London remains one of the world’s most visited cities, filled with things to do, sights to see and experiences to tick off. With global competition for tourists, you might wonder: is London still worth a visit? The answer is a clear yes. The UK capital remains vibrant, offering endless opportunities to explore.
1. New East London Exhibitions
2025 is already looking exciting. East London, often overlooked by international visitors, is welcoming fresh cultural spaces. The V&A East Storehouse now showcases over 250,000 objects with behind-the-scenes access. Alongside it, Cartier at the V&A displays the jeweller’s most iconic creations, including watches and design innovations. This major retrospective is expected to draw large crowds, so booking ahead is recommended.
2. Cocktails with a view
After exploring the exhibitions, head to Sotto Cucina, a Sicilian restaurant on the lower ground floor of Hyatt Place London City East at Aldgate. For drinks, visit PocketSquare, a rooftop bar on the 9th floor offering panoramic views of The Gherkin, Canary Wharf and the O2.
Bar manager Lucrezia (“Lu”) presents a cocktail menu that changes monthly with East London-inspired themes. Expect drinks like the Stratford Helix, Aldgate Gatekeeper and Shoreditch Vandalise It. Non-alcoholic options also come with creative flair. In-house garnishes elevate the presentation, with standouts such as the Taiyo (Roko Gin, yuzu, plum wine), 101 (gin, tropical cordial, Prosecco) and Kushty (gin, mint lassi, pineapple and passion fruit).
The restaurant below offers a relaxed 70-seat setting. Head chef Francesco Rossi serves seabass, steak, brill burger, Sicilian meatballs, burrata and baked aubergine—prepared with fresh ingredients and reasonably priced. The space is decorated with street-inspired murals and artwork that reflect the area’s local character.
3. Retail and urban renewal at Stratford
Just nearby, Westfield Stratford City has become a leading retail destination since opening in 2011. It draws over 50 million visitors a year with 320 shops, 80 dining venues and over 4,500 parking spaces. As a legacy of the London 2012 Olympics, it’s a symbol of East London’s renewal. With more than £25 billion in projected investment by 2027, the centre includes a sustainable Combined Cooling and Heating Power plant to support green operations.
4. Bard, royals and heritage in Central London
In central London, Shakespeare’s Globe presents classics like Romeo and Juliet (until 2 August) and The Merry Wives of Windsor (4 July to 20 September). The 360-degree theatre holds about 1,500 guests and remains the city’s only thatched-roof building.
Heritage lovers should explore the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage site with nearly 1,000 years of history. The Crown Jewels are on display, and visitors can learn about the site’s past as a royal palace, fortress and notorious prison.
At the Royal Mews near Buckingham Palace, explore the stables used by the Royal Family. Highlights include the Gold State Coach, a 260-year-old ceremonial vehicle used at state events including the coronation of King Charles III.
5. World class cuisine
London’s food scene continues to impress. Dishoom is an award-winning Indian-inspired restaurant known for its 1970s Bombay café ambience. The Kensington branch offers regional specials such as Nihari (slow-cooked lamb under a pastry cover with rich gravy) and small plates like Murg Malai and Chicken Ruby. Live music adds to the experience, and booking in advance is advised.
For elevated British cuisine, visit Park Corner Brasserie at Hilton Park Lane with views over Hyde Park. Dishes include lamb cutlets, Dover sole, tandoori chicken and duck. The restaurant also serves Sunday roast and set menus, all overseen by head chef Jean Didier.
Whether you visit during the sunny weeks of August and September or take advantage of strong exchange rates for European travellers, London offers real value. With new exhibitions, rooftop dining, theatre, history and world cuisine, the city stands out as a prime summer destination.
