Published on 10.07.2023
Top-10 sights in London
The 10 most famous attractions in London are the Palace of Westminster or the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Churchill's Bunker Museum, the British Museum, Piccadilly Circus, Tate Modern, Tower Bridge and the Harry Potter Museum.
This guide will show you where the most popular places in London are located and how to get to them, and at the end we will suggest some routes connecting you to these attractions.
This guide will show you where the most popular places in London are located and how to get to them, and at the end we will suggest some routes connecting you to these attractions.
The Palace of Westminster
The first attraction that comes to mind when London is mentioned is Big Ben, which is also called the Tower of the Palace of Westminster or the Houses of Parliament.
The first mention of this place was found in the XI century. The palace was originally used as a residence of English kings. Over the years, the building has been renovated several times, with some parts being demolished, and some were added. In 1834 there was a fire that destroyed most of the palace. In the 1840-1860’s the building was reconstructed in a neo-Gothic style. In this form it has survived to the present day. At the same time, medieval parts of Westminster have been preserved, such as the incredible Westminster Hall.
Today, the Houses of Parliament is one of the main attractions of London and the UK. About 1.1M tourists visit every year.
The Palace has about 1,100 rooms, more than 16,000 feet of corridors and 100 staircases, so it is impossible to explore it in one day.
Palace of Westminster tours can be found on the official website of the organization, and depending on your preferences, you can visit different parts of the building. Separate conditions are stipulated for visiting Big Ben - visitors must be a minimum of 11 years old, willing to climb 334 steps, and endure the noise from the clockwork mechanism.
The first mention of this place was found in the XI century. The palace was originally used as a residence of English kings. Over the years, the building has been renovated several times, with some parts being demolished, and some were added. In 1834 there was a fire that destroyed most of the palace. In the 1840-1860’s the building was reconstructed in a neo-Gothic style. In this form it has survived to the present day. At the same time, medieval parts of Westminster have been preserved, such as the incredible Westminster Hall.
Today, the Houses of Parliament is one of the main attractions of London and the UK. About 1.1M tourists visit every year.
The Palace has about 1,100 rooms, more than 16,000 feet of corridors and 100 staircases, so it is impossible to explore it in one day.
Palace of Westminster tours can be found on the official website of the organization, and depending on your preferences, you can visit different parts of the building. Separate conditions are stipulated for visiting Big Ben - visitors must be a minimum of 11 years old, willing to climb 334 steps, and endure the noise from the clockwork mechanism.
Tickets to the Palace of Westminster start at £25 for adults and £16 for children, and vary depending on the type of tour. Entry is by appointment only and tickets are usually sold out. You should plan your visit and buy your ticket weeks in advance.
Cost
The building is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The nearest tube station to the palace is Westminster which can be reached from three lines — District, Circle and Jubilee.
Opening hours
How to get there
Westminster Abbey
Another iconic landmark in London is Westminster Abbey, which is a Gothic church whose official name is St. Peter's Collegiate Church in Westminster.
This building is very significant to religious English residents, as it is where the Bible was translated into English. Westminster Abbey is also the traditional coronation and burial place of British monarchs and is used for many national religious events involving the Royal Family.
The construction of the stunning building was carried out over centuries, in which towers and rooms were added. For example, in the XVIII century, the Western Towers were added, and in the XIX century the whole development was restored. The building was seriously damaged during World War II, but was restored throughout the following years.
More than a million tourists visit the Abbey every year.
This building is very significant to religious English residents, as it is where the Bible was translated into English. Westminster Abbey is also the traditional coronation and burial place of British monarchs and is used for many national religious events involving the Royal Family.
The construction of the stunning building was carried out over centuries, in which towers and rooms were added. For example, in the XVIII century, the Western Towers were added, and in the XIX century the whole development was restored. The building was seriously damaged during World War II, but was restored throughout the following years.
More than a million tourists visit the Abbey every year.
Admission is £27 for adults and £12 for children. Members of The Abbey Association can visit for free.
Cost
The Abbey starts to receive visitors from 8:00 am, but at this time you can only access the Dean's Yard, which is the park within the building. From 9:30 am to 3:30 pm you can access the main buildings: Cloisters, College Garden, Chapter House and Pyx Chamber. The Royal Jewel Room is open from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and St. Margaret's Church is open from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm. On Sunday and Wednesday, all facilities except the park are closed.
Westminster and St. James' Park tube stations are close to the Abbey and can be reached via the District and Circle lines.
