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Are you looking for a list of famous landmarks in London to visit? You’ve come to the right place!
London is one the most visited cities in the world and there is no shortage of things to see.
Whether you choose to spend 1 day, a weekend or more, there are many iconic landmarks in London that you will get to see.
In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most popular monuments and attractions in London.
From Big Ben to Buckingham Palace, there is something for everyone in this city.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s discover all the famous London landmarks and start planning your trip today!
1. Buckingham Palace
Let’s start with one of the most important landmarks in England: Buckingham Palace!
Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the British monarch.
The palace was built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703. It was acquired by King George III in 1761 and has been used as a royal residence since 1837.
This is actually a bit of a funny story since Buckingham Palace was never meant to be a royal palace. It was built as a fancy townhouse for a duke.
Here is what happened: the Duke of Buckingham Palace was so proud of his house that he invited the King over.
The King liked it so much that he actually bought it off him. Obviously, King George III did pay for the palace but the duke never intended to sell. He was kind of forced into it since it’s pretty difficult to say no to the monarch.
King George III bought the palace for £21,000 which would be a bit under £1,000,000 today.
If you don’t know the state of real estate in London, let me shed some light. This kind of money, in this area, would barely buy you a 1-bedroom flat so needless to say that King George got himself a pretty good deal!
FUN FACT: You should see a flag flying at the top of the palace. This flag is here to indicate whether the Queen is currently in the palace or not. If the Union Jack is flying, that means the sovereign is not currently on the premises. If the Royal flag is flying, then she is here!
WANT TO LEARN MORE FACTS LIKE THIS? I actually heard about these facts for the first time while doing a walking tour of Westminster. If you are interested in learning more about the famous landmarks in London, opting for a walking tour is an excellent thing to do.
HOW TO GET THERE: Buckingham Palace is located in Westminster, at the end of the Mall between Green Park and St James Park.
You can easily get there on foot from Trafalgar Square or Westminster tube station.
HOW TO VISIT: Buckingham Palace is open to the public for tours during the summer months. See prices here.
The rest of the time, you can still go to the palace and admire it from behind the gates. If you go there for 11AM you will also get to see the changing of the guards (which is a London bucket list item!).
Big Ben
The next London landmark on our list is Big Ben.
Located in Westminster, at the very end of the Palace of Westminster, Big Ben is, without the shadow of a doubt, the most iconic landmark in London.
It was built between 1843 and 1860 by Sir Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin.
While everyone refers to the tower as Big Ben, it’s actually important to note that Big Ben is the bell and not the tower itself.
The clock tower is actually called Elizabeth Tower. It used to be called Clock Tower but it was renamed in 2012 to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.
The origin of the name Big Ben is rather unclear. You will hear a few different theories such as:
- It was named after Sir Benjamin Hall who oversaw the installation of the bell and was, well, a rather big man.
- It was called Big Ben in honour of Benjamin Caunt, an English heavyweight champion boxer at that time.
HOW TO GET THERE: Big Ben is located right in front of Westminster tube station. As you step out of the station, you will be facing Big Ben.
You can also easily get there on foot from the London Eye or Buckingham Palace.
HOW TO VISIT: The Tower is currently undergoing renovation works which means that you can’t visit it. Also, there is scaffolding all around so you may be a bit disappointed when you see it.
PHOTO TIP: If you want to take a nice photo of Big Ben, go across the bridge and turn on the right to step onto the Queen’s walk. Most people try to take a photo from the Bridge or from the London Eye but if you actually go on the other side, you’ll get a much better shot.
Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in London and that’s why you will find it on literally every postcard!
The construction of Tower Bridge started in 1886 and it was inaugurated in 1894.
The bridge crosses the River Thames and connects the City of London with Southwark.
It is a bascule bridge which means that it can be raised to allow boats to go through.
FUN FACT: Tower Bridge is the only bridge in London which can be lifted up. It actually lifts around 800 times per year so that’s not an unusual thing to see!
IMPORTANT TO KNOW: A lot of people mistake Tower Bridge for London Bridge. While they are both located in London, they are also different bridges.
London Bridge is the next bridge upon the river Thames. It is much older than Tower Bridge but is nowhere as pretty.
WANT TO VISIT? Tower Bridge is open to the public and offers guided tours. If you are interested in learning more about it, you can book your ticket online or directly on-site.
If you have a London Pass, this is one of the attractions included.
That having been said, you do not need to pay to walk on the bridge.
The ticket desk is located on the pavement and it looks like you can’t go through but it’s important to know that it is free to walk across the bridge.
Also, if you’d like to take a bus across the bridge (an iconic double-decker for example), you can take the hop-on-hop-off bus but also number 42 and 78.
St Paul’s Cathedral
St Paul’s Cathedral is a famous church located in the City of London. It was built in 1675 and was designed by Sir Christopher Wren.
It took 40 years to build this cathedral which is actually very impressive for the time!
It is considered one of the most beautiful churches in London and it has a fascinating history.
St Pauls Cathedral survived World War II but it was heavily bombed.
The area was home to a lot of cotton warehouses at the time and the German Luftwaffe would drop bombs on them. Since cotton is highly inflammable, the fire would spread much faster.
In 1940, a bomb was dropped on the cathedral which destroyed the dome and the high altar.
Everything was re-built since but it has stayed a symbol of the Blitz in London.
As a matter of fact, that’s why you can find The National Firefighters Memorial right next to it.
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE BLITZ AND LONDON DURING WW2? Make sure to join the WW2 walking tour of London. The guide will tell you everything you need to know about the Blitz, the bombings, Winston Churchill and what was life like during the war. See prices here.
