London is one of the most charming cities in the whole world. The ancient streets are filled with award-winning theatres, high-end boutiques, and modern architectural wonders like the Shard. Visitors are forced to gawk at the splendor of the scenic streets as they circle famous landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and St. Paul, used up their phone’s photo memory in the process.
Use our list of the top famous tourist attractions in London to choose what to see and do in this amazing city that you’ll want to visit again and again.
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The Most Famous Tourist Attractions In London
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace, one of Britain’s most recognizable famous tourist attractions in London, is also the site of London’s most beloved and iconic show, the Changing of the Guard Event. This lively and free performance of the parade and precise music draws audiences in at 11:30 a.m. regardless of the season. It also took place at the Palace of St. James, and later, you can accompany the band as they march around The Mall between venues.
Since Queen Victoria ascended the throne, Buckingham Palace, built in 1837, has served as the residence of the Royal Family of London. If you’re not sure if the Queen is at home, check the flagpole at the top of the structure. If it’s flying day and night, it’s her. She and other members of the Royal Family can even appear on the main balcony during important state occasions.
Visitors can purchase tickets for tours of the State Room, Queen’s Gallery and Royal Mews while the Queen is away at her summer residence in Scotland.
The Tower of London
This is another of the famous tourist attractions in London. The beautiful Tower of London has served a variety of functions over the years, including a prison, palace, treasure and private zoo. This magnificent World Heritage Site, one of Britain’s most recognizable buildings, offers hours of intrigue for visitors interested in the nation‘s fascinating history—after all, a lot has happened. out here. An impressive lineage of kings from the 17th century with incredible exhibits of royal weapons and armor is located inside the enormous White Tower built by William the Conqueror in 1078.
The famous Crown Jewels exhibit, the Beefeaters, the Royal Mint, and the gory displays of executions that take place on the grounds are all notable. In addition to uncovering the mystery surrounding two princes who disappeared years ago, The Bloody Tower also tells tales of ancient torture.
Tower Bridge
One of the famous tourist attractions in London is the nearby Tower Bridge, with its two enormous towers standing 200 feet above the River Thames (fascinating behind-the-scenes tours are available). Go across for the best views of the tower and a glimpse of London Bridge, which many people wrongly think is Tower Bridge, further down the Thames. Butler’s Wharf, a hip area of town with many eateries, can be found on the south side of the bridge.
Purchase the Tower of London Entry Ticket With Crown Jewels and Beefeater Tour in advance to avoid the ticket office lineups for the most efficient use of your time, especially during the busy summer season. This pass ensures the lowest price, aids in avoiding the lines, and saves time and inconvenience.
The National Gallery
Visiting London without visiting the wonderful National Gallery is practically impossible. This famous, columned museum is situated on the edge of Trafalgar Square and is home to amazing works of art, making it one of the top tourist destinations in London.
London’s National Gallery, one of the best art museums in the world, offers a nearly full overview of European painting from 1260 to 1920. The Dutch Masters and Italian Schools of the 15th and 16th century collections at the museum are among its strongest points.
Highlights include a drawing (early sketch) of Leonardo da Vinci’s Madonna and Child, Michelangelo’s The Entombment, Botticelli’s Venus and Mars, van Gogh’s Sunflowers, and Monet’s The Water-Lily Pond.
Victoria and Albert Museum
This is another of the most famous tourist attractions in London. The Natural History Museum and Science Museum are also part of a group of museums based in South Kensington that includes the Victoria and Albert Museum (commonly known as the V&A). Since its founding in 1852, V&A has housed more than 5,000 years of art and related objects in its 145 galleries, spread over approximately 13 acres.
The exhibits, divided into four main categories, include ceramics and glass, fabrics and costumes, silver and jewelry, ironwork, sculpture, prints and photographs. Asia, furniture, textiles and fashion, sculpture, metalwork, ceramics and glass, words and images are among the topics covered.
More magnificent than any museum dining establishment you’ll ever see are the Main and Garden Cafés. Everything, from the floor to the columns to the ceiling, is highly skilled making them works of art in themselves.
Don’t miss the chance to relax in the John Madejski Garden, which is so lovely and tranquil that you’ll forget you’re in the middle of one of the greatest cities in the world.
Top Of The Shard
The Shard established itself as one of London’s most famous tourist attractions in London and most frequently visited when it first opened in 2012. This magnificent building, 1,016 feet tall and 95 floors , named for the way it resembles a piece of glass. It dominates the skyline, but thanks to its attractive design, it blends seamlessly with nearby landmarks like Tower Bridge.
The Shard has office space on the lower floors as well as a beautiful Shangri-La hotel, three great restaurants and some of the best views of London. The top levels offer both indoor and outdoor viewing platforms for those who aren’t here.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
St. Paul’s Cathedral, the biggest and one of the most famous tourist attractions in London and unquestionably one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals, is built on top of the remains of a Roman temple. Sir Christopher Wren created the new church after the original was burned in the Great Fire of 1666.
Today, the majestic 365-foot dome of St. Paul’s and its twin Baroque towers stand as a masterpiece of English construction. If you feel up to it, climb the stairs for breathtaking views of the interior of the dome, including the Whispering Gallery, which is unquestionably one of the best things to do in London.
