London Landmarks – 63 Most Beautiful Places to See (+ Map)

London is a pulsating metropolis where a thousand years of history meets modern culture at every step.

Whether you long to follow in the footsteps of kings, admire world-class art or look for the best views, this guide will take you through the best places to see in London.

London landmarks – a map of the places to see in London

Iconic royal landmarks

1. The Tower of London

A historic fortress on the bank of the Thames with almost a thousand years of often bloody history. It served as a royal palace, a feared prison, a place of execution, an armoury and a treasury. Today it’s home to the British Crown Jewels, which you can admire here in all their glory, and it’s guarded by the legendary Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters), whose storytelling draws you into the turbulent past of this place.

Practical tip: Buy tickets online in advance to avoid the long queues. Once you enter the grounds, go straight to the Crown Jewels while there are the fewest people there. A tour with a Beefeater is included in the ticket price and is an absolutely brilliant experience.

2. Tower Bridge

An unmistakable symbol of London and a masterpiece of Victorian engineering. This iconic bascule bridge with two neo-Gothic towers offers more than just a crossing of the Thames. As part of the Tower Bridge Exhibition you can climb up to the glass walkways at the top, which provide a stunning view of the city, and look into the original Victorian engine rooms that once powered its lifting mechanism.

Practical tip: Check the exact bridge lift times on the bridge’s official website. Seeing the enormous arms of the bridge rise to let a ship through is an unforgettable and completely free experience, which you’ll see best from the embankment.

3. Buckingham Palace

The official London residence of the British monarch and the centre of state ceremony. Although the interior is only open to the public in summer, the sight of the majestic building and the famous balcony is an experience all year round. The biggest draw, though, is the magnificent Changing of the Guard, full of music and precise choreography, which attracts crowds from all over the world.

Practical tip: The Changing of the Guard takes place at 11:00 (daily in summer, every other day out of season). Come at least 45–60 minutes in advance to secure a good spot by the fence or on the steps of the Victoria Memorial directly opposite.

4. The Houses of Parliament & Big Ben

The seat of the British parliament and one of the most iconic buildings in the world. Its neo-Gothic silhouette with the Elizabeth Tower, home of the famous Big Ben bell, is a symbol of democracy and British identity. The monumental building looks best from the opposite bank of the Thames, from where you can admire its majesty in full.

Practical tip: The best and least crowded place for photographing the palace is from the opposite bank of the Thames, a short walk from the London Eye. Walk across Westminster Bridge at sunset, when the building is beautifully lit.

5. Westminster Abbey

A majestic Gothic church that has been the spiritual heart of Britain for a thousand years. It’s the place where every coronation since 1066 has been held, and the setting for many royal weddings and funerals. Hundreds of the most important figures in British history are buried inside, from monarchs to scientists such as Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin.

Practical tip: Book tickets online and you’ll save time and often money too. An audio guide is included in the ticket price; it’s excellent and takes you through all the important places and stories you’d otherwise miss.

World-class museums and galleries

6. The British Museum

One of the oldest and largest museums in the world, mapping two million years of human history, art and culture. Its collections contain absolute treasures such as the Rosetta Stone, which made it possible to decipher hieroglyphs, the Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon in Athens and a fascinating collection of Egyptian mummies.

Practical tip: Entry to the permanent displays is free. The museum is enormous, so before your visit choose 3–4 key exhibits you want to see on the website. That way you’ll save time and energy and go straight for them.

7. The National Gallery

An art gallery on the famous Trafalgar Square, home to one of the best collections of Western European painting in the world. In more than 2,300 paintings you can walk through the history of art from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century and see with your own eyes works by da Vinci, Monet, Rembrandt, Turner and Van Gogh’s Sunflowers.

Practical tip: Entry is free. Download the gallery’s free app to your phone. It offers maps and several themed routes, for example the “Top 30 works”, which take you through the best of what the gallery has to offer, with commentary.

8. Tate Modern

Britain’s national gallery of modern and contemporary art, housed in the imposing building of a former power station on the bank of the Thames. Its unique industrial spaces, especially the enormous Turbine Hall entrance space, are a work of art in themselves. Inside you’ll find key works by artists such as Picasso, Dalí, Warhol and Rothko.

