20 best places to visit in London UK
Welcome to this blog on the 20 best places to visit in London. London is the capital city of the United Kingdom. Let’s look at some major features:
It is a vibrant and diverse metropolis with a rich history reflecting its multicultural population.
London, is a global financial center, home to the London Stock Exchange and numerous multinational corporations.
It is also known, for its cultural diversity and offers a wide range of museums, galleries, theaters, and music venues.
London’s red double-decker buses and Underground Tube system reflect modern transport system of the city.
London is famous for dining scene and world class shopping.
The city offers a trendy nightlife with pubs, bars, clubs, and live music venues catering to all tastes.
Now, look at the 20 best places to visit in London, UK.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British monarch in London, the residence of Queen Elizabeth II, and the administrative headquarters of the British royal family. It is located in the City of Westminster and is often used for state functions and royal receptions. It is famous for its architecture, including its iconic balcony, where members of the royal family attend important events. Buckingham Palace hosts the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony, which attracts many tourists every year. There are no traditional bells at Buckingham palace like those found in a church or clock tower. Instead, it has a variety of ceremonial and functional uses of bells, primarily for signaling and protocol purposes.
Tower of London:
The Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage site is a historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames in central London, England which was built by William the Conqueror in 1066. It has been used for various purposes throughout history, including a palace, a prison, a treasury, an armory, and even a zoo at one point. The Tower of London is also renowned for its collection of British crowns, which are displayed in the Jewel House. It has a rich history, including medieval architecture, the White Tower (central tower), and the crows housed there and it is believed that if the crows leave, the Tower of London and the Kingdom will fall.
Big Ben:
Big Ben is officially known as the Elizabeth Tower is actually the nickname for the enormous clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London, often used to refer to the clock and the clock tower as a whole. It is also the seat of the British Parliament. It was renamed in 2012 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. It is one of London’s most iconic symbols, famous for its distinctive chimes, which are broadcast live on BBC radio and known around the world.
The bell weighs 13 tons, and its deep tone echoes throughout Westminster. The clock mechanism itself is renowned for its precision and engineering, having maintained precise time since it was first installed in 1859.
Houses of Parliament:
The Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster, has a rich history dating back to the 11th century, is the seat of the British Parliament in London and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The complex which is located on the north bank of the River Thames is one of the most iconic symbols of British democracy and political life. It consists of several buildings of which the most prominent is the Palace, which houses the House of Commons and the House of Lords. These two houses make up the British Parliament, where laws are debated, amended and passed.
The Palace of Westminster is famous for its stunning Gothic Revival architecture, notably the Victoria Tower and the famous Big Ben Clock Tower (now officially known as the Elizabeth Tower). The interior is beautifully decorated with ornate ceilings and historical artefacts.
London Eye:
The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel located on the south bank of the River Thames in England offers stunning views of the city’s skyline. Opened to the public in March 2000 to celebrate the Millennium, the London Eye has become a symbolic and iconic part of the London landscape. It is beautiful at night when thousands of LED lights illuminate it and can be seen from miles away. Each rotation takes approximately 30 minutes, during which visitors can enjoy panoramic views spanning 25 miles on a clear day.
Trafalgar Square:
Trafalgar Square is one of London’s most famous public squares, located in the heart of London’s West End. It was named to commemorate the British victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 during the Napoleonic Wars. The memorial pillar stands in the center of the square displays fountains with four lions at its base. Trafalgar Square is surrounded by several famous buildings and landmarks, including the National Gallery, which houses world-famous paintings, and St. Martin’s Church. The square itself is a popular gathering place and famous for its iconic pigeons is a vibrant hub of activity, a place for visitors and locals to meet, relax, and enjoy London’s rich history and culture.
British Museum:
British Museum, founded in 1753 and opened to the public in 1759 is one of the oldest and most prestigious museums in the world located in London, England. The British Museum’s neoclassical facade and spectacular glass roof is renowned for its rich and varied collection, including ancient Egyptian mummies, Greek and Roman sculptures, Mesopotamian antiquities, medieval manuscripts and treasures from Asia, Africa and the Americas. One of the most famous exhibits is the Rosetta Stone, which played an important role in deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphics. The Great Court, Europe’s largest covered square, is the museum’s main entrance and focal point for visitors.
Westminster Abbey:
Westminster Abbey, a world-famous Gothic Abbey church located in Westminster, London has a rich history spanning over a thousand years has become a symbol of the British monarchy and national pride. One of the most important events held at Westminster Abbey is the coronation of the British monarch. Since 1066, almost all English and British kings have been crowned there. Many famous historical figures are also buried in Westminster Abbey, including Queen Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots, as well as renowned scientists, musicians and politicians.
Westminster Abbey is also famous for its Poet’s Corner, which is dedicated to well-known writers and poets such as Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Dickens, and William Wordsworth. Most of the remaining buildings date from the 13th to 16th centuries, and their stunning Gothic architecture features intricate arches, stained glass windows, and numerous tombs, monuments, and churches.
St. Paul’s Cathedral:
St Paul’s Cathedral designed by Sir Christopher Wren is an iconic Anglican cathedral located in the heart of London which sits atop Ludgate Hill, the highest point in the City of London, and is famous for its majestic dome, an architectural marvel, 111 meters (365 feet) high. It offers breathtaking views of London from its golden gallery, which requires climbing 528 steps to reach.