Opening hours
How to get there
Buckingham Palace
Within walking distance of the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey is Buckingham Palace which has been the official residence and headquarters of the monarchs of Great Britain since 1837. It is also home to many family jewels.
In 1762, the building was purchased as a residence for British monarchs. Initially Buckingham House was the only building, but later three more similar ones appeared, forming a square. Later the palace was rebuilt, new rooms and wings were added, and the old front entrance was moved to a new location, where it remains to this day.
In 1762, the building was purchased as a residence for British monarchs. Initially Buckingham House was the only building, but later three more similar ones appeared, forming a square. Later the palace was rebuilt, new rooms and wings were added, and the old front entrance was moved to a new location, where it remains to this day.
Adult tickets cost £33 or £30 if bought in advance. For children it is £18 or £16.5 if bought in advance.
Cost
You can enter the palace from 9:30 am, after 5:15 pm visitors are no longer allowed and the building closes between 6:30-7:30 pm depending on the season. The palace is completely closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The mode of operation is constantly changing, so the latest information should be confirmed via the official website before visiting.
There are 4 underground stations near the palace: Victoria, Green Park, St. James's Park and Hyde Park Corner.
Opening hours
How to get there
The London Eye
The London Eye is a popular tourist attraction and is located on the south bank of the River Thames opposite the Palace of Westminster.
It is the second largest Ferris wheel in Europe with a height of 135 meters. At its highest point, it offers a view of almost all of London.
It is the second largest Ferris wheel in Europe with a height of 135 meters. At its highest point, it offers a view of almost all of London.
Tickets are available from £30. The official website offers combination tickets, where in addition to a ride on the Ferris wheel, you can take a cruise on the River Thames or visit Madame Tussauds. These tickets cost an average of £50 per person.
Cost
In summer the wheel is open from 10:00 am till 8:30 pm. In winter the attraction opens at 11:00 am and closes at 6:00 pm.
Waterloo tube station is a 5-minute walk away and can be accessed from the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo and City lines.
Opening hours
How to get there
Churchill War Rooms
During World War II, this was the secret headquarters of the British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill.
The bunker itself was built in 1939, but it was not safe enough because it was only 16 feet deep and could not withstand a direct bomb hit. Nevertheless, the main decisions of the British leadership regarding the course of the war were made here.
Inside the bunker are many rooms where members of the government were living and working during the war. One of the rooms is Churchill's former apartment, where some of his personal belongings remain
The bunker itself was built in 1939, but it was not safe enough because it was only 16 feet deep and could not withstand a direct bomb hit. Nevertheless, the main decisions of the British leadership regarding the course of the war were made here.
Inside the bunker are many rooms where members of the government were living and working during the war. One of the rooms is Churchill's former apartment, where some of his personal belongings remain
£30 ticket for adults, £15 for children.
Cost
Open daily from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, but no additional visitors are allowed in after 5:00 .
The nearest underground stations to the museum are St James's Park and Westminster.
Opening hours
How to get there
The British Museum
This is Britain's main historical and archaeological museum, and one of the largest in Europe.
It was opened in 1753 and originally housed the collection of British physician and naturalist Sir Hans Sloane, the collection of Earl Robert Harley and the library of antiquarian Robert Cotton.
Over time, the number of exhibits expanded: antique vases, mineral collections, Elgin marbles from the Parthenon in Athens and others were purchased.
It was opened in 1753 and originally housed the collection of British physician and naturalist Sir Hans Sloane, the collection of Earl Robert Harley and the library of antiquarian Robert Cotton.
Over time, the number of exhibits expanded: antique vases, mineral collections, Elgin marbles from the Parthenon in Athens and others were purchased.
Free of charge, but it is necessary to book a visit in advance on the official website.
Cost
Daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, on Friday until 8:30 pm.
The nearest underground stations are Holborn and Tottenham Court Road and are just a 2-5 minute walk away from the museum.
Opening hours
How to get there
Piccadilly Circus
This world-famous square and transport hub in Central London is popular with tourists for its huge neon signs on building facades and a statue commemorating Lord Shaftesbury's charitable work.
During World War II, it was the site of many clubs where American soldiers stationed in the UK vacationed. Piccadilly Circus has been featured in many international films and TV series, including Bridget Jones’s Diary and The Dark Knight.
During World War II, it was the site of many clubs where American soldiers stationed in the UK vacationed. Piccadilly Circus has been featured in many international films and TV series, including Bridget Jones’s Diary and The Dark Knight.
Free of charge.
