London has so many great places to see it's hard to know which are the ones not to miss. It's always good to get recommendations from friends who have visited London or live here, so this is the list of my favorite places in London.
Visit many London attractions for free with a London Pass.
Visit many London attractions for free with a London Pass.
1. London Eye
The London Eye really has to be included in a trip to London. The 32 capsules carry around 10,000 visitors every day. Because of the way the capsules are suspended it allows for a full 360 degree-panorama when you're at the top of the wheel. Tickets can be booked online, which really is the right thing to do as it saves a lot of time. The queues look long when you arrive but they move quickly as everyone is issued with a timed ticket. Don't forget your camera!
2. Tower of London
The Tower of London is where the Crown Jewels are housed, which are quite spectacular. It's also where you can stand on the execution site of three English queens! The Tower Bridge Exhibition is also worth seeing and is only a short walk away. Tower Bridge's architect, Horace Jones, and engineer, John Wolfe Barry, took 8 years to complete the bridge, which opened on 30 June 1894. It remained the only river crossing east of London Bridge till the Dartford Crossing (a tunnel) opened in 1991.
3. Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the Queen's official residence. The State Rooms of the Palace are open to visitors during the Annual Summer Opening in August and September. If you are visiting at a different time of the year go along to see the Changing of the Guard which happens on scheduled days so check before setting off, and arrive early to get a good position to watch the action!
4. Trafalgar Square
How could you miss one of the capital's most iconic areas? Come and marvel at Nelson's Column and the four huge lion statues. Feeding the pigeons is now discouraged (due to the spread of diseases) so please don't bring them any treats.
On the north side of the square you can visit the National Gallery and just around the corner on St. Martin's Lane is the National Portrait Gallery. Both have both permanent displays and special exhibitions so check what's on before you go.
On the north side of the square you can visit the National Gallery and just around the corner on St. Martin's Lane is the National Portrait Gallery. Both have both permanent displays and special exhibitions so check what's on before you go.
5. Tate Modern
The Tate Modern is situated within a converted power station and has an imposing position opposite St. Paul's Cathedral along the River Thames. You can visit again and again as it's free and the modern art displays change quite frequently. You'll often find enormous 'installations' in the Turbine Hall on the ground floor. Right outside is the Millennium Bridge (the one that was 'wobbly' when it first opened). Don't forget Tate Britain - you can take the Tate Boat between the two Tates and the London Eye.
6. Museum of London
If you're interested in London's history then this is the place to visit. The museum has seven permanent galleries displaying just some of the amazing wealth of material in their collections. Learn about London from the days when the whole population would fit on one double decker bus! Make sure you see the Lord Mayor's Coach, which was built in 1757 and is still used every year for the Lord Mayor's Show.
7. British Museum
Don't be fooled into thinking the British Museum is full of artifacts from old England. No, in days gone by the English were incredible warriors and the British Museum is full of the treasures the soldiers brought back from distance shores. Those treasures include the Rosetta Stone, the Easter Island statue, and the earliest known image of Christ. You will find a lot of Ancient Greek and Egyptian treasures including the Elgin Marbles. Should we give them back? You decide.
8. Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is all about discovering the natural world around us and appeals to all age groups. I remember seeing the dinosaurs when I was five years old and seeing them now still give me the same tingle down my spine. The Blue Whale is outrageous to see as you really can't imagine how big a life-size model has to be until you walk underneath it. Don't miss 'The Power Within' where you can experience what an earthquake feels like!
- South Kensington Big Three Museums
- Natural History Museum
- V&A - Victoria and Albert Museum
- Science Museum
9. Houses of Parliament
The Houses of Parliament is only a short walk down Whitehall from Trafalgar Square to Parliament Square. The building is stunning from Parliament Square, but it is worth taking a walk over Westminster Bridge and getting the view from the South Bank. Big Ben is actually the name of the bell in the clock tower which chimes every 15 minutes. Tours inside the Houses of Parliament for overseas visitors are only available during August and September.
10. V&A (Victoria and Albert Museum)
Near the Natural History Museum and Science Museum in South Kensington, the V&A is a great museum of art and design, and holds over 3000 years worth of artifacts from many of the world's richest cultures, including the most comprehensive collection of British design and art from 1500 to 1900. There's furniture, ceramics, photography, sculpture, and much more.
Where is your favorite place to visit in London? Let us know and we'll see if we can include it here.











