Location: London
Top Things to do in London
10 Points of Interest & Landmarks in London That You Shouldn't Miss
The crown jewels, Buckingham Palace, Camden Market…in London, history collides with art, fashion, food, and good British ale. A perfect day is different for everyone: culture aficionados shouldn't miss the Tate Modern and the Royal Opera House. If you love fashion, Oxford Street has shopping galore. For foodies, cream tea at Harrod’s or crispy fish from a proper chippy offers classic London flavor. Music and book buffs will love seeing Abbey Road and the Sherlock Holmes Museum (at 221B Baker Street, of course).
Restaurants in London
1. Brick Lane
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,809 reviews
This historic street dates back approximately 450 years, and is now a popular place for great Indian food and Sunday markets.
Reviewed By Aveyron13 - Rodez, France
Been here a few years ago, wasn't disappointed with my second visit. The place is still as vibrant as ever, the indoor food market is heaven…...make sure you do the full tour before starting to eat as there's so much variety to choose from. Many food stalls outside also, together with a converted London Cab that's a coffee stall…...not just a novelty photo opportunity, a super cup of coffee too! Try the Dutch pancake stall if you have a sweet tooth...delicious :-) Spitalfields market within walking distance on the way back to Liverpool Street, also worth a visit...
2. Tower Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39,056 reviews
An iconic London landmark and one of Britain's best loved historic sites, Tower Bridge is open to the public 363 days a year. Within the Bridge's iconic structure and magnificent Victorian Engine rooms, the Tower Bridge Exhibition is the best way of exploring the most famous bridge in the world! Come learn about this incredible feat of Victorian engineering, discover how the Bridge is raised and enjoy stunning panoramic views across London from our high-level walkways, 42 metres above the River Thames. Opening Times: 09:30 - 17:00 (last admission )
Reviewed By U9398PYmatthewp - Wiltshire, United Kingdom
For 10 quid you get a lot for your money. Super interesting museum and an opportunity to see a different side of Tower Bridge. It’s been done really well and whilst the glass floor is an interesting (and vertiginous) experience its really a side show to learning about the history and complexity of this iconic landmark. Be sure to watch the film in the engine room; fascinating.
3. Tower of London
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65,488 reviews
Discover London’s castle – a secure fortress, royal palace and infamous prison where you can explore 1000 years of history. Prepare to be dazzled by the breathtaking, world famous Crown Jewels. Take a Yeoman Warder tour and hear captivating stories of pain and passion, treachery and torture. Meet the famous ravens and discover why they are known as the guardians of the Tower and marvel at the imposing White Tower, a magnificent example of Normal architecture at the heart of the Tower of London.
Reviewed By cherylmallen - Bristol, United Kingdom
We’ve always said we should go to see the Tower but have never got there. This time we did! Bought the tickets online and decided not to do the Beefeater tour glad we made that decision as the crowds were so big and we felt we’d not hear enough. We opted for the audio guides which we found very useful. So amazing to walk in the footsteps of all those historical people (I’ve probably read too much Hilary Mantel, Philippa Gregory, David Starkey and CJ Sansom!) Moved to see the red roses by the Chapel altar, as we’d just passed the anniversary of Anne Boleyn’s beheading. The whole place was clean, tidy and a credit to the people who care for these amazing palaces. Even the cafe. Well worth the entry charge, so glad we went and would do it again. Big tip get there early! Thank you
4. Golden Hinde
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 562 reviews
Visit this living-history museum and find out what it was like to sail the mighty seas aboard an Elizabethan galleon during the adventurous days of the 16th century.
Reviewed By RuthieRoy
Walking past this famous replica of Francis Drake’s ship, and pausing to read an information board, a total stranger enthusiastically encouraged us to go onboard as she found it fascinating. The entrance fee was just £5 per adult. Is this the best visitor attraction at that price we wonder? We are so pleased we followed her advice- we very much enjoyed our tour of the ship. The talks given by their excellent staff were so interesting and very informative. Highly recommended.
5. Buckingham Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29,134 reviews
Buckingham Palace is recognised around the world as the focus of national and royal celebrations as well as the backdrop to the regular Changing the Guard ceremony. Explore the magnificent State Rooms which are open to visitors for 10 weeks each summer and on selected dates during winter and spring. During a visit to Buckingham Palace, visitors can see the 19 magnificent State Rooms, which provide the setting for ceremonial occasions and official entertaining. All rooms are furnished with many of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection.
