Tower of London - medieval fortress Like many of London's top attractions, this one has a centuries-old history. The construction of the fortress, towering on the banks of the River Thames, began over 900 years ago. The building was intended for the imprisonment of influential prisoners, including representatives of the royal families. Maria Tudor, Anne Boleyn, and Thomas More have also been here. In certain years it was also used as a royal residence. The fortress lost its main purpose only in the middle of the 20th century.
2. St. Paul's Cathedral
St Paul's Cathedral in London If your trip to London is related to the desire to get acquainted with unique architectural monuments, take a trip to the city center to this magnificent cathedral. The impressive dimensions make the church of St. Petra, executed in the Baroque and Renaissance styles, one of the largest in Europe and the world. Date of construction - 7th century. The dome of the building, faced with lead slabs, is of great interest.
3. London Eye
London Eye - large Ferris wheel Such sights of London cannot be ignored. The height of the giant Ferris wheel is 135 meters. Each of the 32 all-glass cabins (excluding the floor) are air-conditioned. The number of egg-shaped booths was not chosen by chance. It symbolizes the number of London boroughs (excluding the City of London). The wheel makes one full circle with stops in half an hour. During this time, you will have time to look at many of the main sights of London (we will briefly list them for you now).
4. Tower Bridge
Tower bridge of london Another correct version of what to see in London in 1 day is a must for every guest of the city. The site is only a hundred years old. However, it is also considered a true symbol of the British capital. By purchasing a ticket, you can visit the upper level of the structure - here guests are invited to watch a documentary about its construction.
5. Buckingham Palace
Royal Buckingham Palace in London Even today, Buckingham Palace is home to the royal family of England. The complex, with an adjacent territory of 20 hectares, should be called a mini-city: it has its own police station, a pub, and a post office. The main building has just under 800 halls, employing 7 hundred employees. Please note that guided tours of the palace itself are only available in August-September. However, all year round and completely free of charge, you can watch the process of changing the royal guard.
Check out the beautiful places of London in this great video!
6. Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey or St Peter's Cathedral in London The landmark was built in the 11th century. Currently, the House of Commons and the House of Lords are located inside the abbey. If you don't know where to go in London, but are passionate about architecture and British history, come here.
7. Big Ben
London Big Ben The name of this 96-meter architectural masterpiece of 1859, included in all the lists "", was given by the bell located in it. Every hour, residents and guests of the capital learn about the time, thanks to the bells. The upper part of Big Ben boasts an observation deck - in order to climb to it, you need to overcome more than three hundred steps. Today, like many years ago, the tower is the largest clock in the world. It is recommended to book excursions to Big Ben in advance: there is no free entrance to the tower for tourists.
8. Westminster Palace
Palace of Westminster - Houses of Parliament in London Meeting place for members of the British Parliament dating back to the 16th century. From the 11th century until then, the castle served as a residence for members of the royal family. Over the centuries-old history, the facade of the palace has been changed and reconstructed many times (the last reconstruction was carried out in the 19th century), several new structures were attached to the main building. Pay attention to what to visit in London Westminster the palace is possible only during the period when the parliament is on vacation.
9. British Museum
British Museum in London The decision to create this grandiose museum complex was made in 1753. The museum houses about a hundred galleries with exhibits on the theme of archeology and history of the East, Africa, colonial Britain, etc. Guests can also get acquainted with antiques and relics of ancient Greece and other European countries. By the way, the staff of the institution includes not only people, but also six cats (they are busy catching rats).
10. London National Gallery
Visitors in the halls of the Herry Lawford National Gallery, London If you want to see the world's finest works of art, come to this gallery. The spacious halls display canvases from the 12-20th centuries. The modern complex also includes a coffee shop and a souvenir shop, where everyone can buy books and gifts. Tours are conducted with audio guides (optional).
11. Natural History Museum in London
Natural History Museum in London A large museum center, the exposition of which contains over 70 million samples: in paleontology (archaeological remains of animals), mineralogy (a huge number of minerals and stones), zoology (insects, birds and animals), botany (plants of various types). It is necessary to allocate a whole day for exploring such attractions.
