The capital of England “London” Has a history connecting us back to Roman times. Unique Luxury ambience and astonishing Historical Monuments makes tourists want to visit this place at least once in their lifetime. so if your are one of them here are the top 10 places to visit in London
WeNo.10
National gallery
This iconic art museum has Great Britain’s national collection of European paintings.This was established in 1824 as a response to increase of art investments by the British government. The national gallery is home to some of the most iconic works in the world and people say that these artworks have an amazing power to take you back to the painter’s era.
While in the national gallery you’ll find a wall full of paintings and some of those walls will reveal some astonishing works of artists like da Vinci, Titian, Botticelli, Van Gogh, Michelangelo, Raphael and many other names.
I should’ve told you earlier but you’ll be pleased to know that as being the place to see some of the amazing art works in the world, it’s also totally free to enter. This museum funds itself with donations , investment and some other income sources. While being free of cost this amazing place is also one of the most loved and visited year on year. Estimates show that over 5 million people visit this gallery every year and there’s been a 10% increase in the last decade. While you may think that this is all about paintings but you’ll also spot some inspiring statues on your visit.there you’ll find some incredible statues of king James 2 and perhaps a little surprisingly, the former American President George Washington.
No. 9
British museum
The British museum, which is located in the Bloomsbury district of the borough of Camden, is a comprehensive national museum dedicated to human history, art and culture. Its permanent collection of eight million works is among the largest and most comprehensive in existence. The British museum was established in 1753 based largely on the collections of the physician and scientist. It was first opened to the public on January 15, 1759.
The British Museum is free to enter and includes access to its permanent galleries. Special exhibitions usually require a fee. This museum welcomes all the people who have the curiosity and seek about different cultures and history of the world. When you visit this museum You’ll see many amazing exhibitions like – The Parthenon Sculptures, The Holy Thorn Reliquary, Chinese Ceramics whose historical value and rarity makes it an antique collection, which has more than 1,700 examples of breathtaking beautiful ceramic objects. and Sutton Hoo Ship Burial a spectacular archeological discovery of an Anglo-Saxon ship dating from around A.D. 600 which was an astonishing find of royal treasures and many other amazing historical monuments which you’ll only find in The British Museum.
But within these you must see The Egyptian Galleries It features spectacular busts, elaborately engraved sarcophagi and the museum’s most popular exhibit — the Rosetta Stone, it is an ancient Egyptian stone bearing inscriptions in several languages and scripts. Their decipherment led to the understanding of hieroglyphic writing. These exhibitions give an instant idea of Egyptian culture back in that time.
In this museum You’ll see many historical monuments which tell about different cultures and unique historical events which have led us to where we are.
No.8
LONDON ZOO
After visiting some of the amazing historical monuments you should get some fresh air and for that in case nothing will be perfect than The London zoo. London Zoo was opened on 27 April 1828 and this is the oldest scientific zoo on the planet. It has one of the most comprehensive animal collections in the world and the largest zoological library of any zoo. First it’s initial collections were changed by the royal menagerie from Windsor in 1830 the menagerie from the Tower of London soon afterward.
World War 2 severely affected this zoo, so many animals of the zoo were killed or transported elsewhere, its edible fishes were served at dinner tables. But even after this, a reconstruction program was begun, and within 10 years a footbridge, the Elephant and Rhino Pavilion, a walk-through aviary, and an animal hospital had been built. The Zoo now consists of at least 20 animal specific areas and a staggering 698 species of animal on a 36 Acre plot of land.
Whether it’s birds or sea life you’re interested in, there will be a daily activity suitable to your interests. You can find professionals and zookeepers feeding the penguins everyday at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 4.30pm. you can get up close and personal to see these birds as they would live in the wild. And if you love strong animals like tigers you should join ZSL Zoologists at the Tiger pen at 12pm and 2.30pm every day,For a delve into the lives of the Sumatran Tigers.
Today, it houses a collection of 673 species of animals, with 19,289 individuals, making it one of the largest collections in the United Kingdom. You will find many other interesting animals like giant lizards, Galapagos Tortoises, giraffes, lemurs, gorillas, African wild dogs. You will also find some rare animals like western lowland gorillas. You can see these animals at various educational animal shows.