FUN FACT: If you are a fan of the royal family, then you will be happy to know that St Paul’s Cathedral is where Prince Charles and Princess Diana got married!
IMPORTANT TO KNOW: St Paul’s Cathedral is a working church and therefore, it is open to the public every day. However, access may be restricted during services.
WANT TO VISIT? You can visit the cathedral inside but will need to buy a ticket. See prices here.
The London Eye
The London Eye is another famous landmark in London. It is a big Ferris wheel located on the Southbank right next to Westminster Bridge.
It was opened to the public in 2000, which is why it was initially named the Millenium Wheel and has since become one of the major tourist attractions of London.
You can spot it from a lot of places in Central London as it is 135 meters high.
It offers amazing views of the city and is definitely a must-see in London.
FUN FACT: The London Eye was built to celebrate the new millennium. It was meant to represent the turning of the century (hence the wheel!).
HOW TO GET THERE: You can easily get there on foot from Westminster tube station or Waterloo train station.
HOW TO VISIT: The London Eye is the number 1 paying attraction in London which means that it’s extremely popular. For this reason, you will need to book a ticket in advance.
If possible, you should also buy a skip-the-line ticket since the queue can be insanely long.
If you don’t have time or don’t want to buy a ticket, you can still walk underneath and get to see it. The London Eye is located on the Queen’s walk which is free to access.
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is a very famous and historical church in London. It’s located just next to the Houses of Parliament and is one of the 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in London.
The abbey was founded in the year 960 and it has been an important religious site ever since.
There are many reasons why Westminster Abbey is famous.
Firstly, it is where British kings and queens are coronated. This has been the case since the coronation of William the Conqueror in 1066.
It is also known for its royal weddings including the one between Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Westminster Abbey is also the final resting place of British monarchs. 30 Kings and Queens rest in peace in this abbey, alongside some of the most famous British people of all time such as Isaac Newton or Jane Austen.
HOW TO GET THERE: Westminster Abbey is ideally located only a couple of minutes walk from Westminster tube station. You can also easily get there on foot from Buckingham Palace.
HOW TO VISIT: You can see the abbey from the outside anytime but if you want to visit inside, you need to buy a ticket online.
That having been said, if you are planning to visit more than 2 attractions in London, it will be worth taking the London Pass. See prices here.
Tower of London
The Tower of London is a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames.
It was built by William the Conqueror in 1070 and has been used as a fortress, palace, prison and even a zoo over the years!
Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London and one of the city’s UNESCO sites.
If you are a bit of a history buff, then look no further: Tower of London is the one place you must add to your bucket list.
Here you will find over 1,000 years of history!
For example, that’s where Guy Fawkes was taken and executed after being caught at the parliament on the 5th of November 1605 (Gunpowder plot).
Anne Boleyn, who was one of Henry VIII’s wives, was also detained and executed at the Tower of London.
There are so many things to know about the Tower of London! It’s such a fascinating place.
Also, it’s important to note that it’s where you can find the Crown jewels!
All the jewels that are worn by the monarch at the coronation are right here! And if you choose to visit, you will get to see them.
HOW TO GET THERE: The Tower of London is located right behind Tower Hill tube station so it’s very easy to get there.
Also, you can take bus 15 from Charing Cross and it will drop you by the Tower. This is worth mentioning because it’s a very scenic bus ride!
HOW TO VISIT: You have to book your tickets in advance if you want to visit the Tower of London. This is a popular attraction and tickets can sell fast. You can book your ticket online here.
If you took the London Pass, this will be included.
British Museum
The British Museum is one of the most visited museums in London… and for a reason!
It’s home to over 8 million objects from all over the world which are displayed in 60 galleries.
The first thing that makes this museum so famous is its location. It’s located right next to Russell Square, one of London’s most beautiful parks.
But that’s not all! The British Museum is also one of the most important museums in the world.
It was founded in 1753 by Sir Hans Sloane and it has been a place where knowledge and culture have been shared for centuries.
Some of the museum’s most famous objects include the Rosetta Stone (which was used by Champollion to decipher the Egyptian hieroglyphs), the Sophilos Vase and the bust of Ramesses the Great.
If you love ancient Egypt, you will definitely be in for a treat here!
HOW TO GET THERE: The British Museum is situated a few minutes walk from Russell Square and Holborn tube stations. If you arrive by train at Euston, you can also reach it easily on foot.
HOW TO VISIT: It’s free to visit the British Museum but you should still book a free ticket online to be sure to get in.
If you want to make the best of your time, you can book a tour of the museum. The guide will take you to all the most famous pieces and explain everything you need to know.
You can also book an afternoon tea at the restaurant of the British Museum which is a cool thing to do in London.
Nelson’s Column
Located in Trafalgar Square, Nelson’s Column was built to commemorate Admiral Horatio Nelson who died at the Battle of Trafalgar on 21 October 1805.
The column was designed by William Railton and it is made out of granite. It is 52 metres tall and is one of the local’s favourite landmarks.
The battle of Trafalgar is one of the most important battles in British history. It took place in 1805 and victory ensured that Napoleon wouldn’t be able to invade Britain.
Lord Nelson was one of the best captains during the Napoleonic wars and his tactics led Britain to win what was one of the most important battles in history.
This is why you can find many statues of Lord Nelson across the UK and of course, in London, what a better place than Trafalgar Square for him to stand on!
FUN FACT: The body of Lord Nelson was actually put into a cask of Brandy so it would make it back to the UK in a ‘good conservation state’.
