Table of Contents
London is known to be the most visited city in the UK, with more than 15 million visitors each year. You might probably be wondering which are the best places to visit in London. London is known for its rich history, Royal palaces, and breathtaking sites, the British Capital has something to suit for every vibe! I am reminded of a lovely quote that goes something like this – In London everyone is different, and that means anyone can fit in- Paddington Bear. It is said to be the home of the world’s most popular places in London. From world-class museums, magnificent art galleries, quirky shopping markets to dazzling nightlife, we will guide you through the best tourist and nearest tourist places in London.
With so much to explore, it is quite a task to visit every remarkable site. But not to worry, we have listed below the best tourist attractions in London. Make sure to add these in your bucket-list to have an unforgettable experience in London. Here is our list of the best places to visit in London.
1. The British Museum | Famous Places In London
One of London’s top attractions for tourists includes the fascinating museum founded in the 1750s. It is one of the biggest museums in the world with 8 million permanent exhibits. The museum is curated with items from different periods and from all over the world. The British Museum is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in London.
Main Attraction: Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles.
Unique features: One of the world’s largest and most important museums of human history and culture.
Location: Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3DG, United Kingdom.
Transport: Tottenham Court Road train station.
Nearby attractions: There are many cafes and tea houses around the museum such as Store Street Espresso and Tea & Tattle.
Opening hours:
- Mon – Sun 10 am to 5.30 pm
- Fri 10 am to 8.30 pm
Phone number: +44 (0)20 7323 8000
2. Buckingham Palace
The home of the British Monarch is hands down the most important place to visit in London. It is one of the most iconic landmarks with beautiful architecture & splendid views. The Palace is open for eight weeks in summer. Between July and September, you can visit the State Rooms & explore the extravagant rooms decorated with the most impressive artworks. It is one of the popular tourist places in London. All these reasons make Buckingham Palace, the most famous place in London.
Main Attraction: The State Rooms.
Unique features: The Palace comprises 775 rooms.
Location: Westminster, London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom.
Transport: Victoria train station.
Nearby attractions: The Victoria Memorial and The Guards Museum.
Opening hours:
- 25th July – 31st August 2020 9.30 am to 7.30 pm
- 1st September – 4th October 2020 9.30 am to 6.30 pm
Phone number: +44 303 123 7300
3. Hyde Park
Situated in the heart of the city, it is one of the most beautiful tourist places in London. Hyde Park is also one of the biggest Royal Parks in London. The park is a great tourist place in London to spend some quality time with family and friends. It has some amazing water features and statues, making it a must-visit attraction for tourists. Be sure to visit this top tourist attraction in London.
Main Attraction: The Wellington Arch and Hyde Park Corner.
Unique features: The park has been Grade I listed on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens since 1987.
Location: London, United Kingdom.
Transport: The train stations near the park are Lancaster Gate, Marble Arch Station, Hyde Park Station, Knightsbridge Station.
Nearby attractions: Hard Rock Cafe and The Victoria are some eateries around this Park.
Opening hours:
- Mon – Sun 5 am to 12 am
Phone number: +44 300 061 2000
4. Madame Tussauds
Don’t you feel that London is amazing? Keep the spirit high and visit one of the coolest places in London. The Madame Tussauds in London is the original waxwork museum formed in 1830. The museum is home for many famous faces from throughout history including monarchs, politicians, actors, sports personalities, singers and many more. It is a terrific place to get some amazing pictures of your favourite celebrity figure. Madame Tussauds is truly one of the best places in London.
Main Attraction: The wax figures of the Royal family are incredibly lifelike.
Unique features: It has more than 250 lifelike figures of your favourite celebrities.
Location: Marylebone Rd, Marylebone, London NW1 5LR, United Kingdom.
Transport: Baker Street train station.
Nearby attractions: You favourite fast-food chains like KFC, McDonald’s and Chipotle Mexican Grill are very close by.
Opening hours:
- Wed – Sat 9 am to 5 pm
- Sun – Tues 9 am to 4 pm
5. St. Paul’s Cathedral
St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most religious tourist places. Located at the highest point of the city, it is one of the biggest churches in the UK. St. Paul has served as a key location for many important events in British history, such as the wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles in 1981. There is a lot to see inside the church like the glittering mosaics, 400-year-old sculptures and religious artworks, the cathedral’s historic library and much more. Be sure to visit this amazing London tourist places.
Main Attraction: Its world-famous dome.
Unique features: It is the seat of the Bishop of London and the mother church of the Diocese of London.
Location: St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD, United Kingdom.
Transport: St Paul’s train station.
Nearby attractions: The Museum of London.
