10 Best Things to Do for Couples in London

St Paul’s Cathedral, designed by Christopher Wren, has been a much-loved London landmark for over 300 years. Its magnificent dome and splendid interior make this one of the city’s most impressive buildings.

The iconic Whispering Gallery is a must-do for couples on a romantic trip to London. Climb the 259 steps and you’ll reach a walkway which wraps around the inside of the cathedral’s dome. Speak softly into its wall. Sound waves travel around its circumference enabling your partner to hear you from the opposite side.

Little Venice in London is known for its pretty waterways and quirky cafés. It’s hard to believe that somewhere so serene and tranquil can be so close to busy neighbourhoods like Camden and Paddington. It truly is an oasis of calm in this sometimes-frenetic city.

That makes Little Venice the perfect place to take a romantic stroll while you imagine what life might be like if you lived in one of the elegant townhouses that flank the canals. A couple of boat operators run tours at the confluence of the Grand Union and Regent’s canals. During a relaxing boat ride, savor the moment and talk without distractions.

The Shard topped out in 2012 and since then this breathtaking skyscraper has won the hearts of Londoners and visitors alike. Treat yourselves to the astonishing panorama from the viewing platforms on the 69th and 72nd floors – on a bright day, you can see for 40 miles across the capital and beyond.

If you’re looking to splurge, upgrade from standard tickets to prestige packages which include exclusive use of the space, champagne, chocolates, and a delightful floral bouquet. Rose petals and candles create a romantic ambience for that special occasion.

The London Eye was originally to be a temporary attraction to coincide with the UK capital’s Millenium celebrations. But it proved so popular that it never closed, and it’s been there ever since. Located on the Thames's South Bank, it overlooks Westminster and the Houses of Parliament.

For a memorable couple’s experience, book a private pod of the London Eye. Nicknamed “Cupid’s Capsules”, you’d hardly find a more romantic setting if you’re keen to impress a significant other, particularly as the sun sets and lights illuminate London’s most recognizable landmarks.

Hyde Park is the second-largest of the Royal Parks in Central London. The 142-ha space is home to the Serpentine, a beautiful lake created on the instructions of Queen Caroline in 1730.

A bridge has bisected the lake since the 1820s, dividing it into 2 separate bodies of water. There are also 2 boathouses – the East Boat House is the older of the 2, erected in 1903 by the Royal Humane Society. During summer, hire a pedalo or rowboat. If that’s too much effort, the larger SolarShuttle glides across to the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain. This honoring site is on the south side of the Serpentine.

Hampstead Heath is an ancient area of heathland found on a lofty ridge which offers one of the best vantage points overlooking the city. Within its 320-ha premise, you’ll find grassy meadows and shady woodland, as well as natural ponds where you can swim in.

One of the best reasons to hike up Parliament Hill, the name given to the south-eastern part of Hampstead Heath, is the view. Grab provisions from delis and bakeries in the High Street and enjoy a picnic for the full experience. On the way back down, stop off at the Holly Bush, a historic and haunted pub where you can cozy up beside a roaring log fire.

The Royal Observatory is accessible via a lovely walk through Greenwich Park. A good reason to detour to this corner of the capital is that this site is set high on a hill, where the prestigious observatory played a big part in developing our understanding of astronomy and navigation.

Another reason is for grabbing your couple’s selfie while straddling the Greenwich Meridian. There’s a brass strip on the floor to mark this particularly important line of longitude. But if you’re looking to score top marks for romance, time your visit to coincide with one of the observatory’s occasional stargazing sessions or special Valentine’s Day programs if you visit in February.

Thames RIB offers thrilling, high-speed cruises down the River Thames. Most people consider dinner cruises as the most intimate kind of boat trip, but how about an exciting ride that can surprisingly turn out to be even more romantic? A couple of companies run RIB experiences on the Thames, and they’re designed to get couples’ adrenaline running.

You and your partner will enjoy the fun commentary as well as the chance to cuddle up close as they try to dodge the water that splashes over the side. It’s a high-octane ride, but one which will leave the pair of you grinning from ear to ear and holding each other tightly as you uniquely experience London’s riverside landmarks.

The Emirates Airline is a aerial cableway ride across the Thames which connects the Royal Docks with the Greenwich peninsula. In this romantic ride for couples, you’ll both have a bird’s eye view over East London and the City taking in this impressive modern cityscape featuring the distinctive O₂ and the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf. It’s the best value attraction in London. Just tap your Oyster card as you would on the Tube and you’re good to go.

It’s also the highest observation point over the river and is especially spectacular at night when London glitters under artificial lights. Catch your flight after 7 pm when operators slow the aerial cableway down a little, giving you extra time to take in the view together.

The Royal Opera House is London's premier venue for opera, attracting top performers for productions that use lavish sets. It’s in buzzing Covent Garden, right in the heart of the capital’s theatreland. The area is among the most vibrant neighbourhoods for after-dinner entertainment.

Catch a performance and share the powerful emotions stirred up by among history’s most popular operas, written by composers such as Puccini, Mozart, Verdi, and Rossini. The Royal Opera House is also known for its magical ballet productions which marry grace with skill. The shared experience of watching a live performance in a historic venue such as this promises an inspiring evening for a special date night in London.