Top 10 Places to Visit in London | Tourist Attractions
London, the vibrant capital of the United Kingdom, is a city steeped in history, culture, and innovation. From iconic landmarks to world-class museums, there's no shortage of things to see and do in this bustling metropolis. Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or a foodie looking to explore new culinary delights, London has something for everyone. Let's have a look at the top 10 places you must visit when in London.
1. The London Dungeon
Visiting Hours
MON-FRI
10:00 AM to 04:00 PM
Except for Thursdays:
11:00 AM to 04:00 PM
Sat & Sun
10:00 AM to 05:00 PM
You can find the London Dungeon on the South Bank of London. It is a very well-known site for its unique concept of creation. It was created as a creative way to tell all the stories that happened in the past London. With the help of live actors, visitors get to experience the events creatively.
The London Dungeon was opened on 15 September 1974. It has more than 300 sets for the live actors to perform, telling interesting stories. The actors are tasked with telling the dark stories of London, blended with entertainment. In the dungeon, there are 19 shows in total performed by a total of 20 actors. The actors perform as some of the most well-known characters of London like Jack the Ripper, Anne Boleyn, Guy Fawkes, Mrs.Lovett and Sweeney Todd.
For visitors looking for the thrill of scary stories told with a touch of humour, the London Dungeon is the perfect place to visit. Some of the famous stories told in this place include the Black Plague attack and the Great Fire of London. You can also experience the torture chamber of 1605 come to life. You may also be asked to act in these shows as the famous characters of the stories.
After this adrenaline-rushing experience, visitors can chill at the Traven. In this pub, you can enjoy a cold beverage while soft piano music plays in the background.
2. The Tower Bridge
Visiting Hours:
Since it is a bridge, it is open 24/7. But for a better view, you can visit in the evening to see the eye-catching lights all around the towers.
No visit to London is complete without a stop at the beautiful London Bridge. This iconic bridge is one of the engineering wonders of the UK. It has a span of approximately 240 metres (800 feet), width of 76m (25ft), and a height of 61m (200ft) above the River Thames. Construction of the bridge began around 1886 and was completed in 1894.
Between the towers, there is a pair of glass-covered walkways that are popular among tourists. In these walkways, you get to see London in a panoramic view. For a whole new experience of London, this place should definitely be on your bucket list.
Another interesting part about this bridge is the fact that it is movable by a computer system that allows it to be raised or lowered. This is done to give ships space to pass through down below with ease.
3. Buckingham Palace
Visiting Hours:
Mon-Sun
09:30 AM to 07:30 PM
Experience a taste of royal life with a visit to Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch. This landmark was constructed in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham. The building now houses British royals since the year 1837.
Some of the fun activities you can do at this event involve watching the Changing of the Guard ceremony outside the palace gates. You can also explore the State Rooms, which are open to the public during the summer months. Don't forget to snap a photo in front of the palace's iconic facade.
The building has around 775 rooms. These include 19 staterooms and 78 modern bathrooms.
The staterooms are where the monarchs receive their rewards. They are well-decorated rooms with fine furniture, marble columns, and many more to fit the aesthetics of the Palace.
The outdoors of the palace includes a large garden that is more than 30 acres in span with around 350+ wildflower types and 200 trees. There is even a lake in these gardens. Not only that but there is also a tennis court, summer house, and more attractive sites.
4. The London Eye
Visiting Hours:
Mon-Sun
11:00 AM to 06:00 PM
For panoramic views of the city skyline, hop aboard the London Eye. This giant Ferris wheel offers magnificent views of London's landmarks, including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and St. Paul's Cathedral. Book a ride during sunset for a truly magical experience.
The London Eye is one of the world's tallest Ferris wheels. On this wheel, you get a 360-degree view of the city. It is also known as the Coca-Cola London Eye and has 32 high-tech glass pods, allowing you to stand and move while observing breathtaking views flexibly.
This wheel is one of the popular tourist choices in London. Consider visiting this place when you are in London.
5. The West End
Visiting Hours:
Mon-Sat
10:00 AM to 7:30 PM
Immerse yourself in London's vibrant theatre scene with a trip to the West End. Catch a world-class production of a musical, play, or ballet at one of the many historic theatres in this bustling district. From timeless classics to cutting-edge productions, there's something for every theatre lover to enjoy.
The theatres have been operating for over 350 years now. Theatres in the West End include one of its oldest theatres known as Theatre Royal Drury Lane, which opened in 1663. This theatre is a royal favourite with visits from King Charles II himself.
More and more theatres have since opened in the West End. some of the names that stand out include Theatre Royal Haymarket, the Adelphi, and many others. The West End has many of London’s major attractions aside from theatres including shops and restaurants, making it an ideal destination for tourists.
