What Not to Miss on a Visit to London

London – a perfect blend of the old and new. The epitome of a modern city yet retained their invaluable historical past. The contemporary buildings harmonize well with medieval structures. The modern skyscrapers excellently fit side by side with historical monuments. The beautiful symphony that the old and the new creates is what makes the British Capital unique among other European cities.

London is one of the world’s top destinations. The city’s iconic structures are always part, if not the first, of every traveler’s bucket list. The popularity of London in all corners of the globe is not surprising. It is one of the oldest metropolis in the world that established itself firmly well in all aspects such as finance, fashion, and entertainment, to name a few.

The vibrant city of London has a magnet for visitors drawing millions of tourists each year. This is perhaps of its limitless attractions and activities coupled with a tourist-friendly transportation system.

The British Capital has everything for every type of tourist to adore. It has a colorful history to tell which one could discover in its museums, royal castles, and even just wandering the vast streets of the city.

London has a picturesque setting which everyone could enjoy by climbing the Tower Bridge, ride the famous Ferris Wheel, cruise or walk along the banks of Thames, hop aboard a double-decker bus, stroll at the parks, or meander its streets.

When it comes to shopping, the city’s shopping districts could overwhelm you with a number of options displaying the latest trends in fashion and technology. The choices of food, music, leisure, and amusement are also inexhaustible.

London will surely entertain you with its wide range of musical venues from classical theatres to live concert halls. About its cuisine? Definitely an authentic English breakfast and a traditional British fish and chips are a must-try. But you can find dishes from all around the globe in this multicultural metropolis.

London is packed with beautiful things to see and do. A first-time visitor might find himself rushing to see everything that the city offers in just a few days. But there could never be enough days to make that possible. Even a frequent visitor still finds something new and exciting on every visit. Given a few days to explore the city, here is a checklist of London’s famous attractions and landmarks to make the most out of your visit.

Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guards

Catch a glimpse of this world’s famous working palace. It has been the residence of the British Royal Family since 1837. This is the home of Her Majesty the Queen.

Join the hordes of tourists as they flock in front of the Palace Gate at past 10 in the morning to watch the Changing of the Guard. See the soldiers’ choreography as they march and handover duties with a music accompaniment. This ceremony takes place daily from 10:45 am and lasts up to 45 minutes. This is a good chance for you to witness a British historic tradition with the soldiers wearing the traditional red tunic and bearskin hat. The crowd maybe large so better come early to ensure a good viewpoint.

If you want to see the palace’s lavish staterooms, the gates are open to the public only during the summer months. However, the Royal Mews and the Queen’s Gallery are accessible all year round. The Royal Mews displays carriages and vehicles used by the royalty for special ceremonies and occasions, and the extensive collection of arts and treasures by the Queen is exhibited in the Queen’s Gallery.

Westminster Abbey

Step inside this Gothic Church and delve into Britain’s deep history and rich tradition of Monarchy. Experience the venue where Kings and Queens celebrate special occasions such as coronations, weddings, and funerals. Westminster Abbey played a significant part in British history.

Inside you can find the tombs not only of monarchs but also of great British men and women. This includes statesmen, soldiers, scientists, artists, poets, and prominent individuals who have huge contributions to the country and the world. More than 3000 people were buried inside this historical Church.

The Abbey welcomes worshippers for liturgical service and also visitors for viewing the interesting corners of the building. You would surely be fascinated with the intricate, medieval interior design of the Lady Chapel. The Chapter House on the Eastern Cloister would hook you with its wall paintings from the book of Revelation. Here, you could also get up close to the oldest wooden door in Britain.

Westminster Abbey is an interesting place to visit and a good learning experience for students and visitors.

Palace of Westminster and the Big Ben

Along the bank of Thames River, catch sight of this iconic London building also called as the Houses of Parliament. This is perhaps the most recognizable building in the city for its famous clock tower that houses the hour bell, known as the Big Ben.

The palace was once a royal residence before it was occupied permanently by the two houses of the Parliament. After the old palace was destroyed by the Great Fire in 1834, a series of reconstruction took place until it turned out to be what it is today.

The honey-colored grand façade is decorated in Gothic style with its spired, rectangular towers. A great perspective of the building can be viewed on the opposite Bank of Thames or above the London Eye. The view becomes more dramatic during the night when it is fully illuminated.

If you are interested to have a look on the building’s interior, guided tours are available to get you acquainted with the major areas of the palace.

London Eye

Hop aboard London’s iconic Giant Observation Wheel situated at the heart of the city, just across the Big Ben. Be mesmerized by the spectacular panorama of the British capital as it will take you as high as 135 meters above the ground. Relax inside one of its stylish capsules and be delighted with the changing vista of the city as it slowly makes one rotation.

The 30-minute ride could let you spot London’s landmarks and take as many pictures as you like in all directions. The pods are spacious that you can walk around it freely. The windows are wide so you don’t need to stand near the glass windows to appreciate the view. People with a fear of heights could just sit on the middle bench and enjoy the ride.

London Eye has become an emblem of the modern British capital. It is also the most-visited attraction in London. Queueing up might consume your time but you won’t regret you did. The experience is worthwhile!

Tower Bridge

Check out London’s eye-catching Tower Bridge and marvel at its Victorian Gothic style. Do not confuse this two-towered Bridge with the bridge famous in nursery rhymes, the London Bridge. Tower Bridge is situated near the London Tower with a distinct design while the London Bridge is the next bridge upstream that is devoid of any aesthetics.