Practical tip: Take the lift up to the “Viewing Level” terrace on the 10th floor of the Blavatnik Building. It offers one of the best 360° panoramic views of London, including St Paul’s Cathedral and the river Thames, and it’s completely free.

Churches, cathedrals and historic buildings

9. St Paul’s Cathedral

A masterpiece by the architect Sir Christopher Wren with one of the largest and best-known domes in the world. The cathedral, built after the Great Fire of London in 1666, has been the setting for many important events, including the funeral of Winston Churchill and the wedding of Prince Charles and Diana Spencer. Its interior is just as stunning as the exterior and offers breathtaking views for those who dare to climb up.

Practical tip: Don’t miss the climb up into the dome. There are 528 steps ahead of you, but your reward will be a visit to the Whispering Gallery with its unique acoustics and then an absolutely phenomenal panoramic view of London from the highest Golden Gallery.

10. Shakespeare’s Globe

A faithful reconstruction of the original Elizabethan open-air theatre, where William Shakespeare staged his greatest plays. The oak structure with its thatched roof takes you 400 years back in time and offers you the chance to experience theatre the way audiences did in the 16th century. The atmosphere during a performance is absolutely unique and absorbing.

Practical tip: For the most authentic and cheapest experience, buy a standing (“groundling”) ticket for just £5. You’ll stand right by the stage, just like the poorer spectators in Shakespeare’s time. Just be prepared to stand for the whole performance.

11. The Churchill War Rooms

A fascinating underground bunker hidden beneath the streets of Westminster, from where Winston Churchill and his government ran Great Britain during the Second World War. A walk through the labyrinth of narrow corridors and rooms, preserved exactly as they looked in 1945, is like a journey through time. It also includes an interactive museum devoted to the life and legacy of Winston Churchill.

Practical tip: Be sure to book tickets online well in advance. Capacity is limited and the place is extremely popular, so tickets on site tend to be hopelessly sold out, especially at weekends.

12. Kensington Palace

An elegant royal residence that has been home to members of the royal family for more than 300 years. It was the place where Queen Victoria was born and grew up, and later the residence of Diana, Princess of Wales. Today you can visit the magnificent state apartments and see exhibitions devoted to the history of the palace and its famous residents.

Practical tip: After touring the palace, make time for a walk through the adjoining Kensington Gardens. Here you’ll find calm, beautiful formal gardens and the famous statue of Peter Pan.

13. Hampton Court Palace

A magnificent Tudor palace lying a short way outside the centre of London, which was a favourite residence of the notorious King Henry VIII. The palace is a fascinating mixture of Tudor and Baroque architecture and offers beautiful apartments, extensive kitchens, a haunted gallery and a world-famous garden maze. It’s a great full-day trip from the city centre.

Practical tip: The palace is extensive. Set aside at least half a day for it. Don’t forget to visit the enormous Tudor kitchens, where feasts for hundreds of courtiers were once prepared – live cooking demonstrations often take place here.

Breathtaking views and attractions

14. The London Eye

A giant observation wheel on the south bank of the Thames, which has become one of the most modern symbols of London. During the 30-minute, slowly rotating ride in a glass capsule you’ll get an unforgettable 360° view of the Palace of Westminster, Big Ben and other iconic landmarks from a height of 135 metres.

Practical tip: Buy a “Fast Track” ticket online. It’s more expensive, but in high season it saves you several hours of waiting in an enormous queue. The best time to visit is just before sunset, when you’ll see the city both by day and lit up at night.

15. The Shard

The tallest building in Great Britain, a modern glass skyscraper in the shape of a shard, designed by the architect Renzo Piano. From “The View from The Shard” observation decks on the 68th, 69th and 72nd floors you’ll get absolutely the best and highest view of the whole city. On a clear day visibility reaches up to 64 kilometres.

