London town! The big smoke! The capital city of England is one of the most famous locations in all of the world and has so much to see and do. London is described as the largest metropolis in Britain and is a cultural, economic, and transportation hub. It is one of the world’s oldest, most cosmopolitan cities and attracts people from all over.
London’s history spans over two millennia and there are so many locations to soak up these historic stories in! London is multicultural. London is bustling. London is a plethora of adventures just waiting to be had! So, here are this author’s thirteen things to do in the capital city of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
The Tower of London
Established in the late 1070s and reconstructed a multitude of times since, the Tower of London exists as a royal palace, a secret fortress, and an infamous prison. The Tower of London is oftentimes referred to as ‘The Castle of London’, that is if London had an official castle! Tour through thousands of years worth of history just waiting to be uncovered! Explore the towering walls, learning the stories of treachery and torture, passion and pain.
Marvel at the precious and breathtaking crown jewels that reside within the tower, and admire the infamous ravens, known as the tower’s guardians. The Tower of London is a truly exciting learning experience and boasts some incredible architectural beauty. With its breadth of cultural history and reputation around the globe, this historical site is not one to miss! If you’re wanting the full Tower of London experience, take part in a Yeoman Warder guided tour.
Location: London, EC3N 4AB
Westminster Abbey
Existing as the shrine of Edward the Confessor and the burial place of many Kings and Queens, Westminster Abbey is one of the most famous Anglican churches in the world. Since its creation, Westminster Abbey has provided a venue for the coronations of the Kings and Queens of England and so is a rather grand and beautiful Gothic building.
Though the venue is rich in grandeur and used for many important occasions such as coronations and royal weddings, there are also daily worship services held that all members of the public are allowed to attend. Why not have a pop inside one of the services, admire the surroundings, and enjoy standing in one of the world’s most famous and renowned buildings?
Location: 20 Deans Yd, London, SW1P 3PA
The Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum holds some extraordinary specimens! Classed as a scientific institution of natural history, this venue holds some incredible sights that you simply cannot miss. Want to see a famous gorilla, a real moon rock, or a royal lion skull? Here is the place to do it. The Natural History Museum is a true discovery center, complete with exhibitions teaching visitors all about plants, fungi, paleontology, ecosystems, geology, and climatology, to name but a few. There is no other place like it! It is a must-stop on your London trip.
Location: Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London, SW7 5BD
The Camden Market
This is a personal favorite of mine! Camden Market is a cultural haven. Complete with stall upon stall on handmade gifts, quirky knick-knacks, vintage clothing, and all the music vinyls you could ever want. Spend hours touring through the many nooks and crannies, making new discoveries as you go.
Why not stop for a bite at one of the many food stalls? The atmosphere here is truly enchanting – you will never want to leave! Camden Market is an incredibly diverse, multicultural selection of London’s most creative communities and is a wonderful place to eat, drink, dance, and shop.
Location: 54-56 Camden Lock Pl, London, NW1 8AF
Hyde Park
Hyde Park exists as the largest park in all of the central and royal parks of London. Encompassing over three hundred and fifty acres of greenery, including a large lake and over four hundred trees, the park is famous for its speakers’ corner and a multitude of important monuments and memorials.
Why not follow the trail of Hyde Park’s landmarks and enjoy a blissful walk? Start at ‘The Diana Memorial Fountain’, built from five-hundred and forty-five pieces of Cornish granite in honor of the late Princess of Wales. Even if you’re not wanting a lengthy walk, the park is a lovely place for a quick scroll. There is also a playground complete with swings and slides, so there is something for the whole family to enjoy!
Location: Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH
Covent Garden
Home to a myriad of cafes, shopping opportunities, and even the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden exists as very popular shopping and tourist site within the city of London. The area used to host a fruit and vegetable market, and now the old venue is a hot spot amongst tourists.
It is a cultural center and known for being commercial, hosting many theatres in addition to the aforementioned opera house. The square is always bustling with visitors with so much to see and do, so make sure you make a stop at one of the most popular piazzas in all of London!
