What to see in London 10 essential places that you cannot miss

What to see in London: 10 essential places that you cannot miss

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Deciding which are the essential places to see in London is one of the first things that you will consider when you are planning to visit London, especially if it is the first time that you are going to visit this impressive city .

Don’t worry, although the list of London monuments, museums, attractions and historical places is almost endless, here we help you decide on your definitive list of things that you cannot miss in London.

What will you find in this article?

What to see in London: 10 essential places that you cannot miss

If it is the first time you visit the city, there are 10 things to see in London that are mandatory and that you cannot miss, so we advise you to mark them on the map and include them in your itineraries:

The tower of London

Without a doubt, the Tower of London is one of the biggest tourist attractions you have to see in London and it is one of our favorite places in the city. Built over 930 years ago, it has served as a prison, fortress and entry point for goods arriving in London via the River Thames for centuries. Currently, this is where the British Crown Jewels are kept that you can see during your visit, and do not forget to find out what the legend of the ravens of the Tower of London is about …

  • More information: The Tower of London
  • Tickets: Tower of London

San Pablo’s cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral is the second largest cathedral in the world, making it one of the things you should see in London. Located in the heart of the city, it was for many years the tallest building in the city and a law was even created that prevented the construction of any building that was taller in the city of London. If you dare with the stairs, you can go up to visit the interior of the dome of the Cathedral.

  • Further information: Saint Paul’s Cathedral
  • Tickets: St. Paul’s Cathedral

Westminster abbey

Westminster Abbey is one of the essential places you must see in London. It has been the scene of some of the most important historical events in history, such as the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II of England, royal weddings in England, and funerals of people as beloved in England as Princess Diana of Wales.

  • Further information: Westminster Abbey
  • Tickets: Westminster Abbey

Buckingham Palace

The famous Buckingham Palace is the current residence of Queen Elizabeth II and is famous for the Changing of the Guard which is usually held several days a week and which millions of people come to see every year. Buckingham Palace is located between Green Park and St. James’ Park, the latter being one of the most beautiful parks in London that you should not miss if it is your first time in London.

The Royal Stables of Buckingham Palace were opened in 1763 and are located just a few minutes from the Palace. It is a very special place since on many occasions you can see the horses of the changing of the guard parade to the stables that exist inside the building, so it is another place to see in London that we would definitely recommend.

Big Ben

Big Ben is surely the most recognized place in the world when we talk about London. It was inaugurated in 1859 in the heart of Westminster, and as a curious fact Big Ben is the name given to the bell that is inside the tower. It is located in front of the London Eye and is without a doubt one of the first things to see in London.

  • London route: Big Ben

Tower Bridge: The Tower Bridge in London

The Tower Bridge in London is the famous blue bridge in the British capital, and it is true that many people refer to it as “London Bridge” but in reality London Bridge is a different bridge! Tower Bridge is both a suspension bridge and a bascule bridge, a feat of engineering that still impresses millions of tourists and Londoners every day. We recommend crossing it on foot or by tourist bus since the views from this bridge are very beautiful. Our itinerary 4 can help you to walk around this area of London.

  • Further information: Tower Bridge
  • Tickets: Tower Bridge

London Eye: The Ferris Wheel of London

One of the tallest Ferris wheels in the world from which you can see London from a unique angle. The “Millennium Ferris Wheel” as it has also been nicknamed, is one of the attractions that nobody wants to miss out on visiting when they come to London.

  • More information: London Eye
  • Tickets: London Eye

Madame Tussauds: The London Wax Museum

The wax museum in London, Madame Tussauds, is another of the most famous attractions to see in London. It is one of the most famous wax museums in the world, where you can take incredible photos with your famous idols.

  • More information: Madame Tussauds
  • Tickets: Madame Tussauds

Important streets and squares

You cannot visit London without going through Oxford Street, Regent Street, Carnaby Street, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Covent Garden, London’s Soho (where you will find Chinatown).

