What are the Best Attractions in London?

When planning a trip to the United Kingdom, it is only natural to want to visit one of the most iconic cities in the world – London. With a history spanning two millennia, London is a must-visit for anyone with an interest in art, culture, and history. From the stunning gardens of Kensington and Chelsea to bustling markets and pubs, London truly has something for everyone.

But with so many sights to choose from, it can be hard to know what to prioritize. Where should time-strapped travellers begin? What are the best attractions that London has to offer?

In this guide, we’ll answer this exact question and provide comprehensive reviews of some of London’s most beloved attractions. We’ll cover all the must-see tourist spots, as well as some lesser-known gems. As one of Europe’s most exciting cities, we’re sure you won’t have any trouble finding something to do in London.

The Tower of London

The Tower of London is a historical site located on the River Thames in East London. Built by William the Conqueror in 1078, it was originally used as a fortress and defensive stronghold for his new city. Over the centuries, it has functioned primarily as a prison and armoury. Today, it is managed by Historic Royal Palaces and serves as one of the city’s top tourist attractions.

The Tower of London is best-known for its impressive architecture and long list of royal prisoners. It is full of interactive exhibits and tours that will take you back in time. Visitors often enjoy exploring the White Tower with its weapons collection, seeing various artifacts in the Jewel House, wandering around the well-manicured grounds, or catching a glimpse of the resident ravens. In total, there are twenty towers tucked away among its walls — the perfect destination for history buffs!

The official website of the Tower of London has more information on opening times, tickets, and directions.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is an iconic church located in the City of London. Its spiring gothic architecture and impressive interior make it one of the most well-known places of worship in England, if not the world! It was built in 1042 and has since served as a burial ground for many royal figures, statesmen, actors, scientists, poets, and more. It stands as a symbol of Britain’s rich history and continues to be a place of worship for both locals and tourists alike.

Visitors come from near and far to experience Westminster Abbey’s awe-inspiring grounds — including its cloisters, chapels, windows, monuments, and sculptures. One can easily spend hours exploring its intricate artwork and observing its illustrious tombs. During certain times of year, it is even possible to attend mass with members of the royal family!

You can find more information on the official website of Westminster Abbey, including opening times and service times.

The London Eye

The London Eye is an iconic Ferris Wheel located on the banks of the River Thames in Westminster. It was built in 2000 and stands at a whopping 135 meters tall — one of Europe’s largest observation wheels! At the top, riders get stunning 360-degree views of some of London’s most famous landmarks — from Big Ben to Buckingham Palace — making it an unmissable attraction for all first-time visitors to the city.

Riding on The Eye is a wonderul experience for both young and old alike! After boarding one of its 32 capsules, you can relax with a complimentary glass of champagne or just enjoy the sights. It also doubles as an educational tool; each capsule is equipped with audio-visual displays that give further information on famous sights and explain interesting facts about the city’s local areas.

More information on The Eye can be found on its official website, including prices and opening hours.

The National Gallery

The National Gallery is an art museum located in central London with a rich collection spanning centuries of European art. It boasts some renowned masterpieces by artists like Rembrandt, da Vinci and Turner, as well as modern works from Cezanne and Picasso. Paintings from all over Europe represent various genres from Impressionism to Cubism — all under one roof!

Visiting The National Gallery can be an inspiring experience — and one that doesn’t require any advanced art knowledge! Descriptions are provided alongside each painting to further educate visitors on their importance; additionally, tours are available for those looking for to delve deeper into its treasures. In addition to its galleries, there are also restaurants and cafes perfect for grabbing lunch or snacks before heading off to explore more of what London has to offer.

You can find more information on The National Gallery’s official website, including tickets and opening times.

Buckingham Palace

No visit to London would be complete without stopping by one of its most iconic landmarks – Buckingham Palace. As seat of Britain’s royal family for centuries, it stands near many other famous attractions and is home to countless works of art and antiques collected throughout their long reign. Today, it is open to public viewings from July to September every year — definitely something not to be missed!

When visiting this storied palace, visitors often marvel at its various spectacular furnishings and ornate decorations. Be sure to make time for admiring the gardens too! Some lucky guests may even catch a glimpse of the changing guard ceremony that takes place every afternoon at 11:30 am on weekdays and 10:00 am on Sundays (weather permitting). It truly is a magnificent event not to be missed!

More information on Buckingham Palace can be found on its official website, including tickets and opening times.

Ye Olde Forgotten London Walking Tour

London truly has something for everyone — even those looking for something a bit off the beaten path! Are you looking for a unique way to explore London’s history? Why not join one of GetYourGuide’s Ye Olde Forgotten London Walking Tours? Led by knowledgeable guides who live and breathe London’s culture, these tours shed light on hidden secrets around every turn. As you wander through neighborhoods like Holborn and Fleet streets, you’ll get an eye-opening look at a side of London generally overlooked by mainstream tourists — plus you might even learn a thing or two along the way! With 100% customer satisfaction rate on TripAdvisor, this tour really is something special that anyone visiting London should definitely consider doing!

Conclusion

London truly is a remarkable city with attractions that cannot be found elsewhere in Europe! From historical sites like Westminster Abbey and The Tower of London to iconic landmarks like The London Eye and The National Gallery, there is no shortage of activities visitors can enjoy during their stay in Britain’s capital city no matter what their interests are or how short their stay might be. Plus exploring some lesser known gems like Ye Olde Forgotten London Walking Tour will make your trip that much more special! So why not go out and explore everything that London has to offer?!