10 Must-See London Destinations

London is the iconic city. It is rich in history. It has long served as the Royal Family’s residence. Many tourists are drawn to this city. This is because of its old world charm. It is best experienced when one is physically present in the area. You absolutely must not skip any of the top London attractions. 

The city attracts more than 20 million tourists every year. This is due to its wealth of fascinating activities. It is full of breathtaking tourist attractions. There is so much to do in here. London always has things to offer for all types of travelers.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is one of the most recognizable buildings in the United Kingdom. It is the site of London’s most well-known pomp. This is also the place of circumstance event. This is the changing of the guards.

Most days, crowds swell around 11:30 a.m. This is irrespective of Rain or shine. This is to witness this exuberant display of precise marching. There will also be singing. All these happen at St. James’s Palace. Then you can follow the band. This is as they march around The Mall. 

The Royal Family has called Buckingham Palace. This was since Queen Victoria came to the throne. It was built in 1837. This is their residence in London. The flags indicate the presence of the King at home. The King is at home. This is if the royal standard is flying from the top of the building’s flagpole. He and other members of the Royal Family might even make an appearance. This is on significant state events.

The Tower of London

Over the years, the stunning Tower of London has had several uses, including that of a palace, prison, treasure vault, and private zoo. This majestic World Heritage Site, one of the most iconic buildings in all of Britain, enthrals visitors for hours with its rich history, much of which took place here.

William the Conqueror’s majestic White Tower, built in 1078, is home to the remarkable 17th-century Line of Kings, which features amazing displays of royal arms and equipment. Other features include the Royal Mint, the iconic Crown Jewels exhibition, the Beefeaters, and the graphic exhibits that show the executions that took place on the property.

Another place worth seeing is the Bloody Tower. You can read about historical torture here, as well as discover the mystery behind the disappearance of two princes many years ago.

Tower Bridge

Two enormous towers standing 200 feet above the River Thames characterize Tower Bridge, which is next to the Tower of London.

This one is among the most popular and frequently photographed landmarks in London. You can simply stroll across the bridge from the Tower of London, even though there are fascinating behind-the-scenes tours available.

Find a location halfway across for the best views of the Tower, along with a glimpse of HMS Belfast and London Bridge (which many people incorrectly think to be Tower Bridge). Arriving early in the morning to avoid the hordes of visitors is definitely worthwhile, even though it can get crowded, especially around sunset.

British Museum

The British Museum has about 13 million ancient objects. All these are put on display. This makes it the best antiquity collection in the world. There are so many exquisite artefacts across the world. This is from:

• Assyria
• Babylonia
• China
• Europe, etc.

You will often be confused about where to start your tour here. 

The most well-known displays in the museum include 

• The Egyptian mummies
• The collection of Roman silver. This is from the fourth century. It is known as the Mildenhall Treasure
• The massive bust of Ramesses II
• The contentious Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon
• The Rosetta Stone

Houses of Parliament

It is a 318-foot tower. It houses Big Ben. It is an enormous clock. This is famous for its loud bell. It is the epitome of what “London” is all about. Big Ben’s tolling is recognized globally. This is because of the BBC’s time signal. 

Below it, the Houses of Parliament run along the Thames. It was previously the location of William the Conqueror’s royal Westminster Palace and served as the centre of the British government for many centuries.

Cross Westminster Bridge and turn around. This is the best way to see the parliament buildings. Alternatively, take a left at the bridge and follow the walkway. This is to reach the SEA LIFE London Aquarium. It is a great place to take kids. Gather your group along the wall for a picture. This is when Big Ben is in the background of your picture-perfect shot.

National Gallery

It is impossible to visit London without seeing National Gallery. This columned museum is situated on the edge of Trafalgar Square. It is home to amazing artworks.

It offers a nearly comprehensive survey of European painting. This is from 1260 to 1920. The museum has holdings of Italian Schools and Dutch Masters. They are from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. These are its finest assets.

Victoria and Albert Museum

Victoria and Albert Museum is also known as the V&A. It also has two other attractions:

• The Science Museum
• The Natural History Museum

They are in the South Kensington group. They are a part of the Victoria and Albert Museum. It has 145 galleries. They showcase approximately 5,000 years of art and related artefacts.

There’s no restaurant in a museum like the Main and Garden Cafés. They have beautiful works of art and exquisite craftsmanship. They are all on the ceiling floor. 

Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square

Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square are popular tourist destinations. They serve as the entryway to Soho. It is a vibrant theatre. It is also an entertainment quarter of the city. They have unique stores and delicious cafés. This sets you back to the ancient streets. 

Trafalgar Square was constructed in honor of Lord Horatio Nelson’s victory. This was over the French and Spanish fleets. This happened at Trafalgar in 1805. The square is surrounded by the National Gallery. It is also surrounded by the Admiralty Arch.

Top of the Shard

The Shard has become one of London’s most iconic and popular monuments since it launched in 2012.

With a height of 1,016 feet and a total of approximately 95 stories, this amazing building gets its name from its resemblance to a shard of glass. Even so, while dominating the skyline south of the River Thames, its elegant design blends in perfectly with other landmarks like Tower Bridge.

Tate Britain and Tate Modern

The two Tates are London’s most magnificent art museums, and no art fan should come without taking a tour. Together, Tate Britain and Tate Modern, which are situated on different banks of the Thames, make up one of the most significant art collections in the world.

When the first gallery opened its doors in 1897, it served as the foundation for a substantial national collection of British art. As it grew, it acquired more pieces and required additional space in order to arrange its holdings. The eventual consequence was the creation of Tate Britain, which now houses its permanent collection of ancient British paintings at Millbank on the north side of the Thames.

Documents needed for a visa to the UK

Required Documents for a Standard Visitor Visa to the UK:

• Original passport plus any previous passports, if any, with a minimum of three blank pages and a minimum validity of six months;
• Online application for a UK visa; confirmation of the appointment letter; receipt for the UK visa fee; Two recent colour photos (photo specification); 
• A personal cover letter (on letterhead for self-employed applicants or on plain paper for employed applicants); 
• An original, updated bank statement showing a sufficient balance as of the previous six months; Income tax returns for the previous three years;

Eligibility for a UK Tourist Visa

• Proof to cover living expenses while in the UK
• Applicants must demonstrate that they have the required documentation, 
• Applicants need to have made plans to pay for the treatment, 
• Intention to leave the UK 

Conclusion

Visiting London is a majestic trip. In all the excitement, do not forget to add International travel insurance to your travel itinerary. This comes in handy in case of any travel inconveniences. Also have a solid travel plan before visiting London. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)