London has many iconic buildings, landmarks and sights to be seen, whether or not they be previous or new town is consistently evolving and is wealthy in historic tradition. That will help you alongside your approach if you happen to haven’t been to town earlier than, we’ve created an inventory of the 20 must-see London sights while you’re there. From recognizing a royal to driving on high of a double-decker bus for the primary time, these are the very best issues to do in London to your first time.
1. Large Ben
Large Ben is positioned in Westminster and is the nickname for the ‘Nice Bell’ of the clock however is usually used to confer with the clock and clock tower, the clock tower’s official title is now the Elizabeth Tower named after Queen Elizabeth II in 2012 for her Diamond Jubilee. Large Ben is an iconic London landmark and a should in your listing to see whilst you’re right here!
2. The Homes of Parliament
The Homes of Parliament’s official title is definitely the Palace of Westminster, nevertheless, on account of its inhabitants, it’s generally known as the previous. They’re on the banks of the River Thames in Westminster and the constructing itself is beautiful, you possibly can prepare excursions across the Homes if you happen to’re occupied with studying extra about British politics, if not simply admire them from the surface!
3. Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the London residence of the Queen. Situated centrally Buckingham Palace is on the high of Pall Mall subsequent door to Inexperienced Park and St James’ Park. Equally to the Homes of Parliament, you possibly can guide excursions across the Palace if you happen to’d prefer to fake you’re a royal for a day or you possibly can admire its magnificence from outdoors the gates!
4. The London Eye
The London Eye was opened to the general public within the yr 2000, when it was first constructed it was the most important Ferris Wheel on the earth and till the opening of the Shard in 2013 it was the best viewing level over London. You should purchase tickets to go up within the London Eye in one of many little pods, it’s positively one thing to contemplate in your first journey to London so you possibly can see out over London. The view of it from the bottom can also be fairly spectacular, it provides a special dimension to London’s skyline!
5. Trafalgar Sq.
Trafalgar Sq. is the sq. surrounding Nelson’s Column. The title refers back to the Battle of Trafalgar which was a British naval victory towards Napoleon. The sq. is a really massive public space the place you possibly can sit or admire the fountains with the backdrop of the Nationwide Gallery. It’s usually used for giant public occasions or generally protests congregate right here, at Christmas the large Christmas Tree may be discovered within the sq. making it really feel fully magical!
6. The Pure Historical past Museum
The Pure Historical past Museum is positioned in South Kensington on Cromwell street. Even if you happen to’re not significantly occupied with Pure Historical past the constructing is beautiful and a must-see in your journey to the capital. You don’t need to pay to get in so it’s value having a wander and admiring the attractive structure.
7. St Paul’s Cathedral
St Paul’s Cathedral is a landmark within the London skyline, the cathedral’s dome is what makes the structure so beautiful and iconic from the surface. The current church has been there for the reason that seventeenth century and was constructed within the rebuild of London after the Nice Fireplace of London which destroyed a lot of town. You’ll be able to go contained in the Cathedral and stroll round in addition to view it from the Millennium bridge which runs over the Thames instantly in entrance of the cathedral.
8. The Tate Trendy
The Tate Trendy is positioned on the banks of the River Thames in a former energy station. It holds each British and worldwide fashionable artwork in addition to showcasing some one-off exhibitions. The museum is effectively value a visit to, not solely is the gallery constructing itself fully distinctive however there’s all the time heaps to see!
9. The Globe Theatre
The Globe Theatre is close by the Tate Trendy, it’s a fashionable reconstruction of the unique theatre which was intently related to William Shakespeare that was first constructed within the seventeenth century. You should purchase tickets to see reveals being carried out right here and it’s iconic for its round form, thatching and open roof! And if you happen to fancy seeing a contemporary theatre present in London, take a look at these London theatre tickets for present reveals.
10. Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is one among London’s most iconic landmarks crossing the river. The bridge has stood in London for the reason that nineteenth century and is notorious for its drawbridge impact making it in a position to let tall ships by way of and down the Thames. You’ll discover it near the Tower of London and the closest tube stations are Tower Hill and London Bridge. Take images from the banks of the Thames or you possibly can stroll throughout too!
11. The Shard
The Shard is the tallest constructing in London, towering above each different landmark and unmissable from many locations in London. The skyscraper was opened in 2013 and is house to a number of high-end eating places, the Shangri La Resort and a viewing platform which you should buy tickets to move up. It’s effectively value admiring the view from up there however the one drawback with viewing London from the Shard is you miss a view of the constructing itself, so make sure you be sure you admire it earlier than getting in.
12. The Tower of London
The Tower of London was based in 1066 and the citadel was a jail from 1100 till 1952. The constructing reeks with a historical past that’s ready so that you can uncover it. You may as well go and consider the Crown Jewels in an exhibition right here and marvel at how sparkly they’re. Add the Tower of London to your listing and go and see one among London’s oldest monuments!
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13. The Gherkin
The Gherkin is the constructing that appears like the form of a Gherkin, it’s change into iconic to the London Skyline and an unmissable function while you’re wanting in the direction of East London. The constructing itself consists of places of work so it’s not a monument you possibly can go within however it’s effectively value attempting to identify in your journey to town!
14. Hyde Park
Hyde Park is true within the coronary heart of town and one among London’s largest parks. There’s a stupendous pond within the center known as the Serpentine which you’ll be able to lease pedalos and row boats on and you may see the grounds/gates surrounding Kensington Palace that are positioned at one finish of the park. It’s a stupendous park to wander round and it’s unmissable when visiting London.
15. Platform 9 3/4
That is one for all of the Harry Potter followers on the market! If you wish to discover Platform 9 3/4 they’ve all of it arrange, completely, at King’s Cross Station. You’ll be able to have your picture taken, the place a Gryffindor scarf and picture you’re off to begin a time period at Hogwarts!
16. Horse Guards Parade
Horse Guards Parade is a big parade floor that may be discovered off of Whitehall close to Downing Avenue in Central London. That is the place occasions such because the Trooping of the Color occur, there’s additionally a lot of monuments positioned across the parade floor that’s value taking a look at, it’s positioned proper subsequent to St James’ Park and lined with stunning buildings.
17. Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus is London’s measly try at Time’s Sq.. It’s all the time ridiculously busy with brilliant billboards lining the perimeters of the buildings and also you’ll in all probability end up right here if you happen to’re planning a night within the West Finish or Soho! It’s value marvelling at night time and taking within the ambiance that surrounds it.
18. Downing Avenue
Quantity 10 Downing Avenue is the place the British Prime Minister lives throughout his time as PM. It’s positioned off of Whitehall and while you possibly can’t get handed the gates for apparent causes you possibly can actually take a look up there and see the well-known quantity 10 door!
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19. Altering of the Guard
The Altering of the Guard occurs day by day and also you’re in a position to witness it if you happen to get the timings proper. It occurs virtually day-after-day from April until the top of July, between 11.15am and 12pm, for the remainder of the yr it occurs on alternate days. This day by day ceremony is a should see on a visit to London, it’s when one regiment takes over from one other, of their ‘guarding’ duties of Buckingham Palace. It sees the New Guard marching from Wellington Barracks to Buckingham Palace to change into the Queen’s Guard. If you need slightly little bit of tradition and British pageantry then this ceremony is for you!
20. Covent Backyard
Situated within the coronary heart of London Covent Backyard is all the time buzzing. It’s full of retailers, eating places, bars and road performers. You’ll be able to wander by way of, sit down for a espresso within the sq. or dine out within the evenings right here. It’s a very enjoyable space of London to go to if you happen to haven’t been to London earlier than, it’s obtained an actual ambiance about it and it needs to be in your listing to your subsequent journey!
