Discover London – The Best Tourist Attractions
With a population of 8 million people, London is one of the world’s largest cities. It is noisy, vibrant, and multicultural. It is a leading global city in culture, fashion, finance, politics, and trade, and it is still one of the most visited cities in the world. It’s only natural that London has a plethora of things to do as one of the world’s top tourist destinations.
Getting around is simple; the famous London Underground, also known as the Tube, is one of the world’s largest subway networks. London also has a diverse culture, which can be seen in the city’s public squares, markets, and performing arts venues. The many public parks are ideal gathering places for locals and tourists alike, and they provide easy access to many of London’s iconic tourist attractions, such as Buckingham Palace.
Big Ben
The 150-year-old Big Ben Clock Tower is one of London’s most famous tourist attractions. The name Big Ben actually refers to the 13-ton bell housed within the clock tower and is derived from Sir Benjamin Hall, the man who first ordered the bell.
The current Big Ben bell was built in 1858 after a 16-ton bell cracked irreparably two years before. The clock has become a popular tourist attraction and has appeared in a number of films. In the film Mars Attacks!, for example, a UFO attack destroys Big Ben.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is well-known throughout the world as one of London’s most iconic attractions. The Palace was built in the 1800s and has been home to the Royal Family since Queen Victoria took the throne. If the rooftop flag is flying at Buckingham Palace, you know the Queen is inside.
The Changing of the Guard is one of the best things to do in London. Crowds gather at Buckingham Palace at 11:30 a.m. every day of the year to watch the procession. The competition is a riveting display of precision and discipline.
Tower of London
The Tower of London is a landmark in London that has served many functions over the centuries. Over the years, the World Heritage Site has served as a prison, a private zoo, and even a treasure vault, and it now provides fascinating tours for visitors.
The iconic tower, which was built in the 11th century, tells the stories of British history. As you explore the Tower of London, you will see breathtaking displays of royal armor, the Crown Jewels exhibition, and stories of heinous executions that took place in and around the structure. Finish the journey by seeing a famous ‘Beefeater.’
Tower Bridge
In a city full of landmarks, none stands out more than London’s Tower Bridge. The bridge, which is located next to the Tower of London, is a suspension bridge that took eight years to complete. Tower Bridge, which opened in 1994, is distinguished by two towers that rise 213 feet (65 meters) above the River Thames.
Sign up for a tour to get a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the tower, which culminates in spectacular skyline views from the observation deck.
London Eye
The London Eye, located on the banks of the River Thames, is a massive 443 foot (135 meter) observation wheel with 32 exterior glass-walled capsules. It has stunning views of central London.
Because the rotation rate is slow enough to allow passengers to walk on and off the moving capsules at ground level, the wheel does not usually stop to accept passengers. It is the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom, with over 3.5 million visitors each year.
British Museum
The British Museum houses one of the world’s best collections of antiquities, with over 13 million artifacts. The artifacts date from various periods of our ancient world’s history, including Babylonia, Assyria, early Europe, and China.
The expansive museum deserves plenty of time, but where should you start? The bust of Ramses the II, the Parthenon’s Elgin Marbles, Egyptian mummies, and the Rosetta Stone are among the top permanent exhibits.
The British Museum also has a large bookshop with ancient history books as well as souvenirs and replicas of your favorite artifacts.
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square, located near Piccadilly Circus, arose from Lord Horatio Nelson’s wartime victory over the Spanish and French at the beginning of the nineteenth century. Nelson’s Column, a 183-foot (56-meter) granite monument, is the main attraction within the square.
The column overlooks the lovely fountains and bronze reliefs, which were made from dismantled French cannons. The National Gallery and St Martin-in-the-Fields are both within walking distance of Trafalgar Square.
Houses of Parliament
The Houses of Parliament are another popular tourist attraction in London, following the Churchill War Rooms. The parliament is located along the River Thames, beneath the tolling Big Ben, a 318-foot (97-meter) tower.
For centuries, the British government has been housed in the Houses of Parliament. It was previously Westminster Palace and the residence of William the Conqueror.
Wandering into Parliament Square, where you’ll find a striking statue of Winston Churchill alongside other prominent political figures like Nelson Mandela, is a great way to experience this attraction.
Warner Bros. Studio London
One of the best things to do in London with kids is a tour of the Warner Brothers Studios. The experience will be unforgettable, particularly for Harry Potter fans who will be able to explore the Wizarding World.
Fans of the world-famous books and films will be able to explore authentic sets from the films. These include strolling down Diagon Alley, exploring the Forbidden Forest, and taking a seat in Hogwarts’ Great Hall!
Nothing, however, beats the opportunity to charge at the Platform 9 and 3/4 entrance. The train where many movie scenes were shot can be seen here.
St Paul’s Cathedral
St Paul’s Cathedral is one of London’s most beautiful architectural structures. The city’s largest and most renowned church is placed atop a historic Roman temple. The original church was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1666, but the reconstruction is quite impressive.
St Paul’s Cathedral, with its twin Baroque towers and monumental dome, ranks alongside other iconic churches from around the world. Although the view from the church is breathtaking, the interior is equally memorable. Ascend the stairs to see the incredible interior detail and the famous Whispering Gallery.
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is a large church, primarily Gothic in style, located just west of the Palace of Westminster. It is one of the most significant religious buildings in the United Kingdom and the traditional place of coronation and burial for English and later British monarchs.
The majority of the current structure dates from 1245 to 1272, when Henry III decided to rebuild an old abbey in Gothic style. The Chapel of Henry VII was added between 1503 and 1512, and the two West Front Towers were added in 1745.
Natural History Museum
The vast National History Museum in London could easily be explored for an entire afternoon. The architectural marvel first opened its doors in 1754, and many original exhibits are still on display. The world-class attraction is a leading research center with a wonderful collection of paleontology, botany, zoology, and other subjects.
The Natural History Museum houses approximately 80 million artifacts, ranging from dinosaur skeletons to specimens collected by the one and only Charles Darwin. Because it is one of London’s most popular attractions, get there early to avoid the crowds and have more time to explore the impressive museum.
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