London is the most tourist city in Europe, receiving 27 million tourists annually. It is not surprising that it is the top destination on so many people’s travel lists given that the city was established by the Romans and has thrived over the ages. The City of London is its ancient heart, yet it is also the smallest city in England. The London we know and love is a much larger major city and is home to about 9 million people. It has many iconic buildings, sites, and attractions to view, both old and modern since the city is continually changing and rich in ancient culture.
I’ve stayed in several various parts of London for over the past 5 years. I’ve been all around the globe, yet despite this, I keep returning to London, which I’m pleased to call home. But what else can I say, I enjoy this location to the fullest. I enjoy going on a London trip to feel fresh again when I sense the city is getting more than enough for me. To demonstrate that you can have a blast inside the town without coming to the bar, I want to showcase the best adventurous things in London.
Whatever your reason for traveling, there is something in London for everyone. Modern architectural wonders like the Shard flank ancient laneways lined with historic monuments, upscale stores, and award-winning theatres. The scenic streets wound their way around well-known monuments like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and St. Paul’s Cathedral, forcing visitors to gasp in awe and exhaust their phone’s photo storage.
These are all the top 15 things in London everybody should try at least once.
I truly hope some of these may be enjoyable for you. And keep in mind that feeling a bit anxious is normal!
#1
Flight On the London Eye
The Coca-Cola London Eye is Europe’s largest observation wheel and is centrally placed in London along Westminster Road and is often called the city’s center. It is commonly referred to as the Millennium Wheel, gracefully spins on the South Bank above the River Thames, facing the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. It is a giant Ferris wheel that gives panoramic views of the city and was built to celebrate Britain’s Millennium in 2000.
It is 443 feet high and has a diameter of 394 feet. As it reaches the top, the individual glass capsules of the London Eye provide tourists with breathtaking views of the city. The travel takes around 30 minutes.
You have the option of sharing one of the roomy pods with other curious guests or spending on a private pod for you and someone special.
To avoid the queues you should get your tickets in advance since they might sell out quickly, especially during the summer. Tickets start at £32.50, and they also offer multiple ticket packages to view many London sites.
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I’ve taken the London Eye several times on different trips to London. The first time happened in 2017 and the last time occurred in 2021. Everything you need to help you prepare for your trip will be shared with you today. I’ll go through everything, including how to purchase tickets, the many experiences offered on the London Eye, time- and money-saving tips, and advice on how to take the greatest pictures during your visit.
To Know More About Read the Article Plan a Visit to London Eye – My Experience
#2
Visit Buckingham Palace and Watch the Changing of the Guard
And everybody is aware of Buckingham Palace, correct? And let’s face it if you adore the Royal family, touring is among the greatest activities to do here in London.
Buckingham Palace is one of Britain’s most ancient and iconic Places. It is located in the City of Westminster. The Mall is the title of the famous, red-paved street that leads to the palace. Since St James Park is located along this section of the road, taking a stroll up it will be a great experience. The Changing of the Guard happens regularly in June and July. London’s most well-known pomp and circumstance display takes place at Buckingham Palace. Every season, this ceremony takes place at about 11:30 a.m., during which you can see precision marching with music and an orchestra who are all wearing the iconic London bearskin.
Buckingham Palace was constructed in 1837. It has served as the London house of the British Royal Family since Queen Victoria’s reign. Now serves as the palace of Queen Elizabeth II. It has the biggest private garden in London and 775 rooms. The Queen and other Royal Family members host formal events and celebrations in the Palace. If you’re unsure, the Queen is at home, check the flagpole on top of the building. If it is flying day and night, she is at the place. Visitors can purchase tickets for tours of the State Rooms, the Queen’s Gallery, and the Royal Mews while the Queen is away at her summer residence in Scotland.
#3
Big Ben Tower
The 318-foot tower Great Bell of the Clock, known as Big Ben, is located at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. Its official name is Elizabeth Tower, however, it is also known as a clock tower. It is just next to the parliamentary buildings.
Big Ben gives you a strong sense of being in London. It’s exciting for someone visiting for the first time to catch their first view of Big Ben. It also never gets boring. We enjoyed gazing up at this well-known British landmark, day or night.
Big Ben’s tolling serves as the BBC’s time signal, and it is as iconic a landmark as Tower Bridge. Since May 1859, it has been ticking 116 floors up. It is the second-largest four-faced chiming clock in the world.