No.7
Oxford City
I’m sure that you’ve already heard the name Oxford before because this city is best known as the home of the University of Oxford which is the oldest in the English-speaking world. Oxford city is the county town and only city of Oxfordshire. The historic center of Oxford is surprisingly small and you can easily explore on foot.
Oxford city is filled with beautiful structures and buildings One of the most iconic buildings in Oxford is The Radcliffe Camera in Radcliffe Square with its distinctive circular dome and drum. This building was built in 1749 for the Radcliffe Science Library, the Radcliffe Camera (here camera is another word for ‘room’) is now a reading room for the Bodleian Library. Except for some parts this building is not open to the public.
There is also an amazing museum in Oxford and not just any museum, it’s the Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum. It was officially opened in 1683 and This is Britain’s oldest public museum and possibly the world’s oldest museum.This museum is home to Oxford University’s art and archaeology collections and admission is free. There are many other unique and artistic buildings in this city which will give you amazing experiences of your lifetime.
Despite that there are many ways to discover this City there are open bus tours, walking tours, river cruises and you can even hire a punt or a rowing boat from Folly Bridge, Magdalen Bridge or Cherwell Boathouse. Oxford’s beautiful historic center has starred in many films and television series. Scenes from the Harry Potter films were shot at Oxford University; the Great Hall was the setting for Hogwarts dining room and the Library doubled as Hogwarts Infirmary.
No.6
The Tower of London
The Tower of London is a 980-year-old castle. Built In the 1070s. It was built on the Thames by William the Conqueror to protect London and assert his power. but over time it became convenient to keep state prisoners there because of being near the courts of Westminster. Since 1066 only 22 executions have taken place in the Tower of London.
Over 800 years later, on 15 August 1941, Josef Jakobs was the last person to be executed by firing squad at the Tower, having been found guilty of spying for Germany during the Second World War.
The Tower was a royal residence until the 17th century, and from the 13th century to 1834 it housed the Royal Menagerie (the Lion Tower). The massive White Tower is a typical example of Norman military architecture, whose influence was felt throughout the kingdom.The rest of the Tower of London was built around the White Tower within two concentric rings of defensive walls and a moat.
The Tower of London is an internationally famous monument and one of England’s most iconic structures.This has Outstanding Universal Value. For both safety and management of the City of London, it has a landmark siting. As the gateway to the capital, the Tower was in effect, the gateway to the new Norman kingdom. Sited strategically at a bend in the River Thames, it has been a crucial demarcation point between the power of the developing City of London, and the power of the monarchy. The White Tower, which gives the entire castle its name, was built by William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy in 1078. The rest of the Tower of London was built around the White Tower within two concentric rings of defensive walls.
The London tower is amazing for sightseeing because of its amazing architecture and history.This is home to one of the oldest intact buildings in London, and has seen a huge amount of history. So If you’re visiting London, I think you should definitely visit the Tower of London.
No.5
The London Eye
This giant wheel is the world’s largest cantilevered observation wheel, and has some of the best views of London. This is located on the South Bank of the River Thames in the borough of Lambeth. It has an overall height of 443 feet (135 meters). It used to be the world’s tallest Ferris wheel from 1999, when it was built, until 2006, when it was surpassed by the Star of Nanchang, in Nanchang, China.
The name called the London Eye was first originated as an entry submitted by David Marks and Julia Barfield of Marks Barfield Architects in 1993 to a competition for a new landmark to commemorate the millennium in London. Although no winner was declared, Marks and Barfield undertook the development of the project themselves and found the site where the wheel now stands.
The wheel itself has a diameter of 394 feet (120 meters) and is connected to its hub by 64 cables that function much like the spokes of a bicycle wheel. The hub of the wheel rests on two supports, which are anchored to a foundation on the riverbank and lean out over the river at an angle of 65° (from the horizontal). With both its supports on the same side of the hub, the wheel is said to be cantilevered over the river.