Practical tip: Consider visiting one of the bars (Aqua Shard or GŎNG, for example) on the lower floors of the skyscraper. The price of a drink is high, but it often matches the price of a ticket to the observation deck, and you can enjoy a similarly amazing view in comfort with a cocktail in hand.

16. Sky Garden

The highest public garden in London, nicknamed the “Walkie Talkie” after the shape of the building it’s in. This tropical oasis on the 35th floor offers a beautiful panoramic view of the city and, best of all, entry is completely free. It’s a great alternative to paid viewpoints such as The Shard or the London Eye.

Practical tip: Tickets (even though they’re free) have to be booked online several weeks in advance, because places are limited and disappear quickly. If you don’t manage to book a place, try coming early in the morning on a weekday, when “walk-in” entries may be available.

Parks, greenery and the riverside

17. Hyde Park

One of the largest and best-known royal parks in London. It’s an enormous green oasis in the heart of the city, ideal for walks, picnics, cycling or boating on the Serpentine lake. The famous Speakers’ Corner and the memorial to Princess Diana are here too.

Practical tip: Take your swimsuit in summer. The Serpentine has a designated swimming area, the “Lido”, where you can cool off. Swimming in the middle of a busy capital is a unique experience.

18. Regent’s Park

An elegant royal park in the north of central London, known for its beautiful formal gardens such as Queen Mary’s Gardens with more than 12,000 roses. The park also contains London Zoo, an open-air theatre, and from the top of Primrose Hill on its northern edge one of the most beautiful views of the city skyline opens up.

Practical tip: Don’t miss the climb up Primrose Hill. It’s a short walk uphill, but the view of the central London skyline from here is absolutely iconic and ideal for photography, especially at sunset.

19. St James’s Park

The oldest and, many say, the most beautiful royal park in London, spreading out right by Buckingham Palace. The park is famous for its lake full of pelicans (which have lived here for almost 400 years) and for the amazing view from the blue bridge across the lake, from where you can see Buckingham Palace on one side and the London Eye on the other.

Practical tip: Try to plan your visit to the park for the pelican feeding time. It usually takes place every day between 2:30 and 3:00 p.m. by Duck Island Cottage. It’s a fun and free spectacle.

20. Greenwich Park

A historic park in south-east London that is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park lies on a hill and offers one of the best views of the Canary Wharf financial district and the river Thames. The Royal Observatory, the prime meridian, the National Maritime Museum and the historic ship Cutty Sark are here.

Practical tip: The best way to get to Greenwich is by boat along the Thames (Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, for example). The journey is an experience in itself and gives you unique views of the city from the river.

21. South Bank

A busy promenade on the south bank of the Thames, which is the cultural heart of London. Here you’ll find a concentration of theatres and galleries (the National Theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe, Tate Modern), street performers, food stalls and constant lively bustle. A walk from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge is one of the best you can take in London.

Practical tip: Visit the Southbank Centre Food Market (open from Friday to Sunday), where you’ll find great street food from all over the world. It’s an ideal place for a quick and tasty lunch during your walk along the riverside.

Famous squares and streets

22. Trafalgar Square

The most famous square in London, considered the true centre of the city (the point from which all distances to London are measured is here). It’s dominated by Nelson’s Column, guarded by four giant lions, the National Gallery and two fountains. It’s a place of national celebrations, demonstrations and meetings.

Practical tip: Sit down on the steps below Nelson’s Column and simply watch the bustle around you. It’s a great place for “people-watching”. The Fourth Plinth in the corner of the square hosts rotating installations of modern art, so you’ll always see something new here.

23. Piccadilly Circus

London’s answer to New York’s Times Square. This busy square and transport hub is famous for its giant neon advertisements, the fountain with the statue of Eros and its closeness to the main theatre and shopping districts. It’s a place that pulses with energy by day and by night.

Practical tip: Piccadilly Circus isn’t so much a place to spend time as a starting point. From here you can easily walk to Soho, Leicester Square, Chinatown or the Regent Street and Piccadilly shopping avenues.

24. Covent Garden

A charming district full of life, whose heart is a former fruit and vegetable market. Today the elegant building is full of shops, restaurants and craft stalls. The surrounding streets are full of theatres, boutiques and restaurants. The area is famous for its top-class street performers and opera singers, who perform right on the piazza.