  • Further information: Strolling through central London

Hyde Park: The most famous park in London

And as essential, you cannot miss Hyde Park, the most famous park in the city. In Hyde Park in winter you’ll find a gigantic Christmas fair and Christmas market, Winter Wonderland . Next to Hyde Park are Kensington Gardens where you can go in search of the famous statue of Peter Pan .

In addition to these 10 places that you cannot miss, we recommend that you take into account the following places to see in London:

Shakespeare’s Globe

Although the original theater was burned to the ground after a fire in 1613, the reconstruction was carried out reproducing every detail of the original building. An authentic work of art, with a certain magic, that we recommend you visit.

  • Further information: Shakespeare’s Globe Theater
  • Tickets: Shakespeare’s Globe

kensington palace

In the heart of London, in Kensington Gardens, next to Hyde Park, is Kensington Palace, which for several centuries has been the main residence of the British Royal Family. If you visit it, you will be able to visit some of the most luxurious rooms of the palace and its incredible gardens.

  • Further information: Kensington Palace
  • Tickets: Kensington Palace

Greenwich Observatory

Located high above Greenwich Park, it is a very special place to have ideal views of London. Since it was inaugurated, it has played a very important role in the history of astronomy and navigation. Don’t forget to take a photo of yourself on the 0 Meridian line.

The museums

To make your getaway to London complete, you can’t miss entering one of the city’s impressive museums, many of which are free to enter.

British Museum

One of the most historically important museums in the world. Located in the neighborhood of Bloomsbury, its interior houses some of the best collections of archaeology, art and history. The building is also a true work of art.

The National Gallery of Art

Presiding over Trafalgar Square is the “National Gallery” that for years has received millions of visitors wishing to admire some of the most famous works by Diego Velázquez, Caravaggio and other painters.

Natural History Museum

If you like to learn new things when you visit a city, we recommend that you set aside a couple of hours to visit the Natural History Museum in London. The evolution of species or how the climate has determined our evolution and development as a species are some of the most interesting things you can learn about during your visit.

The Tate Modern Art Gallery

One of the most popular modern art galleries in the world. Located on the banks of the Thames a few minutes from the London Eye. Ideal for a visit in the morning that you can finish with lunch in the cafeteria on the top floor with views of London.

HMS Belfast

One of the most famous ships of the British Navy that was inaugurated in 1938. Although it was used in different missions, it is currently a “museum ship” anchored on the bank of the Thames in “The Queen’s Walk”. Further information: HMS Belfast

Victoria and Albert Museum

The largest design and decoration museum in the world. It was founded in 1852 and has around 4 million objects on permanent display. If you like design and want to see the evolution of the most avant-garde trends of recent years, you definitely have to plan a visit.

London Transport Museum

A very special place to visit in London with children . You can see London buses that are part of the history of London, hyper-realistic reproductions of the London Underground, trains, etc. Located in one of the corners of Covent Garden. Further information: London Transport Museum

Parks

Although we have already mentioned Hyde Park above as one of the most important places in the city, in addition to this famous park, London has several parks that are worth visiting if you have time.

Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens

Don’t miss the fantastic Kensington Gardens and Kensington Palace (mentioned above) and don’t forget to bring food for the squirrels when visiting the lung of the city. Go in search of the famous statue of Peter Pan and the Albert Memorial, located in front of the impressive Royal Albert Hall.

Regent’s Park

Regent’s Park is located north of the city center, and here we can find some of the most beautiful gardens in London. There is also an outdoor theater, where we can see open-air plays in summer, and there is also the London Zoo . Primrose Hill is the highest point in Regent’s Park, from which you can see the London Skyline .

St James’ Park

One of the smallest but most well-kept parks in London, next to Buckingham Palace. Don’t forget to look out for the famous pelicans that usually own the lake during the summer months!

The markets

And finally, we recommend going to one of the markets, as they are one of the best things to see in London. Among them I have to highlight Camden Market and Portobello Road in Notting Hill, but in our article on London markets you will find all the information you need:

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