Top Tourist Things

📸 Introduction

London is a city where you can turn down almost any street and stumble upon centuries of history. While you will undoubtedly discover your own favorite hidden gems, secret alleyways, and local spots as you explore, the list below covers the absolute "big hits." These are the iconic landmarks, bustling squares, and unforgettable views that define the city.

👑 Royal & Political Landmarks

Buckingham Palace The official London residence of the King. You can watch the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony outside the gates, and during the late summer months, the opulent State Rooms are actually open to the public for tours.

• 🔥 Hot Tip: If you hold a Defence Discount Service (DDS) card or MOD90, you can get free entry to the State Rooms! You just need to show your ID at the ticket office on the day.

Windsor Castle  Located just outside London (about a 35-minute train ride from Paddington), this is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. It was Queen Elizabeth II's favorite weekend home and features the stunning St. George's Chapel.

• 🔥 Hot Tip: Just like Buckingham Palace, Defence Privilege Card (DDS) get free entry to Windsor Castle!

Big Ben & The Elizabeth Tower "Big Ben" is technically just the name of the massive bell inside, while the stunning clock tower itself is the Elizabeth Tower.

• 🔥 Hot Tip: You can book a tour to climb the tower and stand directly behind the clock faces, but tickets sell out months in advance. Set an alarm for when they release the next batch online!

Westminster Abbey Located directly across from Big Ben, this spectacular Gothic abbey has been the site of every British coronation since 1066. It is also the resting place of countless monarchs, scientists, and writers.

• 🔥 Hot Tip: You can book free tickets through the Base Chapel!

🏰 Historic Landmarks & The Thames

The Tower of London A 1,000-year-old medieval castle sitting right in the modern financial district that houses the spectacular Crown Jewels.

• 🔥 Hot Tip: Don't pay for an audio guide; just join a free tour led by the famous Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters)—they are hilarious and tell the best gruesome histories.

Tower Bridge Often mistakenly called "London Bridge," this is the iconic Victorian bridge with the two massive towers. You can pay to walk across the high-level glass floors at the top, or just check the schedule online to watch the bridge open for a tall ship passing underneath.

The London Eye The massive, iconic observation wheel sitting on the South Bank of the Thames. A 30-minute rotation in one of the glass pods offers fantastic, slow-moving panoramic views over Parliament and the river.

Shakespeare's Globe A stunning, faithful reconstruction of the circular, open-air Elizabethan playhouse where Shakespeare’s plays were originally performed.

• 🔥 Hot Tip: You can buy "groundling" (standing) tickets for just £5 to watch a play exactly as the peasants did in the 1600s!

🎭 Markets, Squares & Bustling Hubs

🛒 Want to dive deeper into London's incredible food and vintage scenes? Click here to view my full guide to London's Best Markets.

Borough Market Located right beneath the railway arches near London Bridge, this is London’s oldest and most famous food market. It is an absolute must-visit for incredible street food, fresh oysters, and artisanal baked goods.

Camden Market A massive, sprawling labyrinth of markets set along the Regent's Canal in North London. Famous for its alternative, punk-rock history, vintage clothing stalls, and endless global street food options.

Covent Garden A beautiful, pedestrianized piazza built around a historic 19th-century market building. It is packed with boutique shops, restaurants, and some of the best street performers and buskers in the world.

Piccadilly Circus London's version of Times Square. It is famous for its massive curved digital billboard, the central Eros statue, and serving as the bustling junction that leads right into the theater district of the West End.

Trafalgar Square Considered the geographic center of London. It features the towering Nelson's Column guarded by four massive bronze lions, and is surrounded by beautiful fountains.

Outernet London Located right outside Tottenham Court Road station, this is an immersive entertainment district. The "Now Building" features a massive, free public atrium wrapped in four-story-high, 360-degree interactive 8K LED screens.

🏙️ Pop Culture & Skyline Views

Abbey Road Crossing Located in quiet St. John's Wood, this is the exact zebra crossing where The Beatles shot their iconic 1969 album cover. You will almost always find fans holding up traffic to recreate the photo!

St. Paul's Cathedral Sir Christopher Wren’s architectural masterpiece with its iconic dome that has dominated the London skyline for 300 years. If you are feeling energetic, you can climb the hundreds of steps to the top of the dome for a breathtaking view.

• 🔥 Hot Tip: You can book free tickets through the Base Chapel! Book early though!

Sky Garden Located at the top of the "Walkie-Talkie" building, this is London’s highest public garden. It features three stories of lush botanical terraces, bars, and a massive glass dome offering spectacular 360-degree views of the skyline.

• 🔥 Hot Tip: Tickets are completely free, but you must book them online about three weeks in advance. They release new tickets every Monday morning

Horizon 22 Another incredible, free alternative to the expensive Shard tickets. Located in the financial district, this is London's highest free public viewing platform. It sits on the 58th floor and offers unbelievable 300-degree views of the city.

• 🔥 Hot Tip: Just like Sky Garden, tickets are 100% free but sell out rapidly. Book well in advance online to secure your spot.