London is one of the world’s most populous cities. Although it has fallen behind New York City as the world’s most visited city, it is still a global centre of culture, fashion, finance, politics and trade. It’s only fitting that London, as one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, has an abundance of things to do.
It’s simple to get around London, thanks to the Tube, the city’s world-famous underground transportation system. This diverse culture can be found in the city’s public squares, markets, and theatres. Many of London’s most famous tourist attractions, such as Buckingham Palace, can be easily accessed from the city’s numerous public parks.
Below are top tourist attractions of London.
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Trafalgar Square
Lord Horatio Nelson’s victory over the Spanish and French armies in the early nineteenth century gave birth to Trafalgar Square, which is just a short walk from Piccadilly Circus. Nelson’s Column, a 183-foot-tall granite monument, dominates the square.
An ironic tribute to the French cannons that were left behind after the Napoleonic wars is visible from the column. St. Martin-in-the-Fields and St. Martin’s Cathedral are both within walking distance of Trafalgar Square.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace, one of London’s most recognisable landmarks, is well-known around the world. For more than a century now, the Royal Family has lived at Windsor Castle, which was built in 1800s. If the rooftop flag is flying at Buckingham Palace, you can be sure the Queen is inside.
The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is a must-see while in London. Crowds gather at Buckingham Palace at 11:30 every day of the year to watch the procession. Spectacular precision and discipline are on display at the event.
London Eye
The London Eye is a massive, 135-meter-high observation wheel located on the Thames’s bank. It houses 32 glass-walled capsules for visitors to experience the city from above. It provides spectacular views of London’s skyline.
Passengers can walk on and off the moving capsules at ground level because the wheel’s rotation rate is slow enough. Every year, it attracts more than 3.5 million visitors from across the United Kingdom.
Warner Bros. Studio
One of the best things to do in London with kids is a tour of the Warner Brothers Studios. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Harry Potter fans to visit the Wizarding World.
Fans of the books and movies that swept the world will be able to visit the sets from the films. Diagon Alley, the Forbidden Forest, and the Great Hall at Hogwarts are just a few of the many memorable experiences to be had.
The opportunity to charge at Platform 9 and 3/4’s entrance, on the other hand, is unbeatable. You can see the train that was used in many of the movie scenes from this location.
National Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery and London’s National Gallery are among the world’s best art museums. From the 1200s to the 1900s, the museum’s art collection spans seven centuries.
But one of the museum’s best features is its impressive collection of 15th and 16th-century Dutch and Italian art. The likes of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Vincent van Gogh are all represented here.
Houses of Parliament
Houses of Parliament are another popular tourist attraction in London, following the Churchill War Rooms. Big Ben, a 318-foot tall tower, is located just below the parliament, which stretches along the Thames.
For several centuries, the British government has called the Houses of Parliament its permanent residence. Previously, it served as the residence of William the Conqueror at Westminster Palace. In Parliament Square, you’ll find a striking statue of Winston Churchill alongside other prominent political figures, such as Nelson Mandela.
Big Ben
One of London’s most recognisable landmarks, the 150-year-old Big Ben Clock Tower. Sir Benjamin Hall, the man who first ordered the 13-ton bell, is the inspiration for the name “Big Ben,” which refers to the clock tower’s 13-ton bell.
The original 16-ton Big Ben bell cracked irreparably in 1857, prompting the construction of the current one in 1858. For this reason, it has appeared in numerous films as a popular tourist attraction.
Piccadilly Circus
In the heart of London’s financial district, Piccadilly Circus is an instantly recognisable square awash in neon lights and billboards. The major intersection, London’s version of Times Square, has long been an important part of the city’s landscape.
While Piccadilly Circus was once a bustling marketplace in the 17th century, it now serves as a hub for London’s arts and entertainment scene. Many nightclubs and theatres can be found here, but none is more well-known than the Criterion Theatre.
The Statue of Eros is a popular meeting place for locals and is just a short walk from boutique shops, museums, and the Trocadero Houses.
British Museum
The British Museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of antiquities, with more than 13 million artefacts. There are items from ancient Babylonia, Assyria, and early Europe and China among the collection’s many stops.
The vast museum merits a lot of time, but where do you start? The bust of Ramses II, the Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon, and Egyptian mummies and the Rosetta Stone are among the most popular permanent exhibits.
Additionally, there is a substantial bookshop at the British Museum, where you can buy everything from ancient history to souvenirs and exact copies of your favourite exhibits.
Tower of London
The towering Tower of London has served a variety of functions over the course of its long history in London. Over the years, the World Heritage Site has served as an animal sanctuary, a private zoo, and even a treasure vault.
Built in the 11th century, the recognisable tower tells the stories of British history. There are many fascinating displays of royal armour at the Tower of London, including the Crown Jewels and the stories of gruesome executions that took place there. See a world-famous ‘Beefeater’ to round out your adventure.
Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park, which sits on the banks of the Thames, offers some of the best views in the city. In addition to the immaculate modern gardens, the park boasts an impressive collection of 17th century landscaping.
The park’s origins date back to Roman times, more than 500 years ago. Visitors of all ages can enjoy themselves at the park, which features a variety of activities. Summertime brings spectacular blooms to the Rose Garden, and the Greenwich Park Playground is a great place for kids to burn off some energy. The Pavilion Cafe, built in 1906, is a great place to eat lunch.
Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens
Hyde Park, London’s largest urban park, is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Since its inception in 1635, the park has been a popular destination for picnics, special events, and just relaxing under the shade of the trees with a good book or two. Boating and swimming are popular activities at the artificial lake in Hyde Park during the summer months.
Formerly a part of Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens now contains a section dedicated to public art, architecture, and lovely gardens. The Serpentine Galleries, Kensington Palace, and the Albert Memorial are among the most popular attractions.
Natural History Museum
The National History Museum in London is so large that visitors could easily spend an entire day there. Original exhibits remain on display at the architectural wonder which opened its doors in 1754. One of the world’s leading research centres, it houses an impressive collection of fossils, plants and animals.
In total, the Natural History Museum houses around 80 million artefacts, including everything from dinosaur skeletons to specimens collected by Charles Darwin himself. As one of London’s most popular tourist attractions, get there early to avoid the crowds and have more time to explore.
Victoria and Albert Museum
The Victoria and Albert Museum, more commonly referred to as the “V&A,” is located in the Exhibition Road museum district. Along with the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum, it’s a must-see at the V&A.
In total, the museum has 145 galleries for you to peruse. It’ll be difficult to get through such a large number, but it’s worth a shot. 5000 years of history are represented in the museum’s art and artefacts. In addition to artwork, there are period costumes, jewellery, sculptures and prints on display at the exhibition.
Everything is divided up according to the various geological regions in which it is found. With so much to see and do, pick the area you like best and spend as much time as possible there.