Practical tip: Don’t miss the hidden courtyard of Neal’s Yard. It’s an incredibly colourful and photogenic oasis of calm just a few steps from the main bustle, full of small cafés and health food shops.

25. Leicester Square

The heart of London’s theatre and film district, the West End. The square is surrounded by large cinemas where British film premieres take place, and you’ll also find the “TKTS” ticket booth here, where you can get discounted tickets for theatre performances on the same day. In the middle of the square there’s a small park with a statue of William Shakespeare.

Practical tip: If you want to see a musical at a good price, visit the TKTS booth on the square in the morning. The offer changes every day, but you can often get tickets for the biggest hits with a 30–50% discount.

26. Oxford Street

The busiest shopping street in Europe, lined with more than 300 shops. Here you’ll find the flagship stores of well-known brands, huge department stores such as Selfridges and a constant stream of shoppers. It’s a paradise for lovers of fashion and shopping, but also a fascinating illustration of London’s rush.

Practical tip: If the crowds on Oxford Street aren’t for you, explore calmer side lanes such as St Christopher’s Place or South Molton Street, where you’ll find smaller boutiques, cafés and restaurants.

27. Abbey Road

Probably the most famous pedestrian crossing in the world, immortalised by The Beatles on the cover of their 1969 album. The famous Abbey Road Studios are here too. The place is a pilgrimage site for Beatles fans from all over the world, who try to recreate the iconic photograph here.

Practical tip: The crossing is still on a normal, busy road. Be patient and considerate to drivers. There’s a live camera on the studios’ website, so you can wave to your friends back home as you cross.

Markets and food

28. Borough Market

The oldest and most famous food market in London, with a history going back more than 1,000 years. It’s a foodie paradise, where you’ll find an enormous choice of fresh produce, artisan cheeses, baked goods, meat and dozens of stalls with excellent street food from all over the world. The atmosphere here is incredibly lively and full of aromas.

Practical tip: Come with an empty stomach. Many stalls offer free tastings. Don’t miss specialities such as raclette, the grilled cheese sandwich from Kappacasein Dairy or the legendary sausages from The Ginger Pig.

29. Camden Market

An eccentric and pulsating market that is the centre of alternative culture in London. It consists of several connected markets, where you’ll find everything from vintage fashion and handmade jewellery to gothic clothing and works of art. It also includes an enormous section with street food from all over the world.

Practical tip: Visit the market on a weekday morning, when there are slightly fewer people. At weekends the market tends to be extremely crowded. Don’t forget to explore the Stables Market section in the former horse stables, which is the most interesting part.

30. Portobello Road Market

A world-famous market in the Notting Hill district, known above all for its antiques. The main market day is Saturday, when Portobello Road fills with hundreds of stalls selling antiques, collectibles, vintage clothing and souvenirs. The picturesque colourful houses around it complete the unique atmosphere.

Practical tip: Although Saturday is the main day for antiques, a smaller food and fashion market operates here on other days too. If you want to experience a calmer Notting Hill atmosphere and photograph the colourful houses without the crowds, come on a weekday.

31. Brick Lane Market

An eclectic market in east London, famous for its street art, vintage shops and above all its excellent curry restaurants. On Sunday the street comes alive with a market selling everything from second-hand furniture to the work of young designers. It’s a place with a young, creative and multicultural atmosphere.

Practical tip: Besides the main street market, explore the covered markets in the Old Truman Brewery, such as the Backyard Market or the Sunday Upmarket, where you’ll find plenty of original fashion and design. And definitely have a curry here – it’s an unwritten obligation.

More museums and galleries

32. The Natural History Museum

A museum housed in a beautiful cathedral-like building, which is an architectural gem in itself. Inside there’s an enormous collection from the natural sciences, including the famous dinosaur gallery with an animatronic T-Rex and the stunning skeleton of a blue whale hanging above the main hall.

