15 Famous Landmarks in London You Should Visit

This electrifying metropolis and capital city of the United Kingdom is a gold mine of stimulating sights and sounds, a journey’s end where if it is sightseeing you desire, it is a mere train or bus ride away. Of course, forget not London’s iconic red double decker buses and renowned black cabs, all great ways to get around London’s top camera-worthy destinations.

If London is your next pick on your travel list, be sure to check out some of London’s most famous landmarks and top tourist destinations.

Big Ben & The Westminster Palace

Westminster, London SW1A 0AA, UK

A hallmark of London’s skyline, easily one of the most recognizable clock towers in the world. The Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of a 4-faced clock located at the north end of the Westminster Palace in London. The palace is a stunning feat of Victorian Neo-Gothic architecture, now serving as a meeting place of the two houses of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Westminster Abbey

20 Deans Yd, Westminster, London SW1P 3PA, UK

Located due west of the Westminster Palace, this 11th century amazing display of the Gothic style of architecture remains to this day a sanctuary of Christian worship and hailed as the traditional coronation ground of British monarchs. You’ll be amazed at the intricate details especially at the main entrance at the Northern face of the church

London Eye/Millennium Wheel

Lambeth, London SE1 7PB, UK

The London Eye has made its debut at the turn of the new millennium, hence its nickname, the Millennium Wheel. The “Eye’s” road to fame skyrocketed thanks to its multiple appearances on several social media platforms. It is also deemed as London’s most popular paid tourist attraction with almost 4 million visitors annually. If you want a great panoramic view of London’s skyline overlooking the great River Thames, the London Eye is definitely worth a visit.

Buckingham Palace

Westminster, London SW1A 1AA, UK

Buckingham palace is the Royal Family Home situated in the city of Westminster, and has been the focal point of significant state occurrences and the center of national pride for the British people. The palace is frequented by tourists with much anticipation to witness the Changing of the Guard, which is a ceremony held when the Queen’s Guard hands over the responsibility for protecting Buckingham Palace and St. James Palace over to the new guard. Beyond that, the estate is surrounded by beautiful statues and picturesque landscapes, which is definitely worth the visit.

Camden Market

Camden Lock Pl, Camden Town, London NW1 8AF, UK

London street-style shopping at its core. The thriving market is more then just your typical go-to market to buy your groceries. Yes you’ll find fresh produce and vegetables, but there’s a whole lot more that catches the eye. Vintage-style clothing, jewelries, shoes galore, and unique souvenirs are among the many, while street food temptations saturate the air with enticing aroma.

Tower of London

St Katharine’s & Wapping, London EC3N 4AB, UK

The Tower of London holds a strategic significance in early English history. Through its course of a thousand years, the tower has held captive many whose misfortune was met with torturous demise. The towers’ dark past was brought to light by contemporary writers portraying vivid depictions of death and torture. Nonetheless, it remained as one of London’s most popular historical placeholder that doubles as an armory and an impeccable fortress holding a world renowned treasure, the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom.

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP, UK

London’s Tower Bridge could easily be one of the world’s most picturesque bridge consisting of two bridge towers adjoined at the upper level with walkways. It has become an iconic landmark of London featuring stunning feats of architecture and engineering while crossing the magnificent River Thames near the Tower of London. Experience the glass floor walkway where you can either look down to face your fear of heights, or just look around and savor a uniquely stunning panoramic view of the city.

Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross, London WC2N 5DN, UK

The Trafalgar Square of London is the city’s largest public square and is considered a central meeting place where tourist gather and political activists hold their demonstrations. There stands a statue of Admiral Nelson, which was built in honor of his historic victory over the Napoleonic army at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Some other notable structures you can find at the Trafalgar Square are the St. Martin-in-the-Fields and the National Gallery.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD, UK

This stunning display of Neoclassical Gothic architecture with its easily recognizable dome an integral part of London’s panoramic skyline for over 300 years. Originally built in honor of St. Paul over 1400 years passed, the church was damaged and rebuilt several times over throughout its persistence in history. What stands now is the masterpiece of Sir Christopher Wren, a highly acclaimed English architect in history.

Hampton Court Palace

Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU, UK

This elegant royal residence was home and a personal favorite of one of the most renowned royal in history, King Henry VIII. This majestic palace teems with utmost luxury and awe-inspiring grandeur. Tudor kitchens were the largest in England, staffed with over 200 members serving up enormous number of meals to satiate King Henry’s vast household. The palace is accentuated by amazing gardens, beautiful fountains, luscious greeneries and vibrant fresh blooms.

Borough Market

8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL, UK

London’s largest and oldest market is no stranger to large crowds and hungry tourists. For almost a thousand years (or possibly more), London’s Borough Market has been an integral part of London’s history and manage to thrive through the city’s evolution through its passage in time. The market’s numerous vendors sell anything from specialty foods and drinks, fresh produce, cheeses, spices, even household items. The vibe overflows with excitement as tourists gaily hopped from one stall to the next sampling delicious morsels from different culture and nationalities.

Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus, London W1J 9HS, England

Located at London’s west end of the city of Westminster, this street junction is frequented by tourist for its lustrous neon signs, stunning buildings, retail stores, numerous nightclubs, restaurants and pubs, and of course the centrally located Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain. Through the years it has become a popular meeting place for locals and tourists, and earned its right to being one of London’s most popular tourist attraction.

Sky Garden

20 Fenchurch Street | 1 Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF, England

The Sky Garden boasts of an unparalleled panoramic view of the city with its contemporary architectural design surrounded by clear glass for that unparalleled admiration of London’s skyline. The Garden also flaunts three storeys of exquisitely manicured public gardens and a modest selection of high end dining options, all with breathtaking views of the city.
Note: Even though entrance to the Sky Garden is free of charge, admission is limited to a first-come-first-serve reservation system online. We regretfully were not able to go during our London trip because there were no open spots left. Registration is open three weeks prior to your visit. Be sure to plan ahead and register here.

The British Museum

Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG, England

Millions of years of human history, art and culture awaiting your inquisitive mind to discover. The British Museum is a public institution housing a vast collection of artifacts and artwork from different cultures. Some of their works amassing global prestige include the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon Marbles, Egyptian mummies, and ancient artifacts from Mesopotamia. Entrance to the museum is free of charge. Audio tours are available if preferred.

Neal’s Yard

Seven Dials, Covent Garden, London, London WC2H, England

Veiled within the reach of Covent Garden between Shorts Gardens and Monmouth Street, an alley popularly known as Neal’s Yard leads to an astonishing courtyard adorned with tall vibrantly painted brick buildings, numerous shops and small eateries. This intimate oasis within the busy streets of London provides an illusion of an escape to a quaint English village where you can sit back, relax, enjoy a nice meal, or go on an unplanned photo session.