HOW TO GET THERE: The column is located by the Trafalgar Square tube station. It’s very easy to get there.
HOW TO VISIT: Nelson Columns is located in the bottom part of Trafalgar Square. You can’t miss it and it’s free.
The Shard
The Shard is the tallest building in London and one of the most iconic skyscrapers in the world! It was designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano and was completed in 2012.
It’s 95-storey tall and the highest habitable floor is the 72nd which is where you can find the attraction “the View from the Shard“.
It’s located in Southwark, on the south bank of River Thames and it’s part of the London Bridge Quarter development project which includes several other buildings such as The News Building, Guy’s Hospital Tower and City Hall.
The Shard is an impressive building, not only because of its height but also because of its design. It’s a pyramid-like skyscraper which was inspired by the railway lines nearby and the masts on sailing ships!
The Shard boasts some of the best views of London and if you want to discover them, then you should visit! It’s also the highest viewing platform in Western Europe!
HOW TO GET THERE: The Shard is only a couple of minutes walk from London Bridge tube station.
HOW TO VISIT: The Shard is made of office floors, restaurants and flats. Obviously, people don’t have to pay to access those floors but as a visitor, you will need to get a ticket to the 72nd Floor which is called ‘The View from the Shard”.
This is the last habitable floor and that’s where you will find the best views!
You’ll get access to the entire floor which means 360 degrees view!
Make sure to book your tickets online and in advance to avoid any disappointment.
You will have to choose a time to visit and can enter within 30 minutes of that time.
Please note that the Shard is included in the London Pass so if you got that already, you won’t need to buy another ticket.
Leicester Square
Leicester Square is a famous square located in the West End of London. It’s named after Robert Sidney, Earl of Leicester and it was completed in 1670 (though at the time it was actually called Leicester Fields and not Square)
It used to be a residential area but has now grown to become one of the most famous places in London.
The square is known for its many cinemas, theatres, shops as well as being one of the busiest places in London!
You will find some iconic stores in Leicester Square including the M&M’s and the Lego stores.
Since you are in the heart of the theatre district, you will also see a lot of ticket kiosks selling tickets to the various shows.
Finally, it’s important to note that a few statues were installed in 2020 in Leicester Square and while they are not too well known by tourists yet, they will surely become Instagram favourites in the next few years.
The trail of statues is called Scenes in the square and consists of 8 film-themed sculptures such as Harry Potter, Mr. Bean, the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones, Paddington Bear, Mary Poppins and more!
HOW TO GET THERE: Leicester Square is one of the main tube stations in London so you can easily get there with the Piccadilly or Northern Line. You can also walk from Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden or Charing Cross.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is one of the largest parks in London and it’s also one of the Royal Parks. It was originally part of a hunting ground for Henry VIII and covers an area of 350 acres!
It’s located in Central London, just to the west of Buckingham Palace and is a great place to visit if you want to escape the busyness of the city!
Hyde Park is also known for all the festivals and events that take place here.
For example, in winter, it’s home to Winter Wonderland, the largest Christmas market in London.
In summer, it hosts the British Summer Time Festival which is one of the best music festivals in the UK.
Also, Hyde Park is directly linked to Kensington Gardens (on the other side of the pond) where you can find Kensington Palace, the residence of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
HOW TO GET THERE: The easiest way to get there is to take the tube to Hyde Park Corner station but you can also easily walk there from Buckingham Palace.
HOW TO VISIT: It’s entirely free to visit Hyde Park so the only thing you need to do is to walk in!
If you are visiting on a nice and sunny day, it would be worth taking a picnic as well.
Finally, if you want to have a bit of fun, you could opt for one of the bike tours around Royal London. It’s a great way to discover Hyde Park, its surroundings and learn while having fun. Prices here.
Camden Market
Camden Market is a famous market located in the heart of Camden Town, one of London’s coolest neighbourhoods.
The market was first established back in 1971 and has since become one of the most popular tourist attractions in London!
It’s made up of several markets including an outdoor food market, an arts and crafts market, a fashion market as well as a jewellery market.
Camden Market is also known for its large variety of shops, stalls and restaurants. You will find everything here from souvenirs to vintage clothes!
Finally, since it’s located on the docks of the canal, you will also get easy access to some canal walks including one leading you to Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill.
You can also go on a boat trip on a waterbus from Venice to Camden. It’s good fun and a great way to discover hidden gems in London.
HOW TO GET THERE: Camden Town is located a bit north of central London and can easily be reached with the Northern Line or buses.
HOW TO VISIT: The market is free to visit and is open from 10 AM to 6 PM. Feel free to come whenever you want. The best time to come is around 11 AM. It gave enough time to the sellers to put together their stalls but it’s not too crowded yet.
Borough Market
Borough Market is one of London’s oldest food markets and definitely the best known amongst foodies.
It started back in the 12th century and has grown to become one of the most famous markets in the world!
It is located near London Bridge, on Southwark Street. It officially opened in 1756 and still remains one of London’s most popular markets today.
The market sells everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to meat, cheese, bread and pastries. It’s a great place to taste some of the best food London has to offer!
Borough Market is also home to many restaurants and food trucks so it’s the perfect spot for a lunch or dinner date.
HOW TO GET THERE: Borough market is located in Southwark, it’s only a few minutes walk from London Bridge station.
HOW TO VISIT: Borough Market is open every day of the week so it’s pretty easy to visit. It opens at 10 AM except on Saturdays which is at 8 AM.
