A land sharing its borders with Scotland and Wales, England is a beautiful country full of amazing architecture and stunning sights. London is a large city, and there really is countless experiences to have - from trying different pubs to seeing all of the major landmarks from a bird's eye view! Read further to learn more about the best things to do here!
9. St. Paul's Cathedral
Located within center city this church can be found, and it isn't easy to miss, considering the green-blue dome on top is one of the largest in the world. This building not only hosts works of art, but has also been an inspiration for different artists all around the planet! Inside, you can find the 'Whispering Galley,' where any sound (even a whisper) can be carried very far due to the structure of the dome itself.
8. Trafalgar Square
A forgotten and hidden gem of London lays about a mile away from the cathedral. This place, known as the gateway for the shopping district, is named Trafalgar Square. The area has several sculptures and fountains that are quite beautiful. At one point, it was also known to be the home for thousands of pigeons, but the number of these birds has decreased significantly due to the newer rule of not being allowed to feed them. All in all, this square has several shops around it as well, so it is not a bad place to visit if you need souvenirs!
7. Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
Over 400 years old, this white and circular theatre can be found along the River Thames.
Fun fact, this theatre is actually not the original! The first theatre was located a street behind this new one back in 1599, but burned down in 1613. The second was constructed in 1614 and has remained there ever since. You should be able to obtain tickets easily in order to tour the building, and if not, it is easily spotted if you are simply walking along the river.
6. Buckingham Palace
A huge staple for any tourist visiting London would be Buckingham Palace. This building houses the royal family as well as hundreds of other people, and is made up of over 700 rooms! Beautiful art can be found both inside the palace (you are able to visit the state rooms during the summer season) as well as outside. Even the gates are full of shining gold structures that you cannot miss!
5. Westminster Abbey
Found next to the House of Parliament, this is the place where all royal coronations take place (dating all the way back to the year 1066). Also known as the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter, you may know it more so as Westminster Abbey. This church is full of amazing details within its architecture and it is also the final resting place for many monarchs from Britain's history. Not only that, but even royal weddings have occurred here too!
4. Big Ben and House of Parliament
If you look to the left of Westminster Abbey, you will not miss seeing House of Parliament and Big Ben. With that said, seeing this building from afar or in pictures does NOT do it justice. Like so many other landmarks I've already listed, the detail in this architecture is complex and incredibly beautiful! Big Ben is around 315 feet tall, was built over 164 years ago, AND the clock faces are made up of an approximate total of 1,200+ pieces of INDIVIDUAL glass!
3. Tower of London
Surrounded by a (now empty) moat, the Tower of London stands not far from Tower Bridge. This structure was built in the year 1066 to function as a fortress and a show of power. At one point, the tower even functioned temporarily as a prison. Not only that, but this place holds treasure! The crown jewels and many upon many other gemstones are kept here. Another interesting fact is that there are ravens that are kept at the Tower of London to serve as guardians for this landmark. It is said that if these ravens ever escaped/left, then the tower will fall.
2. Tower Bridge
This bridge currently serves as a way for transportation and is very easily accessible in order to walk across. You can also purchase tickets in order to explore inside the towers as well. Tower Bridge has only more recently opened for public use, having started allowing visitors just before the 20th century. Pro-tip - do not mistake this structure for the London Bridge! That is located a bit upriver and appears more as a normal bridge.
1. London Eye
Finally my biggest recommendation when visiting London is to ride the London Eye! This may seem plain as it is a simple ferris wheel, but the best part about it is the fact that you can see the entire city of London from its peak. Located across the River Thames from Big Ben, it is very easy to see all of the major landmarks I've already listed from this view. It stands nearly 450 feet high and is the fourth tallest ferris wheel in the world. The London Eye is also very easy to purchase tickets to ride. We simply walked up to the attraction and were able to buy tickets to board it within a half hour. Do not miss it!
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