London Sightseeing

Big Ben London visitors who are interested in world-class sightseeing attractions will not be disappointed. Here are the top ten sites you simply must visit before you leave the UK’s capital:

  1. Tower of London. Officially called Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress, the spectacular castle on the bank of the River Thames is without a doubt one of the most beautiful castles in the world. It was built by William the Conqueror in 1078 but it went through several alterations over the next centuries.

  2. Palace of Westminster. Not far from the Tower of London is the beautiful Palace of Westminster, also known as Houses of Parliament. But it is probably best known for its clock tower called the “Big Ben” which became one of the most recognizable symbols of both London and Britain.

  3. Kew Gardens. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, simply called the Kew Gardens is home to the largest collection of living plants in the world and was inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage sites list in 2003. A walk through this amazing botanic garden is really a unforgettable experience.

  4. Greenwich historic settlement. One of four UNESCO World Heritage sites in London will take you back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The district of south London is also home to the Royal Observatory which marks the Greenwich Meridian or 0 degree longitude which was named after Greenwich.

  5. Buckingham Palace. Leaving London without visiting the official residence of the British royal family would truly be a sin. Unfortunately, the interior of the palace can be visited only during the summer months. Nevertheless, the Buckingham Palace is definitely a must-see no matter if you will have the opportunity to peek inside or not.

  6. Tower Bridge. The famous suspension bridge over the River Thames is another must-see destination you simply must not miss. The view from the walkways that connect the two towers of the bridge is absolutely spectacular.

  7. St Paul’s Cathedral. The church that is located on the highest spot in London, the top of Ludgate Hill is not only one of the most beautiful churches of England but it is also one of the most recognizable landmarks of London. It is open to visitors but keep in mind that it still functions as a church.

  8. London Eye. This giant Ferris wheel on the bank of the River Thames was at the time of its construction the tallest of its kind in the world. It was later superseded by the Star of Nanchang and Singapore Flyer but it remains the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe.

  9. Piccadilly Circus. The road junction in the West End is in a way London’s Times Square. It is an attraction itself but it is also nearby the famous West End theatre and some of the most popular shopping centres in London.

  10. The Gherkin. The Swiss Re Building, popularly called The Gherkin was built only in 2003 but it instantly became one of the most recognizable buildings in the UK’s capital.