Location: 14 James St, London, WC2E 8BU
The Houses of Parliament
The Houses of Parliament are perhaps some of the most iconic and famous buildings in all of London. You’ll recognize them from the presence of that large clock…what’s his name…Big Ben! We all know Big Ben, who sits comfortably in the Elizabeth Tower. The Houses of Parliament are made up of the House of Lords and the House of Commons, both intended to house modern government.
There are many opportunities for tourists and members of the public to visit these famous buildings. There are regular public talks, behind-the-scenes tours, and opportunities to watch parliamentary debates from the public gallery. If politics is your forte, or you simply want to have a glance at these iconic buildings, then off you pop to the London Houses of Parliament.
Location: UK Parliament, Westminster, London, SW1A 0AA
The London Underground
However you choose to conduct your traveling whilst in London, you definitely need to give the London Underground a look! Oftentimes referred to as ‘The Tube’, the underground system in London is efficient, characteristic of city life, and can actually be described as somewhat iconic.
You’ll recognize the underground logo whilst walking around the city, so why not have a quick look at the city map and try your hand at navigating the tube? Get ready for a bumpy ride! Oyster cards and contactless at the ready!
The View from The Shard
The Shard, or ‘The Shard of Glass’, stands proudly within the London skyline. A seventy-two-story skyscraper, designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano, in Southwark, London. The building itself is stunning, but that is not the best thing about this attraction. Climb to the top and see! The Shard offers unparalleled, panoramic views of the city of London.
Feel on top of the world as the people below become minuscule, the overwhelming city becomes your oyster, and you become at one with the skyline of London. Truly an experience you will never forget!
Location: 32 London Bridge St, London, SE1 9SG
Buckingham Palace
Want to get a glimpse into life as a British royal? Look no further than Buckingham Palace. Built in 1703, the palace and its extensive gardens have become a symbol of the British monarchy. Complete with seven hundred and seventy-five rooms, Buckingham Palace itself is enormous and truly a piece of architectural beauty.
Although many of the events and receptions held here are logically private, the palace staterooms, the Queen’s gallery, and the royal mews are open for visitors every summer. Why not take part in a Buckingham Palace tour to get the full British royal experience?
Location: London, SW1A 1AA
The West End
Visit Britain’s broadway! London is home to some incredible West End shows and is known globally for its theatrical brilliance. There is a high concentration of theatres in this area, so choose wisely. Head to the Queen’s Theatre for Les Miserables or the Palace Theatre from Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
What about the Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre or The Woman in Black at the Fortune Theatre? There is so much to choose from! Make sure you free up some time during your trip to enjoy some London theatre.
Location: Queens Theatre, 51 Shaftesbury Ave, London, W1D 6BA
The London Eye
The London Eye, or the Millenium Wheel, is the tallest cantilevered observation wheel in all of Europe. Receiving over three million visitors annually, the London Eye is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the entire city. The wheel itself sits on the South Bank of the River Thames and is one of the most famous structures in London. Offering a three-hundred and sixty-degree perspective of the city, taking a ride in one of the London Eye’s pods is an unparalleled experience.
There are thirty-two pods, each holding fifteen-twenty people, so you usually don’t have to wait too long. Though, even if the wait is a little longer than expected, I assure you that your experience will be well worth it! The London Eye is truly one of the best tourist attractions in all of London and is something all the family can and will enjoy.
Location: Riverside Building, County Hall, London, SE1 7PB
Trafalgar Square
Named after Lord Nelson’s 1805 naval victory in the Battle of Trafalgar, Trafalgar Square is one of the most famous and visited areas in all of London. The square lies at the heart of the city and is a fantastic central reference point. The square itself is very large, providing a home for some of London’s most anticipated attractions. This includes both the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery.
The area is vibrant and always bustling with tourists and residents alike. Not only are there lots of attractions to visit here, but also many notable landmarks to be seen. For instance, Britain’s tiniest police box and Nelson’s Column sit comfortably upon Trafalgar Square and are great landmarks to sneak a glance at. Whether you are visiting an attraction, photographing a landmark, or simply admiring the impressive architecture, make sure you stop in one of the most important squares in all of London!
Location: Trafalgar Sq, London, WC2N 5DN
