If you're planning a visit to London and trying to decide which sights are a must-see, I've put together a list of the top 5 attractions that promise to impress you and awaken your senses. It wasn't easy, considering how many incredible places this city has to offer. You could spend a lifetime exploring them all!
1. The Tower of London
This one is my favorite, and I'd love to explain why. First of all, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a thousand-year-old castle with so much history that it's hard to grasp.
Not all the stories about the Tower of London are pleasant, but I'll let the Yeoman Warders uncover those mysteries for you. They've been the guardians of the tower for centuries, and their families have lived there for generations. You'll surely meet them when you enter the tower and join their walking tour, which is a must.
Another highlight of visiting the tower is the Crown Jewels. You get the chance to stand extremely close to one of the largest diamonds in the world and the Crown Jewels themselves, a privilege not offered in many places. Exploring the multiple rooms, the armory, and the little towers is an adventure in itself and an experience that shouldn't be missed.
2. The British Museum
This is another marvel that stands among the greatest museums in the world. As soon as you step through its doors, you'll understand why.
The world's greatest treasures are found here, and you could spend weeks exploring it thoroughly. I used to go for hours, every week, and there's still so much I haven't seen. From Roman treasures to Egyptian mummies to prehistoric artifacts, there's something for everyone. I would suggest picking an area of interest and focusing on that instead of trying to see everything.
It gets quite busy during weekends and holidays, so it's best to start earlier or later during these times. Make sure you don't miss the Rosetta Stone, one of the museum's highlights, which helped decipher the Egyptian alphabet.
3. Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard
No trip to London is complete without witnessing the Buckingham Palace. Depending on the month of your visit, you might have the opportunity to enter, usually during the summer when the state rooms are open. However, make sure you book well in advance as the Palace is super popular and tickets sell out quickly.
If you happen to be in the city on the right day, you must experience the Changing of the Guard ceremony. It usually takes place every other day, but it's best to check their website to find out the schedule and which guards will be performing.
My advice is to start your trip at St. James's Palace around 10:30, as that's where the guards usually begin their parade. If you're lucky you can snap some close-up pictures with King's Guards.
Another tip to avoid the crowds and find the best spots is to follow some of the guides in front of St. James's Palace. They'll lead their group to the best viewing spots, so you can sneak in behind and find the perfect spot.
4. The London Eye
There is hardly an attraction that draws even half the number of visitors that the London Eye does. It's simply incredible how popular this place is; you'll definitely feel it once you join the queue, especially on weekends or holidays.
The ride lasts 35 minutes, offering 360-degree views of London, unless it happens to be a rainy day. My advice? Check the weather forecast and book your tickets well in advance, as they're usually more expensive on the day of your visit, even if booked online. They offer fast-track tickets, but I'm not sure if it's worth the cost unless you have no other option.
If you have a few days in London and want to visit other attractions, I'd recommend looking into the multi-attraction pass. With this pass, you can visit four attractions and enjoy a hop-on-hop-off bus tour for one day. It's half the price compared to purchasing tickets separately.
5. Hyde Park
Walking around the city and visiting museums and attractions all day is not an easy feat. My favourite place, and that of many londoners, to relax and breathe in some fresh air is Hyde Park.
The vibe in the park is incredible, especially during the summer when there are loads of groups and people gathering in the sunshine.
If you're feeling more adventurous, i advise you to go for a long walk to the other side of the park, where you can find Kensington Palace. You can even find a few small kiosks where you can grab yourself some snacks or coffee for the way. There are many nice paths, a lake, and plenty of old trees. You'll forget you're in a big city.
Conclusion
The success of your day exploring London's attractions mostly depends on you. One key thing to keep in mind is the crowds. Make sure to arrive at attractions before they get too busy, especially on weekends and school holidays.
Don't forget your comfortable shoes if you plan to do a lot of walking and don't forget to check the weather beforehand to plan accordingly, although this can be tricky, we are all aware of the famous british weather. If you feel the rain approaching, explore indoor museums and save outdoor activities for clearer skies.
You can use public transport for getting around London, but if you're feeling adventurous and want to enjoy the sunshine, hop on an open-top bus! Nothing beats the wind and the sun showering you while you gaze at all these incredible places.