Big Ben and Elizabeth Tower tours are only possible for those who meet all of the requirements listed by the British government and who have contact with any MP can request a tour of Big Ben and the Elizabeth Tower
Requirements for Visitors
#4
Visit The Houses of Parliament
It’s wonderful to view Parliament’s historic building from the outside. But did you guys hear that you really can have a stroll of the Houses of Parliament and also go to the Commons or Lords to watch the ongoing debate?
The official name of the Houses of Parliament is the Palace of Westminster, although because of its occupants. It is more usually referred to as the former. The UK’s political hub, Westminster, is home to the Houses of Parliament. Here, senators, the prime minister, and members of Parliament meet to discuss and pass laws. You could even see the Prime Minister arrive with his security team on Wednesday or Thursday mornings at the Cromwell Green entrance across from Parliament Square.
Crossing Westminster Bridge and looking behind you will give you the greatest view. The SEA LIFE London Aquarium may also be reached by turning left after passing under the bridge (a fun spot to take kids). For the ideal shot with Big Ben in the background, gather your group around the wall.
We’ve taken tours to the top of the tower to view Big Ben throughout the years, and we’ve also seen the weekly Prime Minister’s Questions.
These are free and could be organized by your local MP if you’re a resident of the UK. The restoration work is delaying the Big Ben tour right now, but I’m praying they reopen this as fast as it’s finished. It’s fantastic!
Tourists often crowd Parliament Square to view the statues of historical figures including Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Winston Churchill.
Parliament Square
#5
Explore the British Museum
One of London’s most popular tourist destinations, the British Museum was established in 1753 and has items ranging from more than two million years of human history. It offers a unique opportunity to compare the riches of world civilization all under one roof. It is found in the Bloomsbury area in London. It’s difficult to know where to start with this huge attraction. Because it has magnificent antiques from Assyria, Babylonia, China, Europe, and other cultures.
With its unique collections containing about eight million artworks and objects, the British Museum in London is one of England’s most significant, oldest, and most extensive museums. This museum brings you back to 1753 the dawn of civilization with its exhibits and holdings. With artifacts from all across the world, the British Museum is devoted to keeping and presenting the progress and culture of humanity.
It is mostly built on the archives of Sir Hans Sloane, a scientist, and physician. Most visitors start by seeing the museum’s most well-known displays, which include the contentious Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon, the Rosetta Stone, the huge bust of Ramesses II, the Egyptian mummies, and the splendid Mildenhall Treasure of 4th-century Roman silver.
As the number of objects increased, the museum needed to be expanded and rebuilt. The Reading Room is a part of the current structure, which was designed in 1857.
The museum underwent extensive extensions as well as tours and seminars in the 20th and 21st centuries. The majestic Queen Elizabeth II Great Court, which was once intended to be a garden, is one example of this. The original patio was lost as it was gradually stacked with books. The public was once more able to visit the museum after this renovation.
Several thousand antiques are housed there, allowing visitors to travel through historical Britain, prehistoric Egypt, Japanese art, and Benin items from Nigeria. In all honesty, it’s wonderful to see goods from all around the world. Even after several trips, we still haven’t seen everything.
There are various shops on site, including one that sells duplicate sculptures and jewelry, as well as a well-stocked bookshop with a vast selection of literature on ancient history, archaeology, and art history.
Read My Experience To know more in Detail and Tips A Visit to the British Museum London
#6
Walk to the Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is situated on land that has a long history of being connected to British royalty and Christianity, dating back to the early 7th century. Edward the Confessor established Westminster Abbey in 1065 to serve as his burial site. The Collegiate Church of St. Peter in Westminster is its current official name.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see location in London. With close links to both the Royal family and the British government, Westminster Abbey is a functioning church. The structure showcases the best of medieval perpendicular Gothic design.
Inside are monuments and plaques honoring historical figures who are grave elsewhere. Winston Churchill, Stephen Hawking, and Charles Dickens are among the esteemed individuals on the list. It has served as a venue for weddings and burials. Westminster Abbey is home to 17 monarchs’ graves. It has held 16 royal weddings, the most recent of which being that of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in 2011.
Highlights of a visit include witnessing the more than 600 memorials in the Nave, including the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior; Poet’s Corner in the Transepts, with its memorials to writers like Shakespeare, Chaucer, and Dickens; the Westminster Abbey Museum; and the lovely gardens.
There are many sights to see at Westminster Abbey, so I’ve put together this guide to assist you in making travel plans. Discover more about Abbey’s history, and the must-see attractions, and get some helpful advice to make the most of your visit.