Practical tip: Entry is free. The museum is very popular with families with children, so if you want more calm, come on a weekday right at opening time, or later in the afternoon. The side entrance from Exhibition Road is often less busy than the main one.

33. The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)

A leading world museum of art, design and applied art, whose collections cover 5,000 years of human creativity. Here you’ll find an incredible range of objects, from fashion, jewellery and furniture to sculptures, ceramics and photographs. It’s a place where you can get lost for hours and still discover something new and beautiful.

Practical tip: Entry is free. Don’t miss the beautiful John Madejski Garden courtyard, a hidden oasis in the middle of the museum. In summer it’s an ideal place to rest by the fountain with a coffee from the museum café.

34. The Science Museum

An interactive and entertaining museum that celebrates humanity’s greatest scientific and technological discoveries. The museum is full of fascinating exhibits, from the first steam engines and old aircraft to the command module from the Apollo 10 mission and modern displays about medicine and space. It’s a great place for visitors of all ages.

Practical tip: Entry to the permanent displays is free, but special exhibitions, simulators and the 3D cinema are charged. If you’re travelling with children, don’t miss the interactive Wonderlab gallery, which is paid but absolutely fantastic.

35. The Imperial War Museum

An impressive and often moving museum documenting the history of modern wars and conflicts from the First World War to the present day. It’s housed in the building of a former psychiatric hospital and its displays focus not only on military technology, but above all on human stories and the impact of war on society.

Practical tip: Pay special attention to the Holocaust exhibition (suitable for over-14s), which is very powerful and superbly presented. Entry to the museum is free, but some special exhibitions may be charged.

36. The National Maritime Museum

The largest maritime museum in the world, located in the beautiful setting of Greenwich. It documents the rich maritime history of Great Britain, from Captain Cook’s discoveries to the famous Battle of Trafalgar. Here you can see the uniform in which Admiral Nelson was mortally wounded.

Practical tip: Entry is free. Ideally combine a visit to the museum with the other attractions in Greenwich, such as the Royal Observatory and the ship Cutty Sark, which are only a few steps apart. Buy one discounted ticket for everything.

37. Cutty Sark

The last surviving tea clipper in the world, a historic sailing ship from 1869. Today this elegant ship stands in a dry dock in Greenwich and is a fascinating museum. You can walk through all the decks, look into the cabins and even walk beneath its hull and admire its graceful lines.

Practical tip: The experience is even better because you can walk beneath the whole ship. The hull is raised three metres above the ground, which lets you appreciate the design that made it one of the fastest ships of its time.

Hidden gems and other unique places

38. Little Venice

A charming, calm area at the confluence of the Regent’s Canal and the Grand Union Canal. It’s a picturesque water oasis full of colourful houseboats, canalside cafés and greenery. It’s an ideal place for a calm walk and an escape from the bustle of the big city.

Practical tip: Get on the waterbus, which runs regularly between Little Venice and Camden Lock. The journey takes about 45 minutes, passes through a tunnel and London Zoo and is one of the most original ways to see part of the city.

39. Sir John Soane’s Museum

One of the most curious and most atmospheric houses in London. The former home of the eccentric 19th-century architect Sir John Soane is literally packed with his collections of paintings, sculptures, architectural models and antiquities. The house has been left almost exactly as Soane bequeathed it to the nation, and it’s a real labyrinth full of surprises.

Practical tip: Entry is free, but only small groups are let inside, so be prepared for a possible wait in the queue. You have to leave backpacks and larger bags at the entrance. Don’t miss the demonstration of the unfolding picture planes in the Picture Gallery.

40. The Wallace Collection

An excellent art gallery housed in a grand London townhouse, which is often unfairly overlooked. It offers one of the best collections of 18th-century art in the world, including paintings by Fragonard, Rubens and Rembrandt, as well as an amazing collection of arms and armour. All of it in the intimate atmosphere of a historic residence.

Practical tip: Entry is free and the gallery isn’t usually crowded. After your visit, treat yourself to a coffee or lunch in the beautiful glass-roofed restaurant in the courtyard, considered one of the loveliest in London.

