sea when the war was on.

15. Explore some museums

Imperial War Museum in London

Finally, London is teeming with museums and they are an excellent teenage friendly attraction in London, especially if the weather isn’t looking too great.  

If you are new to the UK then the Museum of London has got to be worth a visit to learn lots about this capital city.

Others worthy of mention are the Natural History Museum (always a favourite of mine!), the Imperial War Museum (pictured) and the British Museum.  Amazing exhibits in all of them.  

Depending on what your teen is interested in there’s bound to be something they’ll enjoy to while away a rainy afternoon.

Did I mention that most museums in London are free?

You might also like our guide to the best FREE London museums with kids which are approved by our teens

Sky Garden in London

Free things to do with teens in London

If budget is a concern then looking for cheap and free things to do in the city with your teenagers is going to be top priority.

Here are some ideas that cost no money at all:

  1. Museums – many of the museums as mentioned above are free. Not just small, niche museums, the big ones that you can spend a whole day in!
  2. The Sky Garden. This is a free place to go not far from the Tower of London which is a great instagram friendly spot, a really pretty place in London and has amazing views.
  3. When you’re done there check out Leadenhall Market right next door – a Harry Potter filming location
  4. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, one of many Royal Palaces in London – you can see this for free!
  5. Explore the Royal Parks – Kensington Gardens is a favourite of mine

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🇬🇧💂‍♀️ London Travel FAQ 💂‍♀️🇬🇧

Do I need insurance for traveling to London?

YES! I always recommend people take travel insurance when exploring the world!

Check Travel Insurance Master for quote comparisons from different providers.

Do I need a car for visiting London?

NO – If you’re just visiting London then a car is not recommended and can be more of a hindrance than a help.

If you plan to explore more of the UK then I recommend DiscoverCars to compare car rental prices

How to book accommodation in London?

For hotels I recommend Booking.com

For apartments and cottages check out VRBO

Will my phone work in London?

Perhaps – it depends if you have roaming enabled and beware this can be an expensive way to use your phone.

If you need a SIM for use in the UK I recommend GiffGaff which you can get and set up before traveling.

What’s the best guidebook for London?

I really like the Lonely Planet Guidebooks

Where to get flights for London

Expedia is my first port of call for finding cheap flights to London.

Do I need a visa for London?

Many countries don’t need a visa for visiting England as tourists (USA, Canada, Aus, NZ and Europe) – it’s always best to check first though.

Pin for later!

If you’re looking for more information about a trip to London with kids check out the following posts:

Budget family accommodation in London – how to find the best deals!

Tips for a day trip to London

Kids books about London

Photo of author

Kirsty Bartholomew

Kirsty Bartholomew is a travel expert and has been getting lost around the world for over 30 years and writing about it for over 10 of those. She loves to help people explore her favourite places in Scotland, England and beyond. She cannot stay away from historical sites.

4 thoughts on “15 fun things to do in London for Teens: ideas for 2024 that don’t suck!”

  1. London is my city! It’s where my heart is. We love all these things, but the FREE stuff is the best. Anyway, gotta dash, off to London Zoo today, best zoo in the world, does such an amazing job in global conservation. The kids have probably been 100 times, never gets old. Cheers!

    Reply
    • I’m always amazed at just how much there is to do in London that is free – it’s really an amazing city! And with my eldest being 16 soon I need to find these things out – all of a sudden he’s an adult for most entry charges!!!

      Haven’t been to the zoo for years, don’t think we’ve taken the kids. I remember going when I was a kid and a goat eating my hat. I wasn’t impressed! :p

      Reply
  2. Hi Jay – depends on who you want to see, but I’d recommend checking out this site – https://www.premierleague.com/tickets for info on buying tickets safely.

    If you can, buy tickets well in advance as they can be extremely popular. Don’t discount some of the lower league matches though if you definitely want to see a game! London has so many football clubs!

    Reply

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