Chosen London as your next holiday spot but unsure where to begin with? We have your back, London has a lot to offer everyone whether you are a history buff, an architectural enthusiast, a nature lover or anyone who loves exploring new places. Here, you'd be able to encounter the testaments of European history like St. Paul Cathedral and many more. Plus, you'll get an amazing chance to explore, admire and appreciate the world-famous tourist destinations and the royal palaces, no less than a magical portal to a royal realm.
Here, we have shortlisted some popular destinations in London to help to create a perfect itinerary.
1. St. Paul Cathedral
Whether you take it as a symbol of Christian legacy or London resilience, St. Paul Cathedral comes among the top 10 places to visit in London. Especially, if you're a history buff or an architectural enthusiast, this would be the best tourist destination in London for you.
St. Paul Cathedral is truly a masterpiece boasting one of the largest domes in the world. Destroyed many times, since its first construction in 604 AD, the most unpopular was the Great Fire of London which demolished it to the ground in 1666. Thanks to Sir Christopher, the brilliant mind behind the iconic structure. Since then, it has staged many historic events from the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana to the funerals of some notable figures like Winston Churchill and many others and has miraculously survived the blitz during both World Wars.
2. Buckingham Palace
Next on the list of our popular destinations in London is the Buckingham Palace. This is one of the most - if not the most popular royal residences in the world, visiting here is among the things you must do in London, giving insights into British Heritage and Culture.
Being the official residence of the London monarch since 1837, it has served as a backdrop to many historical events. You can come here in summer and marvel at its opulent architecture – the grand state rooms, high-quality furnishing and world-class artwork, offering you a once-a-lifetime experience. The Changing of the Guard ceremony is a must-watch thing over here where the Queen's guard is relieved of duty by a new guard. You can also enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beautiful gardens. More curious about British history? Booking a guided tour is always a good idea.
3. London Eye
Drawing 3 million visitors annually, the London Eye or the Millennium Wheel is the most popular and the best tourist destination in London letting you enjoy the awe-inspiring views.
Technically the London Eye is a kind of Ferris wheel which is the tallest cantilevered observation wheel in Europe. As you step into its spaceship-like capsules, you'll be able to gaze at the 360 panoramic views of London including all the iconic spots you've heard about – Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul Cathedral and the Tower of London. What makes it more remarkable is, that you'd be assisting with an interactive screen giving you information about places you're seeing. It has become so prominent that it's really hard to imagine the London Skyline without the London Eye!
4. Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio
Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio is something you'd get in every list regarding the best places to visit in London or the best things to do in London UK. Whether you're a Harry Potter fan or not, it doesn't matter, the sights are so fascinating making it a must-visit destination for everyone.
Located about 20 miles northwest of central London, Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio awaits you to step into the magical world, exactly what you read in books! Explore the Great Hall, Forbidden Forest, Diagon Alley, and the magical marketplace only accessible to the people who know magic! Here, you'd come across all that's integral to the Harry Potter universe. Just don't miss this incredible opportunity to discover the secrets of the movie's special effects.
5. The National Gallery
Absolutely free to enter, the trip to London is incomplete without paying a visit to The National Gallery, a world-renowned art museum. It boasts a huge collection of paintings, nearly 2,300, checking this out comes among the things you must do in London for anyone in love with paintings or a history buff.
Whether you admire Leonardo Da Vinci or Vincent Van Gogh, you'd be surely pleased by the masterpieces presented here. Also, look at European paintings from the 13th century to the 19th century, giving you some crucial insights into European history and culture. You can also indulge yourself in a high-end dinner, lunch or cocktails at Ochre, participate in workshops and exhibitions and check out some latest souvenirs and prints. If you have come with family, you can also look for some fun activities for all ages.
6. Kew Gardens
Are you a plant lover, nature lover, environmentalist or anyone who loves enjoying outdoor spaces? If your answer is a big yes, then Kew Gardens is the best tourist destination in London for you, giving you a prime opportunity to live in your dream place. Kew Gardens is the most popular botanical garden in the world spreading over 300 acres of land. There is a lot to explore over here, from stunning glasshouses, and mesmerizing landscapes to the smallest palace in London, surely taking at least a day of your trip. It boasts a huge living collection of over 50,000 plants and 7 million preserved specimens. Apart from impressive glass houses which house Japanese to Mediterranean to Australian fauna, don't miss the breathtaking views of the Garden from the top. How? The Treetop Walkway!
This is by no means an exhaustive list of the best places to visit in London, but these sure happen to be fan favourites. After you've spent the day exploring these, get on a river cruise on the Thames in the evening.