41. Neal’s Yard

A mysterious, hidden and incredibly colourful courtyard tucked away in the lanes a short walk from Covent Garden. It’s a small, photogenic oasis full of colourful façades, small independent shops such as the famous Neal’s Yard Remedies, and cafés with healthy food. It’s a perfect example of hidden London charm.

Practical tip: The entrance to the courtyard is easy to miss. Look for the narrow passage from Short’s Gardens. It’s an ideal place for a quick coffee and a unique photo for your Instagram.

42. Leadenhall Market

A beautiful covered Victorian market hall in the heart of the City of London financial district. Its ornate roof, cobbled lanes and elegant shops create a magical atmosphere. The market is also known to Harry Potter fans, as it served as the exterior for Diagon Alley and the Leaky Cauldron.

Practical tip: Visit the market on a weekday at lunchtime, when it comes alive with workers from the surrounding offices, or in the evening, when the local pubs fill up and the atmosphere is very lively. At weekends, by contrast, it’s almost empty here.

43. Richmond Park

The largest of London’s royal parks, which feels more like countryside than a city park. It’s famous for its freely roaming herds of red and fallow deer, of which more than 600 live here. It’s an ideal place for long walks, cycling and wildlife watching, all with unexpected views of the London skyline.

Practical tip: The best view of St Paul’s Cathedral, 16 km away, is from King Henry’s Mound. It’s a protected view, which means no new buildings may be built in its path. Don’t get too close to the deer, especially during the rutting season (September–October).

44. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (Kew Gardens)

Extensive botanical gardens on the UNESCO World Heritage list. It’s a living museum of plants from all over the world. Here you can admire enormous Victorian glasshouses such as the Palm House and the Temperate House, walk along the Treetop Walkway and discover plants from every corner of the planet.

Practical tip: The gardens are enormous, so set aside at least half a day for a visit. Don’t miss The Hive, a fascinating art installation that simulates life inside a beehive using lights and sounds.

45. West End Theatreland

London’s West End is a byword for top-class theatre and is considered the best theatre district in the world, alongside Broadway in New York. Dozens of historic theatres around Leicester Square and Covent Garden stage world-famous musicals and plays, from classics such as Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera to the latest hits.

Practical tip: If you’re not tied to a particular show, visit the official TKTS booth on Leicester Square on the day of the performance. You can get tickets for the biggest shows here at a significant discount.

46. Chinatown

A pulsating, colourful district in the heart of the West End, whose entrance is guarded by iconic Chinese gates. It’s full of authentic restaurants, Asian supermarkets, bakeries and small shops. It’s a great place to go for lunch or dinner, especially for dim sum or Peking duck.

Practical tip: Walk along the main Gerrard Street, but don’t forget to look into the side lanes as well. You’ll often find the best and most authentic food in smaller, unassuming restaurants. The Chinese New Year celebrations here are magnificent, but also extremely crowded.

47. Somerset House

A magnificent neoclassical building on the bank of the Thames, which today is one of the main cultural centres of London. Galleries are based in its complex, concerts and open-air film screenings are held here, and in winter its beautiful courtyard turns into one of the loveliest ice rinks in the city.

Practical tip: In summer don’t miss the dancing fountains in the courtyard, which are a great refreshment and fun for children and adults alike. Tours of the building, which reveal its fascinating history, are often free.

48. The Emirates Air Line (cable car)

A cable car across the river Thames, connecting the Greenwich Peninsula with the Royal Docks. It offers a unique and less traditional bird’s-eye view of the city, especially of the modern architecture of the O2 Arena and the Canary Wharf financial district. The ride takes about 10 minutes.

Practical tip: The ticket is significantly cheaper if you use a contactless payment card or an Oyster Card. For the best experience, take the ride at sunset, when the city skyline turns beautiful colours.

49. The Monument

A memorial to the Great Fire of London of 1666, designed by Sir Christopher Wren. This 61-metre-high Doric column stands exactly 61 metres from the spot in Pudding Lane where the fire began. You can climb the 311 steps of the narrow spiral staircase to a viewing platform that offers a great view of the City of London.

