Popular Tourist Attractions in London

London is one of the oldest and most visited cities in the world. The vibrant and diverse city is home to more than 8 million people, making it the most populous city in the United Kingdom, and the world’s second most visited city. It boasts a rich history, with a legacy that can be traced back to Roman times, and a modern-day culture that mixes the best of the old and new. From iconic landmarks to bustling markets, world-class theatre to natural green spaces, there are countless attractions that make London one of the most exciting cities to visit.

If you’re planning your first trip to London, then you’re in for a real treat. To help you plan your vacation, here is a comprehensive guide to some of the most popular tourist attractions in London.

Historic Landmarks

London is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, from ancient castles and cathedrals to modern monuments. Here are some of the most popular historic landmarks to explore during your visit:

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is one of London’s most iconic landmarks and has been the official residence of the British monarchy since 1837. It is an impressive building with 775 rooms and 19 state rooms, including the grand ballroom and Throne Room. During summer months, visitors can take a tour of the palace, explore the State Rooms and see the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Tower of London

The Tower of London is one of London’s oldest and best-known buildings. This ancient castle was built by William the Conqueror in 1078, and has been a royal palace, prison and fortress over the centuries. Today, the Tower of London is a popular tourist attraction, where visitors can explore the castle walls, see ancient armour and weapons, and learn about its colourful history.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is an iconic Gothic cathedral dedicated to St Peter at Westminster in London. It is also a royal church and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can explore the ancient cloisters and chapels, as well as marvel at the beautiful architecture inside this magnificent building. It is also home to the tombs of many English monarchs and British greats, including Charles Darwin and Isaac Newton.

Markets & Shopping

London is well-known for its bustling markets and lively shopping streets. Here are some of the city’s most popular markets and shopping destinations:

Borough Market

Borough Market is one of London’s oldest and largest food markets. Located in Southwark, it has been operating since 1756 and offers a wide range of fresh produce, from artisan cheeses and charcuterie to craft beers and organic wines. Borough Market is also home to many street food stalls serving up delicious dishes from around the world. It is open seven days a week from 10am-5pm.

Camden Market

Camden Market is one of London’s most popular markets for fashion and vintage clothing. Located in north London, Camden Market has been a popular destination for shoppers since 1974. It boasts over 1,000 shops selling everything from vintage clothing to handmade crafts and original artworks. It is open seven days a week from 10am-6pm.

Oxford Street

Oxford Street is one of London’s most famous shopping streets with over 300 stores, including major chains like John Lewis, Topshop and Marks & Spencer. The street is filled with shoppers all day long, offering an exciting shopping experience. Oxford Street is also home to many restaurants, cafes and bars if you need a break from shopping.

Museums & Galleries

London is home to some of the world’s finest museums and art galleries offering a wealth of culture and knowledge. Here are some of the city’s most popular destinations for art lovers:

British Museum

The British Museum is one of London’s top attractions, boasting an impressive collection of ancient artefacts from around the world. Founded in 1753, it was the first national public museum in the world and remains one of the largest in existence today. Visitors can explore over 6 million objects from cultures across the globe, or take part in one of the many events held at the museum throughout the year.

Tate Modern

Tate Modern is a modern art gallery located in South Bank on the banks of the River Thames. It is home to an extensive collection of modern art from around the world, ranging from Pablo Picasso to Yoko Ono. Visitors can enjoy interactive displays, artist talks and film screenings throughout the year as well as exploring the permanent collections.

National Gallery

The National Gallery is an art gallery located on Trafalgar Square in Central London. It houses an impressive collection of Western European paintings from medieval times to 1900, including works by Botticelli, Rembrandt and Van Gogh amongst others. Visitors can explore the galleries for free, or take part in one of the many events held throughout the year such as lectures or musical performances.

Popular Tours

In addition to exploring London’s landmarks, markets and museums on your own, there are many organised tours that offer a more comprehensive experience. Here are two of the most popular tours for tourists visiting London:

London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

The London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour is a great way to get around London and see all its main attractions in one day. The tour takes you around all of London’s iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square and The Tower of London with plenty of stops along the way so you can hop off when you want to explore further. The tour also includes an audio guide with commentary about each attraction so you can learn more about its history as you go. Book a London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour here.

London Bicycle Tour

For active travellers looking for an alternative way to get around London and explore its sights, there is no better way than a London Bicycle Tour. This guided tour takes you around all the main attractions on two wheels, from Buckingham Palace to The Tower of London, as well as many lesser-known sights not seen on foot or by bus such as Hyde Park or Little Venice Canal. The tour also includes stops along the way so you can take photos or explore further on your own if you wish. Book a London Bicycle Tour here.

So there you have it – a comprehensive guide to some of the most popular tourist attractions in London! Whether you’re into exploring historic sites or shopping till you drop, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city!