Famous for its giant illuminated screens and near-constant stream of traffic, Piccadilly Circus in London’s West End has been featured in so many movies and TV shows that even first-time visitors feel they recognize the surroundings. Almost every visitor to London will pass through this major tourist hub at one point, whether on a sightseeing tour or while exploring other attractions.
In the heart of London’s West End, Covent Garden is one of the city’s most popular dining and entertainment hubs. Home to the Royal Opera House, several top theaters, including the Lyceum and the Donmar Warehouse, world-class restaurants, and major brand-name stores, this area is a must-visit for most travelers to London.
Meticulously constructed using period-appropriate materials to resemble the original Elizabethan Globe Theatre, which stood at a site just 656 feet (200 meters) away, Shakespeare’s Globe brings the theatergoing experience of yore to life. Plays—not exclusively Shakespeare’s, though the bard’s works do dominate the schedule—are staged in the atmospheric, circular, open-air auditorium.
The Changing of the Guard is a centuries-old tradition that marks the official shift change of the Household Regiment—the King’s guards stationed at Buckingham Palace. One of the world’s most famous ceremonies and a top London experience, this ceremony gives visitors the chance to witness the grandeur of a royal march. Dressed in their iconic red suits and bearskin hats, the guards exemplify classic British pomp in a showing that’s not to be missed.
Often confused with the grand Tower Bridge, London Bridge, UK is more functional than fancy. It does, however, have a long history: It was first erected over the Thames River by the Romans, way back in AD 50. No visible trace remains of the original bridge, nor of the handful of structures that replaced it, including the one that became the subject of that famous nursery rhyme. Though the current concrete bridge, which opened to traffic in the 1970s, isn’t so photogenic, its views of London are hard to beat.
One of London’s most famous addresses, 10 Downing Street is the official residence of the British prime minister. The chancellor of the exchequer, responsible for the UK’s money and economy, lives next door at number 11. On any given day, you can see streams of important politicians walking through the doors of these two iconic addresses.
Parliament Square Tours and Tickets
One of London’s most popular and most visited tourist attractions, Parliament Square links many of the capital’s iconic buildings. The square is ringed by Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the Supreme Court, and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs and features 12 statues of famous world leaders and historical figures.
One of London’s eight Royal Parks, St. James’s Park is a verdant jewel located right in the center of town. Flanked by Buckingham Palace, Green Park, and St. James’s Palace, the green space stretches across almost 57 acres (23 hectares). It’s renowned for its pretty lake, vibrant flower beds, and for hosting several regal events.
Home to several of London’s most iconic attractions—including Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace—Westminster has been the capital’s political center for more than 1,000 years, and has been the setting of historical events, such as the Reformation, Gunpowder Plot, and Churchill’s World War II campaign.
The Monument to the Great Fire of London, known locally as the Monument, commemorates the fire that swept London in 1666. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1677, the 202-foot (61-meter) Doric column stands exactly 202 feet (61 meters) from where the fire began. Today, visitors can ascend the landmark for panoramic views of the city.
Founded in 1753, the British Museum is London‘s largest and most visited museum. Its gigantic permanent collection includes over 8 million historical artifacts, with everything from ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs and mummies to Roman treasures. A veritable temple of history and culture, the museum is best known for its Ancient Greek sculptures, the world-famous Rosetta Stone, and the 12th-century Lewis chessmen.
A vast patch of green in central London, Hyde Park originally served as a hunting ground for Henry VIII. The British Crown still owns the land, but the 358-acre (145-hectare) park is open to the public, welcoming picnickers, boaters, joggers, cyclists, and hosting seasonal events like rock concerts and Christmas festivals.
Regent Street Tours and Tickets
Lined with grand Victorian buildings and big-name stores, Regent Street was London’s first dedicated shopping street, dating back to the early 19th century. Running for over a mile (2 kilometers) between Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Circus, the historical boulevard is a major traffic thoroughfare and one of London’s busiest streets.