Exploring London: A Guide to the City’s Best and Most Popular Tourist Attractions

London is a city that draws visitors from all over the world for its rich history, culture, and attractions. It’s no wonder London is one of the most visited cities in the world, and with so many unique things to do and see, it can be hard to choose where to start.

Whether you’re visiting London for the first time or returning for a second look, this guide will help you plan your trip. Here you’ll find an overview of some of London’s best attractions, as well as popular tours that you won’t want to miss.

A Brief History of London

London has been a bustling city since ancient times. The city is believed to have been founded by the Romans in 43 AD and served as their primary port for trade to Europe. By the 11th century, London had become an important political and economic center in England and Europe.

The Great Fire of 1666 destroyed much of the city, but it was quickly rebuilt and became an important global center during the Industrial Revolution. In the 19th century, London was the largest city in the world, with a population of 2.5 million people.

Today, London is one of the most popular cities in the world and one of the most visited by tourists. It’s a modern city with plenty to see and do. Here’s a look at some of the top attractions in London.

Big Ben and Parliament

Big Ben and Parliament are two of London’s best-known landmarks. Located on the banks of the River Thames, Big Ben is one of London’s most iconic sights—it’s a clock tower that stands 315 feet tall and houses a bell that chimes every hour.

Just next door is the Palace of Westminster, home to the Houses of Parliament. Visitors can take a tour of Parliament to learn about its history and view the iconic chamber where debates take place.

Tower Bridge

The Tower Bridge is also located on the Thames and is one of London’s most recognizable landmarks. It’s a bascule bridge—meaning it can be raised to allow ships to pass through—and spans 801 feet across the river. Visitors can take a tour of the bridge, climb to the top for spectacular views of London, or take a trip along the Thames on one of the boats that passes underneath it.

The Tower of London

The Tower of London is one of London’s oldest landmarks and has a long history as a royal fortress, prison, and execution site. Today it’s one of London’s top attractions and is home to the Crown Jewels and a host of other royal artifacts. Visitors can take guided tours of the Tower, as well as take part in special events like “beefeaters’ tours or “raven tours’.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is one of the most important religious buildings in England and has played an important role in British history since 1066. It’s home to some of Britain’s greatest kings and queens, including Queen Elizabeth I and King Henry VIII. Visitors can take guided tours of Westminster Abbey, as well as attend regular services or special events like coronations or royal weddings.

St Paul’s Cathedral

St Paul’s Cathedral is another iconic London landmark located on Ludgate Hill in the City of London. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, it’s one of the most famous churches in the world and has played an important role in British history since its completion in 1710. Visitors can take guided tours of St Paul’s to learn about its history and view its interior, as well as attend services or special events like concerts or lectures.

The British Museum

The British Museum is one of London’s most popular attractions and houses one of the world’s greatest collections of antiquities and artifacts. Visitors can take guided tours of the museum or explore it on their own—there are galleries dedicated to Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, Asia, Africa, and more.

Hyde Park

Hyde Park is one of London’s largest parks and is a great place to relax and enjoy some fresh air. There are plenty of activities to take part in, such as boating on The Serpentine lake, cycling, or horse riding on Rotten Row. Visitors can also explore Kensington Palace Gardens or take a stroll through Speakers Corner—where people have come to deliver speeches since 1872.

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is one of London’s most popular shopping areas with plenty of high-end stores, cafes, restaurants, and street performers to enjoy. It’s also home to some great theatres—perfect for seeing some classic British theatre or modern shows. Covent Garden Market is particularly popular with its range of local artisans selling handmade goods from jewelry to pottery.

Popular Tours in London

London is a great city for those who want to explore its culture and history through guided tours. Here are two popular tours you don’t want to miss when visiting London:

London in One Day Tour

This tour offers visitors an opportunity to explore all that London has to offer in just one day! You’ll be taken on a journey around all the major sites such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge and more! The tour also includes an exclusive guided tour of The Tower Of London where you can learn all about its 2000 years long history! The tour ends with a visit to St Paul’s Cathedral and a walk through Covent Garden before returning back to your hotel at the end of your day. Book a London One Day Tour here.

Jack The Ripper Tour

This tour takes visitors on a journey through some of London’s darkest secrets – including those related to Jack The Ripper! You’ll explore some familiar locations such as Whitechapel where you’ll learn about some related murders that took place during this gruesome period in London’s history. The tour also includes exclusive access inside some abandoned buildings before finishing off with an exploration through some chilling graveyards! Book a Jack The Ripper Tour here.

Conclusion

London is a vibrant city full of fascinating history and incredible sights that you won’t want to miss! From Big Ben to Covent Garden, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city! Be sure to take advantage of guided tours such as the London in One Day Tour and Jack The Ripper Tour for an even more authentic experience!