London is known as one of Europe’s — and the world’s — top tourist destinations. It’s a vibrant city that serves as Britain’s center for arts and entertainment. The capital is also known for its rich cultural and historical background. The city is famous for its eclectic architecture ranging from gothic to art deco and many other styles in between.
Before you buy your tickets and book that accommodation in London, be sure to include some or all of the following places in your list of places to visit:
10 of London’s Fantastic Spots That Tourists Often Visit
1. Buckingham Palace
A trip to London is never complete without stopping by one of the world’s most iconic buildings, Buckingham Palace. Built in 1837, the palace has served as the main residence and headquarters of the British Royal Family beginning with Queen Victoria’s ascent to the throne.
2. The Tower Bridge and The Tower of London
Often mistakenly called London Bridge, Tower Bridge is London’s most recognizable bridge that stands over the River Thames. The adjacent Tower of London has great historical value to the city having played various roles over the centuries including prison, palace, private zoo, and now home to the Crown Jewels of England.
3. The British Museum
Located in London’s Bloomsbury area, the British Museum showcases some of the world’s finest collections dedicated to art, culture, and human history. With over eight million works of art, it is one of the largest — if not the largest — collections of antiquities in the world today.
4. Big Ben
One of the landmarks mostly associated with London, Big Ben stands proudly at the northern side of the Palace of Westminster. It is renowned worldwide for its accuracy and massive bell. Just right beneath it are the Houses of Parliament.
5. National Gallery
Another museum to make it to this list is the National Gallery located in Trafalgar Square. It is ranked as one of the best museums in the world with an almost complete line-up of European paintings between 1260 and 1920.
6. The Victoria and Albert Museum
With over 2.27 million objects located in it, the Victoria and Albert Museum on Cromwell Road is the world’s largest museum dedicated to applied and decorative arts. It was named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and was founded in 1852.
7. Piccadilly Circus
Do not be fooled by the name, it is not a circus. But it is as lively and full of energy as one. Piccadilly Circus marks the junction of several busy streets in the heart of London.
8. Trafalgar Square
As one of London’s busiest and most important squares, Trafalgar Square was designed as a memorial to Britain’s victory against France and Spain in the Battle of Trafalgar.
9. The Shard
The Shard, also known as the Shard of Glass, became one of London’s most recognizable buildings ever since it opened in 2012. With 95 stories and standing at 1,016 feet, it proudly stands out among the other buildings of the London skyline.
10. Westminster Abbey
Formally known as the Collegiate Church of St. Peter in Westminster, Westminster Abbey is one of the most famous churches in all of history. The church — with an amazingly detailed Gothic architecture — is one of London’s top tourist attractions.
While there are a lot of other outstanding and scenic tourist spots in London, these places are ranked high in any must-see destination in the country.