The entirety of the structure is held in place by six backstay cables anchored to a second foundation. Each capsule has a capacity of 25 passengers and rests on motorized mounts that function in such a way that the capsule remains upright as the wheel turns.The wheel moves two revolutions per hour that it need not stop for boarding or disembarkation of passengers, except for those with disabilities. When you visit London, you will love seeing the perspective from above as often as you can.Stunning view along the River Thames, amazing views in all directions,The London Eye is one that will stand out as a huge WOW moment.
No.4
The Big Ben
Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey
These places are not so far from each other. So you can visit these places in just a single day. So you should start your day by visiting This beautiful clock tower, The Big Ben. The tower stands 316 feet (96 m) tall, and the visitors climb from ground level to the belfry is 334 steps. It is actually taller than The Statue of Liberty.
It’s architecture and Victorian engineering is a marvel in terms and its historical significance is much deeper. Visiting big Ben is really a great opportunity but you should know what makes big Ben marvelous. During World War 2 a bomb destroyed the House of Commons chambers but the tower was still standing. Although the tower survived Nazi bombing, its roof and dials were damaged. But after that The tower was restored. The tower’s historical importance is the primary reason for what makes it such a wonderful thing to see on a visit to London. Then there’s the incredible architectural detail of the tower and its four massive clocks that even today are accurate to the minute and used by old-time Londoners to sync their watches with. The Tower looks amazing during the day. What leaves a lasting impression on all visitors is seeing it at night while brightly lit alongside the river Thames.
Big Ben is seen as a symbol of parliamentary democracy because the tower is an integral part of the Palace of Westminster London.
Westminster Palace has been the meeting place for the House of Commons and House of Lords since the 1500s and has been a part of the monarchy for a thousand years. This is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the City of Westminster and the parliament buildings are located entirely in the Palace of Westminster.
The Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster is the location of the two parliament houses of the United Kingdom: The House of Lords and the House of Commons. Its clock tower, The Big Ben, is one of the most famous structures in the world.
The Palace of Westminster is one of the oldest parliaments in the world and is truly an icon With Big Ben standing proud over the houses of parliament. The Palace is a historical site for the British monarch and English architecture! There are also four acres of gardens, one of which is open to the public (the Victoria Tower garden), and College Green, located opposite the House of Lords, is frequently used for press interviews.
In just a few meters away you’ll find Westminster Abbey and Westminster Abbey is home to several tombs of past monarchs and their consorts. But it also houses the burials of playwrights, poets, and writers, including Geoffrey Chaucer, Lewis Caroll, and Charles Dickens. Popularly known as the “Poets’ Corner,” these memorials can be found at the South Transept of the Abbey. This was Founded as a Benedictine monastery over a thousand years ago, the Church was rebuilt by Edward the Confessor in 1065 and again by Henry III between 1220 and 1272 and is renowned as an architectural Gothic masterpiece around the world.
There are 30 kings and queens buried at Westminster Abbey, beginning with King Edward the Confessor. There is a magnificent shrine dedicated to him that stands right behind the High Altar. The tomb of Henry III, the one who built the abbey, is also placed near him.
A visit to Westminster Abbey is a must for anybody with an interest in history and/or royalty. It is also one of the main London attractions and should be on the itinerary of every first-time visitor to London.The Abbey is open for all visitors Monday to Saturday, outside of religious events and holidays, like Easter and Christmas. During these religious events, the Abbey is only open to those who wish to worship, but it is free to do so. There are many incredible things to see at Westminster Abbey like Coronation Chair Tomb of the Unknown Warrior The Cosmati Pavement at the High Altar Tomb of Elizabeth I Henry VII Lady Chapel Poets’ Corner Cloisters The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries It takes about 90 minutes to two hours to explore the entire Westminster Abbey.
No. 3
St Paul’s Cathedral
St Paul’s Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of London and its location on Ludgate Hill has been home to a cathedral to St Paul for over 1400 years. This is one of London’s greatest and most loved buildings. Throughout its history, St. Paul’s has served as a key location for several important events in British history, such as the wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles in 1981, and the funerals of Lord Nelson, Winston Churchill, the Duke of Wellington and Margaret Thatcher.
