Explore the best places to visit in London

Attracting 27 million visitors every year, London is the most visited city in Europe. It’s no surprise that London is top of so many people’s travel plans: the city was founded by the Romans and has thrived over the centuries.Today, London is one of the most diverse cities in the world, with a rich history and some of the most outstanding culture on the planet.The City of London is the ancient center of London but is actually the smallest city in England. The London that we’re familiar with covers a much wider metropolitan area and is home to almost 9 million people.

Split into the vibrant and distinctive areas of North, West, South and East London – as well as the commercial and tourist hub of Central London – every district has its own recognizable neighborhoods. There is always something to see and do in London. With some of the world’s best art, entertainment, shopping, dining, and history, it’s impossible to be bored in London.

Let’s explore the best places to visit in London:

London Eye

Originally built to mark the Millennium, the slowly revolving wheel that stands by the Thames continues to be one of the city’s most-loved icons and a frim tourist favourite. The 32 glass-walled pods are said to represent each of the 32 London boroughs and are designed to allow everyone (who dares) views to the north, south, east and west, making this a brilliant way to get the measure of London. And each visit now starts with a fun, 4D short film before you board.

National Gallery

Housing masterpieces by painters including van Gogh, Renoir, da Vinci and Michelangelo, the National Gallery holds one of the world’s most important art collections, and sees over six million visitors every year. Miss the hordes by visiting on weekday mornings or Friday evenings. Whatever time you go, the permanent collections are always free.

Houses of Parliament

Home to the world’s most famous clock, Big Ben (officially the Queen Elizabeth Tower, but no one calls it that), the Houses of Parliament is a neo-Gothic wonder built in the mid-19th century. It is made up of two houses – the Commons and the Lords – and if you reserve ahead (or just try your luck on the day) you can go inside to watch British democracy in action.

Tate Modern

Located in what was once Bankside Power Station on the south bank of the Thames, the Tate Modern is one of the city’s most loved attractions. You can enjoy the permanent collection for free – it includes works by Pollock, Warhol and Matisse. The upstairs cafe has wonderful Thames views, and the building itself is amazing.

Greenwich Park

Head to the top of the hill in the centre of Greenwich Park and you’ll be treated to a spectacular free view of the city: the skyscrapers of Canary Warf loom up behind the 17th century Queen’s House, and beyond, the Thames snakes its way into the heart of London. It’s a perfect spot for a picnic in the capital on a summer’s day.

East London street art

The ephemeral nature of street art makes it difficult to say with confidence where you might find specific displays at any one time. However, certain areas of East London – notably Shoreditch – are famous for having particularly impressive graffiti. The side streets around Brick Lane always yield some decent artwork, as do Middlesex and Sclater streets.

Museum of London

Off the radar to most visitors, yet one of the city’s great attractions, the Museum of London offers a walk through London’s various incarnations – from the geological history of the Thames Valley to the Anglo-Saxon inhabitants to modern-day bankers. There is a nice cafe in its garden.

Kensington Gardens

The delightful Kensington Gardens are home to a trove of treasures, including the Albert Memorial, the Peter Pan Statue, the Serpentine Gallery, the Round Pond and the Diana Memorial Playground. All are free to admire or visit, and when you’re done with the sights, you can wander along the tree-lined paths which crisscross the whole park. East of here is a string of Royal Parks, all free to enter: Hyde Park, Green Park and St James’s Park.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Built in the 17th century, St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of London’s most famous and most recognizable sights. The Cathedral was heroically saved by firefighters when it was bombed during the Second World War. Its impressive dome was inspired by St Peter’s Basilica in Rome and rises 118 meters (365 ft) to the cross at its summit. It was the tallest building in London from 1710 to 1962, and its dome is also among the highest in the world.

Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is a large city square commemorating Lord Horatio Nelson’s victory against Napoleon’s navy at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The central monument within the square is a single tall column on which the figure of Nelson stands gazing over London. His monument is surrounded by four colossal lions and a series of large fountains. Much more than just an open plaza, Trafalgar Square is one of the most famous city squares in the world and has become a social and political location for tourists and Londoners alike.