Must See Things In London

London is one of the oldest and most historic cities in the world. With a population of over 8.6 million people, it is a cosmopolitan metropolis that has been at the heart of British culture for centuries. It is well known for its grand architecture, majestic parks, world-famous museums, vibrant nightlife, and its eclectic mix of cultures. London is also a key financial center and a top tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year to see its iconic landmarks and experience its unique charm.

Overview of London’s History

London has a long and rich history, stretching back to its earliest known settlements in the Bronze Age. During the Roman period it was named Londinium and was an important trading center. After the fall of the Roman Empire, London quickly grew in size and influence, becoming an important political and cultural hub for the British Isles. In 1066 it was conquered by William the Conqueror and became the seat of the English monarchy. During the Medieval period London was a major economic center, with a bustling port and a thriving market economy. The Great Fire of 1666 destroyed much of the city but it was quickly rebuilt and it soon regained its status as one of the most important cities in Europe.

Famous Landmarks

London is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks. The Tower Bridge is perhaps the most recognizable symbol of London, with its two Gothic towers spanning the River Thames. The Tower of London is another well-known landmark, and the site of many historical events, including the imprisonment of Queen Elizabeth I. Big Ben is probably one of the most photographed landmarks in London, with its clock tower standing tall in the skyline. Buckingham Palace is also a popular landmark, and serves as the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II. Other well-known sites include Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and the London Eye ferris wheel.

Museums and Art Galleries

London is home to some of the world’s best museums and art galleries. The British Museum is perhaps the most famous museum in London, with its extensive collection of artifacts from around the world. Other popular museums include The National Gallery, Tate Modern, The Science Museum, and The Victoria and Albert Museum. There are also many smaller galleries, such as The Courtauld Institute of Art, The Royal Academy of Arts, and The Wallace Collection.

Theatres and Entertainment

London is also renowned for its vibrant theatrical scene, with a wide range of shows from West End musicals to fringe productions. Popular theatres include The Royal National Theatre, The Old Vic, and The Globe Theatre. There are also many smaller theatres throughout the city, such as The Almeida Theatre, Soho Theatre, and The Lyric Theatre. In addition to theatre, London also has a thriving comedy, music and nightlife scene. Popular venues include The O2 Arena and Wembley Stadium for music concerts, and clubs such as Fabric and The Ministry of Sound for late night revelry.

Shopping and Markets

London is also a great city for shopping, with a wide range of stores from luxury designer boutiques to vintage markets. Popular shopping destinations include Oxford Street and Regent Street for high-end shops, Camden Market for vintage clothing, Covent Garden for quirky independent stores, and Portobello Market for antiques.

Example Tour – London City Tour

One popular tour for visitors to London is a city tour that visits some of the city’s top sights. This tour usually starts with a visit to Buckingham Palace, where visitors can see the changing of the guard ceremony and explore the palace gardens. The tour then continues on to Trafalgar Square, Big Ben and Parliament Square before heading to St Paul’s Cathedral for a guided tour inside the building. After this, visitors can cross the famous Tower Bridge and explore the Tower of London before heading to Westminster Abbey for a guided tour. This tour usually includes an open-top bus ride around some of London’s most iconic sights such as Hyde Park Corner, Piccadilly Circus and Regent Street. Visitors can book this London City Tour on Viator for an enjoyable and informative day out in London.

Example Tour – Jack the Ripper Walking Tour

Another popular activity in London is a Jack the Ripper Walking Tour which takes visitors around some of the sites associated with one of London’s most notorious criminals. This tour usually starts with an introduction to Jack the Ripper’s victims before heading to Whitechapel to explore some of the murder sites connected to him such as Buck’s Row and Mitre Square. Visitors will then hear about some of the suspects in the case before heading to Spitalfields to see Christ Church and hear about some of the key witnesses that testified during the case. This tour then ends at The Ten Bells Pub where visitors can learn about some of Jack’s victims that frequented this famous pub before they were murdered. Visitors can book this Jack The Ripper Walking Tour on GetYourGuide for an interesting insight into one of London’s most notorious criminals.

Example Tour – Harry Potter Tour

One popular tour for fans of Harry Potter is a guided walking tour that takes visitors around some of the locations used in the Harry Potter films. This tour usually starts with a trip on the Hogwarts Express at King’s Cross Station before heading to Leadenhall Market which was used as Diagon Alley in the films. Visitors can then explore other locations associated with Harry Potter such as 12 Grimmauld Place and Platform 9 ¾ before heading to St Pancras Station which was used in Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 1. This tour then ends at Borough Market where visitors can explore some of the locations used in Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince before stopping at a nearby pub for some refreshments. Visitors can book this Harry Potter Tour on GetYourGuide for an amazing experience that will make any Harry Potter fan feel like they are truly part of the wizarding world!

Conclusion

London is one of the world’s most iconic cities, offering something for everyone from culture vultures to foodies to nightlife lovers to shopaholics! Whether you are looking to explore some of London’s iconic landmarks or experience its vibrant culture with a city tour or themed walking tour, there is something for everyone! With so much to see and do in London it can be difficult to decide which activities to choose but hopefully this guide has given you some ideas on what you should do when visiting this incredible city!