10 Interesting Places in London
- Big Ben
Getting to know the most interesting places in London is worth starting with the classics – the symbol of the city, which is often jokingly called the Great Bell Tower, and since 2012 it is officially called the Elizabeth Tower. You can’t miss this famous landmark of London – Big Ben is the main landmark in the city.
- Parliament
Londoners call the pompous Palace of Westminster on the banks of the Thames simply the Houses of Parliament. If you want to know more about British politics you can book a tour (a standard guided tour costs €30 for adults and €12 for children), but most consider it unnecessary and limit themselves to seeing the palace from the outside along with Big Ben standing next to it.
- Buckingham Palace
Like the Palace of Westminster, the residence of the Queen of Great Britain is open to the public, but many prefer to see it from behind the gates. If you still want to see how the monarchs live, you can join a tour group. For €40 they will let you into the ceremonial rooms, the gallery and the stables as well as taking you through the gardens surrounding the palace. But you can also opt for cheaper tours. Check out Buckingham Palace’s official website for visiting hours and tour options.
- London Eye Ferris Wheel.
What’s really worth splurging on and going to is a visit to the London Eye ferris wheel. It was built in 2000 and is considered the largest in the world. It is by far the best observation deck in London so the €23 entrance fee is nothing compared to what you will see during the 30 minute spin. It is advisable to book tickets for the London Eye online in advance. It will save time (usually at the box office there are long lines) and money (you will have to pay 15% more at the entrance).
- Trafalgar Square.
One of the central squares of London, in the center of which stands the famous Nelson’s Column. Nowadays it is a public area where you can relax and watch the fountains. And during the New Year’s Eve, a huge Christmas tree is erected here, and Trafalgar Square becomes a Christmas fair.
- Natural History Museum
Even if you’re not in the least bit interested in natural history it’s definitely worth taking a trip to South Kensington to see the museum building. And if you decide to go inside, you will be very surprised by the vastness of the exposition and the number of exhibitions. By the way, if you are wondering what to see in London with children, this museum with its collections devoted to dinosaurs, will be a godsend for little restless kids. Adventurers can also get here after sunset for what’s known as a “night safari”. The tours and ticket prices can be viewed on the official website.
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
This cathedral is an iconic place for London and is also considered one of the city’s calling cards. Its construction began at the beginning of the 17th century, but after the Great Fire of London in 1666 the cathedral had to be rebuilt. The view from Millennium Bridge nearby is superb.
- Tate Modern Gallery
Located on the banks of the Thames, the gallery building itself is unique, but what awaits you inside is even more so. Here you can see masterpieces by British and international contemporary artists.
- Globe Theatre
Not far from the Tate Modern is the famous Globe Theater, where William Shakespeare himself played. Today you can see only a reconstruction of the original Globe, but its modern form, with its open thatched roof and wooden stage, seems to take you back to the 17th century. There are guided tours during the day and performances in the evening.
- Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks of London and the most famous drawbridge in the world. The nearest tube station is Tower Hill. Don’t be lazy to come here to capture this symbol of the city from the banks of the Thames.
