London – A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Places to Visit

As the capital of England and the United Kingdom, London is one of the world’s most famous cities and a center for culture, politics, finance, and entertainment. London has a long and storied history that dates back to the Roman Empire. It is a city of immense size, with more than 8 million people living in the Greater London Area, making it the most populous city in Europe.

The city is famous for its iconic landmarks such as the Tower of London, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace. The city is also home to some of the world’s most famous museums, galleries, and parks. London is a vibrant city with numerous attractions to explore and activities to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for culture, history, nightlife, or just a great place to shop, London has something for everyone.

A Brief History of London

The history of London dates back centuries and its origins are steeped in legend. It is believed that the settlement began around 43 AD when the Romans established a military camp called Londinium. It was a major port city and was the capital of Roman Britain.

In 1066, William the Conqueror invaded England and made London his capital. The city flourished during this period and became an important trading centre. During the 18th century, London was home to some of the most influential figures in the world including writers, philosophers, scientists, and politicians.

By the 19th century, London had become a global metropolis with a population of more than two million. The city was home to some of the most famous landmarks in the world such as Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the Tower of London.

Throughout the 20th century, London has continued to grow and evolve. It is now one of the most important cities in the world and a major global financial centre.

London’s Most Popular Attractions

London is home to many iconic attractions and landmarks that draw tourists from all around the world. Here are some of the most popular attractions in London that you should consider adding to your itinerary:

The Tower of London

The Tower of London is one of the most iconic landmarks in London and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. It was built by William the Conqueror in 1078 and served as a royal residence for almost 1000 years. The Tower is now home to the Crown Jewels and other artefacts from British monarchs throughout history. Visitors can explore the towers, ramparts, and courtyards as well as marvel at the impressive displays of jewels, armour, and weaponry.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is one of the most iconic landmarks in London and the official residence of The Queen of England. Since 1837 it has been a symbol of British royalty and is a major tourist attraction in London. Visitors can explore the magnificent State Rooms and Royal Gardens as well as watch the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony on certain days.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is one of London’s most iconic landmarks and an important place of pilgrimage for Christians all around the world. The abbey is also an important royal burial site with many monarchs being laid to rest here over the centuries including Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. Visitors can explore the ancient church and its tombs as well as marvel at its impressive architecture.

The British Museum

The British Museum is one of the world’s most renowned museums and one of London’s most popular tourist attractions. The museum houses an impressive collection of artefacts from around the world including Egyptian mummies, Greek statues, Roman coins, and Chinese porcelain. Visitors can explore its many galleries as well as take part in special exhibitions and events throughout the year.

London Eye

The London Eye is one of London’s most iconic landmarks and offers spectacular views over the city. The giant Ferris wheel was built in 2000 and stands 135 metres tall with 32 capsules offering stunning views over the capital. Visitors can take a ride on the wheel to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over London’s skyline.

Tours To Experience The Best Of London

Exploring London is an unforgettable experience but there are many tours available to help you get the most out of your time in this amazing city. Here are two great tours that you should consider taking:

Big Bus Tour – Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour

Big Bus Tours offers an exciting hop-on hop-off bus tour around some of London’s most famous sites. The tour takes visitors around some of London’s most iconic streets such as Oxford Street, Trafalgar Square, Chinatown, Piccadilly Circus, and more. The tour also allows visitors to disembark at any point during their journey to explore further or take photographs. The tour also includes audio commentary in multiple languages that provides interesting facts about each location as they pass by it. Book a Big Bus Tour here.

Historic Pubs Tour

The Historic Pubs Tour offers visitors an exciting journey through some of London’s oldest pubs and taverns. The tour takes visitors on a tour around some of their oldest pubs such as The George Inn in Southwark, The White Hart in Soho, and The Lamb & Flag in Covent Garden. Guests will learn about each pub’s fascinating history as well as enjoy traditional British food and drinks along the way. Book a Historic Pubs Tour here.

Conclusion

London is an incredible city with so much to explore and discover. From its iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey to its vibrant nightlife and culture, there is something for everyone in this amazing city. Whether you are looking for culture, history, nightlife or just some great shopping opportunities, London has it all! Taking part in one of these tours can help visitors get even more out of their visit to this vibrant city.