London Top Attractions combine royal history, world-class museums, iconic landmarks and lively public spaces, making the capital one of the most rewarding cities to explore. Visitors can experience Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, then walk to the River Thames for views of Tower Bridge and the London Eye. Cultural highlights include the British Museum, National Gallery and Natural History Museum, many with free entry. Green spaces such as Hyde Park and St James’s Park provide balance to the busy streets. Together, these attractions in London reflect centuries of political, cultural and architectural development in one compact area.
#1 British Museum (Free entry)
The British Museum houses a permanent collection of nearly 8 million works and is among the largest and most comprehensive in the world. The museum opened to the public in 1759 and documents the story of human culture from its beginning to the present. Highlights of the collection include many Egyptian antiquities and the Rosetta Stone. Even better news is that admission is FREE.
Official website: https://www.britishmuseum.org
Google map 4.7/5
#2 National Gallery (Free entry)
The National Gallery, located in Trafalgar Square, is one of the best art museums in the world and contains a collection of over 2300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900. Entry to the main collection is completely FREE.
Official website: https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk
Google map 4.7/5 – Located in Trafalgar Square
#3 Big Ben & Houses of Parliament
The Houses of Parliament (also known as the Palace of Westminster) is the seat of the UK government and serves as a meeting place for both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. It lies on the north bank of the River Thames next to Westminster Abbey.
The Elizabeth Tower is more commonly referred to as Big Ben which is the name of the main bell has become an iconic landmark in London and one of the most popular visitor attractions.
Official website: https://www.parliament.uk
Google map Houses of Parliament 4.6/5
Google map Big Ben Clock Tower 4.6/5
#4 Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the British monarch. Originally built in 1703 as Buckingham House for the Duke of Buckingham, it was acquired by King George III in 1761 as a private residence for Queen Charlotte. It was later enlarged and transformed into a palace, now featuring 775 rooms, including 19 state rooms and 52 royal and guest bedrooms.
The palace’s state rooms are open to the public during the summer months, offering a rare glimpse into the opulent interiors and priceless art collections. The palace is also famous for the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a popular tourist attraction that takes place daily during the summer months and alternate days in winter.
Official website: https://www.rct.uk/
Google map 4.5/5
#5 Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is a public square in the very heart of central London. At its centre is the 52 m high Nelson’s Column bearing the statue of Admiral Horatio Nelson commemorating his victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. This was a British naval victory over Napoleon’s combined French and Spanish fleet that took place on 21 October 1805 during the off the coast of Cape Trafalgar, Cadiz in Spain.
When visiting central London for the first time Trafalgar Square is a great place to start. The National Gallery (free entry) lies on the north side. If you stand on the roundabout on the southern side and look south you can see along Whitehall to the clock tower of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. If you look southwest you’ll see Admiralty Arch and The Mall which leads you past St James’ Park to Buckingham Palace.
Official website: https://www.london.gov.uk
Google map 4.6/5
#6 Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is a large Gothic abbey church located just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. The building was completed in 1060 and consecrated in 1065, just a week before the death of King Edward the Confessor who was buried there a week later. Since then Westminster Abbey has been the traditional burial site for English and, later, British monarchs.
William the Conqueror was crowned king here in 1066 and since then all coronations of English and British monarchs have taken place at the abbey. More recent events include the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997 and the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011.
Official website: https://www.westminster-abbey.org
Google map 4.6/5
#7 Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge was built between 1886 and 1894 and spans the River Thames close to the Tower of London. The lower level can open to allow shipping through. Two horizontal walkways connect the two towers at the upper level.
It’s free to walk across the bridge on the lower level pavement but here is an entrance fee to access the towers and walkway which also has a section of glass flooring – book via website below.
Official website: https://www.towerbridge.org.uk
Google map 4.8/5
#8 Tower of London
The Tower of London is a historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames. It was founded by William the Conquerer, the first Norman king of England, shortly after his coronation in 1066.
Early in its history it was used as a royal residence but later served variously as a prison, an armoury, a treasury, home to the Royal Mint and home to the Crown Jewels. You can still see the Crown Jewels today as part of a guided tour undertaken by the Yeomen Warders (Beefeaters). Tickets for access inside the castle and to the tower must be bought in advance on the official website below.
At least six ravens are kept in the Tower at all times, in accordance with the belief that if they are absent, the kingdom will fall. The birds can also be seen as part of the guided tour.
Official website: https://www.hrp.org.uk
Google map 4.7/5 – Located on the north bank of the River Thames adjacent to Tower Bridge
#9 St Paul’s Cathedral
St. Paul’s Cathedral in London is an Anglican cathedral (Protestant, Church of England) designed in the English Baroque style by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1710 as part of a major rebuilding programme in the city after the Great Fire of London in 1666.
St. Paul’s Cathedral is located on Ludgate Hill at the highest point of the City of London on the remains of an earlier church founded in AD 604. It was the tallest building in London until 1963 (with a height of 111 metres / 364 ft) when building restrictions were lifted.
The wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer was held at this cathedral on 29 July 1981.
Official website:
https://www.stpauls.co.uk (main page)
https://www.stpauls.co.uk (tickets and prices)
Google map 4.7/5
#10 Natural History Museum (Free entry)
As its name suggests the Natural History Museum in London exhibits a vast range of items from the world of the natural sciences. The five main collections are botany (plants), entomology (insects), mineralogy (rocks), palaeontology (dinosaurs, & ancient life) and zoology (animals).