Have a walk along the bridge deck, where you can clearly observe the details of its design and appreciate its architecture. You can also go inside the towers for the Tower Bridge Exhibition. Visitors could either climb the 206 steps or take a lift to reach the high-level walkways.

The exhibition provides visitors a comprehensive information regarding the construction of the bridge, explaining how and why it was built. You can watch a short film or look at the photos and interactive displays to learn the history of the Tower Bridge. Guests are also allowed to observe the original Victorian steam engines that once powered the lifting of the bridge.

But I guess, what is interesting in going up the towers is the sweeping views it provides as you peep through the windows and the thrill of walking on glass floors on the high-level walkways. From the glass floors, you can view the cars down the bridge deck, the pedestrians crossing the bridge, and the River Thames. Lucky enough if you got the chance to witness the bridge as it opens to allow the passage of ships.

London Tower

Explore the fortified complex of Britain’s famous historical landmark, the London Tower. Listen to interesting stories as the Yeoman Warder will tour you around the place. Discover the different roles London Tower has played throughout the British history: a royal residence, an infamous prison, a place of execution, a royal menagerie, an armory, royal mint, a Jewel House, and today, a popular tourist attraction in London.

Head to the oldest building inside the complex, The White Tower, to have a look at the Chapel of Saint John the Evangelist, designed in Romanesque style. The White Tower also houses the superb collections of Royal Armories, including the museum called, the Line of Kings displaying the royal weapons in a different approach.

The most secured building in the London Tower is the Jewel House where the finest collections of royal regalia are on display inside a bombproof glass. You will surely be impressed with the precious stones of the Crown Jewels as you see them up close brightly illuminated.
Take time to walk along the walls of the Tower of London and uncover the stories behind the several towers of the fortress and learn about its dark past. Find out more stories of torture and executions as you step inside the Tower Green and Tower Torture.

Visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site would easily fill your day as there are several things to see and do. Maximize what you paid for by exploring every corner and take a look at each of their exhibitions.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Take time to get inside and go around the Cathedral floor of London’s iconic Saint Paul’s Cathedral. Inspired by Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome that has a central cupola that dominates the city’s skyline, Saint Paul’s Cathedral is also crowned with a magnificent dome. In fact, its dome is an omnipresent structure in the heart of London.

Admire the Cathedral’s interior with its complex wood and stone carvings, decorative metal works, stunning mosaics, and the glorious paintings. The artworks within the Cathedral is something to look forward to.

You can have a closer a view of the murals depicting the life of Saint Paul painted on its dome, by climbing 257 steps up the Whispering Gallery. When you get there, try to whisper against its walls and see if your friend could hear it on the opposite side. Once you tried it, you will know why the Gallery is named as such. Go up further to the Stone Gallery and to a higher level, the Golden Gallery, for a breathtaking view of the city of London.

Down the Cathedral’s Crypt, visitors could see the tombs of famous people, including the architect of the Saint Paul’s Cathedral, Sir Christopher Wren.

Trafalgar Square

At the heart of London, stop by the vibrant Trafalgar Square, named after Britain’s victorious naval battle in Cape Trafalgar, Spain. Be delighted with its lively yet relaxing atmosphere. Spend time to sit by the fountains and take pictures of the structures that surround the square. Notice the square’s centerpiece, the statue of the war hero Admiral Lord Nelson at the top of a column. At the base of Nelson’s column are four lion sculptures made of bronze where tourists post for a selfie.

Trafalgar Square is the venue for London’s festivities and various events and celebrations. It hosts Christmas events, New Year’s Eve Celebrations and Fireworks, Chinese New Year, Religious Assemblies, Annual Parades commemorating the Victory of Britain in the Battle of Trafalgar, and many more. When you plan to visit London, check out the list of events. You might possibly catch one of them.

While in Trafalgar Square, you can visit the nearby National Gallery to see the paintings of famous artists like Van Gogh and Rembrandt. You can also spot the portraits of popular British personalities at the National Portrait Gallery. Admission is free on both museums, so nothing to lose if you opted to spend just a few minutes of your time inside.

At the Northeast side of the square is a Church called St-Martin-in-the-Fields where you could have the chance to watch free classical concerts if you come at the right time. On certain days of the week, free lunchtime concerts at 1 pm are held inside the church. However, if you were not able to catch it and willing to spend, you can buy tickets for an evening concert, instead.

Thames Cruise

Step aboard a boat for a sightseeing cruise and enjoy London’s top attractions as you float along the River Thames. This is a good way to introduce the British Capital pinpointing the iconic sights situated along Thames River such as the Houses of Parliament with its popular Big Ben, the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe, HMS Belfast, Tate Modern, The Shard, the Tower of London, and the list goes on.

While on board, observe the several bridges that span along the River and identify the distinctive features of the famous bridges that include, the Westminster Bridge, Millennium Bridge, the London Bridge, and the Tower Bridge.

Make your Thames cruise memorable and choose from the several options available. View the city from an open-air deck with live commentaries, or make your night romantic with a dinner cruise along the Thames and see the buildings all lit up. If you are an adventurous traveler, you can go for a speedboat experience or paddle a kayak with a certified instructor, to whichever course you want.