London Travel Guide to Top Tourist Attractions
Whether you're a fan of exquisite architecture and ancient artworks, or fine dining and amazing shopping centers, London has it all on account of its 2,000-year history. London is a superstar among the best tourist destinations in the world, offering you a broad taste of everything imaginable under the sun, including controversial Greek Artworks! Surely, no visitor can go wrong in London but will need at least a few days to explore this incredible city.
In order not to feel quickly overwhelmed by all the dazzling attractions everywhere, use my London travel guide to find the 9 most famous must-see top tourist attractions in London. I have left the very best for last.
1. The Tower of London
From the humblest capacity as a prison to the soaring height as a palace, treasury to private zoo, the evolving and multi-functional Tower of London has indeed served several different roles throughout the centuries. As one of England's most iconic buildings, this impressive UNESCO Site today offers hours of constant wonderment for tourists swinging by. So many notable events occurred here.
Inside, the enormous White Tower, erected in 1078, is the 17th-century Line of Kings showing off its fabulous exhibits of royal armor and armaments. Additional highlights range from the renowned Crown Jewels display, the Royal Mint, the Beefeaters to the horror-inspiring displays about the executions which happened on the grounds. The Bloody Tower hosts fascinating narrations of ancient torture, and visitors could learn about the mysterious disappearance of two princes.
2. The British Museum
Showcasing some of the world's greatest collections of ancient civilizations, the British Museum houses over 13 million artifacts. With priceless items from Europe, Assyria, China, Babylonia, and other places, it's indeed difficult to know exactly where to start in this extensive, almost unrivaled attraction.
The majority of visitors tend to head initially for the museum's infamous exhibitions, which draw them like super-charged magnets! Of course, I'm referring to the Elgin Marbles that came from Parthenon. After that, look at the Rosetta Stone, the gigantic bust of Ramesses II, the Mildenhall Treasure, the incredible trove of Roman silver, and the famous Egyptian mummies.
Also, check out the well-stocked bookshop selling numerous books from art to ancient history, a store offering souvenirs and children's games, and another providing neat replica sculptures and more.
3. Big Ben & Parliament
Scarcely anything else commands as much attention-getting power as the 318-foot tower that houses the massive clock--Big Ben-- when it's ringing and warning you if you're running late for something. It's just as iconic an attraction as Tower Bridge, plus Big Ben's resounding tolls are known all over the globe as BBC's time signal. Beneath it, extending along the famed Thames, sit the Houses of Parliament, the power base of Britain's government for several centuries and even where royal Westminster Palace once existed and home to William the Conqueror.
The absolutely best vista could be found across Westminster Bridge and then looking back. Or, you can turn left, after going across the bridge, and continue along the walkway to the SEA LIFE London Aquarium, an exciting place for children.
Touring through the parliament buildings provide a unique opportunity to witness live debates as well as stimulating political conversations. From Parliament Square, you'll see Whitehall packed with several government structures that its name now hardly can be differentiated from the British government.
4. National Gallery
It would be nearly a "crime" to come to London and not catch a peek of the magnificent National Gallery. This wildly popular, columned museum standing at the margin of Trafalgar Square, houses amazing masterpieces which make it easily one of London's best attractions.
Enjoying the distinction as among the world's top art museums, London's National Gallery offers an expansive summary of European painting dated from the years 1260 to 1920. The museum's soaring strengths lie in its collections of Italian Schools and Dutch Masters.
Some highlights to look for are Leonardo da Vinci's cartoon of the Madonna and Child, Botticelli's Venus and Mars, Monet's Water-Lily Pond, van Gogh's Sunflowers, and Michelangelo's The Entombment.
5. The Victoria and Albert Museum
Established in 1852, the museum encompasses nearly 13 acres and is home to 145 galleries covering 5,000 years of artifacts and art.
Displays range from photos, prints, glass, ceramics, costumes, textiles, sculpture, silver and jewelry to ironwork, and are divided up for your viewing convenience into for major categories: Word and Image; Furniture, Textiles and Fashion; Asia; Glass, Sculpture, Ceramics, and Metalwork.
Since it's so easy to get lost in this "ocean," the most practical way to manage your time best is to prioritize in advance which areas you wish to see first. You are recommended to take a V&A tour, frequently free, options ranging from daily introductory, specific gallery to themed tours.
The Garden cafes happen to be more remarkable than most museum eateries. The elaborate detailing from the ceiling, columns to the floor make them prized art pieces themselves. Moreover, the food is delicious.
6. Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square was constructed to memorialize Lord Horatio Nelson's triumph over the Spanish and French at Trafalgar in the year 1805. Nelson's Column, a 183-foot tall granite monument, overlooking the square's bronze reliefs and fountains, were cast using French cannons. The National Gallery, St. Martin-in-the-Fields, and Admiralty Arch surround the square.
The famous square paves the way to Soho, the city's lively entertainment district and theater. The stroll from one leading to the next is a real treat, crammed with neat boutiques, ice cream shops, fine cafes, and windy lanes reminiscent of a much earlier period when carriages and horses journeyed through these same historic streets.
7. The Shard
Once it threw open its doors back in 2012, The Shard promptly assumed its high placement as one of London's most visited landmarks. Soaring 1,016 feet high and covering 95 floors, this magnificent building, nicknamed for its uncanny shard-of-glass resemblance, today rules the skyline due to its pleasant design, even complementing its nearby neighbors.
Besides its abundance of office space on multiple lower levels, The Shard houses three excellent restaurants and a beautiful Shangri-La Hotel, all offering unrivaled breathtaking panoramic vistas over London. Take full advantage of the uppermost levels that provide a fair selection of viewing platforms.
8. Tate Britain & Tate Modern
Both art museums stand on either side of the Thames. Consisting of one of the most significant art collections in the world, the oldest gallery first opened back in 1897 to fulfill the role as a national collection representing important British art, and went on to acquiring more artworks and requiring additional space to showcase its more recent collections. The resulting outcome was the founding of Tate Britain but in Millbank, located specifically on the Thames' north side, to house its collection of historical British paintings.
An excellently transformed power station on the other side of the Thames turned into the permanent home to today's modern art collections. Art fans could spend an entire day observing both locations, conveniently linked by fast-speed ferry. Or, if you prefer, cross the Millenium Bridge, which is a footbridge connecting the two river banks to the near Tate Modern. The views are impressive.
9. Buckingham Palace
As one of London's most iconic structures, Buckingham Palace's the equivalent of the United States' White House. Here, you get to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Attracting swarms of visitors at 11:30 am, this free and colorful show of precision march and music can also be seen at St. James's Palace.
Constructed in 1837, the palace has served as the official residence of the regal family ever since Queen Victoria's inauguration. In case you are wondering if the Queen is home, just take a look at the flagpole rising above the building; if the familiar flag is fluttering 24/7, she's home. The public can catch her and other Royal family members emerging on the main balcony on special state-related occasions.
When the Queen is taking her usual break at the Scottish summer palace, tourists could buy tickets to visit the Royal Mews, the State Rooms, and the Queen's Gallery.
