Known for its rich history and architecture, London has bridged the gap to become a vibrant cultural hub with world-class museums, eateries, and performances.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is one of England’s most famous landmarks. Visitors can always view its opulent exterior through the gates, but visits must be timed right to tour the interior. During its summer opening, travelers can peek into the state rooms, see the Throne Room, stroll through the palace gardens, and admire masterpieces by artists such as Rembrandt and Canaletto in Queen Victoria’s Picture Gallery.
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Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is the largest occupied castle in the world that is still used by the monarchy. Since William the Conqueror built a wooden fortress here over 900 years ago, this has been a royal palace and residence. Despite its daily use for royal business, much of the palace is open to the public and well worth a visit.
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Downing Street
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.
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Cultural Places to visit in London
Widely considered the finest and most beautiful residences in the UK, London’s magnificent, historical royal palaces attract admirers from around the world. Here are just five of the best that you should visit on your next trip to the English capital.
Kensington Palace
A Queen Victoria statue presides over Kensington Palace. Photo: Alexey Fedorenko / Shutterstock The historic birthplace of Queen Victoria. Set in the heart of central London, Kensington Palace is the birthplace of Queen Victoria and was once home to Princess Diana.
In recent years the palace has become the official London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (as well as other lesser royals), and is perhaps most popular for its whimsical gardens and swanky Orangery.
How to visit: Stop by the Kensington Orangery for high tea, before touring Kensington Gardens. Alternatively, admire the palace on a royal parks tour.
Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace fizzes with historical appeal. Photo: Nussar / Shutterstock A peek inside Tudor London. Located on the banks of the River Thames to the southwest of central London, 16th-century Hampton Court Palace is a masterpiece of baroque and Tudor architecture.
Once King Henry VIII’s private residence, it was built to rival the Palace of Versailles in Paris, and is now best known for its medieval Great Hall, impressive hedge maze, and costumed performances.
How to visit: Take a private tour of Hampton Court Palace and learn all about the famed Haunted Gallery, as well as the palace’s former royal residents.
Banqueting House
A lesser-known palace with a bloody past. The 17th-century Banqueting House sits on Whitehall in Central London, and is widely considered the finest example of neoclassical architecture in the city. Once part of the Palace of Whitehall—and the site of one monarch’s bloody demise—this national monument now welcomes visitors keen to admire its grand hallways and suites, as well as the spot where King Charles I was beheaded in 1649.
How to visit: Combine a trip to the Banqueting House with an exploration of Westminster Abbey on a private, half-day tour. There, admire features such as the bronze bust of James I and ceiling paintings by Flemish master, Sir Peter Paul Rubens.
Tower of London
A lesser-known palace with a bloody past. The 17th-century Banqueting House sits on Whitehall in Central London, and is widely considered the finest example of neoclassical architecture in the city. Once part of the Palace of Whitehall—and the site of one monarch’s bloody demise—this national monument now welcomes visitors keen to admire its grand hallways and suites, as well as the spot where King Charles I was beheaded in 1649.
How to visit: Combine a trip to the Banqueting House with an exploration of Westminster Abbey on a private, half-day tour. There, admire features such as the bronze bust of James I and ceiling paintings by Flemish master, Sir Peter Paul Rubens.