Watch the guards change at Buckingham Palace

Without catching a sight of what the Royals are doing, a visit to the city's capital would be incomplete. Watching the Changing of the Guard, an ancient custom that involves famous regiments changing shifts outside Buckingham Palace, is the simplest way to experience a little bit of royal ceremonial. Of course, it is one of the Best Things to Do in London. If you want a good view, get there early (it starts at 11am, but unless you're particularly tall, you should be there by 10:15). If you still have a hankering, you can see the palace while the Queen is on vacation in Scotland in the months of August and September.

Buckingham Palace, which was originally constructed in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham before being bought by King George III, has served as the Royal Family's London residence since Queen Victoria moved there in 1837. A tour allows guests to see the magnificent gardens and see the State Rooms, which make up just 19 of the palace's 775 rooms.