London is a city of stunning contrasts, with modern architectural marvels like the Shard alongside medieval laneways and historic monuments. Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, and St. Paul’s Cathedral are the best places to explore in London, leaving visitors pleased. You can explore top museums or revel in expansive parks for a picnic. Tour royal palaces, wander through stunning gardens, catch a show, ride the London Eye, or savour traditional tea at Harrods.
Iconic landmarks like the London Eye, Hyde Park, and Big Ben are the most valuable to see in London. The city’s culture, fashion, finance, and diverse atmosphere make it a leading global destination. With an extensive subway network, London’s charms, from public squares to markets and performing arts, are within easy reach. So, if you want to know about these best places to explore in London, keep reading.
1- Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace and more are available in the welcoming public parks. It is an iconic British landmark that hosts London’s most renowned ceremony, the Changing of the Guard. This vibrant event draws crowds at 11:30 a.m. daily, regardless of the season, and is also held at St. James’s Palace. It’s among London’s top free attractions, allowing you to trail the band along The Mall as they march between sites. Buckingham Palace, a global symbol, has been the royal family’s residence since the era of Queen Victoria, and it was built in the 1800s. When the rooftop flag flies, it signals the Queen’s presence.
2- Tower Bridge
London’s Tower Bridge is one of the most iconic places to explore in London and a recognizable landmark worldwide. Nearest to the historic Tower of London, this suspension bridge, which took eight years to construct and was opened in 1994, boasts two impressive towers that soar 213 feet (65m) above the River Thames. Suppose you want to learn more about its captivating story.
In that case, consider a tour that offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes exploration. This can result in breathtaking, wide-ranging views from the observation deck. Often confused with London Bridge, Tower Bridge is a beloved subject of countless photographs.
Position yourself midway along the bridge for the finest Tower views and a glimpse of HMS Belfast. Although it can get crowded, especially during sunset, an early morning visit before the tourist crowds arrive is well worth it. Post-exploration, explore the revitalized Butlers Wharf area at the bridge’s southern end, where you can enjoy a unique twist on the classic “full English” breakfast at WatchHouse Tower Bridge. This renowned location is ideal for strolling and features a diverse range of restaurants, upscale residences, and boutiques.
3- The British Museum
The British Museum is a treasure trove of antiquities, housing an unbelievable collection of over 13 million artifacts from ancient civilizations. It includes Babylonia, Assyria, early Europe, and China. Exploring this vast collection of history can be overwhelming. The standout permanent exhibits are the statue of Ramses II, the controversial Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon, and the famed Rosetta Stone.
The Mildenhall Treasure, a remarkable hoard of 4th-century Roman silver, also attracts visitors. The museum complements the experience with a well-stocked bookshop specializing in ancient history, archaeology, and art history. The antique shops in this museum offer children’s games and copies of famous sculptures and jewellery. This museum provides a variety of lectures, notes, and workshops, and features a cafeteria.
4- Big Ben
Few symbols represent the spirit of London more profoundly than the 318-foot tower embracing the famous Big Ben clock. Its booming bell is recognized globally as the BBC’s time signal. Close to this iconic structure stretches the Houses of Parliament, historically the core of Britain’s governance and once the site of William the Conqueror’s royal Westminster Palace.
For an optimal view of Parliament, you must cross Westminster Bridge and look back or follow the path towards the Sea Life London Aquarium, a family-friendly destination. You can also gather your group along the wall to capture the perfect photo with Big Ben as a backdrop.
Parliament Square leads to Whitehall, which is known for housing numerous government buildings and is associated with British governance. The Big Ben Clock Tower, which has been operating for 150 years, ranks among London’s most iconic tourist attractions. According to common belief, “Big Ben” refers to the 13-ton bell within the tower, named after Sir Benjamin Hall, who commissioned it.
The present-day bell, forged in 1858, replaced its 16-ton predecessor, which had cracked and needed repair two years earlier. With its timeless appeal, the clock tower has graced the silver screen, even meeting a cinematic end in movies like “Mars Attacks!” when a UFO destroyed Big Ben.
5- Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens
It is the most significant urban park in London, attracting both visitors and locals. It includes numerous picnics, events, and gathering places to explore in London, where people come and enjoy themselves with their families. You can also do a morning walk there, giving your soul a fresh feel. You can also read books, stories, and your favourite novels by sitting under the deep green trees. It has an artificial lake where you can swim and go boating, especially in the summer.
This park covers 350 acres and was established in 1635 in London. Its other landmark is called the Apsley House. It is the home of the former Duke of Wellington; he bought this house, known as Waterloo, after his victory. This house is now a museum, featuring a collection of paintings and gifts from European kings and emperors. Willington Arch is called the greatest hero of England.
6- St Paul’s Cathedral
It is also one of the most beautiful places to explore in London, known as St. Paul’s Cathedral. It is located at the top of the historic Roman temple, the largest and most famous church in London. In 1666, the church was smashed, but it was rebuilt again by Christopher Wren in its more stunning design. St. Paul’s twin Baroque towers are a 365-foot dome, and the Whispering Gallery offers a remarkable view inside this English architectural masterpiece.
The church’s interior and exterior perspectives are both glorious and memorable for viewers and tourists. By walking up the stairs of this church, you can see the most stunning view, the details of the inside view, and the whispering gallery.
7- Warner Bros. Studio London
A short journey north of London takes you to the Warner Bros. Studio, a haven for Harry Potter fans. This studio offers an immersive experience within the wizarding world, allowing visitors to explore authentic film sets like Diagon Alley, the Forbidden Forest, and the iconic Great Hall at Hogwarts.
Don’t miss the opportunity to dash toward Platform 9 and 3/4 to glimpse the film-famous train. This captivating tour offers an extraordinary adventure for enthusiasts of the beloved series, making it a top attraction for families in London.
Summary:
If you plan to visit London, it’s essential to know about the best places to explore. It would be best to research your destination before visiting London. This way, you can save time and visit as many famous places in London as possible. In this way, you can make your visit to London unforgettable. Additionally, if you love exploration and want to plan your next trip after London, you can check our guide on the best travel destinations to help you select your next journey.
The best places to explore in London include Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Hyde Park, and Kensington Gardens, among others, which are among the most famous in London, offering some of the most exciting views. You will find a lot to see in these places, and you can also take beautiful pictures here. If you have social media accounts, you can also share your journey with friends and followers, enjoying it to the fullest.