Read More Travel Guide to Westminster Abbey – Everything You Need to Know
#7
See the Royal Jewels at the Tower of London
The beautiful Tower of London has served a variety of purposes over the years, including from prison to palace, treasure vault to a private zoo. William the Conqueror first built the Tower in 1066 as a sign of his power. Now extends almost 13 acres after being enlarged and extended throughout the years. The White Tower, York Minster, and St. John’s Chapel are just some of the ancient structures that can be seen inside its boundaries.
It is an impressive fortress with a past that goes back many centuries. It is also home to the world’s largest diamond, a dazzling array of armor and weaponry, and a palpable sense of ancient history at every turn.
Known as “Yeomen Warders” or “Beefeaters,” they are stationed just outside of the Tower, where lucky visitors can watch the change of the guard every 2 hours.
Inside, there is a lovely collection of exhibits and displays, but the Crown Jewels are without sure the most well-known sight. These contain some of the biggest diamonds, sapphires, and rubies in the whole world (including the Black Prince’s Ruby), as well as the Coronation Regalia, which are all befitting of a king or queen, as the name implies.
Other highlights include the famous Crown Jewels exhibition, the Beefeaters, the Tower Ravens, the Royal Mint, and gruesome exhibits about the executions that took place on the grounds. The Bloody Tower presents stories of ancient torture. You can also learn about the mystery of two princes who disappeared many years ago.
#8
See Cloud-Touching View at Shard
There is no better spot than the top of The Shard to visit if you’re searching for stunning views of London. With a Skydeck on the 72nd floor, it is the city’s highest building at 1,016 feet (310 meters) and provides a panoramic view.
The Shard has offices on the lower floors as well as a gorgeous Shangri-La Hotel and three excellent restaurants, all boasting some of the most breathtaking views over London.
It’s the perfect place to move from a glittering twilight to supper pleasure with a drink of bubbly in hand thanks to the six delicious pubs and restaurants on offer (Aqua Shard, Oblix, Hutong, Bar 31, TNG, and GNG).
Delight in picture-perfect spectacular views of London for up to 40 miles on a good day by reserving a window seat at one of the restaurants when you’re feeling very upscale. Aqua Shard is regarded as the best restaurant because of its floor-to-ceiling windows, while Hutong, a Cantonese bistro, offers delicious food to go along with the views.
#9
Picnic in Hyde Park
One of London’s eight royal parks, each year, a large number of tourists and visitors visit Hyde Park. It has a 350-acre area. And home to a variety of well-known attractions, including the Serpentine Lake, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, and Speaker’s Corner.
With a total size of 142 hectares, London’s Hyde Park is one of the world’s biggest urban parks. It has a meadow, a large lake, over 4,000 trees, and lovely flower beds. Aside from being a popular location for events and concerts, this area is also great for skating, boating, swimming, and cycling.
Apsley House, which the first Duke of Wellington built after his well-known victory at Waterloo, is another monument in Hyde Park. It is now a museum where Wellington’s famous art collections are on display, including The Waterseller of Seville by Velázquez, as well as gifts from grateful European monarchs and emperors. The Wellington Arch also honors England’s greatest hero.
Greater and well-known for joggers is Hyde Park. Bring your kids to the Serpentine, the lake in Hyde Park, if you’re traveling with a family, and feed the birds there.
#10
Explore the National Gallery LONDON
The National Gallery is an art gallery that has around 2000 Western European artworks dating from the Middle Ages to the twentieth century. The paintings of famous painters such as Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Turner, and Van Gogh are on show. The museum is located in Trafalgar Square, and admission is free.
The museum’s greatest strengths are in its collections of Dutch Masters and Italian Schools of the 15th and 16th centuries. Among its 2,300 in-house pieces, visitors will find famed paintings, such as Botticelli’s “Venus and Mars,” Rembrandt’s “Self Portrait at the Age of 34” and Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers.”
The works in this museum are arranged chronologically. The earliest paintings by Giotto and Jan Ban Eyck were seen at the museum’s main entrance, which is towards the Sainsbury wing. Works by Renaissance painters such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci may be seen in the west wing. In contrast, paintings from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries can be found in the other wings.
We can quickly wander to Covent Garden after this to experience the marketplace and side streets.
#11
Take a Picture On Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge, along with Parliament and Big Ben, is London’s next must-see architectural masterpiece, as well as the most iconic bridge that crosses the Thames. Its two massive towers rise 200 feet above the Thames. It is near the Tower of London and has become an iconic symbol of the city in recent years. Butler’s Wharf, a trendy portion of town with several eateries, is located on the south side of the bridge.