6. The Art Gallery
Visiting Hours:
Mon-Sat
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Art enthusiasts won't want to miss the National Gallery, home to a vast collection of European paintings dating from the 13th to the 19th centuries. Explore works by masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, and Claude Monet as you wander through the gallery's hallowed halls.
The gallery dates back to the year 1885. It has sat through tragedies like the Second World War. Explore this historical art gallery as part of your Europe travel, and witness its wide range of art collections.
The art gallery has been reconstructed even though a significant portion of its collection was destroyed in the air assaults. The finest thing is that, despite its age, it still exudes an air of old-world charm thanks to its sculptures and paintings of bygone eras of London.
7. The Shard
Redefining the London skyline, The Shard is Western Europe's tallest building and offers breathtaking views from its observation decks. Take a high-speed elevator to the top and marvel at the panoramic vistas stretching across the city and beyond.
The Shard has an open-air sky terrace on Level 72. This terrace gives a wonderful View from The Shard and it is the perfect place to relax with a glass of champagne while taking in the cityscape or to spend time with a special someone while pointing out some of London's most well-known sites.
The building is located just near the London Bridge station. In the building, you can take the elevator through all the levels of which there are 72 of them. This elevator is fast enough to take you to the 68th floor in just sixty seconds. On the next floor, you get to see the view of the capital from Level 69. There is a Champagne bar there with a limited menu of light snacks and an assortment of drinks. Go upstairs to Level 72's open-air sky deck, where you can enjoy the city's sounds and atmosphere while being outside in the elements.
8. Camden Market
Opening Hours:
Camden Market
Mon-Sun
10 AM til late
Food Halls:
Mon-Sun
11:30 AM to 9 PM
Retail:
Mon-Wed
12 PM to 6 PM
Thursday
11 AM to 6 PM
Fri-Sat
11 AM to 7 PM
Sunday
11 AM to 6 PM
This market is located in Camden Town, London. For a taste of London's eclectic and vibrant street culture, head to Camden Market. Here, you can browse through a maze of stalls selling everything from vintage clothing to handmade crafts to international street food. Don't miss the chance to explore the nearby Camden Lock and Regent's Canal.
This market has a collection of tourist attraction sites including an underground theme park called Babylon; a Peaky Blinders immersive theatre show; luxury Curzon cinema found in the railway arches; a fun-filled Tomb Raider experience and more!
The art gallery has been reconstructed even though a significant portion of its collection was destroyed in the air assaults. The finest thing is that, despite its age, it still exudes an air of old-world charm thanks to its sculptures and paintings of bygone eras of London.
9. ZSL London Zoo
Visiting Hours:
Mon-Sun
10:00 AM to 06:00 PM
The oldest zoo in the world, the London Zoo, was built to serve as a collection for scientific investigation and study. With over 756 different species, the zoo is home to one of the largest collections of wildlife and aquatic animals in the United Kingdom. It offers a unique setting for learning about and with animals, and it serves as a refuge for endangered species.
The oldest scientific zoo in the world is London Zoo, formerly known as Regent's Zoo or London Zoological Gardens. It was established in 1828 for scientific research and transformed in 1847. Situated on the northern boundary of Regent's Park, it is overseen by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). During our travel through Europe, explore this ancient zoo and learn about its groundbreaking attractions like the reptile house, insect house, aquarium, and children’s zoo.
10. The Thames River Cruise
Visiting Hours:
Open 24 Hours
Take a relaxing sail along the River Thames to see London from a new angle. As you cruise by famous sites like the Globe Theatre, the Shard, and the Tower Bridge, kick back, unwind, and enjoy the view. There are many other cruise options available, such as dinner cruises, afternoon tea cruises, and sightseeing tours.
The Thames River, often referred to as Tamesa or Tamesis in antiquity, is the principal river in Southern England. The river is a vital component of London's economy and tourism and is renowned for its tranquil environment and pristine beauty. For those who love books, history, and adventure, this river is a terrific spot to be. Exploring its environs will provide you with a fulfilling and thrilling experience.
Sightseeing Places
London is a city rich in history and culture, with countless landmarks and attractions to explore. Whether you're wandering through the cobblestone streets of the historic centre or admiring the modern architecture of the city's skyline, there's always something new to discover.
Places to do Fun Activities
In addition to its wealth of cultural attractions, London offers plenty of opportunities for fun and excitement. From riding the iconic red buses to exploring the city's many parks and green spaces, there's no shortage of activities to enjoy in this vibrant metropolis.
Conclusion
With its rich history, vibrant culture, and endless attractions, London truly has something for everyone. Whether you're marvelling at world-class art in the British Museum, taking in panoramic views from the London Eye, or exploring the eclectic stalls of Camden Market, you're sure to create lasting memories in this dynamic city. So pack your bags, book your bus tour, and get ready to explore all that London has to offer.
