12 Best things to do in London
Attracting 27 million visitors every year, London is the most visited city in Europe. The most visited city in Europe and the second most popular spot on the planet. No matter your reason for visiting, London has something for everyone. London is one of the most diverse cities in the world, with a rich history and some of the most outstanding culture on the planet. London lives up to its reputation as one of the most expensive cities to visit.
A trip to the capital wouldn’t be complete without seeing the top 12 attractions in London
A trip to the capital wouldn’t be complete without seeing the top 12 attractions in London. Make sure to tick these top things to see in London off your list.
1. Westminster | source
Westminster is considered the political hub of London and is home to the Houses of Parliament and the world-famous Big Ben. You can also find Westminster Abbey here, which is open to the public most days.
2. Hyde Park | source
Hyde Park is one of the largest parks in central London, and one of the Royal Parks of London, famous for its Speakers’ Corner. The park was the site of the Great Exhibition of 1851, for which the Crystal Palace was designed by Joseph Paxton.
3. National Gallery | source
Sitting in Trafalgar Square, London’s National Gallery features a labyrinth interior so large that it requires a color-coded map to navigate. The museum features paintings in the Western European tradition from the 13th to 19th centuries, including Italian Renaissance masterpieces and French Impressionist works. Find works by masters such as Van Gogh, da Vinci, Botticelli, Constable, Renoir, Titian and Stubbs.
4. Buckingham Palace | source
The palace has been home to the British Royal Family since 1837. It features 775 rooms and the largest private garden in London. Some of the palace is open to visitors so you can see a little piece of the royal lifestyle. From outside, watch the world-famous Changing of the Guard. This procedure happens a few times every day and is a great opportunity to witness a historic tradition and the utmost discipline of the Royal Guard – who are all wearing the iconic London bearskin.
5. A Cruise On The Thames | source
The Thames is the lifeblood of London, bringing industry to the city for centuries. It is England’s longest river, leading into the North Sea at its end. It has been the base for settlements since prehistoric times, and was a strategic importance to the Romans and English Kings, as well as during both World Wars. Some cruises run at night so you can see the sights all lit up, whilst others are served with a meal or afternoon tea. This is a lovely and unique way to view the city, traveling along the historic Thames.
6. Chinatown | source
London’s Chinatown can be found around Gerrard Street, sandwiched between Soho and Leicester Square. With its Chinese lanterns and eye-catching red arches, it’s difficult to miss this vibrant neighborhood. Filled with authentic Asian restaurants as well as supermarkets and secret bars, there is always something new to explore in Chinatown.
7. London Eye | source
A trip to London isn’t complete without a visit to the iconic London Eye. Originally constructed to celebrate the millennium, the Eye is a giant ferris wheel offering gorgeous views across the city. At night, the wheel is lit up in seasonal colors and is the centerpiece of London’s annual New Year’s fireworks display.
8. Piccadilly Circus | source
Piccadilly Circus is instantly recognizable, a square filled with bright lights and big electronic screens. Piccadilly Circus has been a busy London spot since the 17th century when it was a commercial hub. Today it is still the heart of the West End, with easy access from Piccadilly Circus to some of London’s biggest theaters and nightclubs, including the Criterion Theatre. The Statue of Eros in the center of the circus is itself a popular meeting point and tourist destination.
9. Tower Bridge | source
London’s iconic twin-towered drawbridge. This miracle of Victorian engineering is the most recognizable and striking bridge in London. Though it’s only 120 years old, its neo-Gothic towers look as though they’ve been part of the city’s skyline for centuries.
10. Harrods | source
Harrods is one of London’s most famous department stores, known particularly for serving the elite and the super-rich. The luxury is spread across a number of floors, laid out in style through Harrods’ themed halls. Explore the building and get lost while shopping for lavish perfumes, children’s toys, and even pets in London’s most exclusive department store.
11. Natural History Museum | source
London is one of the best cities in the world for culture with a number of free museums to enjoy. On Exhibition Road in South Kensington, you can find many museums close together. Striking interactive museum of natural wonders. Built in the late 19th century, this palatial Romanesque building is one of London’s best museums and a treat for visitors of all ages. Enter from Cromwell Road, visitors find themselves face to face with a life-size cast of a Diplodocus skeleton, nicknamed Dippy.
12. Oxford Street | source
Oxford Street is not only London’s top spot for shopping but is Europe’s busiest shopping street. It has 300 shops and receives over 500,000 visitors every day. Apart from the world’s largest Topman and Topshop, you’ll find other popular international high street brands: Gap, Mango, Zara, Urban Outfitters, and UNIQLO are all there.
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