Reviewed By lpMaggi713 - Baltimore, United States
Just before leaving on our trip, we were very lucky to get an email from the Royal Collection Trust saying that they would be having private tours of Buckingham Place in late March and early April for £ 85 each. We have always wanted to tour the palace, but we are never in London when it is normally opened in the summer months while the Queen is at Balmoral. We signed up right away for a tour on Friday, March 29, at 5:30 PM. This was going to be 2-1/2 hour tour with a private tour guide, limited participants, a glass of champagne, an official souvenir booklet on Buckingham Palace and a discount in the museum shop. Unfortunately, tourists are not allowed to take pictures. Laura P. made all the arrangements for me to have a wheelchair. She was so helpful and kind. We were met at the front entrance to the palace by Abi, a delightful representative of the palace, who stayed with me the whole tour. Our tour guide was Roz and what an incredible tour guide she was! Her command of the knowledge and history of the palace made it come alive for us. She gave us a comprehensive tour of the 19 State Rooms where the Queen and members of the royal family host guests for state, ceremonial and official affairs. We were able to see the Grand Staircase, Grand Entrance and Marble Hall, Green Drawing Room, Guard Chamber, Music Room, The Throne Room, The Picture Gallery, The Ballroom, Blue Drawing Room, Bow Room, East & West Gallery, State Dining Room, The Ball Supper Room, White Drawing Room with a secret doorway for the Queen, the Silk Tapestry Room, The Ante Room, The Lobby, Minister’s landing & Staircase We were completely awe struck by the opulent rooms with enormous chandeliers, candelabra, paintings by Rembrandt and Rubens; plus more, exquisite English and French furniture and Sèvres porcelain. Each and every room had some of the most magnificent pieces from the Royal Collection. Some interesting facts about the Palace: 450 people are employed there; it has 775 rooms; there are offices and rooms below the quadrangle; the palace was completed in 1834; there are 200 bedrooms, 79 bathrooms, and 92 offices; the total square footage is 830,000 sq. ft., which includes a post office, swimming pool, medical offices and a movie theater. There are 2 full-time personnel to take care of the 350 clocks in the palace. I was escorted back to the front entrance by Richard. It was really a thrilling experience to tour the palace, and we are so appreciative of the opportunity to do so. If you have the chance, you must do this. The Royal Flag is flown when the Queen is in residence.
6. Trafalgar Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,105 reviews
A 145-foot-high monument, bearing a statue of Lord Horatio Nelson guarded by lions, marks the spot considered the center of London.
Reviewed By S4136XSdavidb - Texas, United States
Surrounded by foreign embassies, this plaza is in the heart of the great city. With it's tall monument to Admiral Nelson, guarded by the famous four lion statues, the National Gallery is there with one of the world's greatest collections of art. St-Martins-of-the Field church is across the street, Whitehall and No 10 Downing street nearby, A great spot for people watching and taking pictures.
7. Covent Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24,740 reviews
Filled with restaurants, bars, markets and boutiques, London's premier tourist center offers fabulous shopping by day, and the destination of theatergoers and patrons of the Royal Opera House by night.
Reviewed By adrianhenryyu - London, United Kingdom
Great hidden craft gems in a busy market. Loved the craft offered in both jubilee and apple markets and great handcrafted wellbeing products from Eunoia in jubilee market - a bit of zen amongst all the hustle and bustle
8. Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 993 reviews
Built in 1745 to house the old palace guards, this is London's largest single open space that is used for the changing of the guards.
Reviewed By lourg305 - Miami, United States
This changing of the guards is much prettier than the one everyone else goes to watch at the palace gates. Because there is no fence, you get to see everything unobstructed. Do yourself a favor and obey the instructions from the mounted police on site, they aren't messing around with dumb tourists. I saw one dumbbell get bitten by a horse because he got too close. The funny part was when the cop arrested the guy who got bitten! It's absolutely worth watching, and very beautiful.
9. Greenwich Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,634 reviews
This indoor market dates back to 1737 and is the only in London located on a World Heritage site. Antiques, arts and crafts and London designer-makers.
Reviewed By AnneP47
While the Maritime Museum, Observatory and Prime Meridian should be priorites, the Market is also a must with friendly vendors, great souvenirs, gift options, yummy foods and a relaxing stop on your way to tour the Cutty Sark!
10. Royal Mews
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,366 reviews
The Royal Mews is home to the royal collection of historic coaches and carriages and is considered to be one of the finest working stables in existence. The Royal Mews is responsible for all road travel arrangements for The Queen and members of the Royal Family and is home to the most dazzling display of coaches including the Gold State Coach, which has been used at every coronation since that of George IV in 1821. During your visit, you will be able to see The Diamond Jubilee State Coach.
Reviewed By Kingpaul100 - Malaga, Spain
So lovely to see this Royal collection of state coaches- the true prize of course is the golden state coach which is just breathtaking. Suitable for all ages.
