London is an extremely large city with over 30 boroughs. With that being said, I believe I only visited three. Within those three, this is a list I have come up with that I believe are the 10 must-see attractions in London that I recomend.
I also apologize that the pictures are dark and gloomy…the London weather caught us.
Tower Bridge
Not only does Tower Bridge have an overpowering extravagance from the outside, but it also has a unique view from inside the tower. Walking along the two glass walkways in-between the towers is rather frightening. The glass allows you to see right through to the bridge and the River Thames below. Scary!!
Along the walkways are also featured bridges from around the world with various architecture and designs. Down below are the Engine rooms, where you can see how the drawbridge moves up for passing boats.
Tower of London & The Crown Jewels
The Tower of London is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that began as a palace and the royal residence. As the years grew on, it also became a prison. Lions, a polar bear, and other wild animals were also housed within the Tower until they started attacking humans (quite odd that wild animals attack people).
The Crown Jewels are located within the walls and house all the royal jewels, including the Coronation Spoon, St. Edward’s Crown, The Crown of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, the Imperial State Crown, among many, many, MANY other priceless (and colorful) jewels.
Millennium Bridge
Millennium Bridge opened in 2000, but was nicknamed the “Wobbly Bridge” because it began to wobble after the grand opening. The bridge closed down for the next two years, and luckily, no longer sways.
A local artist visits the bridge every once and a while to paint the gum literrings to change them into art. If that’s not innovation, I don’t know what is!
Big Ben and Parliament
Big Ben and Parliament are must-see spots when touring around London. There are tours that can be set up to learn more about Parliament, but admiring the building is enough within itself (at least for me, since politics is not among my favorite pastimes).
St. Paul’s Cathedral
St Paul’s is the marriage site of Diane and Charles and is currently in operation. The Dome stands at over 300 feet tall and takes over 500 steps to reach the top.
The views are worth it, but I definitely wouldn’t suggest it if you’re afraid of heights!
Also, when you reach the top, you will see a tall tower in the distance. That is not to be confused with the Eifel Tower. I repeat, that is not the Eifel Tower.
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is a working church and has been the stomping grounds of many royals. Stepping foot in this church is a MUST. If you want more info on this church, click here.
The London Eye
Rotation around the London Eye takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. The top of the Eye allows a panoramic view of London. Again, if you’re afraid of heights, I don’t necessarily recomend this one.
Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guards
The guards on duty march from St. James’s Palace to Buckingham Palace in order to switch with the new guards. This occurs everyday April through July, and alternate days for the rest of the year.
The band plays for our entertainment (and the soldiers). Their hats are made out of bears, but instead of killing bears like they used to do, they wait for Canadian bears to die, and then are shipped to London for the soldiers. Quite complex all for a hat!
Buckingham Palace is only open for a few months out of the year while Her Majesty is on holiday. The tour consists of seeing multiple staterooms and learning about how the Queen prepares for guests. One preparation being that everyone at dinner receives SIX glasses (for who knows what!).
Walkie Talkie, Gherkin, and the Shard
The Shard is the tallest standing skyscraper in Europe that offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding city. Advanced booking is recommended.
The Walkie Talkie and Gherkin have both been named for their odd configurations.
The British Museum
The British Museum houses pieces from all over the world, and in my opinion the most interesting being the Rosetta Stone. Don’t be fooled! It’s a little stone, but nonetheless very interesting.
Visiting These Must-See Attractions in London
It can be exciting to add all of these to your “must-see attractions in London,” but always remember to look into each one before going. You may need tickets or transportation. It may also be better to go on one specific day of the week. And of course, since you are in London, be sure to look into the weather as it is constantly changing.