You can simply walk in and start wandering around but if it is your first time in London and you’d like to learn more about the local food culture, you should consider joining a food tour.
The guide will take you around the market and get some of the best things to eat and drink! It’s good fun and you will be full after that! See prices here.
Palace of Westminster
When it comes to British politics, the Palace of Westminster is one of these places that you have to mention.
Located in Westminster, by the River Thames, the Palace of Westminster is a large complex made up of the House of Lords, the House of Commons and the Clock Tower (Big Ben).
It has been around since at least the 11th century when William the Conqueror decided to make it his base of power in London.
The building was destroyed by fire in 1834 and was rebuilt and designed by the architects Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin.
The palace is best known for being the meeting place of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, two of the three parts of the British Parliament.
Still to this day, the Palace of Westminster is owned by the Crown.
Another reason why you might have heard of it is for the Gunpowder plot.
This is one of the most important events in British history and it’s still celebrated to this day on the 5th of November.
In 1605, an attack was carried it and the main goal was to literally blow up the parliament.
This attack was actually stopped when Guy Fawkes was discovered with the gunpowder. He was then sent to the Tower of London where he was tortured and eventually killed.
Guy Fawkes was not the mastermind behind this project however, he stays the most emblematic protagonist and you can find references to him in a lot of books and movies (V for Vendetta for example).
Each year, on the 5th of November, the whole of the UK celebrates Bonfire night. Loads of firework displays take place around the country to celebrate the failure of the Gunpowder Plot.
NOTE: If you are visiting London in November, the firework displays are a good thing to add to your list!
It’s also home to Big Ben, another famous landmark in London that we previously mentioned.
HOW TO GET THERE: The Palace is located right in front of the Westminster tube station so it’s as easy as it gets. You can also easily walk there from the London Eye.
HOW TO VISIT: The UK Parliament offers tours of the palace. This is a great thing to do if you want to learn more about the history of the UK but also about politics.
The Palace is a gorgeous building and it’s such a unique thing to see!
You need to book your tickets online here.
Alternatively, if you’d rather a more budget-friendly option, you can opt for the walking tour of Westminster. You won’t get to enter the palace however, you will walk around Westminster and the guide will explain everything you need to know! It’s very interesting. Prices here.
Tate Modern
If you like modern art, the Tate Modern is a must-see. It’s one of the most famous museums in London and a visit never disappoints!
The Tate Modern is part of the Tate network which includes several art museums in the UK including one in Liverpool.
The building itself is the former power station of Bankside. It’s a rather unusual building and you wouldn’t necessarily expect to find a museum here but it’s part of the charm!
It was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott and it opened its doors as a museum in 2000. It’s part of the set of landmarks that were inaugurated for the millennium (alongside the Millenium bridge and the London Eye).
It has welcomed more than 6 million visitors in 2019, making it one of the most visited museums in England!
It hosts around seventy thousand artworks from 1900 to this day. Among those, you will find paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs and videos.
Some of the most famous artists that are exhibited there are Pablo Picasso, Bill Viola, Salvador Dalí and Andy Warhol.
Marilyn Diptych by Andy Warhol is one of the most famous pieces at the Tate Modern however, it’s currently on Loan and is located in Aspen (USA). It will surely return but it’s important to know since you would be disappointed otherwise.
HOW TO GET THERE: The Tate Modern is located on the south bank of the river Thames. You can get there by walking, tube or boat!
The closest tube stations are London Bridge and Black Friars.
If you’re coming from Westminster, you can take the boat (it’s a very scenic ride!) and get off at Bankside Pier. It’s literally right outside the entrance!
HOW TO VISIT: The Tate Modern is open every day from 10 AM to 6 PM. You will find free collections as well as temporary exhibitions (paying). It’s a great place to visit if you are on a budget since the free collection is pretty impressive. You will need to book a ticket with a timed entrance though (even for the free one).
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is a must-visit for anyone who loves animals or science. It’s located in South Kensington, not far from the Victoria and Albert Museum (another popular museum in London).
The building itself is absolutely stunning and it can be hard to believe that you are actually entering a museum. You might have seen it in photos before since they put up an ice-rink for Christmas and it’s quite a famous spot.
It opened for the first time in 1881 and it’s one of the oldest museums in London. It has a collection of more than 80 million items!
Among those, you will find fossils, skeletons, taxidermy specimens, rocks and minerals and much more! The most famous pieces are Guy the Gorilla, Darwin’s book ‘On the origin of species’ and the blue whale skeleton.
The museum offers temporary exhibitions throughout the year such as Wildlife Photographer of The Year.
HOW TO GET THERE: The Natural History Museum is located in South Kensington. You can easily get there with the circle or district line.
HOW TO VISIT: The entrance to the museum is free however, it’s highly recommended to book a ticket so you can be sure to get to visit.
This is a popular museum and therefore, can get quite crowded. They don’t always take walk-ins so it’s safer to book your ticket.
If you want to get access to the temporary exhibitions, you will need to buy a paying ticket for that. You can do so on their official website.
You can also book a guided tour of the museum which includes a skip-the-line entrance. See prices.
Kensington Palace
Kensington palace is one of the royal palaces in London and is best known for being the official residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Prince William and Kate Middleton.
It’s situated right by Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.
The building itself dates back to 1605, however, the land has been owned by the crown for centuries.
Queen Victoria is the monarch who made this palace that famous since that’s where she was born and spent her childhood. Later on, she moved to Buckingham Palace of course but she is, still to this day, one of the most famous residents of Kensington Palace.
