Tourist Attractions London

An Insider’s Guide to Living in London

This London relocation guide has been designed with the explicit intention to provide expats and travellers with all they need to know about moving to London.

This exciting chapter covers Tourist Attractions.

As with any city, there is a whole range of must-see attractions in London to enjoy and take part in. From all the insightful museums and galleries to the luscious greenery of the parks, there’s much to experience throughout your stay in London whether you’re here in the long term or short term.

Tourist Attractions In London

In this chapter, we will outline what to see in London, from its leisure activities and the best attractions to its long history.

One of the most iconic cities in the world, London is a vast ensemble of cultures, languages, and histories. Such poetry is manifest in the enticing range of cultural, sporting and leisure activities that London has to offer tourists and full-time residents alike.

It comes as no surprise that, in 2018, the United Kingdom received almost 40 million inbound visitors - up almost 5% from previous years.

6.1 History

With a history stretching back over 2,000 years, London has stood witness to countless epochs yet has remained resilient in its purpose. From Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey, from St Paul’s to Trafalgar Square, London features a seemingly insurmountable list of must visit historical attractions: but where to start?

Buckingham Palace

Originally constructed in 1703 for the 3rd Earl of Mulgrave, Buckingham Palace became a royal residence in 1761 when King George III purchased the property. Although the royal residence doesn’t contain a polar bear as it did when King George III lived there, Buckingham Palace is perhaps one of London’s top sights.

Surrounded by parkland, visiting Buckingham Palace is an eternally beguiling prospect for tourists. Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh occupy apartments located on one side of the palace: the rest of the palace is open to the general public. The cost varies seasonally, but tickets are affordable.

The Tower of London

More a palace than a Tower, the Tower of London has stood as a symbol of London’s reigning powers since 1066. This Medieval fortress that stands on the north bank of the river Thames was built by William the Conqueror and went on to become the famous prison in which figures from Elizabeth I (before she became queen) to the infamous Kray twins were kept under armed guard and 24-hour supervision.

When you look at any “top 10 attractions in London” list, this is always on there.

Westminster Abbey

Constructed in the early 11th century, Westminster Abbey is perhaps the most aesthetically pleasing building in central London. Gothic grandeur in its essence, every coronation since 1066 has occurred within its walls. Within Westminster Abbey you can witness the tombs and statues of defining figures of British history: Seventeen kings and queens are buried at Westminster in addition to historically significant figures like Charles Darwin.

"In the renowned Poets’ Corner in the South Transept, members of the British literary canon such as Jane Austen, William Blake, Sir John Betjeman and Shakespeare are all commemorated. Tickets into the Abbey cost £20 online."