Opening hours:
- Mon – Sat 8.30 am to 4 pm
Phone number: +44 20 7246 8350
6. ZSL London Zoo
ZSL London Zoo is the world’s oldest scientific zoo with over 750 species of animals. This zoo is full of wonderful and exciting things like the Asiatic Lions and Bonobo Monkeys. There’s also the opportunity of visiting the iconic penguin beach, tiger territory, gorilla kingdom and for the brave hearts, the ultimate walk-through spider experience. It’s a must-visit London site. ZSL London Zoo is definitely one of the best places to visit in London.
Main Attraction: Reptile House.
Unique features: ZSL London Zoo is the world’s oldest scientific zoo.
Location: The Regent’s Park.
Transport: Camden Town train station.
Nearby attractions: Jewish Museum, London.
Opening hours:
- Mon – Sun 10 am to 5 pm
Phone number: 0344 225 1826
7. Coca-Cola London eye
Rotating over the River Thames, The London Eye is the most iconic and must-visit tourist place in London. The London Eye consists of a giant wheel offering the most beautiful views across the city. During the night, the wheel is lit up in glittering lights and also serves as the centrepiece of London’s annual New Year’s firework display. You wouldn’t want to miss out on this one. Your London experience will truly be incomplete without a visit to this famous tourist place in London. The London Eye is easily one of the best tourist places in London.
Unique features: It is the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel.
Location: The Queen’s Walk, Bishop’s, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom.
Transport: Westminster train station.
Nearby attractions: National Theatre and Florence Nightingale Museum.
Opening hours:
- Wed – Sun 10 am to 8.30 pm
- Mon – Tues 11 am to 6 pm
Phone number: +44 870 990 8881
8. Borough Market | Tourish Places In London
Located at the heart of Central London, Borough Market is one of the most happening places to visit in London. It is also said to be London’s oldest market. You can shop for a variety of local foods, pastries, oysters, wine, coffee, and much more. Borough Market is truly one of the best places to visit not only in London but also in the UK.
Main Attraction: Its beautiful architecture. This venue has been used as a film location for Bridget Jones’s Diary, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
Unique features: The origins of this market dates back to the 12th century.
Location: 8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL, United Kingdom.
Transport- London Bridge Underground train station
Nearby attractions: Golden Hinde
Opening hours:
- Mon – Thurs 10 am to 5 pm
- Fri 10 am to 6 pm
- Sat 8 am to 5 pm
Phone number: +44 20 7407 1002
9. Sea Life Aquarium in London
The Sea Life London Aquarium hosts about one million visitors each year. It is home to one of Europe’s largest collections of global marine life. The aquarium offers an unforgettable experience as you start your journey in their stunning glass tunnel. You will witness some amazing attractions and see some major water-stars like seahorses, octopus, zebra sharks and the popular clown-fish. Be sure to visit this famous place in London.
Main Attraction: Their stunning glass tunnel.
Unique features: More than 2,000,000 litres of water is used in this aquarium.
Location: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, Bishop’s, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom.
Transport: Westminster train station.
Nearby attractions: London Eye and Jubilee Gardens.
Opening hours:
- Mon – Fri 10 am to 4 pm
- Sat – Sun 10 am to 5 pm
- Thurs 11 am to 4 pm
11. The National Gallery | Tourist Places In London
If you love art, this is the place for you! The National Gallery consists of European masterpieces. It is a free site to visit with free guide tours and multiple language audio tours. There are various free activities available for families and children too. One’s journey isn’t complete without visiting one of the most famous places. This is why The National Gallery is one of the top London tourist attractions.
Main Attraction: The creative events and exhibitions they host periodically.
Unique features: It houses a collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900.
Location: Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross, London WC2N 5DN, United Kingdom.
Transport: Charing Cross Station.
Nearby attractions: National Portrait Gallery.
Opening hours:
- Mon – Sun 10 am to 6 pm
- Fri 10 am to 9 pm
Phone number: +44 20 7747 2885
12. Warner Bros Studio Tour
Make some noise, all you Potterheads! You have arrived at your dream destination. Witness the magical land which is a complete bliss for all the Harry Potter fans. The iconic sets, props, costumes, and artefacts straight from the film sets are all there to give fans a truly magical experience (no pun intended). Do yourself a favour and go visit one of the best London attractions – Warner Bros Studio.
Main Attraction: Platform 9¾.
Unique features: It is quite possibly the only permanent filmmaking exhibit of its size in the world.
Location: Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR, United Kingdom.
Transport: Harry Potter Studio Tour bus stop.
Nearby attractions: Sergio’s Studio Kitchen is the nearest restaurant here.