Another person that famously lived here is Princess Diana!
PRO TIP: Make sure to watch the Netflix show The Crown before visiting London. Although everything is not entirely accurate, it will give you a good idea of what the life of the royal family is.
The palace is open to visitors and you can visit different rooms such as the state apartments, the private chambers or even Kensington gardens! It’s a very cool thing to do, especially if you are interested in learning more about the British monarchy.
HOW TO GET THERE: You can easy get to Kensington Palace on foot from Notting Hill Gate tube station (central, circle and district line).
HOW TO VISIT: You will need to book a ticket online to visit the palace.
Windsor Castle
Before we start explaining what Windsor Castle is, it’s important to mention that it’s not actually located in London but in the county of Berkshire.
However, it’s very close to the city and a lot of people visiting London choose to go on a half-day trip to visit it so it was worth mentioning it.
Windsor Castle is another royal residence and is the largest occupied castle in the world!
It’s one of the official residences of Queen Elizabeth II and it was built by William The Conqueror back in 1070.
Though it’s always been a well-known landmark, it became even more famous in 2018 since that’s where the ceremony for the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was held.
Today, Windsor Castle offers a great day out for visitors looking to learn more about British royalty and its history. You can visit different parts of the castle such as St Georges Chapel, the State Apartments and the semi-state rooms.
HOW TO GET THERE: Windsor Castle is located in Windsor. You can get a train there but might need to change in Slough or Vauxhall. You can book your train ticket on the Trainline app and it will tell you what the best itinerary is.
Alternatively, you can book a half-day tour from London here.
HOW TO VISIT: Windsor Castle is open all year round but is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays so it’s something to bear in mind when you are putting together your itinerary.
You will need to book your ticket in advance. It’s also one of the attractions included in the London Pass.
Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus is one of the most famous places to visit in London.
It’s a public square situated in the West End and it’s basically London’s answer to Times Square!
FUN FACT: The word “circus” actually means round place in Latin, it has nothing to do with an actual circus but that explains why you will find a few places named ‘something circus’ in London.
Piccadilly Circus is always very busy with locals and tourists alike as it’s one of the main intersections in central London. It’s full of souvenir shops and there is a lot going on around.
It’s also home to one of the most beautiful fountains in London: the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain.
This monument was built to commemorate Lord Shaftesbury who was a politician and philanthropist in England.
He worked on issues such as public health, factory reform, education and housing.
This fountain is often called ‘Eros’ by the locals but it actually represents Anteros (Eros’ brother).
He is the god of requited love and is always depicted with his arm outstretched, ready to embrace someone.
But the most iconic piece of architecture in Piccadilly Circus is not the fountain but the huge billboards.
Here you will find large adverts on the buildings (hence why it’s often compared to Times Square.
PRO TIP: If you can visit Piccadilly Circus at night, that would be much better because you will get to see all the lights on and it just conveys that ‘London buzz’ much better than during the day.
Finally, it’s important to precise that Piccadilly Circus was also used as one of the Harry Potter filming locations in London!
At the beginning of the 7th movie ( Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows I), you can see Harry, Hermione and Ron running away from the Death Eaters. They end up right in Piccadilly Circus!
It’s quite an iconic scene!
If that’s something you’d like to know more about, make sure to join the Harry Potter walking tour of London! It’s great fun.
HOW TO GET THERE: Piccadilly Circus is one of the main tube stations in Central London so you can’t miss it. You can also get there on foot from Leicester Square or Soho.
Millennium Bridge
Located in the City of London, the Millennium Bridge is a pedestrian bridge that crosses the River Thames.
It was designed by Norman Foster and opened in 2000 (hence the name!)
This bridge has become one of the most iconic landmarks in London as it offers great views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the City of London.
It’s also a very popular spot for taking photos! If you love taking beautiful pictures, head there in the morning and you will be in for a treat!
If you are a Harry Potter fan, you will be happy to know that this is another location featured in the movies! In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the 6th movie, you can see it in the opening scenes. Remember that bridge that starts wobbling and eventually breaks because of the Death eaters? That’s the one!
FUN FACT: It is actually nicknamed ‘wobbly bridge’ by the locals. This is due to the fact that when it opened, there was apparently a bit of a wobble as people were walking. But don’t worry, it was fixed straight away and has never wobbled since. It’s completely safe.
HOW TO GET THERE: The Millennium Bridge is located between St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tate Modern. You can get there by foot from either of those places or from Blackfriars tube station.
Shakespeare Globe Theatre
Calling all literature and theatre fans for this!
The Shakespeare Globe is a theatre located on the banks of the River Thames, between Tower Bridge and the Tate Modern.
It’s a replica of the original theatre where most of William Shakespeare’s plays were first performed.
It was built on the site where the original theatre used to be and was opened to the public in 1997.
It’s now one of the most popular tourist attractions in London as well as one of the best places to see a play.
This theatre is special because it allows you to experience what performances would have looked like back in the days.
Instead of having seats everywhere, you will find a standing area in the middle, called the yard.
If you want to seat, then you will have to book tickets for the galleries.
This will give you a much better idea of how people used to watch the plays.
It’s definitely an interesting experience!
Also, the yard tickets are very cheap (most of the time they cost £5) so it’s very good for people on a budget.
The Globe is also home to the Shakespeare Globe Exhibition which tells you all about Shakespeare’s life and his works.
If you are interested in learning more about Shakespeare and his plays, this is the place to go!
HOW TO GET THERE: The Shakespeare Globe is located in Southbank. You can get there by foot from London Bridge.
