London, England is one of my favorite big cities in the continent of Europe. I would live there if I could! The city is so rich in history and charm, which is a dream for history-buffs like me.
These are the sites that I think everyone must visit when in London for the first time. However, you’ll have to visit again because there is so much more to see in the city!
Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster
When I think of London today, I think of Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster. The iconic clock tower and adjacent palace are situated on the River Thames. You’ll definitely have to snap a photo from across the river and get an up close look.
Unfortunately, you cannot tour Big Ben. Tours of the Palace of Westminster are available on Saturdays and most weekdays during parliamentary recess.
For more info on touring the Palace of Westminster: https://www.parliament.uk/visiting/visiting-and-tours/tours-of-parliament/
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is probably the most famous church in the United Kingdom. Founded in 960 AD, the abbey has been the setting for every Coronation since 1066, 16 royal weddings, and the burial place for over 3,300 people – including 17 British monarchs.
Famous royal weddings:
- Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh
- Prince William and Catherine Middleton (Duke and Duchess of Cambridge)
Famous burials:
- Queen Elizabeth I
- Mary Queen of Scots
- Henry VII and Elizabeth of York (King Henry VIII’s parents)
- Anne of Cleves (4th wife of Henry VIII)
- Mary I (daughter of King Henry VIII)
- Charles Dickens
- Charles Darwin
- Sir Isaac Newton
A tour of the Abbey will allow you to see things like the Coronation Chair, the royal tombs, the Cloisters, and more.
For more info on touring Westminster Abbey: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/visit-us
Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is definitely the most famous of London’s bridges that crosses the River Thames. Built in the late 1800s, this beautiful lift bridge has become a London landmark.
After snapping a photo of the bridge from the riverside, you can tour the Towers and the high-level Walkways. The Walkways include a glass floor 42 meters above the River Thames and panoramic views. You can also time your visit to see a bridge lift in the works!
For more info on touring Tower Bridge: https://www.towerbridge.org.uk/tours/full-visit/
Tower of London
One of my favorite sites to visit, the Tower of London is a fortress that was founded in 1066. The building is situated along the River Thames and is now surrounded by modern London. Not only is the Tower of London a famous castle but it also served as a prison, a place for execution, England’s Mint for 500 years, a royal zoo, and a storage space for the Crown Jewels.
A tour is a must. You will see inside the medieval towers and view the Crown Jewels. Make sure you join a Yeoman Warder (royal bodyguard/‘Beefeater’) tour to hear scary stories and see the famous ravens. Visit Tower Green and Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula, where two of Henry VIII’s six wives (Queen Anne Boleyn and Queen Catherine Howard) were beheaded and buried.
For more info on touring the Tower of London: https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/visit/
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of Queen Elizabeth II. No first trip to London would be complete without at least a picture in front of the palace gates. You could also tour the State Rooms, The Queen’s Gallery and the Royal Mews. Witnessing the Changing the Guard ceremony (when the New Guard replaces the Old Guard) is iconic.
For more info on touring Buckingham Palace: https://www.rct.uk/visit/the-state-rooms-buckingham-palace
For more info on Changing the Guard: https://changing-guard.com/dates-buckingham-palace.html
Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace is the birthplace and childhood home of Queen Victoria. The palace later became the official London residence for Princess Diana. Today, it is the official London residence of Prince William and Catherine Middleton. You have the option to tour the public apartments inside the palace. Make sure to visit the Orangery and the Sunken Garden.
For more info on touring Kensington Palace: https://www.hrp.org.uk/kensington-palace/visit/
Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park
After visiting Kensington Palace, you should spend some time walking through these beautiful green spaces in the center of London. Hyde Park was created by King Henry VIII in 1536 as a hunting ground. Kensington Gardens was separated from Hyde Park in 1728 and the Serpentine Bridge was created to mark the boundary.
Sites to visit in the parks:
- Albert Memorial
- Peter Pan Statue
- Italian Gardens
- Princess Diana Memorial Fountain
- Rose Garden
- Speaker’s Corner
- Marble Arch
St Paul’s Cathedral
St Paul’s Cathedral is another one of London’s most recognizable sites. Its beautiful dome, among the highest in the world, has dominated the city’s skyline for over 300 years. St Paul’s was the location for the funeral of Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher. The wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana also took place there.
A tour of the cathedral includes entry to the Cathedral floor, crypt and the three galleries in the dome. The dome will give you great views of the city.
For more info on touring St Paul’s Cathedral: https://www.stpauls.co.uk/visits/visits
Shakespeare’s Globe
Shakespeare’s Globe is a 1997 reconstruction of the Globe Theatre, a playhouse built in 1599. The Globe Theatre was built by actors of the playing company, Lord Chamberlain’s Men. William Shakespeare wrote many plays for Lord Chamberlain’s Men. The original Globe was destroyed by fire in 1613, rebuilt, and then demolished in 1644.
Guided tours are available for Shakespeare’s Globe and you can also see Shakespeare plays there!
For more info on touring Shakespeare’s Globe or seeing a play: https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/visit/
Hampton Court Palace
A day trip to the beautiful Hampton Court Palace will round out your time in the London. Here you can learn more about King Henry VIII, one of England’s most famous monarchs. Hampton Court Palace was built in 1515 by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, a favorite of King Henry VIII’s. When the cardinal fell out of favor, he gifted the palace to the King. King Henry would live there and hold court for up to 800 courtiers.
A tour of the palace will give you an inside look at King Henry VIII’s state apartments, the Great Hall, the impressive medieval kitchens, the only surviving royal chocolate kitchen, and more. In addition, make sure to explore the wonderful gardens, the famous Maze, and Great Vine.
For more info on touring Hampton Court Palace: https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/visit/#gs.t9ui4w
I hope you enjoyed this list of things to do in London!
To read my blog post, “15 Unique and Instagrammable Spots in London,” click here.
To read my blog post, “A Perfect Day Trip to the Cotswolds,” click here.
