Nestled right on the banks of the River Thames, London is a must-visit destination. The city is buzzing with old-school cool landmarks, insane architecture, and food from all over the planet. Seriously, you won’t run out of places to visit in London. If you have already sorted out your UK visa and travel insurance, read on to discover the best places to visit London.
London’s like this epic mashup of history and modern vibes that’s just too good to miss. So, let’s dive in and check out all the places that you can visit in London and learn what this city’s all about.
Contents
- The 15 Must-visit Places in London
- 1. The Tower of London
- 2. Buckingham Palace
- 3. The London Eye
- 4. The British Museum
- 5. St. Paul’s Cathedral
- 6. Westminster Abbey
- 7. The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
- 8. The Tate Modern and Tate Britain
- 9. Covent Garden
- 10. Thames River Cruise
- 11. The Shard
- 12. Camden Market
- 13. The West End
- 14. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
- 15. Kew (Botanic) Gardens
The 15 Must-visit Places in London
1. The Tower of London
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic castle offers a glimpse into England’s history. Built in the 11th century, this historic fortress has served as a royal palace, a prison, and a treasury. Visitors can explore its dark dungeons, admire the dazzling Crown Jewels, and iconic Beefeater guards, and walk along the formidable walls. Immerse yourself in the tales of its grim past that have unfolded within its walls.
Timings:
| Days | Operating Hours |
|---|---|
| Sunday and Monday | 10 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Tuesday to Saturday | 9 AM – 5:30 PM |
Address & Phone Number:
London, EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom
+44 333 320 6000
2. Buckingham Palace
A trip to London wouldn’t be complete without witnessing the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace. This iconic residence of the British monarch is a symbol of royal grandeur and elegance. While the palace’s opulent exterior is a sight to behold, its exquisite State Rooms, open to the public during specific times, offer a glimpse into the regal lifestyle and art collection of the British monarchy. It is at the top of every traveller’s bucket list of places to visit in London.
Timings:
| Date Range | Opening Time | Last Admission | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 July – 31 August | 9:30 AM | 5:15 PM | 7:30 PM |
| 1 – 24 September | 9:30 AM | 4:15 PM | 6:30 PM |
Address & Phone Number:
London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom +44 333 320 6000
3. The London Eye
Located on the South Bank of the River Thames, the London Eye offers a unique perspective of London’s skyline. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city from this giant observation wheel. Over the years,it has become an iconic symbol of the city’s skyline and a popular tourist attraction. It was designed by architects David Marks and Julia Barfield and was initially intended to be a temporary structure. Due to its immense popularity, it has become a permanent structure and is key to the London skyline.
Timings:
Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 6 PM
Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 8:30 PM
Address & Phone Number:
Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom
+44 20 7967 8021
4. The British Museum
The British Museum is a perfect place to visit in London for history and culture enthusiasts. Housing a vast collection of artefacts from different corners of the globe, this museum offers insight into the evolution of human civilisation. Each exhibit displayed at the museum tells a story of cultural exchange and artistic achievement. The Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles are among its most famous exhibits. You can’t miss this place as it’s the best museum in London.
Timings:
Saturday to Thursday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Friday – 10 AM to 8:30 PM
Ticket Prices:
Permanent Collection -FREE(but pre-book)
Temporary Exhibitions – prices vary
Address & Phone Number:
Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG, United Kingdom
+44 20 7323 8299
5. St. Paul’s Cathedral
Located in the heart of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the city’s most iconic and recognizable landmarks. It is a grand Anglican cathedral known for its stunning architecture and historical significance. St. Paul’s Cathedral is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of London’s resilience and cultural heritage. The cathedral was designed in the English Baroque style by architect Sir Christopher Wren. Known for its impressive dome and intricate details, visitors can climb to the dome for a panoramic view of the city, or explore its awe-inspiring interior.
Timings:
| Days | Operating Hours |
|---|---|
| Sunday | 8 AM to 6 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday | 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
Address & Phone Number
St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD, United Kingdom
+44 20 7246 8350
6. Westminster Abbey
A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, Westminster Abbey is not only a breathtaking place of worship but also a historic venue for royal coronations, weddings, and burials. Visitors can marvel at the intricate details of its façade, wander through the hallowed halls that echo with centuries of history, and pay homage to the final resting places of many notable figures
Timings:
| Days | Operating Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM to 2:00 PM |
| Sunday | Religious Services Only |
Address & Phone Number:
Dean’s Yard, London SW1P 3PA, United Kingdom
+44 20 7222 51
7. The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
Marvel at the iconic clock tower and the stunning architecture of the British seat of government. These quintessential London sights are best enjoyed from across the River Thames or on a leisurely boat ride.
While Big Ben is currently undergoing restoration, its charm remains undiminished, and the nearby Westminster Bridge provides an ideal vantage point for capturing the essence of London. Visitors to Big Ben must be over 11 years old and ready to climb the 334 steps up. There will be high noise levels from the clock and bells, so earplugs will be provided.