HOW TO VISIT: The Shakespeare Globe is open daily. There are two ways you can experience it. The first one is to book a ticket to go see a show. You can do so on their official website.
The second one is to book a guided tour. This is a great way to learn more about Shakespeare but also see all parts of the venue.
WB Studios: The Making of Harry Potter
If you are a Harry Pottter fan, this is definitely one of the places you have to visit in London!
Located in Watford, in North London, the Warner Bros Studios are where all the Harry Potter movies were filmed (apart from the outdoor scenes of course).
You get to see the sets, props and costumes from the movies and it’s just an amazing experience for any fan!
Firstly, you will learn plenty about the movies since they explain very well how they were made.
From the choice of the cast to training the animals, everything is there.
But the truly amazing bit is that you get to walk around the actual sets including the Great Hall and the Gringotts Wizarding Bank.
The tour is a bit pricey but it’s definitely worth it. And if you are visiting London with your family, they will love it too!
HOW TO GET THERE: The Warner Bros Studios are located in Watford, about 20 miles from Central London. You can get there by train (to Watford Junction) and then take the Harry Potter shuttle to the studios.
You can also opt for a tour from central London which includes both transport and tour. See prices here.
HOW TO VISIT: The Warner Bros Studios are open every day (apart from a few bank holidays). You can book your tickets directly on the WB Studio Tour website but will need to arrange your own transport.
Please note that you will need to book in advance since the tickets sell out rather quickly.
If you don’t want to deal with transport or are looking for last minutes tickets, then make sure to book a tour.
PRO TIP: While the average visit lasts 4 hours, you can actually stay as long as you want in the studios so it’s better to take an early slot. That way, you’ll have the whole day ahead of you and you can truly spend as much time as you want.
READ MORE: The Ultimate Guide for visiting the Harry Potter Studios in London: tips, tricks & Review
Richmond Park
Richmond Park is London’s biggest Royal Park as well as one of the largest urban park in Europe. It was originally created by Charles I as a royal hunting ground but it’s now open to the public.
The park is huge and it’s a great place for a walk, a picnic or just to relax. It’s also home to a lot of wildlife, including deer, which you can see up close.
If you are looking for some peace and quiet and want to get away from the hustle and bustle of London, this is the place to go!
HOW TO GET THERE: Richmond Park is located in South West London, near Wimbledon. You can get there by taking a train or with the district line and then a bus.
HOW TO VISIT: Richmond Park is open every day except for the six weeks deer culls in November and December.
As a pedestrian, you can just walk in and explore.
If you are looking for something a bit more fun, you should consider joining the Royal Deer Park Bike tour. You will explore Richmond Park with a local guide while cycling. It’s fun, you get to learn plenty and will cover more ground with the bikes. See prices.
Royal Albert Hall
The Royal Albert Hall is London’s most famous concert hall and it has hosted some of the biggest names in music. It was inaugurated in 1871 by Queen Victoria and today it hosts hundreds of events every year.
INTERESTING FACT: The Royal Albert Hall was named as such in memory to Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s husband. As you may know, he died rather young and she grieved for the rest of her life afterwards which is why she was always dressed in black.
This is one of the most treasured buildings in the United Kingdom and it truly is an honour for anyone to perform or see a show here.
It has a circular shape and is just as stunning outside as it is inside.
HOW TO GET THERE: The Royal Albert Hall is located in South Kensington, next to the Natural History Museum and Kensington Gardens. You can get there by foot from either of those places or from South Kensington tube station.
HOW TO VISIT: The Royal Albert Hall is open daily from Monday to Sunday.
You can go there to see a show or just have a look around – even if you don’t have tickets for one of their events, you can still visit the building. They offer guided tours which are very interesting.
If you took a London Pass, it’s one of the attractions that are included.
Madame Tussauds
Looking for something fun to do in London? This is it!
Madame Tussauds is a museum that features wax figures of the most famous people in the world. It’s one of London’s biggest tourist attractions and it gets over two million visitors every year!
You can see your favourite celebrities, political leaders or sports heroes all in one place.
The most famous wax figures are the ones of the Royal family which includes the Queen, Prince William and Kate Middleton.
You will also find the Star Wars and Marvel collection as well as music stars (Lady Gaga, Queen B…).
You can find other Madame Tussauds in the world including in the USA, Australia and China but the one in London is definitely the most famous!
HOW TO GET THERE: Madame Tussauds is located in Central London, right by the Baker Street tube station. It’s very easy to get there with the Bakerloo, Circle or Jubilee lines.
HOW TO VISIT: Madame Tussauds is open daily from Monday to Sunday. You need to book your ticket online before visiting.
Sky Garden
This is truly the most unique attraction in London! The Sky Garden is a public garden located in a tower in the City of London. It’s open to the public and it’s free to visit!
The views from the top are absolutely stunning, so if you want to see London from a different perspective, this is definitely the place to go.
It was designed in 2004 by Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly and has become one of the most famous gardens in London since!
While it’s not as high as the Shard, it’s still exceptional and the surroundings are absolutely stunning.
It is a free attraction so it’s definitely an amazing option if you are on a budget.
HOW TO GET THERE: The Sky Garden is located in the Fenchurch Building (Walkie Talkie). It’s very close to Monument tube station and you can also easily get there on foot from the Tower of London.
HOW TO VISIT: The Sky Garden is open daily from Monday to Sunday. It is free to visit however, you need to book your ticket online.
Make sure to book in advance since it is very popular and tickets (especially for weekend times) can sell out very quickly.