Practical tip: It isn’t a viewpoint for people afraid of heights or confined spaces. After you come back down you’ll receive a certificate as proof that you managed the climb. It’s a great and cheap alternative to the modern viewpoints.

50. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

An absolute must for all Harry Potter fans. It’s a short way outside London (in Watford), but easy to reach. Here you can walk through authentic sets such as the Great Hall, Diagon Alley and the Forbidden Forest, see thousands of props and costumes and discover the secrets of the film effects.

Practical tip: Tickets have to be booked online several months in advance – they can’t be bought on site and tend to be hopelessly sold out. Set aside at least 4–5 hours for a visit, there really is a lot to see.

51. HMS Belfast

A mighty warship cruiser proudly moored on the river Thames between Tower Bridge and London Bridge. This Royal Navy ship served in the Second World War (including the Normandy landings) and in the Korean War. Today it’s a fascinating floating museum, where you can climb through nine decks, from the engine room deep below to the bridge, and experience for yourself what life at sea was like for sailors.

Practical tip: Set aside at least 2–3 hours for the tour. The ship is a labyrinth of narrow corridors and steep ladders, so it isn’t suitable for people with limited mobility. From the upper decks there’s one of the best and most unusual views of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.

52. The Royal Observatory Greenwich & the Prime Meridian

The historic observatory on the hill in Greenwich Park is the home of time and space. It was here that the Prime Meridian Line was established, dividing the world into the eastern and western hemispheres. You can stand here with one foot in each hemisphere, which is almost obligatory for visitors. Inside the observatory you’ll find fascinating displays about astronomy, navigation and the history of timekeeping.

Practical tip: Be prepared for a fairly steep climb through the park to the observatory. Your reward, though, will be not only the famous meridian, but also one of the most iconic and most photographed views of the whole London skyline, with the Queen’s House in the foreground and the Canary Wharf skyscrapers behind.

53. Harrods

More than just a department store, Harrods is an institution and a luxury experience in itself. This world-famous department store in Knightsbridge is famous for its opulent decoration, exclusive goods and first-class service. Its “Food Halls” with their beautiful Art Nouveau interiors and the Egyptian escalator are especially stunning. Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, a visit is an experience.

Practical tip: Mind the dress code – they won’t let you in with large backpacks (they have to be left in the cloakroom) or in overly sporty or torn clothing. For an affordable souvenir, visit the gift section on the ground floor, where you’ll find the famous Harrods-branded teas and chocolates.

54. The National Portrait Gallery

This gallery, right next to the National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, focuses not on the artists but on the people portrayed. It holds the largest collection of portraits in the world and takes you through British history face to face – from the Tudor monarchs through William Shakespeare to contemporary icons such as David Beckham and Queen Elizabeth II.

Practical tip: Entry is free. If you’re short of time, focus on the Tudor collection on the upper floor, where you’ll find the most famous portraits of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. The gallery recently underwent an extensive renovation and is now even more impressive.

55. The Museum of London

A fascinating museum that tells the story of London itself, from prehistoric times through the Roman settlement, the Middle Ages, the Great Fire and the Victorian era to the modern metropolis. It’s a great place to put all the other landmarks into historical context. The displays are very engaging and interactive.

Practical tip: Entry is free. Don’t miss the reconstructed Victorian streets with shops that you can look into. The museum is moving to a new location at Smithfield Market in the near future (around 2026), so check the current information before your visit.

56. Carnaby Street

An iconic street in Soho that was the epicentre of the fashion and cultural revolution of the “Swinging Sixties” in the 1960s. Today it’s a lively pedestrian zone full of original boutiques, flagship stores of independent brands and stylish restaurants. It’s a more colourful, bolder and less mainstream alternative to nearby Oxford Street.

Practical tip: Look up! The street is known for its elaborate and constantly changing art installations and decorations hanging above pedestrians’ heads, especially at Christmas.

57. The Royal Albert Hall

One of the best-known and most beautiful concert halls in the world, standing opposite Hyde Park. This majestic circular building of red brick with an enormous glass dome has hosted a wide range of events since 1871, from classical concerts (especially the summer BBC Proms festival) through rock concerts and ballet to film premieres.

