For many years millions of tourists have visited the capital and largest city of England, London. The enthusiasm for the city is easily understood considering the combination of its historic architecture, remarkable tourist sites, and beautiful parks.
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While there are many attractions in the city, some iconic landmarks are above the rest. So when visiting London, these are all big places that must be seen.
Big Ben
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First on the list is Big Ben, one of the city’s greatest symbols. Located at the north end of the Westminster Palace, Big Ben and its 13.5-ton bell have become one of the great attractions of the city. Finished in 1859, the tower built in the Gothic Revival style reaches 316 feet (96 meters) and on the hour, every hour, it chimes.
Borough Market
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Image Credit: DepositPhotos.
Borough Market has food for everyone and is one of the most popular markets in London. There are so many stalls that are enticing for both tourists and locals. The market is over 1,000 years old and shows the power of London’s rich food history.
Walking in, the first thing to hit your senses is the smell of freshly baked bread, and the sight of colorful fruits and vegetables. Plus, there is gourmet street food being made. There is something for everyone, from those who are passionate about food to those who may just want a quick snack. For these reasons, Borough Market is one of the best places to get great food.
British Museum
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Image Credit: DepositPhotos.
The British Museum holds an impressive collection of art and artifacts from around the world and across centuries. One of the first museums in the world and opening in 1753, the British Museum was designed with a grand neoclassical façade. The museum includes collections of Egyptian mummies, Greek sculptures, and artifacts from Mesopotamia, Asia, Africa and the Americas. Along with the diverse museums collections, the British Museum invites its visitors to experience a journey across the ancient infrastructures of human creativity and history.
The British Museum is one of the best things to do in London, especially when it rains. Home to the Rosetta Stone, the museum has an incredible collection of artifacts. It’s a great place to learn about history.
If you’re looking for educational activities in London, you can visit the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and Victoria and Albert Museum!
Buckingham Palace
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Image Credit: DepositPhotos.
Located in London, Buckingham Palace is a symbol of British Royalty and is the official residence of the reigning monarch. Guard Changing ceremonies attract a daily audience. This ceremony serves as an everyday occasion to witness a royal spectacle.
The State Rooms have opened to the public, with limited time runs, and showcase a part of the royal life with all the expensive decorations, priceless works of art, and lavish furnishings. As a testament to the British monarchy’s deep-rooted heritage, Buckingham Palace is a site of sovereignty and should be visited by all tourists.
Covent Garden
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Image Credit: DepositPhotos.
Covent Garden used to be a fruit and vegetable market, but it’s changed into a centre for locals and tourists. Cobblestone streets, boutique shops, modern restaurants, and cozy cafes. It’s a perfect place for visitors and a Greater London pick-me-up.
With street performers, and artists Covent Garden is a good place for retail therapy. It has restaurants, diverse food options, and a great atmosphere.
Houses of Parliament
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Image Credit: DepositPhotos.
Also known as The Palace of Westminster, the Houses of Parliament is located on the River Thames next to Big Ben. The House of Commons and the House of Lords reside here, and the architecture is stunning.
A lot of people see the Houses of Parliament to see Big Ben, but you can actually do guided tours of the building to learn about the UK’s political processes.
Hyde Park
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Image Credit: DepositPhotos.
With all the skyscrapers, London still has some green space like Hyde Park. One of London’s top spots, it has 350 acres filled with lakes, woodlands. They have organized gardens and events like concerts and even protests. When in London, if you need to get away from everything, you should go to Hyde Park.
Kew Gardens
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Image Credit: DepositPhotos.
A plant lover’s paradise and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kew Gardens is just 30 minutes from London. It is home to 300 acres of gardens and greenhouses that contain a wide variety of plant species from across the world, making it an extremely popular tourist destination in London.
You can walk through the Temperate House and Palm House, or visit the Japanese gardens. No matter where you go, you’ll be surrounded by stunning and peaceful nature, and the staff and researchers at Kew are consistently working on conservation efforts to save a variety of the world’s most threatened plants.
London Eye
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Another of London’s famous sights is the colossal London Eye, or the Millennium Wheel. Standing at a huge height of 135 meters (443 feet), it is situated on the bank of the River Thames. It is one of the biggest observation wheels in the world, and because of this, it offers astonishing panoramic views of the city of London from each of its 32 enclosed passenger capsules.
Oxford Street
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If you’re wanting to shop, look no further than Oxford Street – London’s most popular shopping district. Oxford Street is about 1.2 miles long, and it is a complete shopping paradise with flagship stores, department stores, and boutiques from the biggest and most popular brands all in one location.
Whether you’re looking for the latest luxury fashion or the most popular high-street brands, you’ll find what you’re looking for on Oxford Street, which is why it is always so busy!
River Thames
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The most famous river in the UK is the River Thames, which is 215 miles long and runs through the center of London. Because of this, it is also the longest river in England. The River Thames has played a huge role in the history of London.
The Thames has served as an important trade route since ancient times. Because of this, it has seen many historical events, and lining its shores are some of the most notable points of interest in London. It is hard to avoid the Thames while in London. Tower Bridge, The London Eye, and many other attractions line the banks of the river and provide stunning views of the city and river.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
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One of London’s most notable landmarks is St. Paul’s Cathedral. Located in the City of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and opened in 1711. The Baroque dome of the Cathedral sits atop the tallest building in London, and the awe-inspiring interior features, intricate mosaics, elegant carvings, and beautifully crafted stained glass windows attract both history enthusiasts and architecture buffs and add to the popularity of the Cathedral.
Tate Modern
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The Tate Modern is a contemporary art museum in London, located in a former power station. It has an outstanding and varied collection of modern art, and its architecture is worth a visit all on its own.
Tower of London
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The Tower of London is London’s greatest fortress. It has a history that dates back to the 11th century and has served as a royal palace, a prison, an armory, and a treasury. Today, the Tower of London houses a museum that displays medieval military architecture, an impressive collection of arms and armor, and, of course, the crown jewels.
Walking around the Tower of London gives you the chance to experience the history of famous prisoners such as Guy Fawkes and Anne Boleyn, which makes it perfect for history lovers.
West End Theaters
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London is also home to internationally famous theatres and musicals. The West End has some of the world’s most famous and award-winning performances, such as the Lion King, Hamilton, and Wicked. In addition to the performances, the theatres themselves are full of history, which enhances the experience. There is no better place to enjoy the theatre.
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