Tourist Attractions in London

London is one of the greatest cities in the world, offering a plethora of attractions for visitors. It is home to some of the world’s biggest historical and cultural landmarks, drawing thousands of people every year from diverse parts of the world. There is no shortage of tourist attractions in London. In fact, they are limitless in nature, making it almost impossible to be covered in a single document. However, there are some interesting landmarks which may be highlighted for tourists who wish to make the most of their time here. The city reportedly gets more than 20 million tourists annually.

Best Tourist Attractions in London

Here are some of the best places to see in London for visitors: 

1. Buckingham Palace

This is one of the biggest draws for travellers to the city. Buckingham Palace is also famous for its iconic Changing of the Guard at 11.30 AM which always attracts large crowds. The building itself is an architectural marvel and is undoubtedly one of the ultimate things to see in London. There are crowds thronging St. James’s Palace and you can walk along the Mall as the soldiers march across these two sites. The palace was constructed in 1837 and is the residence of the Royal Family in London. The flagpole over the building is the clue to whether the King and his family are in residence. If the royal standard flies throughout the day and night, it indicates that the monarch is at home. Members of the family sometimes emerge on the main balcony of the landmark as well. Tours are possible when the monarch is away. 

2. Tower of London

Sightseeing will be incomplete without visiting the Tower of London. It has been a vault for storing treasure, a prison, palace, and even a private zoo. The tower is one of the most famous structures across Britain and offers several attractions for tourists. The 17th century Line of Kings is impressive along with the exhibition on the Crown Jewels and Bloody Tower. You should also explore the Tower Bridge with its towers going 200 feet over the River Thames. There are walking tours available and you can also access Butler’s Wharf which is known for its top restaurants. 

3. British Museum

The British Museum will be a highlight of your city sightseeing in London odyssey. It showcases one of the most famous collections in the world, covering 13 million+ items. The Rosetta Stone, Elgin Marbles, and Mildenhall Treasure are some of the biggest attractions here. 

4. Big Ben and Houses of Parliament

You should add these landmarks to your list of places to visit in London. The 318 foot majestic tower with the giant clock is a sight to behold. The famous bell is another huge draw along with the Houses of Parliament which are architectural marvels in their own right. 

5. National Gallery

This is one of the quintessentially appealing tourist places that you should not miss. The famous museum is architecturally imposing and offers several appealing masterpieces. It is one of the world’s highest-ranked art museums, with its painting collection spanning 1260-1920. 

6. Victoria and Albert Museum

This is another one of the famous sights in London. The museum is part of the museum group at South Kensington, including the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum. It was founded back in 1852 and covers a sprawling 13 acres with a total of 145 galleries. It has artefacts and art covering a whopping 5,000 years. Exploring the John Madejski Garden is also a great idea. 

7. Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square

Getting to the beating heart of London is always recommended. These are two of the biggest tourist draws in the city, ensuring access to the vibrant entertainment and theatre district of Soho. There are innumerable stores, cafes, boutiques, and charming lanes through these famous thoroughfares. You will find several short term rentals in London nearby as well. Trafalgar Square commemorates the victory of Lord Horatio Nelson over the Spanish and French in 1805 at Trafalgar. The Nelson’s Column and other landmarks are situated here. Piccadilly Circus is where several states intersect, including Haymarket, Regent, Piccadilly, and Shaftesbury Avenue. The winged Eros here is a London symbol in itself. 

8. The Shard

It is one of the most exciting tourist places today. Opening in 2012, the Shard goes up to a whopping 1,016 feet across 95 stories. You can go up to the top and capture the unbelievable views on offer. The Shard also has the well-known Shangri-La Hotel and several top restaurants. There are both indoor and outdoor viewing platforms for tourists here. 

9. Tate Britain and Tate Modern

The two Tate Museums are significant landmarks in London. They lie on opposite sides of the River Thames, with some of the world’s biggest art collections on display for visitors. 

10. Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is another iconic landmark which is architecturally stunning and is engulfed in history. It stands at a place linked to Christianity from the 7th century onwards. It was founded in 1065 by Edward the Confessor for his interment. Most sovereigns have been buried and crowned here for centuries. It has also been a preferred location for several royal weddings. 

These are only a handful of the innumerable tourist attractions in London that attract history, culture, architecture, and adventure lovers in large numbers every year.