London is one of the most famous travel destinations in the world and also one of the largest. The city is dotted with colorful art galleries, impressive museums, majestic cathedrals, lush green gardens, and breathtaking castles. Not only that, but it also boasts of deep-rooted history, cultural hotspots, top-notch fashion, and mouthwatering culinary delights. The city is overflowing with so many outstanding attractions that you can spend many days in this vibrant city and still not see every nook and corner. So, let’s take a look at the five most popular tourist attractions this city has to offer.
London Eye
Europe’s largest observation wheel, London Eye, is a colossal Ferris wheel that offers spectacular views of Central London. Situated on the south bank of the River Thames, this 135-meter-high wheel consists of 32 glass capsules that take you on an unforgettable 30-minute journey. It rotates very slowly, and passengers can get in and get out any time at ground level. You can feast your eyes on 360-degree panoramic views of the city and also spot iconic monuments such as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace. It was built to mark the millennium celebrations in the year 2000 and is one of the most visited places in London.
Tower of London and the Tower Bridge
Another prominent landmark, the Tower of London, and Tower Bridge are iconic symbols of the city. It served as a prison from 1100 to the mid 20th century, and despite its grim past, this is one of the most visited places in London. It is now home to the crown jewels, and if you are interested in a monarchy and history, a visit to this place is a must. The Tower Bridge is situated on the River Thames and is 800 feet long. The bridge was completed in 1894 and is crossed by around 40,000 people daily. You can book the ‘See inside’ tour that takes you through the history and significance of this engineering marvel with the help of interactive displays.
Buckingham Palace
World-renowned as the principal residence of Queen Elizabeth II, this magnificent palace is on the bucket list of most travelers. A holiday in London is incomplete without visiting this opulent palace. You can tour the palace in the summers when the queen is not in residence. The tour includes the famous ‘Throne Room’ – which often forms the background of royal wedding pictures, 19 stunningly decorated State Rooms, the beautiful Grand Staircase, art masterpieces by painters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Canaletto, and a multimedia tour introduced by prince Charles. A key highlight here is the Changing of the Guards ceremony that takes place in the forecourt of the palace. A visit to this place will surely tempt you to apply for your UK visa.
Big Ben and Houses of Parliament
The 150-year-old Big Ben Clock Tower is one of the most famous attractions in the city. It gets its name after the man who ordered the bell first – Sir Benjamin Hall. The fun fact is that the tolling of this great bell is known worldwide as the time signal of the BBC. The Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey are just a stone’s throw away from here. It is famous globally as the seat of British democracy and consists of the House of Lords and House of Commons. You can opt for self-guided audio tours or guided tours through this imposing structure and learn about the history of this place.
British Museum
The British Museum is home to more than 13 million artifacts from ancient days. It is a treasure trove of antiquities and artifacts from all continents and displays and documents stories of human history and culture from way back in time. One of the most popular exhibits here is Rosetta Stone, the most extensive collection of mummies outside of Egypt and a key to deciphering the hieroglyphs. Other famous exhibits are the Elgin Marbles, the Lindow Man, Mummy of Katebet, Hoa Hakananai, the Lewiss Chessmen, and the double-headed serpent. The best part is that a visit to this museum is entirely free.
Conclusion
Whether you are a culture-seeker, a history buff, or a nature lover, London has something or the other in store for every kind of traveler. Getting around the city is easy as the London Underground, known as ‘Tube,’ is well-connected and globally has one of the most extensive subway networks. No wonder the city is visited by more than 20 million people each year. So, pack your bags and enjoy a fantastic trip to this incredible city.
