London is a city of many wonders, with an abundance of attractions that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. From iconic landmarks to cultural hubs and exciting activities – there’s something for everyone in this vibrant metropolis. In this article, we’re rounding up 10 must-see attractions in London that you just can’t miss. Read on to find out which sights should make it onto your itinerary!
Introduction to London
As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, London is a city that has a lot to offer. From its rich history and culture to its exciting nightlife and abundance of things to see and do, there is something for everyone in London.
If you are planning a trip to London, be sure to check out some of these must-see attractions:
The Tower of London: This historic castle has served as a royal palace, a prison, and even an execution site over the centuries. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London, and home to the famous Crown Jewels.
Buckingham Palace: As the official residence of the British monarchy, Buckingham Palace is a must-see for any visitor to London. Be sure to catch a glimpse of the changing of the guard ceremony while you are there.
The Houses of Parliament: Located on the banks of the River Thames, The Houses of Parliament are another iconic London landmark. Take a tour inside to see where British laws are made, or simply admire the architecture from outside.
Westminster Abbey: This beautiful Gothic cathedral is one of the most important religious sites in Britain. It is also where many royal weddings have taken place over the years, including that of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011.
Top 6 Must-See Attractions
- The Tower of London: This historic castle has served as a royal palace, a prison, and even a place of execution over the centuries. Today, it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in London, with its iconic White Tower, Crown Jewels, and Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters).
- Westminster Abbey: This Gothic cathedral is one of the most famous religious sites in the UK. It’s also where many British monarchs have been crowned and buried, including Elizabeth I and Mary Tudor.
- Buckingham Palace: The official residence of the British monarchy since 1837, Buckingham Palace is one of London’s most popular tourist attractions. Visitors can tour the State Rooms (when they’re open to the public), or just admire the exterior of this grand building.
- St. Paul’s Cathedral: Another iconic London cathedral, St. Paul’s was designed by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London in 1666. Its vast dome is one of the most recognizable sights on the London skyline.
- The British Museum: This world-famous museum houses over eight million artifacts from all over the globe, spanning everything from Egyptian mummies to Roman sculptures to Chinese ceramics. It’s one of the largest museums in the world, and admission is free!
- Tate Modern: One of London’s two Tate galleries (the other being Tate Britain), Tate Modern is housed in a former power station on the south bank
10 Must-See Attractions in London That You Just Can’t Miss
– Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the London residence of the British monarch. The Palace is a setting for state occasions and royal hospitality, and has been a major tourist attraction since 1837. Today, Buckingham Palace is open to the public for much of the year, providing visitors with an opportunity to see some of the lavish State Rooms and experience royal ceremonial events.
-Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London. Over a million people visit the Abbey each year. The Abbey is a working church and the coronation church of England. It is also the final resting place of many British monarchs, including King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I.
– Tower of London
The Tower of London is one of the most iconic and well-known landmarks in all of London. This historic castle has served as a royal palace, a prison, and even a zoo! Today, the Tower of London is one of the city’s top tourist attractions, drawing visitors from all over the world.
There is so much to see and do at the Tower of London. Be sure to check out the Crown Jewels, the Yeoman Warders (also known as Beefeaters), and the tower’s resident ravens. You can also take a tour of the tower led by one of the Yeoman Warders.
If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, consider spending a night at the Tower of London! You can stay in one of the historic prisoner cells and get an inside look at what life was like at this legendary castle.
– The Shard
The Shard is a glass skyscraper in London that offers stunning views of the city. Visitors can take the lift to the top of the building and enjoy the views from the observation deck. The Shard is also home to a number of restaurants, bars, and shops.
– Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament – These two world-famous landmarks are located in Westminster, on the banks of the River Thames. Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of Westminster, which is located in the clock tower at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. The Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster, is the meeting place of the British Parliament. Visitors can take a tour of both Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament to learn more about these iconic London landmarks.
– London Eye
The London Eye is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London. Located on the South Bank of the River Thames, the London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel that offers panoramic views of the city. Visitors can buy tickets to ride in one of the 32 capsules, each of which can hold up to 25 people. The London Eye has become an iconic symbol of London, and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Europe.
– St. Paul’s Cathedral
As the tallest building in London for over 300 years, St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most iconic sights in the city. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, the cathedral was built after the Great Fire of London in 1666 and took over 35 years to complete.
Standing at 365 feet tall, the cathedral is home to numerous works of art, including a number of paintings by John Singer Sargent, and its massive dome is one of the most recognizable features on the London skyline. Visitors can explore the interior of St. Paul’s Cathedral for free, although there is a charge to climb to the top of the dome.
– Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is one of the most popular tourist destinations in London. The square is home to Nelson’s Column, which commemorates Admiral Lord Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The square also features two fountains, numerous statues, and the National Gallery.
– British Museum
The British Museum is one of the top tourist attractions in London. It is a large museum that houses many different exhibitions. The most popular exhibition is the Egyptian collection, which features artifacts from ancient Egypt. Other popular exhibitions include the Greek and Roman collections, and the British Library. The British Museum is a must-see for anyone who is interested in history or culture.
– Hyde Park
Hyde Park is one of the largest parks in London and covers a whopping 350 acres. The park is home to a number of iconic landmarks including Kensington Palace, Hyde Park Corner, and the Serpentine Lake. In addition to these landmarks, the park also contains a number of different attractions that are sure to interest visitors. These include the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, the Hyde Park Speakers’ Corner, and the Peter Pan Statue.
Tips for Exploring London on a Budget
If you’re looking to explore London on a budget, there are plenty of tips and tricks you can use to make the most of your trip. Here are a few of our favourites:
- Use public transport – London’s public transport system is one of the best in the world and is a great way to get around the city without spending a lot of money.
- Stay in a hostel or budget hotel – There are plenty of great value accommodation options in London if you’re willing to sacrifice a little bit of luxury.
- Take advantage of free attractions – Many of London’s best attractions are free to enter, so make sure you take advantage of them!
- Find cheap eats – London has no shortage of affordable places to eat, so you’ll never go hungry on a budget trip.
- Shop at markets – Markets are a great place to find bargains on everything from souvenirs to clothes and food.
Conclusion
London has something for everyone, no matter what you are interested in. Whether it’s culture and history or art and entertainment, this city has something that will appeal to all kinds of travelers. We hope our list of the 10 must-see attractions in London was helpful; if you’re planning a trip soon make sure to check them out! With so many sights to see and things to do, London is an amazing place that you’ll never forget.