Danielle Jeanjaquet
London is one of my favorite cities in the world!
I spent a month studying in this area of the UK, and I’ve been dying to go back ever since.
The great thing about London is that it has something for everyone. Whether you are into history, art, theatre, sports, culture, or FOOD, London has got you covered!
While I spent weeks here and STILL did not get a chance to see all that London has to offer, I have compiled a list of the top ten London must sees.
So grab a camera and your raincoat, and get ready for a bloody good time! In no particular order, here are the London highlights you just can’t miss:
#1. Big Ben & the Westminster Bridge
When people think about London, Big Ben is often what comes to mind.
The Westminster Bridge has the most perfect views of this famous bell tower and the Palace of Westminster, which is home to the Houses of Parliament.
FUN FACT: Did you know that Big Ben is actually the nickname of the bell that lives inside the Elizabeth Tower?!
On the opposite side of the Thames River, you’ll also spot the London Eye.
A ride on this iconic observation wheel will give you some amazing views of Big Ben and the rest of central London, but keep in mind that it’s about £27-30 per person. There are many other cool places to view London from the sky, some that are even free (check out my BONUS tip at the end for more info).
#2. Westminster Abbey
Just a short walk from Big Ben is the beautiful Westminster Abbey.
Almost a 1,000 years old, this is one of the most famous religious buildings in the world, and it’s traditionally where the British monarchs have held their royal coronations, burials, and often their weddings.
It does cost money to visit the Abbey during the day, BUT if you’d like to get in for free, you can attend on the Evensong services on most evenings. You won’t get to stroll about the Abbey like you would with paid admission, but you won’t have to worry about the crowds of tourists either.
#3. Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is one of my favorite spots in Central London.
Check out the beautiful fountains, bronze lion statues, and Nelson’s Column (you’ll find Admiral Nelson himself standing atop the column, guarding the square).
This area is also home to the National Gallery, which houses art by da Vinci, Monet, and van Gogh, as well as the National Portrait Gallery. Both of these galleries have free admission!!
You’ll also find the Admiralty Arch, a regal landmark that provides access to The Mall and the lovely St. James’ Park, which I definitely recommend exploring if you have the time.
#4. Buckingham Palace
If you pass under the Admiralty Arch and walk down The Mall, you will eventually stumble upon Buckingham Palace. This is the official home of the reigning monarch, and they are happy to allow you to explore the grounds out in front of their palace.
The State Rooms are open for visitors for 10 weeks during the summer, and select times during the winter and spring. It’s a bit expensive to go inside, and you should definitely book in advance, as tickets sell out quickly.
For free, you can enjoy the Changing of the Guard ceremony outside the palace. You can find the dates and times for that here.
#5. St. Paul’s Cathedral
This cathedral is to die for. I highly recommend at least taking the time to walk around the building and gardens. I even ate lunch in the gardens one day since that area is all free and open to visitors!
Going inside costs about £18, but it’s worth it! I spent over two hours here taking a look at all the mosaics, paintings, and monuments. You can also go downstairs into the crypt to see where some famous bodies are buried.
My favorite part of the Cathedral is walking up the 250 steps to the Whispering Gallery near the top of the dome.
If you are willing and able to make the climb, you can walk 200 steps further to the Stone and Golden Galleries. These allow you to walk outside the dome and see some insane panoramic views of London!
#6. Borough Market
Need a quick snack, dessert, or lunch break? Then head to the Borough Market!
This famous market features a huge produce and retail section, but what I especially love are the many food stands that feature cuisine from all over the world. It’s truly one of the best ways to experience the cultural vibrancy of London.
I’m a big fan of the street pad thai, caribbean chicken curry, and the GIANT macarons. I recommend sampling the fresh cheeses and breads too. Yum!
#7. Covent Garden
This is the perfect place to fulfill all your shopping and souvenir needs!
Here you’ll find cute London shops, cafes, and open-air markets, and there’s plenty of street performers to entertain you as well! This area is also located in the West End, so it’s the perfect place to stop for dinner before heading to see a play or musical.
#8. Tower of London
This place is so much more than a tower. In the past, it has been a palace, fortress, zoo, prison, and a place of execution.
Here you can find the Royal Armoury in the White Tower, and the Crown Jewels in the Jewel House.
It costs about £29 for adults, but I spent about 4 hours here and still did not get to see everything. If you are going to splurge on just one thing, then the Tower would be it.
I recommend taking the Yeoman warder tour to get the scoop on all the history and scandal that have taken place in the Tower. It’s quite educational, very entertaining, and included in your admission.
The Tower of London is also a short walk from the Tower Bridge (often mistaken for the less ornate London Bridge). Definitely walk over there after your time in the Tower to get a closer look!
#9. Dinner & Drinks at a London Pub
You can’t leave London without dining or drinking at a local pub.
Here you’ll find the classic British draught beer and ciders, as well as authentic British cuisine, such as fish & chips, bangers & mash, and Sunday roasts (often served everyday).
Definitely do your research and read some reviews before visiting a pub. A lot of the so-called “pubs” in Central London are made for tourists and can be a bit overpriced.
I really enjoyed the Knights Templar Pub and Champagne Charlie’s, an underground pub. I’ve also heard great things about Ye Olde Mitre (hidden down a cozy alley), as well as the Lamb & Flag (located in Covent Garden). There’s so many options, but just do your research, and you won’t be disappointed.
Pubs are usually family-friendly as well, so you can bring the kids along!
#10. The British Museum
London is home to so many cool museums, many of which are free, including the British Museum, one of the largest museums in the world.
Not only does this museum hold precious items of English history, but of the history of the entire world.
It’s one of those places that you can easily get overwhelmed with all the stuff that’s inside, but here are some of the highlights: the Rosetta Stone, pieces of the Greek Parthenon, Egyptian mummies, and an Easter Island head.
There are 1-3 hour “trails” available here on the British museum website that guide you through the museum’s most popular exhibits. You can also pay £7 for a customizable audio guide of the museum.
#11. BONUS HIGHLIGHT
Get a birds eye view of London from the top of the Shard, OR, at no cost, from the top of the Tate Modern.
The Shard is the tallest building in the U.K. and stands over 1,000 feet tall, so you’re bound to get some incredible panoramic views. Tickets are about £27 per person, if you book in advance, which I highly recommend. You’ll receive a specific time to arrive and get ‘skip-the-line’ privileges if you do.
If you’re looking to save, then you can get some free panoramic views of the city at the Tate Modern on their Viewing Level. While not as high up as the Shard, I really enjoy the views of the Thames River and St. Paul’s Cathedral from here! To get to the viewing deck, take the dedicated lift on Level 0 of the building. And, if you like modern art, you should definitely check out all the free art displays on the rest of the floors once you’re done!
That concludes my top 10 list of things to see and do in London!
Which London highlight are you excited to see most? Leave a comment below!
