Best Tourist Spots in London

London is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It is a vibrant and exciting city that is steeped in history and culture. It is home to some of the world’s most famous landmarks, such as the London Eye and Tower Bridge, as well as being a major centre for shopping, business, and entertainment. With so much to see and do, it can be difficult to know where to start when planning a trip to London. This guide will help you discover the best tourist spots in London, so that you can make the most of your time in the capital.

History of London

London has a long and fascinating history that dates back to Roman times. It was founded in the year 43AD by the Romans under the rule of Emperor Claudius and was known as Londinium. The city was an important trading port for centuries and flourished under the rule of the Normans. In the medieval period, London was the largest city in Europe and was home to some of the most influential people in Britain. During the 1600s, London experienced a period of rapid growth and development, which saw the construction of many iconic buildings such as St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. The city was heavily bombed during the Second World War, but was rebuilt in the years that followed.

Today, London is one of the most visited cities in Europe and is home to more than 8 million people. It is a vibrant and cosmopolitan capital city that is home to some of the best restaurants, theatres, and galleries in the world. It is renowned for its cultural diversity and unique architecture and is an exciting place to visit.

What to Do in London

London has something for everyone and there are plenty of exciting activities and sights to explore. Whether you are looking for culture, history, or entertainment, there is something for everyone in London. Here are some of the most popular things to do in London:

Visit a Museum

London has some of the best museums in the world, from traditional art galleries such as the National Gallery and Tate Modern, to more unusual spots such as the Churchill War Rooms and Sherlock Holmes Museum. Many of these museums are free to visit, so it’s a great way to get a taste of London’s culture without breaking the bank.

Take a Tour

London is full of incredible sights and landmarks and taking a tour is one of the best ways to explore them. Whether you want to take an open-top bus tour or book an organized walking tour, there are plenty of options available. There are also many specialist tours available, such as Jack The Ripper tours and themed walking tours.

Explore the Markets

London’s markets are some of the best in the world, offering a unique shopping experience. From the bustling stalls at Camden Market to the antiques at Portobello Road Market, there is something for everyone.

Experience the Nightlife

London has one of the best nightlife scenes in Europe and there are plenty of bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants to explore. From cool rooftop bars to basement clubs, London has something for everyone.

The Best Tourist Spots in London

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is one of London’s most iconic landmarks and it is a must-visit for any first-time visitors. The bridge was built over 100 years ago and is a symbol of London’s history and culture. It is a Grade I listed building and its two towers are connected by two high-level walkways, which offer stunning views over the river Thames. You can also take a guided tour of the bridge’s towers and engine rooms or visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition, which showcases its history and construction.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is one of London’s most iconic sights and it is an essential stop on any tourist’s itinerary. Built in 1703, it is the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II and it is open to visitors during the summer months. You can explore its beautiful State Rooms as well as its vast gardens, which are home to a variety of plants, sculptures and birds.

The London Eye

The London Eye is one of London’s most popular tourist attractions and it offers stunning views over the city from its 135-metre-high observation wheel. You can book tickets for a standard 30-minute ride or opt for a VIP experience, which includes a private capsule with champagne and snacks. The London Eye also hosts special events throughout the year, such as light shows, cocktail classes and live music performances.

St Paul’s Cathedral

St Paul’s Cathedral is an iconic landmark in London and it has been standing proudly since 1675. The cathedral has an impressive dome that dominates the skyline and its interior is just as impressive with its grand staircases, mosaics and grand organ. You can take a guided tour of the cathedral or attend one of its daily services.

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is a vibrant area in London’s West End that is popular with visitors and locals alike. Its cobblestone streets are filled with bustling markets and shops selling everything from antiques to organic food. There are also plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants to explore as well as street performers providing entertainment throughout the day.

Popular Tours in London

The Original Tour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

The Original Tour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour is one of the most popular ways to explore London’s sights. This hop-on hop-off tour offers seven different routes that cover all the major attractions in central London including Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, Kensington Palace and many more. Each bus has an audio commentary about each attraction so you can learn about them as you go along. The buses also have free Wi-Fi so you can research what you have seen or plan your next destination while on board. You can purchase tickets for one day or multiple days depending on how long you want to explore for.

South Bank River Thames Cruise

The South Bank River Thames Cruise is a great way to explore London from the water. It takes you from Embankment Pier all the way up to Greenwich where you get stunning views of some of London’s most iconic landmarks including St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Big Ben and more. On board you can enjoy live commentary about each landmark with additional audio guides available in French, Spanish, German, Italian and Mandarin Chinese. The cruise also includes complimentary tea & coffee as well as light snacks available for purchase on board. Tickets are available for purchase online or at any one of their three ticket offices located at Embankment Pier, Tower Pier or Greenwich Pier.

Conclusion

London is one of Europe’s most exciting cities and it is full of incredible sites and attractions that are sure to make your trip memorable. From iconic landmarks such as Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace to bustling markets like Covent Garden, there are plenty of things to see and do in London that will satisfy all tastes. If you’re looking for even more ways to explore this amazing city then why not try one of London’s popular tours such as The Original Tour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour or South Bank River Thames Cruise? With so much to see and do in London you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable trip!