The Walkie Talkie
The Walkie Talkie is one of the most famous buildings in London. It’s a skyscraper in the City of London that was designed by architect Rafael Viñoly.
Its official name actually is 20 Fenchurch Street however, it was nicknamed the Walkie Talkie by the locals and this is definitely how most people refer to it now.
As a matter of fact, most Brits don’t even know the official name!
The building was completed in 2004 and is 160 metres high.
While it is far from being the tallest in the city, it is one of the most recognisable. You can spot it from far and its usual shape make it very easy to identify.
It’s home to some of the world’s biggest banks and it has one of the most impressive views of London (especially from the Sky Garden as previously mentioned).
If you want to see London from high up, this is definitely the place to go! And if you are lucky, you might even be able to see the sun setting over London from there.
HOW TO GET THERE: The Walkie Talkie is located on Fenchurch Street. You can get there by foot, by tube or by bus.
HOW TO VISIT: The Walkie Talkie is mainly home to offices (which you can’t visit obviously) but you can still get to go inside if you booked a ticket for the Sky Garden.
Portobello Road
Located in Notting Hill, Portobello Road is one of the most famous streets in London.
It was initially known for its bustling market. Here you will find loads of vintage clothes, antiques and other unique objects.
It’s definitely worth a visit if you are looking for some interesting souvenirs or just want to experience the hustle and bustle of London life.
It was also made particularly famous by the movie Notting Hill with Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant since that’s one of the filming locations.
A lot of romantic comedies were filmed in this area including Four Weddings and a Funeral, Love Actually and Last Christmas. If that’s something you are interested in, you should consider joining the rom-com walking tour in Notting Hill. It’s good fun!
Portobello Road is also often mentioned in books set in London. That’s the case of ‘My Not So Perfect Life’ by Sophie Kinsella for example. There is a chapter here about the market!
Finally, Portobello Road is famous for being one of the most Instagrammable streets in London. It’s so colourful and pretty!
You will find a lot of people taking photos here. Also, if you want to get some beautiful photos from your trip to London, you can book this travel photography experience with a professional.
HOW TO GET THERE: Portobello Road is located in Notting Hill, which is West London. You can get there by foot or by tube.
HOW TO VISIT: The market is open every day except on Sunday. It’s especially busy on Saturdays, so if you want to go there, be prepared for a lot of people!
The antique market is only on Friday and Saturday so bear that in mind as well.
If you want to discover more about this area, you can also join the Notting Hill walking tour.
The Gherkin
Located in the City of London, The Gherkin is one of the most iconic buildings in London.
It was designed by Norman Foster and was inaugurated in 2004. It’s 180 metres tall and has 41 floors.
Its shape is very unique and instantly recognisable, hence the nickname.
The actual name of the building is 30 St Mary Axe but once again, nobody really knows that. Everyone calls it the Gherkin and it’s easy to see why.
It’s a great example of contemporary architecture and is a building you won’t forget! It sits perfectly in the heart of London’s financial district and can be spotted from many locations, especially from the banks of the River Thames.
HOW TO GET THERE: The nearest tube station is Aldgate but you can also easily get there on foot from Liverpool Street.
HOW TO VISIT: You can see the Gherkin from outside. It’s not usually open to the public however, you can book a table at the Searcys Restaurant which is located at the top floors of the Gherkin. From there, you can enjoy 360-degree views!
Harrods
Calling all the shopping lovers for this one!
Located in Knightsbridge, Harrods is a department store that has been around since 1849.
It was founded by Charles Henry Harrod who is one of the most famous business tycoon the UK ever had!
It’s one of London’s most famous stores and it’s definitely worth a visit if you are looking for some luxury goods or just want to discover an iconic store!
Here you will find 330 departments, covering 100,000 m2 of retail space!
Harrods is also known for its Christmas window display. If you are visiting London at Christmas time, you must come here! It’s so beautiful and simply magical!
SIDE NOTE: Harrods is similar to the Galleries Lafayette in Paris so if you’ve been there and liked it, you will definitely love Harrods.
HOW TO GET THERE: Harrods is located a couple of minutes walk from Knightsbridge tube station. You can also easily get there from Hyde Park Corner.
HOW TO VISIT: Harrods is open daily from Monday to Sunday. You can simply walk in and have a look around or do some shopping.
Harrods is also known for its tea rooms. They serve one of the best afternoon teas in the city and that’s something you should consider! It can be booked here.
Churchill War Rooms
If you are a bit of a history buff, then this London landmark will be one of your favourites!
Located in the City of Westminster, the Churchill War Rooms are a museum set up in the war cabinet that Sir Winston Churchill used during WWII.
that is dedicated to the life of Winston Churchill. It’s located in the City of Westminster, which is just south of Central London.
If you want to learn more about one of the most important British politicians of all time, this is definitely worth a visit!
HOW TO GET THERE: The Churchill War Rooms are located in the City of Westminster, just south of Central London. You can get there by foot or by tube.
HOW TO VISIT: The Churchill War Rooms are open from Wednesday to Sunday in winter and everyday in summer.
You will need to book your tickets to visit. This can be done on the official website.
It is also included in the London Pass.
Alternatively, you can book a walking tour of Westminster that includes the entrance to the War Rooms. See prices here.
The O2 Arena
The O² Arena is a famous music venue in London that was inaugurated back in 2007. It’s one of the largest indoor arenas in Europe and it’s definitely worth a visit if you are into music or just want to experience London nightlife.
There is a capacity of 20,000 people which means that big concerts are held here.
