London Things To See: A Comprehensive Guide For First Time Visitors

London is one of the most visited cities in the world, known for its rich and diverse culture, world-famous attractions, and bustling nightlife. The city’s long history stretches back to the Roman times when it was known as Londinium, making it one of the oldest major cities in the world. Today, London is the vibrant capital of the United Kingdom and a major global hub for culture, politics, business, entertainment, and education.

London is a fantastic place to visit, offering something for everyone. From its iconic landmarks and stunning architecture, to its renowned museums and galleries, London is a city that is truly packed with exciting things to do and see. Whether you’re looking for something educational, cultural, or just downright fun, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy in this incredible city. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best things to see and do in London on your first visit.

History of London

London has a long and fascinating history that dates back over two thousand years. The city was first founded by the Romans in 43 AD as a major settlement known as Londinium. As the Romans expanded their empire, London quickly grew into an important port city and trading hub. Following the Roman period, London continued to grow and develop into an important center for trade and commerce. By the late medieval period, London was one of the largest cities in Europe, with a population estimated at around 200,000 people.

During the Tudor period, London was transformed into a bustling center of culture and politics. This period saw the construction of many iconic landmarks such as Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London. In 1666, the Great Fire of London destroyed much of the city but it was quickly rebuilt and continued to grow in prosperity during the 18th century. By the 19th century, London had become a major metropolis with a population nearing three million people. It was during this time that many of London’s most iconic buildings were constructed such as Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.

Today, London is home to around nine million people making it one the most populous cities in Europe. It’s also one of the most visited cities in the world, with over 30 million visitors per year. As an important business and cultural hub, London offers something for everyone from its stunning architecture to its world-famous museums and galleries.

Things To Do In London

London is packed with exciting things to see and do for visitors of all ages. From iconic landmarks to stunning architecture to world-renowned museums and galleries, there’s something for everyone in this incredible city. Here are some of the best things to do in London on your first visit:

Explore Iconic Landmarks

No trip to London would be complete without a visit to its iconic landmarks. From Buckingham Palace to Big Ben to Tower Bridge, there are plenty of iconic sights to explore in London. Make sure to take your time when exploring these iconic landmarks as they have a long and fascinating history which is truly worth discovering.

Visit Famous Museums

London is home to some of the world’s most famous museums and galleries. From the British Museum to the National Gallery to the Tate Modern, there’s something for everyone in the city’s renowned art collections. Make sure to allow plenty of time to explore these amazing places as they offer something truly unique and inspiring.

Experience The Nightlife

London is renowned for its vibrant nightlife with plenty of bars, clubs, pubs, and live music venues to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a quiet drink or an all-night dance party, you’ll find plenty of places to enjoy in this incredible city. Make sure to take some time to explore London’s vibrant nightlife and experience it for yourself.

Take A Boat Trip Along The Thames

The River Thames is one of London’s most iconic sights, offering stunning views of the city skyline on both sides. Take a boat trip along the river and experience this incredible city from an entirely different perspective. You can also stop off at some of London’s most famous sights such as Westminster Bridge or Tower Bridge along the way.

Shop On Oxford Street

Oxford Street is one of London’s most famous shopping streets with over 300 stores offering just about anything you can think of. Whether you’re looking for designer fashion or unique gifts, Oxford Street has something for everyone with its lively atmosphere and great selection of shops. Make sure to allow plenty of time when visiting Oxford Street as it can get very busy during peak hours.

Popular Tours

London has many popular tours for visitors to choose from which offer a great way to explore the city in depth. Here are two popular tours that you can book online:

London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

The London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour is a great way to explore all that London has to offer in one day. This tour takes you around all the major sights including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and more so you can get a feel for this amazing city. With multilingual audio guides available in 10 languages, you’ll be able to learn about the history and culture of each sight as you go around them on this tour. Book a London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour here.

London Sightseeing Walking Tour

The London Sightseeing Walking Tour is a great way to get up close and personal with some of London’s most iconic sights. This tour takes you around some of London’s most famous sights including Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square, and more so you can learn about their history while getting some exercise at the same time! With an experienced guide available to answer any questions you may have along the way, this tour is perfect for those who want an in-depth look at this amazing city. Book a London Sightseeing Walking Tour here.

Conclusion

London is a fantastic place to visit with something for everyone from its iconic landmarks and stunning architecture, to its renowned museums and galleries. Whether you’re looking for something educational or cultural or just plain fun there’s plenty to keep you busy in this incredible city. With so many things to see and do on your first visit make sure to allow plenty of time so that you can experience all that this amazing city has to offer!