St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of London’s most recognizable landmarks and an outstanding example of English Baroque architecture. The interior of the cathedral is equally impressive, with intricate mosaics, massive arches, and a stunning nave that extends to the high altar.
St Paul’s Cathedral has played an essential role in British history and has hosted many national events, including the funerals of Lord Nelson and Sir Winston Churchill and the wedding of Charles, Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer. It is an active place of worship, the center of national celebrations and a popular tourist destination where visitors can admire its architecture, explore its history and experience its tranquil atmosphere in the middle of a bustling city.
The Shard:
The Shard is an imposing skyscraper located in the Southwark district, on the south bank of the Thames in London, England, measuring 310 meters (1,016 feet) in height. Designed by architect Renzo Piano and completed in 2012 is the tallest building in the United Kingdom and the European Union. The Shard Observation Deck offers stunning panoramic views of London, giving visitors a 360-degree view of the cityscape below.
In addition to its architectural importance with its unique design features walls of glass that form a peak, the Shard has become a symbol of London’s modernity and economic vitality. It has won numerous awards for its design and engineering excellence, attracting tourists and locals who come to admire its beauty and enjoy its unrivaled views.
Here are other top places to visit:
Hyde Park is one of London’s largest and most famous parks
Madame Tussauds is a renowned wax museum in London, known for its lifelike wax figures of celebrities, historical figures, and famous personalities.
Victoria and Albert Museum is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious museums of art and design.
National Gallery is one of the world’s foremost art museums
Churchill War Rooms is a historic museum and wartime bunker where Winston Churchill and his government directed operations during World War II
Borough Market is a renowned food market of fresh produce, gourmet ingredients, and street food from around the world.
Natural History Museum is a world-renowned museum showcasing specimens from the natural world
Shakespeare’s Globe is a reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre where many of Shakespeare’s plays were performed during the late 16th and early 17th centuries
London Zoo, officially known as ZSL London Zoo, is one of the world’s oldest and most famous zoological gardens
The Royal Albert Hall is renowned for performances such as classical music, rock and pop concerts, ballet and dance performances, opera, film screenings, and more.
Things to see in London, England:
Museums: Victoria and Albert Museum, Natural History Museum, Tate Modern, Science Museum.
Parks: Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Kensington Gardens, St. James’s Park.
Theatres: West End shows, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, National Theatre.
Shopping: Oxford Street, Regent Street, Covent Garden, Camden Market.
Food and Markets: Borough Market, Camden Market, Brick Lane for curry, and afternoon tea.
River Thames: Take a boat cruise, walk along the South Bank, visit Greenwich.
Day Trips: Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace, Stonehenge, Oxford, Cambridge.
Hotels in London
There are a variety of hotels in London for affordable and luxury accommodation:
London offers a wide range of hotels catering to different budgets and preferences. Popular areas include:
Central London: Near attractions like Covent Garden, Leicester Square, and Trafalgar Square.
South Bank: Close to the London Eye, Tate Modern, and Shakespeare’s Globe.
Kensington: Near museums and parks.
Mayfair and Knightsbridge: Luxury hotels and shopping.
What to do in London, England:
Attend a West End Show: Book tickets for a musical or play in London’s famous theatre district.
Explore Camden Town: Known for its markets, music venues, and vibrant atmosphere.
Visit Notting Hill: Famous for its colorful houses, Portobello Road Market, and carnival.
Enjoy Afternoon Tea: Indulge in a traditional afternoon tea at one of London’s many tea rooms or hotels.
Walk through History: Explore historic neighborhoods like Greenwich, Hampstead, and the East End.
Top 10 things to do in London UK
London offers endless possibilities for exploration and enjoyment, blending history, culture, entertainment, and culinary delights into a vibrant and unforgettable experience.
Explore famous landmarks such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye.
Discover world-class museums and galleries like the British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, Victoria and Albert Museum, and Natural History Museum.
Enjoy a theatrical experience in London’s West End with its diverse array of shows, musicals, and plays.
Relax in London’s beautiful parks and gardens, including Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Kensington Gardens, and Kew Gardens.
Take a boat cruise along the River Thames to see London’s skyline and landmarks from a different perspective.
Shop till you drop on Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street, Covent Garden, and the famous Harrods department store.
Indulge in diverse culinary experiences from street food markets (like Borough Market) to fine dining restaurants serving cuisine from around the world.
Explore historic sites like Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and the Churchill War Rooms.
Experience London’s vibrant nightlife with pubs, bars, clubs, and live music venues scattered throughout the city, particularly in areas like Soho, Camden, and Shoreditch.
Take day trips from London to nearby attractions such as Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, Bath, Cambridge, Oxford, and the charming English countryside.
Restaurants and dining in London:
London boasts a vast array of restaurants offering cuisines from around the world, reflecting its diverse cultural makeup.
Find restaurants in London here
Practical Tips:
Here are the practical tips for the 20 best places to visit in London UK:
Transportation: Use the London Underground (Tube), buses, or consider walking for shorter distances.
Weather: Pack according to the season; London weather can be unpredictable.
Tickets and Reservations: For popular attractions and shows, book tickets in advance to avoid queues.
