London Attraction Tickets – A City Guide for Tourists Visiting for the First Time

London is one of the world’s most iconic cities, and it is also one of the most visited. With its rich history, incredible sights, and vast cultural offerings, London has something for everyone. From the historic Tower of London to modern attractions like the London Eye, there are endless options for sightseeing and entertainment in this vibrant city.

When visiting London, one of the best ways to maximize your time and budget is to purchase attraction tickets in advance. Whether you’re looking to explore all of London’s top attractions or just visit a few of the city’s most popular sites, advance tickets can help ensure you get the most out of your trip.

History of London

London has been a major city since at least Roman times. In 43 AD, the Romans established a settlement near the Thames river which would eventually become London. Over the centuries, London has grown into a major trading hub, a seat of government, and a financial center. In 1666, a great fire swept through the city, destroying much of it. The city was rebuilt, bigger and better than before, and it remains one of the most iconic cities in the world today.

Today, London is home to over 8.9 million people, making it one of the most populous cities in Europe. It is also one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, with immigrants from all over the globe making their home here. London is known for its historical sites, such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London, as well as its modern attractions like the London Eye and the Shard. Its museums and galleries are some of the best in the world, and its nightlife is second to none.

Popular Attractions in London

London is packed with attractions for tourists to explore. From historical sites to modern marvels, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant city. Some of the top attractions in London include:

Tower of London

The Tower of London is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Built in 1066 by William the Conqueror, it has served as a fortress, a prison and even a zoo over the centuries. Nowadays, it is one of the city’s top tourist attractions. Visitors can explore its winding corridors and learn about its dark history as they take a tour with a knowledgeable Yeoman Warder (Beefeater).

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has served as the official residence of Britain’s monarchs since 1837. Visitors can take a tour of its beautiful state rooms and gardens, as well as view the Changing of the Guard ceremony every day at 11:30AM.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is one of London’s most iconic sites. Built in 1065, it has served as a royal church and the final resting place for some of Britain’s most famous monarchs. Visitors can explore its rich history and marvel at its stunning Gothic architecture as they take a guided tour.

London Eye

The London Eye is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Located on the banks of the River Thames, it offers spectacular views of London from its iconic ferris wheel. Visitors can board a capsule and enjoy a leisurely 30-minute ride as they take in views of Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and more.

The Shard

The Shard is one of London’s newest attractions. Standing at 1,016 feet tall, it is Europe’s tallest building and offers incredible panoramic views from its viewing platform located on floors 68-72.

London Attraction Tickets

When planning your trip to London, one of the best ways to maximize your time and budget is to purchase attraction tickets in advance. Advance tickets allow you to skip lines and save money on admission fees. They also enable you to make reservations or secure access at some of the city’s most popular attractions. Here are some tips for getting attraction tickets in London:

• Book online. Many attractions offer online booking so you can purchase tickets before you even arrive in London. This is especially helpful if you know which attractions you want to visit ahead of time.
• Look for discounts. Some attractions offer discounts if you purchase multiple tickets or if you purchase tickets through certain websites or companies.
• Consider combo tickets. Combo tickets offer discounted rates on multiple attractions and are often cheaper than purchasing individual tickets.
• Take advantage of freebies. Some attractions offer free admission on certain days or at certain times.
• Book a tour. Tours are a great way to see multiple attractions in one day without having to worry about transportation or planning your own itinerary.

Example Tour – British History Tour of London

For those looking for a comprehensive tour of London’s most famous landmarks, we recommend a British History Tour. This 3-hour tour takes visitors on a journey through London’s past, from its Roman origins to its present-day status as a global center of culture and innovation. The tour includes stops at several popular sites including the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and more. Guests will learn about British history from knowledgeable guides as they visit iconic sites with breathtaking views.

The tour lasts 3 hours and departs daily at 9am from central London. Tickets are £45 per person and must be booked in advance here.

Example Tour – Evening Thames Cruise

For those looking for an evening adventure with sweeping views of London’s skyline, we recommend an Evening Thames Cruise. This 2-hour cruise departs daily at 7pm from Tower Pier in central London and takes guests on a leisurely journey down the Thames river past some of London’s most famous landmarks including Big Ben, The Shard and The London Eye. Enjoy dinner and drinks on board as you admire illuminated views of the city from your cruise ship’s upper deck or relax in the lower lounge during your journey downriver from Tower Bridge to Greenwich.

Tickets are £40 per person and must be booked in advance here.

Example Tour – Jack the Ripper Walking Tour

For those looking for something a bit more macabre during their visit to London, we recommend the Jack The Ripper Walking Tour. This 2-hour walking tour takes visitors through some of London’s darker history as they explore Whitechapel on foot and learn about Jack The Ripper’s infamous crimes that took place in this area during the late 19th century. The tour includes stops at various locations related to Jack The Ripper including murder scenes and locations where victims were last seen alive.

The tour lasts 2 hours and departs daily at 7:30pm from Tower Hill Tube Station in East London. Tickets are £25 per person and must be booked in advance here.

Conclusion

When planning your trip to London, purchasing attraction tickets in advance is one of the best ways to save time and money while exploring all that this vibrant city has to offer. Whether you’re looking for an exploration of British history, an evening cruise down the Thames or something more sinister like a Jack The Ripper walking tour, there are countless ways to experience all that London has to offer with attraction tickets purchased ahead of time. With so much to explore in this iconic city, advance planning can help ensure you get the most out of your trip to London!