London is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. With its rich history and abundance of attractions, it’s no wonder that people flock to this city every year.
If you’re planning a trip to London, or if you’ve already booked your tickets and are looking for information on what to see and do, look no further. In this article, we’ll talk about six places to visit in London.
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6 of the best places to visit in London
1. Buckingham Palace, the official seat of the British monarchy
Buckingham Palace is the main London residence of the British monarch. Completed in 1837, it replaced an earlier palace that had been destroyed by fire in 1834. The building was designed by John Nash and is neoclassical in style. Buckingham Palace has been the official residence of the royal family since 1837 and is often used for state events and official entertainment.
The palace is usually open only in summer and you can take a guided tour or explore it on your own. If you want to see the changing of the guard, which takes place every day at 11:30 a.m. from May to July, be sure to arrive early because it gets crowded.
Other attractions near Buckingham Palace are Saint James’s Park and Kensington Gardens, which are worth a visit. If you are interested in knowing more about the British monarchy, we recommend that you visit Windsor Castle.
2. The Tower of London - a historic castle on the north bank of the river Thames
The Tower of London was founded in the eleventh century by William the Conqueror, and over the centuries has served many purposes, such as royal palace, fortress, armory, treasury and prison. Today, the Tower of London is a popular tourist attraction, and is also home to the Crown Jewels.
If you want to explore the Tower of London on your own, we recommend that you purchase an audio guide. This is a fantastic rainy day activity in London. Audio guides are available in several languages and offer interesting facts and stories about this historic castle. There are also guided tours if you prefer an expert guide to speak.
Admission to the Tower of London is not free, but there is a discount for students and seniors. Opening hours vary depending on the season, so be sure to check the website in advance.
The Tower of London is close to other attractions, such as Tower Bridge and the Sky Garden. If you have time, we recommend that you visit one or more of these places.
3. Big Ben - one of the best places to visit in London
Big Ben is the nickname of the Great Clock Bell at the northwest end of the Palace of Westminster, and is often used to refer to both the bell and the clock tower. The official name of the tower is Elizabeth Tower, as it was renamed in 2012 to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.
The clock tower was completed in 1859 and is 96 meters high. The four faces of the clock are 26 meters in diameter and are illuminated at night so that they can be seen from miles away. If you want to hear the chimes of Big Ben, we recommend that you visit on a working day when Parliament is not in session.
Another attraction near Big Ben is Westminster Abbey. If you have time, we recommend that you visit it.
4. Saint Paul's Cathedral: an iconic Anglican cathedral located on Ludgate Hill
Saint Paul’s Cathedral was founded in the eleventh century by King Edward the Confessor and rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1666 by Sir Christopher Wren.
The magnificient building is one of London’s most popular tourist attractions, and rightly so. The interior of the cathedral is breathtaking, and the views from the Whispering Gallery and the Stone Gallery are a must.
5. Visit the London Eye: a Ferris wheel on the south bank of the river Thames
The London Eye opened in 1999 to celebrate the new millennium and has become one of London’s most popular tourist attractions.
The London Eye is 135 metres high and has 32 capsules, each of which can carry up to 25 people. The journey takes about 30 minutes, and at the top, you can see some of London’s most famous landmarks, such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and Saint Paul’s Cathedral. For an alternative view of the London Eye, take to the water on a relaxing Thames River cruise.
If you want to visit the London Eye, we recommend buying your ticket in advance as it’s a perennially popular tourist choice and one of the top places to visit in London. Children love taking a ride on the London Eye – it’s definitely one of the top things to do with your kids in London. Don’t forget that there are discounts for students and seniors. Depending on the season, opening hours may vary, so check the website in advance.
6. Hyde Park: one of the most famous parks in London
Hyde Park dates back to 1637. It is a large park with many attractions, such as the Serpentine Lake, Speakers’ Corner and the Rose Garden.
Hyde Park is a great place to visit if you want to relax or take a walk, and it’s also close to other attractions like Kensington Palace, and Oxford Street. If you have time, we recommend that you visit one or more of these places. Admission to Hyde Park is free, and it’s open year-round. Opening hours may vary depending on the season.
London calling
London is a city with something for everyone. It’s not possible to mention every one of the capital’s famous attractions in one post. From Picadilly Circus to Leceister Square and Oxford Street to Covent Garden, you’ll never be short on something to do!
Whether you’re interested in history, art, food or nightlife, there’s something that will keep you entertained. While it’s true that this crazy capital can be an expensive place to visit, you can also find plenty of free things to do.
So, start planning your trip to England’s capital today! We hope you enjoyed reading about the 6 best places to visit in London and that you love visiting this amazing city!
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Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re looking for the best weather, then spring (March – May) and summer (June – August) are best. During these times, especially in the summer, you will also find a lot more tourists. Prices may be higher. The most affordable time to visit London is winter (especially January and February), as this is London’s low season and there will be far fewer tourists.
When it comes to food, London has it all! You’ll be able to find cuisines from every far-flung corner of the world. If you want to try some typical English food, we’d recommend:
Our very own City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus is far and away the easiest and most convenient way to get around London. With 3 routes around the city, you’ll be able to hop off right by all of London’s major tourist sights. Travel at your own pace and be in control of your own journey. The views from our top deck are not half bad either!