London is one of the most popular destinations for travelers in the world. The city has so many attractions that you could spend months there and still not see them all. However, if you’re only going to be there for a week or two and want to make sure that you get to see all of the best things London has to offer, we’ve put together this list of must-dos:
The London Eye.
The London Eye is the world’s tallest Ferris wheel, offering a great way to get a view of all of London. It has an observation deck at the top that lets you look out over 40km (25 miles) in every direction.
The ride lasts about 30 minutes and takes you up to 135m (443 ft), giving you 360-degree views from the highest point in London on one side and looking down on it from another angle on the other side. The price includes admission into The London Dungeon nearby as well
St Paul’s Cathedral.
St Paul’s Cathedral is the third largest cathedral in the world, and it’s also the second largest in London. It was built between 1675 and 1710 by Christopher Wren as part of his plan for rebuilding London after the Great Fire of 1666. The dome is the second largest in the world (after St Peter’s Basilica in Rome), and its interior features some incredible mosaics by William Butterfield.
The church itself is free to enter, but if you want to go up into either one of its towers or explore inside then there are tickets available for those activities too (which cost about $15).
Buckingham Palace.
Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the British monarch. The palace has been home to Queen Elizabeth II since 1952, and it’s also where she works during her time in London.
The Queen’s Gallery is open to the public, and it has an impressive collection of artworks and furniture from the Royal Collection. It’s located on Buckingham Palace Road, just north of Hyde Park Corner tube station (Green Line). The gallery is open daily from 10am to 5pm; admission costs GBP 15 per person–but if you have an annual pass for UK attractions or are otherwise eligible for free entry at other sites around London that charge admission fees (such as museums), then this fee will be waived!
Westminster Abbey.
If you’re looking for a place to get some peace and quiet, this is it. Westminster Abbey is a large, mainly Gothic church in the City of Westminster, London just to the west of Parliament Square (and across from Big Ben). It’s been around since 1065 and has been used for coronations since 1066; it’s also where many famous people are buried — including kings and queens like Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. Whether you want to see history or just enjoy some silence after seeing all those museums and monuments on your trip, this is an excellent choice!
Trafalgar Square.
Trafalgar Square is a public space in the City of Westminster, Central London, built around the area formerly known as Charing Cross. It is named after the Battle of Trafalgar, a British naval victory in the Napoleonic Wars.
The square contains several monuments to illustrious Britons including Lord Nelson (a column), Admiral Horatio Nelson; General Sir Charles James Napier; and Prince Albert who were all born nearby. The square also features an equestrian statue of King George IV flanked by fountains designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens; while at its north end stands a statue depicting Queen Anne being crowned by Justice with Mercy following behind her on either side by Honour and Glory holding up her robes respectively.
Tower of London.
The Tower of London is a historical landmark and a must-see for any visitor to London. The site has been home to many rulers over the years, including William the Conqueror and Queen Elizabeth I, but it’s also famous today for its rich history as well as its beautiful gardens and grounds.
Here are some tips on what you can expect when visiting:
- Plan ahead! Tickets are required to enter this attraction and sell out quickly–we recommend purchasing them in advance through their website or directly from an automated kiosk located near Tower Hill tube station (you’ll need cash). You may also want to book tickets for The Crown Jewels exhibit if that interests you; these require separate reservations but are also available online (and sell out quickly!).
- Bring water! It gets hot out there! If possible bring your own bottle so that there’s no waiting in line at one of their vending machines (which can take forever). You may also want sunscreen if it’s sunny outside since most places don’t provide any products like this within their walls.* Wear comfortable shoes! This place has lots of cobblestone walkways so wear something supportive yet stylish based on whether or not we plan on taking photos while exploring each area separately before heading back upstairs again later on during our visit.* Wear long pants/skirts if possible too because they won’t let anyone inside who isn’t dressed appropriately according to strict rules set forth by royalty throughout history dating back hundreds years ago.”
British Museum.
- The British Museum is the largest museum in the world, housing a collection of artefacts from around the world.
- It has a huge Egyptian collection, which includes mummies and ancient sculptures from ancient Egypt as well as artefacts from other cultures like Greece and Rome.
- Entry is free to all visitors and there’s also an on-site cafe if you need sustenance during your visit! There are regular talks and events at this museum too so make sure you check their website before heading over there so that you don’t miss out on anything exciting happening while you’re there!
Banqueting House and Whitehall Palace, Westminster.
Banqueting House is a large, white-painted building in the Palladian style. It was built between 1619 and 1622 as a banqueting house for King James I, who wanted to celebrate the marriage of his daughter Princess Elizabeth with Frederick V (the Elector Palatine) in this very grand style.
Inigo Jones was commissioned to design it by King James I; however he died before its completion so William Kent took over his designs and completed them after Jones’ death.
The Banqueting House has been used for many events including coronations, dinners and receptions held by royalty over time but today it’s open for public viewing on certain days during daylight hours only so if you’re interested then please check their website before visiting as there may be closures due to private functions etc..
Tate Modern Art Gallery & River Thames Cruise on a Thames Clipper River Bus or Tall Ship
Tate Modern is an art gallery that houses the national collection of British art from 1900 to the present day, international modern and contemporary art. It’s also one of London’s most popular museums with over 5 million visitors a year!
The museum opened in May 2000 in the former Bankside Power Station, which was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott and built between 1947-50 as part of London’s South Bank complex overlooking the River Thames. The Tate Modern has become one of London’s most iconic buildings thanks to its striking redbrick exterior and distinctive chimney stack that dominates much of south bank skyline.
Tate Modern houses works by artists such as Picasso, Rothko and Pollock alongside British masters like Henry Moore or David Hockney – making it one of Britain’s most important galleries for modern art lovers!
There are so many great things to do in London, but you need to plan carefully!
If you are visiting London, here are some suggestions for things to do:
- See a show at the theatre. You can find plays, musicals and operas on every night of the week. Some theatres are very old and historic, while others have been built recently or renovated beautifully so they look like new. If you’re planning on seeing a show, make sure that tickets aren’t sold out!
- Go shopping at Harrods–it’s one of the world’s most famous department stores! There’s everything from clothes to toys there (and even an ice rink). If you want something special for yourself or someone else in your family/friend group then this is definitely worth checking out–they even have their own restaurant inside called “Gin Tonics.” It has over 200 different kinds of gin!
Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of the best things to do in London. If you’re planning a trip there soon, make sure to check out these recommendations before heading off on your adventures!
