London is one of the most popular and diverse cities in the world, with something for everyone. Whether you are interested in history, culture, art, science, or entertainment, you will find plenty of attractions to enjoy in this amazing city. In this blog post, we will show you 10 best things to see in London, based on our exciting trips to this wonderful destination. We will also give you some more suggestions at the end of the post, so make sure to read till the end. And don’t forget to like this post and subscribe to our blog for more travel tips and inspiration.
1. Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks of London, crossing the River Thames and connecting the two sides of the city. It was built at the end of the 19th century, and it features a stunning Victorian Gothic design. You can take a boat ride that goes under the Tower Bridge for a full experience, or you can walk across the bridge and enjoy the views of the river and the city. Don’t miss the two very important attractions nearby: the historic castle Tower of London from the 11th century, where you can see the Crown Jewels and learn about the history of the monarchy, and the remains of the Roman Wall that was probably built in the 3rd century, which shows the ancient origins of London.
2. Camden Town
Camden Town is a vibrant and colorful neighborhood in north London, famous for its alternative culture and street art. This former industrial area has been transformed into a hub of creativity and diversity, with service industries such as retail, tourism, and entertainment. The area hosts street markets and music venues, where you can find anything from vintage clothes and antiques to ethnic food and live music. Don’t forget to visit the amazing Camden Market, where you can browse through hundreds of stalls and shops, and the Cyberdog store, with futuristic fashion, club wear, rave clothes, and live dancers inside the shop.
3. Museums
London is full of amazing museums, and most of them are free. You can spend hours or even days exploring the rich collections and exhibitions of these cultural institutions, covering various topics and fields of knowledge. You can start with The British Museum, which is dedicated to human history, art, and culture, and displays millions of artifacts from all over the world, such as the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures, and the mummies of ancient Egypt. Don’t miss the Natural History Museum, which exhibits a vast range of specimens from various segments of natural history, such as dinosaurs, fossils, animals, plants, and minerals. Just around the corner, there is the Science Museum, which is a great place to see, touch, and experience science first-hand, with interactive exhibits, galleries, and shows. You can check the description box for the link to all free museums in London.
4. Big Ben and Palace of Westminster
Big Ben is a British cultural icon, and one of the most recognizable symbols of London. It is the nickname of the Great Bell of the clock tower at the north end of the Palace of Westminster, which is the seat of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. The official name of the tower in which Big Ben is located was originally the Clock Tower, but it was renamed as Elizabeth Tower in 2012, to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. Unfortunately, Big Ben is being renovated and will not be completed for a couple more years, so you won’t be able to hear its famous chimes or see its clock face. However, you can still admire the architecture of the Palace of Westminster, which is a stunning example of Gothic Revival style, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A few steps away, there is also an impressive Gothic church, Westminster Abbey, where many royal weddings, coronations, and burials have taken place.
5. London Eye
The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, overlooking Big Ben and Westminster. It is one of the most popular attractions in London, and a great way to enjoy a panoramic view of the city. When it opened to the public in 2000, it was the world’s tallest Ferris wheel, and it still remains the tallest in Europe. The structure is 135 m (443 ft) tall, and the wheel has a diameter of 120 m (394 ft). Each rotation takes about 30 minutes, and you can see up to 40 km (25 miles) on a clear day. You can also book a private capsule or a special experience, such as champagne, chocolate, or afternoon tea.
6. Little Venice
Little Venice is a charming neighborhood in west London, centered on an area of decorative houseboats and a partly tree-lined, three-way junction of canals. It is a peaceful and picturesque oasis in the busy city, where you can enjoy a relaxing walk along the waterways, or take a boat trip to explore the surroundings. Little Venice is one of London’s prime residential areas, and it contains restaurants, shops, theatres, and pubs. Definitely a refreshing sight and something you do not expect to see in London.
7. Hyde Park
Hyde Park is London’s main park, and one of the largest and most famous in the world. It covers 142 hectares (350 acres) of land, and it offers both world-class events and concerts, together with plenty of quiet places to relax. You can enjoy a picnic, a bike ride, a swim, or a boat ride in the park, or visit some of the attractions within it, such as the Serpentine Lake, the Diana Memorial Fountain, the Speakers’ Corner, or the Marble Arch. Hyde Park is also home to many statues and monuments, such as the Albert Memorial, the Wellington Arch, and the Achilles Statue.
8. Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus is a road junction and public space of London’s West End, in the City of Westminster. It was built in 1819, to connect Regent Street with Piccadilly, two of the main shopping streets in London. It was named after a house belonging to a tailor famous for selling piccadills or piccadillies, a term used for various kinds of collars. The Circus is particularly known for its video display and neon signs mounted on the corner of the building, which have been a prominent feature since the early 20th century. The Circus is also a popular meeting point and a tourist attraction, with many shops, theatres, and restaurants nearby. We suggest to also visit it by night, when the lights are more dazzling and the atmosphere is more lively.
9. Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the most iconic royal building in the country, and the official London residence of Her Majesty the Queen. It is one of only a few working royal palaces left in the world, and it serves as the venue for many state and ceremonial occasions. The palace has 775 rooms, including 19 state rooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms. You can visit some of the state rooms during the summer, when the palace is open to the public, and see some of the treasures from the Royal Collection, such as paintings, sculptures, furniture, and porcelain. Don’t miss the iconic ceremony of Changing the Guard, also known as Guard Mounting, carried out by soldiers on active duty from the Foot Guards, who have guarded the Sovereign and the Royal Palaces since 1660. The ceremony takes place daily at 11:00 am from April to July, and on alternate days for the rest of the year, weather permitting. Check the description box for the link to the updated guard mounting timetable.
10. Harrods
Harrods is a luxury department store located on Brompton Road in Knightsbridge, and one of the most famous and prestigious shopping destinations in the world. It was founded in 1849 by Charles Henry Harrod, and it has grown to occupy a 20,000 m2 (5-acre) site with 330 departments. You can find anything you can imagine in Harrods, from fashion and accessories, to beauty and fragrance, to food and wine, to furniture and homeware, to toys and souvenirs. Harrods is also known for its elaborate and extravagant window displays, especially during Christmas, when the whole store is illuminated with festive lights.
More Suggestions
These are our top 10 picks for the best things to see in London, but there are many more attractions and activities to enjoy in this amazing city. Here are some more suggestions for you:
- Visit the Tower of London and see the Crown Jewels
- Watch a musical or a play in the West End
- Explore the street art and graffiti in Shoreditch
- Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at a fancy hotel
- Ride a double-decker bus or a black cab
- Visit the Harry Potter Studio Tour and see the sets and props from the movies
- Shop at Oxford Street, Covent Garden, or Carnaby Street
- See the street performers and artists at Covent Garden
- Visit the London Zoo and see the animals
- Take a day trip to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, or Bath
We hope you enjoyed this blog post and found it useful for planning your trip to London. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. And don’t forget to like this post and subscribe to our blog for more travel tips and inspiration. Happy travels!