Opening hours:
- Mon – Sun 8.30 am to 10 pm
- Tues 9.30 am to 8 pm
Phone number: +44 345 084 0900
13. Walk the Thames | Tourish Places In London
It is impossible to miss River Thames while strolling in London, as it runs right through the heart of the city. Walking along the Riverfront from Westminster to Tower Bridge, you’ll pass many iconic icons such as the London Eye, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, Shakespeare’s Globe and the London Bridge. A boat ride along the Thames is in everyone’s checklist. Many River tours offer cruises and activities along the way too.
Unique feature: At 215 miles (346 km), it is the longest river entirely in England.
14. The Hippodrome Casino
Looking for a full-fledged London’s nightlife experience? This is the place! The UK’s largest international-style casino, open 24/7, is a place full of entertainment. The casino consists of award-winning restaurant Heliot Steak House, Cabaret theatre, music room, poker deck, four-floors for gambling & also features sports streaming including NFL games. It is one of the busiest places in the city which promises a spectacular sight. When it comes to popular places in London, it doesn’t get any better than The Hippodrome Casino.
Main Attraction: Their 325-seat state-of-the-art theatre.
Location: Cranbourn St, Leicester Square, West End, London WC2H 7JH, United Kingdom
Transport: Leicester Square train station
Nearby attractions: Wyndham’s Theatre, National Portrait Gallery.
Opening hours:
- Open 24/7.
Phone number: +44 20 7769 8888
15. Tower of London
One of the most iconic landmarks in London is the 900-year-old historic castle of London. The Tower of London has served various purposes like a prison, a Royal Palace, a museum, an armoury, & even a zoo. This place is famous for serving many infamous prisoners. The Tower of London also holds the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site for art and history.
Unique features: Since 1994, the Crown Jewels have been on display in the Jewel House in the Waterloo Block.
Location: St Katharine’s & Wapping, London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom.
Transport: Tower Hill train station.
Nearby attractions: The London Wall.
Opening hours:
- Mon – Fri 9 am to 4.30 pm
- Sat – Sun 10 am to 4.30 pm
Phone number: +44 20 3166 6000
16. Hampstead Heath | Tourish Places In London
Hampstead Heath is the perfect escape from city life, thanks to its sprawling land of 320 hectares. A beautiful grassy, countryside and a public place, Hampstead Heath is one of the best Lon tourist places. The glorious chain of ponds running along the eastern perimeter is everyone’s favourite. It also has Parliament hill, three open-air public swimming pools, ancient woodlands, playgrounds and many more. Seeking in the beauty of nature, this place offers an absolute wanderlust experience.
Main Attraction: Parliament Hill Fields.
Unique features: It covers a staggering 320 hectares.
Location: London, United Kingdom.
Transport: Hampstead Heath train station.
Nearby attractions: Mixed Bathing Pond.
Opening hours:
- Mon – Sun 9 am to 6 pm
Phone number: +44 20 7332 3322
17. Big Ben
The journey in London for tourists is incomplete without witnessing this world-famous clock. It is London’s most iconic national timepiece. The Big Ben consists of the House of Parliament and the Elizabeth Tower. There are many tourist places, and sightseeing in London one can do like visiting the public galleries, museums or nearby places like Hyde Park and Soho Market.
Unique features: The clock tower has been part of a Grade I listed building since 1970 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.
Location: Westminster, London SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom.
Transport: Westminster train station.
Nearby attractions: House of Lords, Jewel Tower.
Opening hours:
- Mon – Thurs 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
- Fri – Sun 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Phone number: +44 20 7219 4272
FAQs
1. What was London’s most visited attraction in 2024?
Ans: London’s most visited attraction in 2024 is the British Museum, which houses an extensive collection of art and artifacts from around the world.
2. What are 5 things London is famous for?
Ans: London is famous for its iconic landmarks like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Big Ben, and the River Thames.
3. What’s the best month to go to London?
Ans: The best month to visit London depends on personal preferences, but generally, the summer months (June to August) offer pleasant weather and various outdoor events.
4. What do I need to go to London?
Ans: To visit London, you typically need a valid passport (and possibly a visa, depending on your nationality) and enough funds for your stay.
5. What is the best area of London to stay in?
Ans: The best area to stay in London depends on individual preferences and interests. Central areas like Westminster, Covent Garden, and Southbank offer convenient access to major attractions and public transportation. Other neighborhoods like Shoreditch, Camden, and Notting Hill have their own unique charm and appeal.
Thank you for reading this blog. If you’d like to read more, here are some blogs that might be of interest to you:
- Easiest Universities To Get Into In London For International Students
- The Best Flea Markets in London
- A complete list of best student friendly part-time jobs in London
If you’re someone who wants to share your valuable experiences through a blog, we’re more than happy to collaborate. Write to us at contact@18.170.55.100 to know more about our guest-post submission process.
