London is full of world-famous sights that draw millions of visitors every year. In a city that’s almost a thousand years old, there is so much for a visitor to see and do. This is the land of Oliver Twist, Jack the Ripper, Mary Poppins, Peter Pan and so many more tales that live in our memories. To make sure you don’t end up overwhelmed by your London visit, here are the top ten must-see places in London.
1.Buckingham Palace
One of the few remaining royal residences still in use, this grand palace sits at the end of an elegant street known as Pall Mall. Twice a day, a magnificent parade of mounted soldiers trots down the Mall for the Changing of the Guards ceremony, one of London’s best attractions. Go early to get a good spot and gaze up at the Palace – perhaps you’ll spot the Queen waving a regal hand.
2.Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
Just next to the palace, these gardens make for a perfect afternoon out, especially if you’re staying in a nearby hotel. London’s Hyde Park is a wide expanse of soft green lawns and little woods where squirrels, rabbits and falcons hide, while Kensington Gardens is home to a statue of its most famous resident, Peter Pan. Stroll along the Serpentine and admire the snow-white swans.
3.British Museum
Located in central London, this is arguably the best of London’s free museums and it would take days or even weeks to see it in its entirety. Choose your favourite gallery (the Ancient Egyptian one is a popular pick) and wander thousands of years back in time.
4.Oxford Street
Beginning at Marble Arch on the border of Bayswater, this famous street is lined with shops for everything you could possibly want to buy. It’s an especially great place to go for clothes, shoes and accessories. The best time to go is on a weekday during spring or autumn – in peak times, Oxford Street gets extremely busy and after half an hour you’ll want to retreat to your cosy hotel near London’s Hyde Park.
5.The Tower of London
This ancient structure dates back to the 1100s, though most of it is not quite that ancient. Take a tour and learn all about London’s long and grisly history, as well as seeing the world-famous Crown Jewels. While you’re there, take a stroll across Tower Bridge’s new glass walkway, high above the Thames, for a great view of the bridge and the river.
6.The Houses of Parliament
These majestic golden buildings are the reason for Big Ben, the famous clock tower that appears on every image of London the world over. Snap a photo from Westminster Bridge before heading inside for a guided tour of these centuries-old buildings. Prepare to be amazed.
7.Little Venice
Easily reached from Queensway Station in Bayswater, this pretty stretch of canal is a great place for a relaxing stroll followed by a proper British Sunday lunch of roast beef, Yorkshire pudding and roast potatoes. Gaze at the brightly coloured canal boats and dream of the carefree lives their inhabitants must be living…then again, you’re on holiday, so your own life is pretty enviable, too.
8.The Shard
The tallest building in Western Europe (for now), the Shard offers the best views in London by day or night. Buy a ticket to the top for an experience you’ll never forget.
9.Greenwich Observatory
Not only does this hill boast some equally impressive views, but it also gives you the chance to stand on the line that marks GMT 0 – the start of Greenwich Mean Time. By night, a green laser lights the way.
10.Piccadilly Circus
Right in London’s heart, this is absolutely a must-see for first-time visitors to London. Snap a photo, or several dozen – this is London’s answer to Times Square.
1.Buckingham Palace
One of the few remaining royal residences still in use, this grand palace sits at the end of an elegant street known as Pall Mall. Twice a day, a magnificent parade of mounted soldiers trots down the Mall for the Changing of the Guards ceremony, one of London’s best attractions. Go early to get a good spot and gaze up at the Palace – perhaps you’ll spot the Queen waving a regal hand.
2.Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
Just next to the palace, these gardens make for a perfect afternoon out, especially if you’re staying in a nearby hotel. London’s Hyde Park is a wide expanse of soft green lawns and little woods where squirrels, rabbits and falcons hide, while Kensington Gardens is home to a statue of its most famous resident, Peter Pan. Stroll along the Serpentine and admire the snow-white swans.
3.British Museum
Located in central London, this is arguably the best of London’s free museums and it would take days or even weeks to see it in its entirety. Choose your favourite gallery (the Ancient Egyptian one is a popular pick) and wander thousands of years back in time.
4.Oxford Street
Beginning at Marble Arch on the border of Bayswater, this famous street is lined with shops for everything you could possibly want to buy. It’s an especially great place to go for clothes, shoes and accessories. The best time to go is on a weekday during spring or autumn – in peak times, Oxford Street gets extremely busy and after half an hour you’ll want to retreat to your cosy hotel near London’s Hyde Park.
5.The Tower of London
This ancient structure dates back to the 1100s, though most of it is not quite that ancient. Take a tour and learn all about London’s long and grisly history, as well as seeing the world-famous Crown Jewels. While you’re there, take a stroll across Tower Bridge’s new glass walkway, high above the Thames, for a great view of the bridge and the river.
6.The Houses of Parliament
These majestic golden buildings are the reason for Big Ben, the famous clock tower that appears on every image of London the world over. Snap a photo from Westminster Bridge before heading inside for a guided tour of these centuries-old buildings. Prepare to be amazed.
7.Little Venice
Easily reached from Queensway Station in Bayswater, this pretty stretch of canal is a great place for a relaxing stroll followed by a proper British Sunday lunch of roast beef, Yorkshire pudding and roast potatoes. Gaze at the brightly coloured canal boats and dream of the carefree lives their inhabitants must be living…then again, you’re on holiday, so your own life is pretty enviable, too.
8.The Shard
The tallest building in Western Europe (for now), the Shard offers the best views in London by day or night. Buy a ticket to the top for an experience you’ll never forget.
9.Greenwich Observatory
Not only does this hill boast some equally impressive views, but it also gives you the chance to stand on the line that marks GMT 0 – the start of Greenwich Mean Time. By night, a green laser lights the way.
10.Piccadilly Circus
Right in London’s heart, this is absolutely a must-see for first-time visitors to London. Snap a photo, or several dozen – this is London’s answer to Times Square.
