Top 20 Attractions in London
London, the historic capital of Britain, is a popular place for tourists, mixing history with modern life. The city is famous for its cultural landmarks, unique museums, beautiful gardens, and busy streets. Whether you're interested in exploring history or just want to relax in nature, London has something for everyone. From the historic Tower of London to the peaceful royal gardens, London is a must-visit destination. In this article, we’ll explore the top 20 attractions in London.
1. Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British royal family in London, purchased by King George III in 1761. The palace is famous for the Changing of the Guard ceremony and features formal reception rooms and a large garden. The palace is open to the public during the summer months.
Operating Hours: 09:30 – 19:30.
Entrance Fee: £32 per adult. Discounted tickets are available, and it is recommended to book on the official website.
2. Tower of London
The Tower of London is a prominent historical landmark in central London, established by William the Conqueror in 1066. It has served as a royal palace, fortress, prison, and zoo. The tower is famous for housing the British Crown Jewels and its guards, known as the "Yeoman Warders" or "Beefeaters." It also contains the White Tower and the legend of the ravens, who are believed to protect the kingdom; if they ever leave the tower, the monarchy will fall.
Operating Hours: 09:00 – 17:30.
Entrance Fee: £34.80 per adult. Group tickets are also available, and it is recommended to book on the official website.
Your Tower of London ticket includes access to:
- The Crown Jewels
- The White Tower
- St. Peter ad Vincula Chapel
- The Walls
- The Medieval Palace
- The Bloody Tower
- The Torture Exhibition
- The Fusiliers Museum
- The Royal Mint Exhibition
3. Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in London and one of the city's most iconic symbols. Built in the late 19th century, it is known for its stunning Victorian design. The bridge offers panoramic views of London from the high-level walkways, as well as glass floors that allow visitors to view the city’s movement from 42 meters above the River Thames.
It connects the districts of Tower Hamlets and Southwark. The twin towers, connected by high-level walkways, provide stunning views of the city and house wonderful historical exhibitions. Its movable design allows large ships to pass beneath it, making Tower Bridge not just a historical monument but also an essential part of London's infrastructure.
Operating Hours: 09:30 – 18:00.
Entrance Fee: £13.40 per adult. Group tickets are also available, and it is recommended to book on the official website.
4. Westminster Palace
Westminster Palace is the seat of the British Parliament in London and is known for its Neo-Gothic architectural design and the iconic Big Ben clock tower. It serves as the headquarters for both houses of Parliament: the House of Commons and the House of Lords. It is one of the main landmarks in London and holds significant importance in British political history.
5. Big Ben
Big Ben is one of the most famous landmarks in the world and one of the most recognizable images on Instagram. Since its bells began ringing in Westminster, it has witnessed the reign of six monarchs and 41 prime ministers.
The historical story of Big Ben is rich with drama and politics, telling the tale of its construction, the engineers and clockmakers who created this masterpiece, and the efforts to restore it to its former glory.
Note: If you plan to take a tour of Big Ben, make sure everyone is prepared for the experience. The tours are not suitable for everyone; children must be at least 11 years old, and visitors should feel comfortable climbing 334 steps and dealing with high noise levels from the clock mechanism and bells.
Entrance Fee: £26 per adult. Discounted tickets are available, and it is recommended to book through the official website.
6. London Eye
The London Eye, also known as the London Observation Wheel, is the world’s largest observation wheel, standing 135 meters tall. Designed by architects Marks Barfield, it was launched in 2000. It has won more than 85 awards in tourism, architectural quality, and engineering achievements and has become one of the UK’s most prominent tourist attractions.
Operating Hours: 10:00 – 20:30.
Entrance Fee: £29 per adult. Discounted tickets are available, and it is recommended to book on the official website.
7. Eltham Palace
Eltham Palace is a historic palace dating back to 1089, combining elements of the medieval era with Tudor additions. The palace underwent significant expansion and was where King Henry VIII spent part of his childhood.
It was renovated in the 1930s to include a modern interior design. The palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens and a water feature, and English Heritage took over its restoration and reopened it to the public in 2015. With so much to see and do, Eltham Palace is a wonderful destination for a fun day out with the family.
Operating Hours: 10:00 – 17:00.
Entrance Fee: £18 per adult. Discounted tickets are available, and it is recommended to book on the official website.
8. Covent Garden
Covent Garden is a vibrant shopping and entertainment district in the West End of London, located in a stylish, car-free piazza that hosts fashion stores, craft stalls at Apple Market, and the Royal Opera House.
Street performers put on shows at the 17th-century St. Paul's Church, and the London Transport Museum showcases old vehicles. Upscale restaurants offer European cuisine, while nearby theaters attract crowds for plays and musicals.
9. The Shard
The Shard is a skyscraper in London and the tallest building in the United Kingdom, standing at 310 meters. Designed by architect Renzo Piano, it features a sleek glass design that resembles a shard of crystal. The building houses offices, residential apartments, a luxury hotel, and public areas, including restaurants and "The View from The Shard," which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
Operating Hours: 10:00 – 22:00.
Entrance Fee: £28.50 per adult. Discounted tickets are available, and it is recommended to book on the official website.
10. Harrods
Harrods is a luxury department store located in the Knightsbridge area of London, and it is one of the most famous and largest stores in the world. Known for its stunning architectural design that blends classic and modern styles, the store spans several floors and offers a wide range of luxury products, including clothing, accessories, food, and beverages. Harrods is famous for its high-end service and unique shopping experience, making it a favorite destination for shoppers from around the globe.