Practical tip: If you don’t want to buy a ticket for a concert, you can join a daytime guided tour of the building, which reveals its fascinating history and lets you look into the royal box and backstage.

58. Platform 9 ¾

An obligatory stop for every Harry Potter fan at King’s Cross station. Here you’ll find the famous luggage trolley disappearing into the wall towards Platform 9 ¾. You can take the iconic photograph here with a scarf in the colours of your favourite Hogwarts house. Right next to it there’s a large shop with themed merchandise.

Practical tip: The queue for photos can be very long (over an hour). If you want to save time, come early in the morning or late in the evening. Taking photos is free if you use your own phone; professional photographs by the staff are charged.

59. The Millennium Bridge

An elegant steel footbridge connecting Tate Modern on the south bank with St Paul’s Cathedral on the north. The bridge is known for its futuristic design and is also infamous among Harry Potter fans as the bridge destroyed by the Death Eaters. It offers an absolutely perfect and symmetrical photographic composition with the dome of St Paul’s in the background.

Practical tip: Walk across the bridge in the evening, when the cathedral is lit up. There are fewer people and the atmosphere is magical. As you walk from Tate Modern towards the cathedral, one of the most beautiful views in the city gradually opens up in front of you.

60. St Dunstan in the East

A hidden gem and a secret oasis of calm in the middle of the busy financial district. It’s the ruin of a Gothic church destroyed during the bombing in the Second World War. The walls that remain are today overgrown with greenery and ivy, and inside a beautiful public garden with benches and a fountain has been created. It’s an incredibly photogenic and calm place.

Practical tip: The place is ideal for a short rest and an escape from the crowds. Bring a coffee or lunch with you and enjoy the silence. The garden is open daily and entry is free.

61. Soho

The heart of London’s West End, a byword for entertainment, nightlife and a bohemian atmosphere. This district is a maze of narrow lanes full of theatres, jazz clubs, historic pubs, independent shops and restaurants serving cuisines from all over the world. It’s a place that lives 24 hours a day and has a slightly rebellious soul.

Practical tip: Getting lost in Soho is the best way to get to know it. Explore streets such as Old Compton Street (the heart of the LGBTQ+ scene) and Dean Street, or have a coffee on Soho Square. In the evening it’s the best place to go for a drink before a visit to the theatre.

62. Wembley Stadium and Wimbledon

Two meccas for sports fans. Wembley Stadium, with its iconic arch, is the home of English football and hosts the biggest football matches and concerts. The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon is the setting for the most famous tennis tournament in the world. Both venues offer tours that take you backstage, into the changing rooms and onto the playing surface.

Practical tip: If you don’t visit London during a match or the tournament, a tour of the stadium (Wembley) or the museum and grounds (Wimbledon) is a great alternative. Book them online in advance. Both places are further from the centre, so allow enough time for the journey.

63. God’s Own Junkyard

One of the most unique and visually amazing places in London, which is still somewhat hidden from the main tourist flows. It’s an enormous gallery and workshop full of neon signs, symbols and artworks created by the artist Chris Bracey. It’s a dazzling, surreal and incredibly photogenic paradise of colour and light.

Practical tip: The gallery is in Walthamstow (east London), so the journey from the centre takes a while. It’s open only at weekends (check the current opening hours). Entry is free. Inside there’s also a café where you can have a drink surrounded by glowing neon.

Where to stay in London?

Budget accommodation:

Wombat’s City Hostel London – Probably the best hostel in London. Modern, incredibly clean, with great common areas and a bar. Ideal for solo travellers, couples and groups who want quality at a reasonable price.

Accommodation in London (mid-range)

CitizenM London Bankside – A modern, stylish and technology-focused hotel a short walk from Tate Modern. Enormous comfortable beds and room controls via a tablet. Great for lovers of design and an informal atmosphere.

A luxury London accommodation experience

The Savoy – An absolute London icon. The embodiment of classic British luxury, history and flawless service. A visit to the famous American Bar is an experience in itself.

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