There is so much to look at, The chapels and monuments, to religious art, statues and galleries,it seems like every point of St. Paul’s offers some kind of surprise or historical delight any visitor will appreciate.
St Paul’s Cathedral was first opened for worship in 1697,was rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1666 by Christopher Wren, St Paul’s Cathedral is an architectural masterpiece and is one of London’s most famous landmarks, with its iconic dome dominating the skyline for over 300 years. St Paul’s Cathedral was designed by Sir Christopher Wren.The architecture and design of St. Paul’s Cathedral reflects the influence of the monarchs who oversaw its construction and the importance they placed on this project. Its dome towers 365 feet above the city and this incredible artwork is both beautiful and imposing at the same time.
Saint Paul’s Cathedral is open daily from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm except on Sundays and during special events.You can explore the outside of St. Paul’s Cathedral without charge, but will need to pay an admission charge to tour the inside.
No. 2
The Shard
This 95 storey skyscraper that stands at 306.9 meters above ground comprises private residences, offices, restaurants, the 5 star Shangri-La Hotel and a viewing platform on the 72nd floor with 360-degree views of the city of London.
Within the palace the Queen’s Gallery exhibits works from the royal art collection, including Fabergé eggs and drawings by Leonardo da Vinci.Traditionally closed to the public, the State Rooms of the palace were opened to tourists during August and September in the mid-1990s in order to finance repairs to Windsor Castle, which was damaged by fire in 1992.
The historic Changing of the Queen’s Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace has been a treasured London tradition since 1660. Also known as ” guard mounting” this amazing event begins when a troop of the Queen’s Life Guard rides from their Hyde Park Barracks and past Buckingham Palace to change the guard at Horse Guards. This must-see display of pageantry is widely regarded as one of the top free things to do in London. but most of the time things do get very crowded around Buckingham Palace because pedestrians make their way through Green Park and crowd the sidewalks around Memorial Gardens and the Victoria Monument. So you should try to arrive a little early for a better view of the ceremony.
But apart from this there are many incredible things in the palace which would be worth visiting like The Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms which are now part of a superb tour that features many excellent pieces from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Van Dyck and Canaletto, sculptures by Canova, as well as rare porcelain and fine period furniture. And you can explore the Royal Mews,View the Rare Artworks at The Queen’s Gallery,Take a Tour of Clarence House,Explore the Household Cavalry Museum and you can also visit the garden of Buckingham palace. There are even more incredible places in this palace that you can visit. This Palace Perhaps the most famous of Britain’s Royal palaces which attracts many tourists around the world.
The Shard is one of London’s most recognisable landmarks and has become a must-see attraction for Londoners and visitors alike. It is also known as the Shard of Glass, Shard London Bridge and formerly London Bridge Tower because it is located in the Center of London, alongside the famous London bridge. It got its name ” The Shard ” by “The Shard of light ” because the building contains facades of angled glass planes which reflect both the sunlight and the sky, and in doing so its appearance miraculously changes with the weather and seasons. This unique and ground-breaking design won first place at the 2014 Emporis Skyscraper Awards, which recognizes buildings over 100 meters completed in the previous year.
Without doubt, the View from the Shard enables you to see up to 40 miles of skyline on a clear day,you can also see St Paul’s Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament in one go! The Shard has a plethora of entertainment options including bars, restaurants and a viewing gallery. If height is not your thing, then you can still enjoy the wondrous views of the Shard along the River Thames and London Bridge.
No. 1
Buckingham Palace
So in the Top of our list we have Buckingham Palace which sits on the land known as Westminster and has served as the official London residence and administrative office of the British royal family since the 19th century and is one of the few remaining working royal palaces in the world.
It is situated within the borough of Westminster. The palace takes its name from the house built (c.1705) for John Sheffield, duke of Buckingham. The palace has 775 rooms, including 188 staff bedrooms and 78 bathrooms.
There are 92 offices, where the queen, her office staff, and family all work.There are 19 state rooms at Buckingham Palace that were designed and built as the public rooms, for the purpose of receiving, rewarding and entertaining subjects and visiting dignitaries.