12. Hyde Park
Hyde Park - King's Park in London All residents of the British capital love to relax in this beautiful park area. On the territory, in addition to landscaped lawns and paths, there is a beautiful lake in which you can swim, and a special tribune for public speaking on any topic (in addition to calls to violence and other socially prohibited topics).
13. Churchill's War Rooms
Churchill's War Rooms Bunker Museum in London Jenny Poole The complex consists of a museum and a military bunker of the great military leader of the 20th century. The "rooms" are located underground, and in 1939-1945 they were used for their intended purpose - they were a secret meeting point for the command. It was from here that Churchill directed the battles that took place over an area of four oceans and three continents. In the collections of the museum you can see, among other things, his personal belongings.
14. Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square in London The main square and the geographical center of the city, in the middle of which the 50-meter column of G. Nelson is built. It is worth coming here, for example, for the sake of visiting the portrait and national galleries. Here you can also take excellent memorable photos - there may be Big Ben in the frame. On Trafalgar Square, temporary exhibitions of paintings by contemporary artists are organized and all kinds of folk celebrations are held, including Shrovetide.
15. Science Museum in London
Science Museum in London Steph Gray Another large museum center, founded in 1857. The complex is located in a historic building designed by R. Ellison. If you are not into science, come and see the original facade of the house. Even the best hotels in London do not have such an impressive look. As for the exhibition samples, their number exceeds 300,000 units. There are interesting subjects to study for people of all ages. Among the exhibits are the legendary steam locomotives Puffing Billy and Rocket.
London attractions: what else to visit in London?
If you have already seen all those sights of London, photos with the names and descriptions of which we have now brought, we recommend that you make a visit to such interesting places and objects of the city as:
16. Borough Market
Borough Market ("Borough Market") in London Jeremy Keith A huge food market in the capital, selling goods at retail and small wholesale. We added it to our list of attractions because it was organized (according to historians) not earlier than in the 12th century. Here you can buy literally any food that only exists in the world - from fresh baked goods to ready-made meat and fish delicacies. And also feel the indescribable atmosphere of old London.
17. Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussaud's London Nikos Roussos It is difficult to imagine a person who would not have heard of this greatest museum with wax figures. Despite the fact that Madame Tussauds herself was born in France, her famous exhibition is located in the capital of Great Britain. The collection contains figures of various politicians, athletes, cultural figures and celebrities. The accuracy of the execution is amazing. Many wax figures are animated, some "stars" are allowed to touch (for example, to take a funny photo). The figure of Madame Tussauds herself is also in the museum - it is installed at the entrance to it.
18. Sherlock Holmes Museum
Sherlock Holmes Museum in London Anders Thirsgaard Rasmussen The Museum Complex of the Chief Detective Conan Doyle is located in the four-story building at number 221 b (despite the fact that the building was originally listed as number 239) on Baker Street. The furnishings of the rooms recreate the atmosphere of the apartments of Sherlock, Watson and their housekeeper. On the last level of the museum, there is an exhibition with wax figures of heroes from books.
19. Theater Royal, Covent Garden
View of one of the most prestigious opera houses in London, Adrián Pérez The most famous and prestigious opera stage in the world, where the most talented and recognized orchestras and performers wish to perform. Before the current theater building was erected in 1858, there were two buildings on the same site (each was completely destroyed by fires). Note that in the past, the leaders of Covent Garden allowed performances in all theatrical genres. However, in the future they decided that only musical performances could take place on the stage: concerts, ballets, operas, etc.
20. River Thames
Water transport on the River Thames at Berit London A natural landmark that stretches through the districts of the capital and crosses the whole of London. We can confidently say that the Thames is one of the most famous river arteries of the world, flowing within the city limits. Thanks to her, the heart of Britain became the financial and industrial center of the entire country. Even in the era of ancient Rome, a port was located here. The number of tourists who visit the river every year is in the millions.
21. Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace and Victoria Gardens in West London If you choose the most emblematic sights of London, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square, perhaps, will be the undisputed leaders. In general, London is famous for its palaces, and each of them is unique in its own way. One of the most modest royal residences can be called Kensington Palace, well known throughout the world as the residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales. However, many are attracted here by another moment - for many years one of the most famous persons of the last century lived here - Princess Diana. Today, one half of the building is open to the general public, while the other is home to Prince William's family. The palace, built in 1605, keeps the history of the last 3 centuries of the British monarchy and its most famous representatives. So, Queen Victoria, who spent 20 years of her life within these walls, has her own exhibition, where you can find out what hobbies the royal personage had.
22. Soho Quarter
Corner of Peter Street and Berwick Street in London's Soho Tom Morris 
Nightlife in Soho shopping and entertainment district in London Gotardo González In the heart of the fashionable West End, located in West London, Soho is located, known as a colorful and very lively place with a variety of entertainment venues. A walk around the area will especially appeal to those who want to see London that is not well known to everyone, austere and a little prim, and another - carefree and riotous. Many centuries ago, on the site of this quarter, there was an English village, and in 1536 a hunting park was laid out here. At the end of the 19th century, the area acquired the status of an urban slum, where immigrants, unrecognized geniuses, Jews and other strata of society lived who did not fit into the prosperous appearance of the city. And now, a century later, Soho is still known for its motley population, and local pubs, boutiques and restaurants are famous for numerous entertainment, inexpensive alcohol and affordable service.
23. Abbey Road
The famous Abbey Road crosswalk in St John's Wood in London Abbey Road is another London street where life is in full swing. Once a couple of centuries ago, a street in St. John's Wood was called a haven of love and art - exalted ladies, actresses, and true romantics lived here. Over time, establishments with alcohol and entertainment appeared here, which were in demand among respectable guests, and couples in love loved to walk in parks with lush flowers. In the 20th century, Abbey Road gained worldwide fame due to two factors - at the beginning of the century, a recording studio of the same name was founded here, which presented the world with musical masterpieces from such performers as Pink Floyd, Duran Duran, U2, Radiohead and many other luminaries of music. And one more of the intersections of this street was immortalized on the cover of the album of the Liverpool four Beatles - this album was just recorded within the walls of the Abbey Road studio, and for half a century the folk path has not overgrown to the legendary intersection.
24. Oxford Street
Building between Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road in London Tiia Monto 
Busy shopping street Oxford Street during Christmas shopping Jean-Etienne Minh-Duy Poirrier Walking through the historic Westminster district, your tour guide will take you to London's busiest street, Oxford Street, which springs from Hyde Park's Marble Arch of Triumph and stretches 2.4 kilometers east. This street is known as one of the longest European streets, where trade is flourishing with might and main: hundreds of boutiques, shopping centers, shops, salons are concentrated along Oxford Street, most of which represent world brands. Millions of buyers find here something for themselves and their families - clothes, household appliances and electronics from well-known manufacturers. It will take more than one, and not a couple of days to visit all the outlets on the street. The peak of shopping here comes during the Christmas season - the street lights up with fairy lights, creating a delightful and atmospheric sight.
25. Skyscraper Mary Ax 30
40-story skyscraper in London's financial district Paste One of the symbols that reflects the modern look of London is the 180-meter skyscraper of the original design - it is a mesh shell that expands from bottom to top and then narrows at the top. When visiting the historic district, the Mary Ax 30 skyscraper will not go unnoticed - it attracts attention with its extraordinary architecture and greenish colors of the facade panels, due to which it received the colloquial name "cucumber". Such an unusual shape was dictated by the peculiarities of the historical site - the structure casts a minimal shadow on objects located below, and the aerodynamic shape contributes to the natural circulation of air currents. The first floors of the skyscraper are occupied by numerous boutiques, but the most interesting thing awaits visitors upstairs - the best city restaurants are equipped here, and on the top floor there is an observation deck with a magnificent view.