Amongst the most famous ones, you can find The Rolling Stones concert of 2012 or the Spice Girls concert of 2007 which actually sold out in 38 seconds!
It’s also used for different displays, including the fireworks display in London for New Year’s Eve.
Finally, if you are a bit of a thrill-seeker, you will be happy to know that you can climb over the roof the arena.
This is basically the British equivalent to the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb in Australia.
Not only is it a total bucket list experience but it’s also a great way to discover amazing views over Greenwich.
HOW TO GET THERE: The O² Arena is located in Greenwich, which is southeast London. You can get there with the tube by taking the Jubilee line to North Greenwich station. From there, it’s a 3 minutes walk.
HOW TO VISIT: There are two ways you can discover the o2 arena. The first one is to book a ticket for a show which can be done here.
The second one is to climb the arena. For that, you need to book your ticket in advance here.
Wembley Stadium
Wembley Stadium is, without the shadow of a doubt, the most famous stadium in London.
It was built on the site of the original stadium and was inaugurated in 2007.
It’s the largest stadium in the UK as well as the second-largest in Europe (after Camp Nou in Barcelona) and it’s definitely worth a visit if you are into sports or want to see a concert.
Ed Sheeran, Harry Styles, Coldplay… they all performed here!
Though this stadium is mainly known for hosting football matches, you can also see rugby and American football matches.
HOW TO GET THERE: Wembley Stadium is located in Wembley, which is northwest London. You can get there on foot, by tube or by bus.
HOW TO VISIT: A bit like for the o2, there are two ways you can visit Wembley stadium.
The first one is to book a ticket for a show. This can be done here.
The second one is to book a guided tour of the stadium. This is particularly interesting for people who love football (and music). See prices here.
Carnaby Street
Carnaby Street is a colourful street located in Soho.
This iconic London landmark is known for being one of the best shopping streets in the city.
Here you will find loads of independent boutiques as well as flagship brands.
It was particularly popular in the 60s since that’s the place where you would found new cultures, new music and unique clothing brands.
A lot of music and fashion icons have shopped here including the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix or Brigitte Bardot.
Finally, if you want to get some beautiful Instagram photos, this will be a great spot. Carnaby Street is very colourful and there are loads of structures like the Kaleidoscope that makes it even more unique.
PRO TIP: If you are looking for a nice place to eat, head to Kingly Court. The entrance is located on Carnaby Street (but it’s quite a small passage so you need to keep an eye out). It’s a small court with loads of local restaurants. It’s super cute and there is great food here.
HOW TO GET THERE: Carnaby Street is located in Soho, which is central London. You can get there by foot from Oxford Street or Piccadilly Circus.
HMS Belfast
If you want to discover an iconic WWII landmark in London, then head straight to the HMS Belfast.
Located on the Queen’s walk, between Tower Bridge and the Shakespeare Globe Theatre, the HMS Belfast is a warship that was built back in 1938.
It’s one of the largest surviving warship in the world and it’s definitely worth a visit if you are into military history or just want to experience life on board a real warship!
It was built for the Royal Navy and was part of the Operation Overlord which supported the Normandy landings in 1944.
🚇 HOW TO GET THERE: HMS Belfast is located on the River Thames, near London Bridge. You can get there by foot from London Bridge or Tower Hill.
HOW TO VISIT: HMS Belfast is open from Wednesday to Sunday. You will need to book a ticket to visit.
If you took the London Pass, this will be included.
Alternatively, you can join the Old City Walking Tour which will take you around the city of London and in front of the HMS Belfast. You can do that on your own as well but it is interesting with a guide since he will explain the history of the ship.
10 Downing Street
Located in the heart of Westminster, 10 Downing Street is the official residence of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
In other terms, it’s the British equivalent of the White House.
British PMs have been living there since the 18th century and that’s where most of the important decisions for the UK and previously for the British Empire, were made.
FUN FACT: The term ‘Number 10’ is often used in British newspapers to refer to the Prime Minister.
If you are interested in politics or just want to see where the UK’s head of government lives, this is definitely worth a visit!
HOW TO GET THERE: Downing Street is located just behind St James Par, a minute walk from the Parliament and Westminster tube station.
HOW TO VISIT: Unfortunately, 10 Downing Street is not open to the public but you can still go to Downing Street and see the front door (which is the part you always see in photos).
221b Baker Street
When it comes to famous addresses in London, 221b Baker Street sets the standard!
It was made famous by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who chose this place to be the address of the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes.
If you are into crime fiction or just want to see where the world’s most popular detective lived, this is definitely worth a visit!
The front door is easily recognisable, especially since it was used in the BBC show, Sherlock.
Also, it was since turned into a museum entirely dedicated to Sherlock Holmes.
HOW TO GET THERE: Baker Street tube station is just around the corner. Also, you can easily get there from Marylebone train station.
HOW TO VISIT: You can go to Baker Street and see the front door at any time but if you are interested in visiting the museum, you will need to book a ticket on their official website.
If you are a fan, you may also want to consider joining the Sherlock Holmes walking tour.
London is home to many famous landmarks that are worth visiting. From historic buildings like Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace to cultural attractions such as the London Eye and Madame Tussauds, there’s no shortage of things to do in this bustling city!
You may also be interested in:
- London Travel Tips: 33 Tips for visiting London and Mistakes to Avoid
- The Ultimate 1 Day in London Itinerary: exactly how to spend one day in London
- London 2-day itinerary: Exactly How To Spend 2 Days in London
- The Ultimate London Bucket List: 61 Best Things to do and Experiences you must have in London