Admission is FREE but a donation of £5 is encouraged.
Official website: https://www.nhm.ac.uk
Google map 4.7/5
#11 London Eye
The London Eye is an observation wheel located on the South Bank of the River Thames (opposite Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament). When it opened to the public in 2000 the 135m high structure was the largest observation wheel in the world. It still remains the largest in Europe but currently only the 5th largest in the world (Ain Dubai in the UAE is the tallest at 250m)
Official website: https://www.londoneye.com
Google map 4.5/5 – Located on the south bank of the River Thames just across Westminster Bridge from Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
#12 Covent Garden
Covent Garden is a popular shopping and tourist site located in the West End of London. At its heart is the elegant, pedestrianised Piazza, a covered market home to luxury fashion and beauty stores, craft stalls, restaurants and a pub.
Street entertainers perform in the square outside the 17th century St. Paul’s Church. Just outside the covered market is the London Transport Museum and the Royal Opera House. There are several theatres nearby and, to the north, many independent shops are centred around the Seven Dials and Neal’s Yard districts.
Official website:
https://www.coventgarden.london
Google map 4.5/5
#13 Hyde Park (Free entry)
Hyde Park is one of London’s largest and most famous Royal Parks, covering 350 acres in central London. Established by Henry VIII in 1536 and opened to the public in 1637, it offers a green oasis amidst the bustling city. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls, picnics, and boating on the Serpentine Lake, or explore the park’s various monuments, such as the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain and the Italian Gardens. Hyde Park is also a popular venue for open-air events, including concerts, festivals, and sporting activities.
Official website: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/
Google map 4.7/5
#14 London’s West End
London’s West End is a vibrant entertainment district in the heart of the city, known for its world-class theatre productions, shopping, and dining experiences. The West End is home to numerous historic theatres, such as the Royal Opera House, the London Palladium, and the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Visitors can enjoy a diverse range of performances, from award-winning musicals and plays to innovative new works. The area also boasts a wealth of shopping destinations, bars, and restaurants, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
#15 Science Museum (Free entry)
The Science Museum is a great place to experience science first-hand with over 15,000 objects and many interactive displays. Highlights include the Exploring Space exhibition which includes the Soyuz TMA-19M descent module – the spacecraft that safely took astronaut Tim Peake back from the International Space Station.
FREE to visit although temporary exhibitions may incur an admission fee. Located along Exhibition Road in South Kensington the Science Museum was founded in 1857 and attracts over 3 million visitors annually.
Official website: https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk
Google map 4.6/5
#16 Thames River Cruise
Thames River Cruise is a leisurely way to experience London’s historic sights from a unique vantage point. Several operators offer cruises along the River Thames, with options ranging from sightseeing tours to luxury dinner cruises. Passengers can enjoy views of iconic landmarks such as the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and the Houses of Parliament, while learning about the city’s rich history through onboard commentary. Many cruises also provide refreshments and comfortable seating for a relaxing journey.
Google map 4.6/5 Thames River Boats – Westminster Pier
Google map 4.9/5 Viscount Cruises – Westminster Pier
Google map 4.3/5 City Cruises – Westminster Pier
Google map 4.6/5 London Eye River Cruises – Waterloo Pier
#17 St James Park
St James’s Park is a 57-acre Royal Park located in the heart of London, adjacent to Buckingham Palace. Established by Henry VIII in the 16th century, the park features a large lake with two islands, home to various waterfowl, including the park’s famous pelicans. St James’s Park offers a serene setting for leisurely walks, picnics, and wildlife watching, as well as providing excellent views of iconic London landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. The park also hosts seasonal events and activities, making it a popular destination for visitors and locals alike.
Official website: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/
Google map 4.7/5
#18 Victoria and Albert Museum (Free entry)
Victoria and Albert Museum, often referred to as the V&A, is a world-renowned museum of art, design, and performance located in South Kensington, London. Founded in 1852, it holds over 2.3 million objects spanning 5,000 years of human creativity, including ceramics, fashion, furniture, paintings, and sculptures. Notable collections include the Cast Courts, the Islamic Middle East Gallery, and the British Galleries. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and offers various educational programs, events, and workshops for visitors of all ages.
Official website: https://www.vam.ac.uk
Google map 4.7/5
#19 Tate Britain (Free entry)
Tate Britain is a prominent art gallery on Millbank, London, housing the largest collection of British art from the 16th century to the present day. Established in 1897, it is part of the Tate network of galleries, which includes Tate Modern, Tate Liverpool, and Tate St Ives. The gallery showcases works by renowned artists such as J.M.W. Turner, William Blake, and Francis Bacon. Tate Britain also hosts the annual Turner Prize exhibition and offers a variety of events, lectures, and educational programs for visitors.
Official website: https://www.tate.org.uk/
Google map 4.7/5
#20 Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens, officially known as the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is a world-renowned botanical garden and UNESCO World Heritage Site located in southwest London. Spanning over 300 acres, it is home to the most diverse collection of living plants in the world, with more than 50,000 species. Established in 1759, Kew Gardens features iconic structures such as the Palm House, the Temperate House, and the Great Pagoda. Visitors can explore various themed gardens, enjoy treetop walks, and attend seasonal events, exhibitions, and educational programs. Kew Gardens is a vital center for botanical research and conservation, making it an essential destination for plant enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Official website: https://www.kew.org
Google map 4.7/5