26. Charles Dickens House Museum
Facade of the house-museum of the great English writer Charles Dickens in London jelm6 
Items belonging to Dickens and his family at the Charles Dickens House Museum in London Joyofmuseums Downey Street is home to an old house that houses symbols of the Victorian era and a piece of the history of the life of the legendary writer with his family. This is the Charles Dickens House Museum, which was once an ordinary old house. But the joint efforts of the Dickens Society led to the fact that the building, which was planned for demolition, was bought out and equipped as a museum. Today this building is the only surviving house where the famous writer once lived and worked. The restorers did their best to recreate the authentic atmosphere - some of the things really once belonged to Dickens and his family members, and the premises themselves reproduce the look of typical 19th-century English housing. On the first floor there is a kitchen with utensils, a bedroom, a living room, on the second there is a creative studio, where wardrobe items, manuscripts, first editions of books and other things of the writer are kept.
27. Tate British Gallery
Historic Tate Gallery building at Vauxhall Bridge in London Tony Hisgett 
Art collection at the British Tate Gallery in London Francisco Anzola The largest art museum complex in the country - the British Tate Gallery, which houses masterpieces of national art dating back to the 16th century, has found its place in London. This British museum was founded in 1897 by Sir Henry Tate, a prominent entrepreneur known for inventing refined sugar and cotton candy. He was a big fan of Victorian painting, so he considered the best solution to invest his finances in art by opening a gallery of works by his favorite artists. Over time, the collection began to grow, and samples of classical painting were complemented by more modern creations. By the end of the last century, the exposition had grown so much that it no longer had enough space, as a result, a new Tate Modern gallery was opened, where the collection of contemporary world art was transferred. In the old gallery Tate Britain, the national classics remained.
28. Globus Theater
Modern building of the Globe Theater in London Ben Snooks 
Globus galleries and spectators during the performance On the south bank of the Thames is located the oldest theater in London - Shakespeare's "Globe", which became world famous for the first performances in its history, based on the works of Shakespeare. The history of "Globus" dates back to the end of the 16th century, and to this day, the architecture of the building has a living breath of history, despite the fact that the theater was rebuilt three times. The last renovation was proposed by the American filmmaker Wanamaker, who in the 70s organized a trust fund intended to restore the building. The modern building in 1997 was reconstructed in accordance with the traditions of the years when the theater was first established. It is noteworthy that the building has an original thatched roof. Performances are held here during the warm season, and excursions are held daily. Not far from the Globe there is a theme park-museum dedicated to Shakespeare.
One of the most famous and largest concert halls in Great Britain is the Albert Hall in the Westminster area. It is designed for 10 thousand spectators and in its essence is a charitable organization, the purpose of which is to promote education, science and art. The building was originally conceived by the architect F. Fock as a Roman amphitheater, therefore it has an elliptical shape and is decorated in the Renaissance style, its roof is a transparent dome of glass and metal structures, and the facade is decorated with allegorical elements. Since 1941, cultural events and concerts have been constantly held here, and at the end of the year the largest national event is organized, tickets for which are sold out many months in advance. The Albert Hall stage is often used for large social events, conferences and even sports matches.
30. Cutty Sark Ship Museum
Aerial view of the Cutty Sark Tea Clipper at Dry Dock in Greenwich Many people know the reverent attitude of the British to their historical past, which is represented in the country, including in the form of interesting museums. One of them is the unusual ship-museum "Cutty Sark", which witnessed the glorious history of Great Britain in the 19th century - the ship set off on its first voyage in 1869, and spent several years sailing, supplying the country with one of the British favorite products - high quality tea. Today it is the only surviving ship of its kind in the world - at one time it was the fastest. The clipper went down in history 3 years after the first voyage - a ship loaded with tea moved out of the port of Shanghai, but after a while it lost its rudder, they tried to control it downwind with improvised means, and the ship nevertheless reached the shores of London. Today, the history of the ship can be explored within the walls of the museum located inside, where you can see samples of cargo - from tea and whiskey to buffalo wool.
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