Timings & Ticket Information: Elizabeth Tower
Adults – ₹2,597 for adults
Children 11 to 17 – ₹1,039
Address:
London SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom
8. The Tate Modern and Tate Britain
A hub of contemporary art from around the world, the Tate Modern showcases works by artists like Picasso, Warhol, and Hockney. The building design is a creatively repurposed power station. Tate Britain offers a huge collection of British art from the 16th century onward. It is a must visit museum in London.
Timings: Everyday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Ticket Prices: Free
Address & Phone Number:
Bankside, London SE1 9TG, United Kingdom
+44 20 7887 8888
9. Covent Garden
A hub of entertainment, shopping, and dining, Covent Garden exudes a lively atmosphere. Street performers captivate audiences in the cobblestone square, while boutique shops and artisanal stalls offer unique finds. The Royal Opera House stands as a cultural beacon, hosting world-class performances that exemplify London’s artistic richness.
Timings:
| Days | Operating Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM |
| Sunday | Noon to 6:00 PM |
Address & Phone Number:
Shaftesbury Capital Covent Garden 1st Floor Regal House 14 James Street London WC2E 8BU +44 (0)20 7395 1350
10. Thames River Cruise
Experience London’s landmarks from the water on a leisurely cruise along the River Thames. Passengers sail past major landmarks like the Tower of London, the London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament, gaining unique perspectives on the city’s history and architecture. These cruises vary from short tours to more extensive experiences, often accompanied by informative commentary. Thames River Cruises provides an enchanting blend of relaxation, sightseeing, and cultural enrichment.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Ticket Prices:
| Ticket Category | One Way | Return |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | ₹976 | ₹1,724 |
| Child (5 to 15) | ₹488 | ₹862 |
| Under 5 (on accompanying adult ticket) | Free | – |
Address & Phone Number:
58 Riley Rd, London SE1 3DG, United Kingdom
+44 20 7237 3108
11. The Shard
The Shard is Western Europe’s tallest skyscraper. A visit to the Shard is a must to experience panoramic views of London from the observation deck of the building, both day and night. This modern architectural marvel provides an unparalleled opportunity to witness London’s sprawling beauty from a breathtaking vantage point. Even if you are not able to go up the observation tower, look at the building from a distance and admire its beauty.
Timings: Opening times may vary. Please check the opening times page before you visit.
Ticket Prices: ₹2,909 per person
Address & Phone Number:
32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG, United Kingdom
+44 084 4499 7111
12. Camden Market
When you visit in London, you’ll see a haven for alternative culture, Camden Market is a kaleidoscope of creativity, vintage fashion, and eccentricity. This vibrant marketplace is an eclectic fusion of fashion, art, music, and food. The market’s diverse stalls and eateries reflect the city’s multicultural essence and offer a one-of-a-kind shopping and dining experience.
Timings: 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM
Ticket Prices: Nil
Address & Phone Number:
Camden Lock Place, London NW1 8AF
+44 20 3763 9900
13. The West End
Catch a world-class theatre production in London’s legendary West End entertainment district! Choose your entertainment of the day from musicals, plays, and performances. There’s something for everyone at The West End, making for an unforgettable night out.
Timings: Most shows are from 7:30 PM until 10:00 PM
Ticket Prices: According To Shows And Events
Address & Phone Number:
32 Rose St, London WC2E 9ET, United Kingdom
+44 20 7557 6700
14. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/globe-theatre-london-SHAKESPEARELIVE0320-99785495844942d19595dc45cb0efdbc.jpg "Places To Visit In London: Complete Guide Visit In London")
Transport yourself to Elizabethan times with a visit to this meticulously reconstructed theatre. You can enjoy Shakespearean plays as they were originally performed.
Timings:
| Days | Operating Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday – Friday | 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Ticket Prices: According to Shows and Events
Address & Phone Number:
21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT, United Kingdom
+44 20 7401 9919
15. Kew (Botanic) Gardens
For a serene escape from the urban bustle, Kew Gardens offers a tranquil haven. These UNESCO-listed botanical gardens boast a remarkable collection of plants from around the world. From the elegant Victorian glasshouses to the treetop walkway, visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and horticultural expertise.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Address & Phone Number:
Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE
+44 020 8332 5655
Conclusion
London’s charm lies in its ability to seamlessly blend its rich history with contemporary energy. From ancient fortresses to modern skyscrapers, the city’s diverse attractions ensure that every traveller finds something to marvel at. With its iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and vibrant neighbourhoods, London stands as a testament to the enduring allure of human achievement and creativity. Explore the multifaceted layers of this magnificent city and cherish lifelong memories. There are a lot of bakeries in London that has the best desserts, don’t miss them. When you visit in London, go armed with best travel insurance! ACKO has best travel insurance so that you can travel and enjoy worry-free. Travel insurance covers you when your insurance from back home doesn’t. Get into holiday mode and let the travel insurance take over!