Visitors may have a unique experience due to the glass floor walkway. A stunning panoramic view of the river is another possibility. When taking selfies while enjoying the vast views from Tower Bridge, look in the mirror above for the greatest angles. It is a little touristy, but it can be worthwhile if you want to see the views of east London.
Naturally, you may stroll over Tower Bridge, although you can also book tickets to visit the towers’ interiors and walk along the suspended walkway located above them.
It is the ideal location to visit for a more distinctive view of London’s most iconic bridge and it will only take about 45 minutes to finish.
#12
Climb St. Paul’s Cathedral’s Dome
St. Paul’s Cathedral is the biggest and most well-known of London’s various churches. And undoubtedly one of the world’s most stunning cathedrals is built on top of the ruins of a Roman temple. Sir Christopher Wren created the new church after the first was burned in the Great Fire of 1666. It is the second-largest dome in the United Kingdom. And it has been a celebrated feature of the London skyline for the past 300 years or so.
St. Paul’s Cathedral’s Dome
The interiors are beautiful, and visitors may climb the dome’s 528 steps to take in the spectacular, magnificent view of London. The current building was constructed in 1708. Many moments in British history have taken place in this famous cathedral, including the funerals of Winston Churchill and Diana, Princess of Wales. St.
After climbing 528 steps, you’ll be rewarded with magnificent views of the River Thames, the Tate Modern, and Shakespeare’s Globe. Once you’ve visited the top, descend to the crypt, which is the biggest in all of Europe, to see the tombs of famous people including Sir Christopher Wren, Lord Nelson, and the Duke of Wellington.
Wander through the Nave, toward the magnificent Quire of St. Paul’s and also the High Altar. Go upstairs to the Silent Gallery for views of the Cathedral early on.
To confirm the timeframe that usually works for your trip buy your ticket in advance on the official website.
There is no entrance fee and the cathedral is accessible every day to tourists. However, there is a £5 per person advised donation. Inside the cathedral, photography is not allowed. Moreover, no carts nor heavy baggage are allowed inside.
Please Note
#13
Visit the Churchill War Rooms
In World War II, Winston Churchill, Britain’s greatest prime minister, commanded the British fight against Hitler at this site on King Charles Street. Here, you may explore the legendary War Rooms’ underground maze corridors and rooms. You’ll see Churchill’s tiny bedroom and the improvised radio station where he transmitted his well-known wartime speeches. No other museum could achieve it. Yet small elements like Clementine Churchill’s knitting wool outlining the front lines on a map of Europe bring the era to life.
While visiting London, you must unquestionably do something like this. Winston Churchill and his staff “ran” the war from underneath London streets during World War II. They were comparatively safe from Nazi air strikes within their shelters. Visit the bunkers in this museum to discover where they napped lived while learning about the extraordinary Winston Churchill. You don’t have to love history to enjoy this museum.
This museum is a work of art. It was created with the most recent technology and multimedia to give its viewers a first-rate experience. It features historical vintages and heirlooms on display and can transit visitors back to the tense days of the War through audio guides that are available in 8 languages.
#14
Wander Around Trafalgar Square
The name refers to the Battle of Trafalgar, a naval victory for the British over Napoleon. The square is home to Nelson’s Column, a monument to Admiral Horatio Nelson, as well as several sculptures and fountains. It is often used for large public events or rallies, and around Christmas, a huge Christmas Tree can be seen in the area, making it feel utterly lovely!
Trafalgar Square London
Westminster’s Trafalgar Area, a public square with several cultural spaces, museums, and galleries all around it, is a prominent and key place in the city. The starting point for determining distances to other locations in Trafalgar Square was first created in the 1820s by famous architect John Nash.
Nelson’s Column and the National Gallery are placed in this prominent icon. The city’s New Year’s Eve activities are centered at Trafalgar Square.
#15
Up at The O2 Arena
The O2 is a big area in Southeast London that serves as a whole entertainment center, with a number of restaurants, exhibition halls, music venues, and the O2 Arena, the second-largest indoor arena in the UK.
Originally known as the Millennium Dome, it was planned to display and commemorate the new millennium on January 1, 2000. The Olympic Park and Canary Wharf are among the views seen from the 170-foot peak.
If it’s a sunny day, you could even see across Windsor Castle from the highest, where climbers are greeted with unrivaled 360-degree views of Central London!
Adventures normally last 90 minutes, including an hour of walking which most visitors find rewarding.
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