Cost
24/7
The nearest underground station is Charing Cross.
Opening hours
How to get there
Tate Modern
The Tate is a group of museums made up of 4 institutions, one of which is the Tate Modern which displays modern and contemporary art created no earlier than 1900.
The building originally housed Bankside Power Station, but the facility was converted into a museum in 2000.
Most of the exhibitions are on a temporary basis and only a small part is dedicated to art on a permanent basis. There are works in the style of Impressionism, Abstractionism, Cubism, Surrealism, Pop Art and other contemporary genres. Tate Modern has paintings, sculptures, posters and installations on display.
Tate Modern is one of the top 20 most visited museums in the world.
The building originally housed Bankside Power Station, but the facility was converted into a museum in 2000.
Most of the exhibitions are on a temporary basis and only a small part is dedicated to art on a permanent basis. There are works in the style of Impressionism, Abstractionism, Cubism, Surrealism, Pop Art and other contemporary genres. Tate Modern has paintings, sculptures, posters and installations on display.
Tate Modern is one of the top 20 most visited museums in the world.
Free to all, but some exhibitions may charge a fee.
Cost
Daily from 10:00 am till 6:00 pm.
There are three underground stations near the gallery. Southwark is located along the same bank, with Blackfriars and Mansion House on the opposite bank. Travel time to the museum will be about 5-10 minutes by foot from any of the above stations.
Opening hours
How to get there
Tower Bridge
The bridge is one of the most popular symbols of the UK, and appears on most postcards, magnets and souvenirs.
Tower Bridge is a drawbridge with two towers in a Victorian Gothic style, and is located next to the Tower, after which it is named.
There are guided tours of the bridge, where you will learn about the history of the site, be guided through all the towers, and will be shown a view of London from a height of 42 meters.
Tower Bridge is a drawbridge with two towers in a Victorian Gothic style, and is located next to the Tower, after which it is named.
There are guided tours of the bridge, where you will learn about the history of the site, be guided through all the towers, and will be shown a view of London from a height of 42 meters.
£12.3 for adults, £6.2 for children. The duration of the tour is about 1.5 hours. The bridge can also be accessed independently and is free of charge.
Cost
Daily from 9:30 am till 6:00 pm. After 6:00 pm the elevator to the top of the towers stops working.
The nearest underground station is London Bridge. From there you can reach Tower Bridge in 5 minutes on foot.
Opening hours
How to get there
The Harry Potter Museum
One of the most popular destinations among tourists is the Warner Bros. studio in London, where all the Harry Potter movies were made. Now, the studio has been converted into a museum, where tourists are shown how the legendary franchise was filmed.
The museum contains entire rooms and halls from Hogwarts, and you can also see models of various buildings from the movie and scenery, visit Dumbledore's office and the main hall of the school.
The museum contains entire rooms and halls from Hogwarts, and you can also see models of various buildings from the movie and scenery, visit Dumbledore's office and the main hall of the school.
£51.5 per person. Tickets must be booked several months in advance due to high demand.
Cost
8:30-9:30 am depending on the time of year and until 10:00 pm.
The Harry Potter Museum is located in the suburbs of London, so you can get there from the Watford Junction train station. From there, tour buses travel to and from the studio. Travel time will be about 15 minutes.
Opening hours
How to get there
In this guide we have ordered the top 10 London attractions so that it takes the minimum amount of time to get between them. The Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, London Eye and the Churchill Bunker Museum are all within walking distance of each other.
A short distance away is the British Museum, which is about 30 minutes by foot. On the way there, you can see Trafalgar Square and then get to Piccadilly Circus.
A short distance away is the British Museum, which is about 30 minutes by foot. On the way there, you can see Trafalgar Square and then get to Piccadilly Circus.
Tate Modern and Tower Bridge are within the same location. Next to them is the Millennium Bridge, which is also an important London site, especially for fans of Harry Potter, as it is the one that was featured at the beginning of the “Half-Blood Prince” movie.
The Harry Potter Museum stands apart on this list, as it will be difficult to combine this location with other tourist attractions, as it is located in the suburbs of London.
The Harry Potter Museum stands apart on this list, as it will be difficult to combine this location with other tourist attractions, as it is located in the suburbs of London.
Visiting the top 10 sights in London can be divided into several days. Museums and palaces can take up half a day each, so it's unlikely you'll be able to fit everything within a weekend, so it's worth traveling to London for at least a week to visit all the iconic sites the capital has to offer.
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Amit Seth
Managing Director