Operating Hours: 10:00 – 21:00.
11. Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus in London is a famous and lively intersection known for its glowing neon lights. Its central location makes it a perfect spot for enjoying the city's buzz. Notable features include electronic billboards and the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, and it is located near major attractions, theaters, and shopping areas. Piccadilly Circus is a must-visit destination for any traveler, offering a chance to witness fascinating people and skills.
12. Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square in London is a famous central square, home to Nelson's Column, displayed in the center, and the National Gallery, which overlooks it. The square features two large fountains and is considered a lively destination that hosts a variety of events and festivals.
13. Oxford Street
Oxford Street in London is one of the city's most famous shopping streets. It stretches for about 2.5 kilometers and is home to a wide variety of shops and international brands. The street is renowned for its vibrant and commercial atmosphere, making it a prime destination for shopping and experiencing urban life in London.
Note: It is recommended to visit at sunset and experience British tea in one of its shops.
14. King's Cross Station
King's Cross Station is one of London's major railway stations, widely known for its association with the Harry Potter series. Navigating between platforms might be a bit confusing, as they seem to be irregularly arranged. However, the station offers a variety of restaurants and shops, provides connections to the London Underground, and is located right next to St Pancras Station.
King's Cross Station is an excellent starting point for trips across the UK, including Edinburgh, and features large electronic signs displaying platform locations and incoming trains, which might take you to cities featured in scenes from the Harry Potter series.
15. Royal Observatory Greenwich
The Royal Observatory Greenwich is a historic site in London, established in 1675. It is famous for defining the Prime Meridian and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). The observatory houses astronomical instruments and historical timepieces, and features the Peter Harrison Planetarium, which offers space-themed shows. Visitors can see the Prime Meridian line in the courtyard and the Flamsteed House. The observatory is in Greenwich Park, which provides beautiful views of London.
At the Royal Observatory Greenwich, you can enjoy many activities:
- Stand with one foot in the West and the other in the East on the Prime Meridian line of the world.
- See the largest telescope in the UK up close.
- Visit the Peter Harrison Planetarium and enjoy incredible astronomical shows in the planetarium dome.
- Explore the Octagon Room, the oldest part of the observatory.
- Learn how GMT was first introduced to the public.
- Discover John Harrison's journey to solve the longitude problem and view his famous timepieces.
- See the Airy Telescope that accurately determined the location of the Prime Meridian.
- Visit Flamsteed House and discover where royal astronomers lived and worked.
Operating Hours: 10:00 – 19:45.
Entrance Fee: £20 per adult. Discounted tickets are available, and it is recommended to book on the official website.
16. Green Park
Green Park, adjacent to Buckingham Palace, is a tranquil oasis in the heart of London. It offers expansive green spaces and restored pathways, making it a perfect place to relax and take a walk after visiting the palace. It is a great destination to enjoy nature and peace amidst the city.
Operating Hours: 05:00 – 00:00.
Entrance Fee: Free.
17. Leicester Square
Leicester Square, located in the heart of London's West End, is a lively area and a center for entertainment and culture. Surrounded by theaters, cinemas, renowned restaurants, and shops, it features a central garden with statues of prominent figures such as Shakespeare and Charlie Chaplin. The square is a major destination that offers a blend of entertainment, dining, and historical significance.
18. The British Museum
The British Museum in London is one of the most famous museums in the world, housing over 8 million artifacts that cover the history and cultures of the world. Its collections include famous statues such as the Bust of Nefertiti and the Rosetta Stone, with exhibits from Ancient Egypt, Greece, and China. The museum aims to enhance global cultural understanding.
Operating Hours: 10:00 – 17:00, except on Fridays when it closes at 20:30.
Entrance Fee: Free.
19. Churchill War Rooms
The Churchill War Rooms are a museum located in London that focuses on British leadership during World War II. This site served as the secret headquarters of Prime Minister Winston Churchill and his team during the war and showcases how the British government managed wartime efforts.
The museum includes the original war rooms, collections of documents and tools used during that period, and offers an insight into daily life within the center during critical times. It provides an interactive educational experience on Churchill’s role and the strategic decisions made during the war.
Operating Hours: 09:30 – 18:00.
Entrance Fee: £32 per adult. Discounted tickets are available, and it is recommended to book on the official website.
20. The Graffiti Tunnel
Leake Street Arches in London is a well-known area for street art. Located under the old railway arches in the Leake Street area, it has been transformed into a permanent exhibition space for graffiti and mural art.
The arches provide space for both local and international artists to showcase their work, making it a unique destination for art and culture enthusiasts. The area is a vibrant hub for urban art and features artwork that changes regularly, ensuring a diverse experience with every visit.
In conclusion, the tourist attractions in London are not just sites to visit, but windows that open to worlds of history, art, and nature. London is therefore an ideal destination for anyone seeking a mix of authenticity and renewal. Don’t miss out on special prices to book your flight to London on WINGIE.
You may also like:
- UK Visa Requirements for Saudi Citizens
- Must-Visit Places in Northern Italy
- An Ultimate Guide to Interlaken
- Top Attractions in Paris
- Top 30 Attractions in France
- 10 Reasons to Visit Rome
- Top Attractions in Spain
- Top 15 Attractions in Rome
- Zell am See Tourist Guide
- Top Attractions in Switzerland
- Top 15 Cities to Visit in Türkiye
- Best Places to Visit in Poland
- Top 10 Malls in Istanbul
