London is a city like no other—rich in history, packed with culture, and full of vibrant energy. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to explore more, there’s always something new to discover. Having lived in London for years, I’ve explored every corner of this incredible city, and today, I’m sharing the top 10 must-visit tourist hotspots to help you make the most of your trip!
- The Tower of London – A Journey into History
📍 Location: Tower Hill, EC3N 4AB
🚇 Nearest Tube: Tower Hill (Circle & District lines)
🎟 Entry Fee: Check with the attraction for UpToDate prices.
The Tower of London is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, this fortress has served as a royal palace, prison, and treasury. Today, it houses the Crown Jewels, one of the most dazzling collections of royal regalia in the world.
Must-See Highlights:
- The Crown Jewels Exhibition – home to the legendary Koh-i-Noor diamond!
- The Yeoman Warder Tour (Beefeaters) – fun and informative guided tours.
- The Ravens of the Tower – legend says if they ever leave, the kingdom will fall!
💡 Top Tip: Arrive early to avoid long queues, especially during summer!
- Tower Bridge – London’s Most Famous Bridge
📍 Location: Tower Bridge Road, SE1 2UP
🚇 Nearest Tube: Tower Hill or London Bridge
🎟 Entry Fee: Check with the attraction for UpToDate prices.
Often mistaken for London Bridge, Tower Bridge is one of the most recognisable symbols of London. Built in 1894, this bascule bridge still opens to allow ships to pass through. You can walk across the high-level glass walkway, which offers breathtaking views over the Thames.
Must-See Highlights:
- The Glass Walkway – 42m above the River Thames!
- The Engine Rooms – see the original Victorian steam engines.
- The Tower Bridge Lift – check the schedule to watch the bridge rise!
💡 Top Tip: Sunset is the best time to visit for stunning photographs.
- Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard
📍 Location: Westminster, SW1A 1AA
🚇 Nearest Tube: Green Park, St. James’s Park, or Victoria
🎟 Entry Fee: Free to watch the Changing of the Guard
No visit to London is complete without a stop at Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the King of the United Kingdom. While the palace is only open to the public during summer, you can always enjoy the Changing of the Guard ceremony outside its gates.
Must-See Highlights:
- The Grand State Rooms (if visiting in summer).
- The Royal Gardens – home to over 350 species of wildflowers.
- The Changing of the Guard – a spectacular free event (Daily at 11:00 am in summer, every other day in winter).
💡 Top Tip: Arrive 30-45 minutes early for a good viewing spot!
- The British Museum – A Treasure Trove of History
📍 Location: Great Russell St, WC1B 3DG
🚇 Nearest Tube: Tottenham Court Road, Holborn, or Russell Square
🎟 Entry Fee: Free!
One of the world’s greatest museums, the British Museum houses over 8 million artefacts from ancient civilisations, including Egypt, Greece, and Rome. It’s a paradise for history lovers!
Must-See Highlights:
- The Rosetta Stone – the key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs.
- The Elgin Marbles – stunning sculptures from the Parthenon in Greece.
- The Egyptian Mummies – an incredible collection of ancient mummies!
💡 Top Tip: The Great Court Café is a perfect spot to take a break with a coffee.
- The Houses of Parliament & Big Ben
📍 Location: Westminster, SW1A 0AA
🚇 Nearest Tube: Westminster
🎟 Entry Fee: Free to see from outside
The Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster, is the political heart of the UK. Right next to it is the Elizabeth Tower, home to Big Ben, the world-famous clock.
Must-See Highlights:
- Guided Tours of the historic Parliament chambers.
- Night-time view of Big Ben – it looks stunning when illuminated!
- Westminster Bridge – perfect for classic London photos.
💡 Top Tip: Cross over the bridge for an amazing view of the London Eye.
- The London Eye – A Bird’s-Eye View of the City
📍 Location: South Bank, SE1 7PB
🚇 Nearest Tube: Waterloo
🎟 Entry Fee: Check with the attraction for UpToDate prices.
Standing at 135m tall, the London Eye offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the city. Each glass capsule takes about 30 minutes to complete one rotation.
💡 Top Tip: Visit at sunset for a magical experience!
- Camden Market – A Food & Shopping Haven
📍 Location: Camden Lock Place, NW1 8AF
🚇 Nearest Tube: Camden Town
🎟 Entry Fee: Free!
Camden Market is one of the coolest spots in London, full of quirky shops, street food stalls, and live music. It’s a great place to pick up unique souvenirs.
💡 Top Tip: Try the foods from the stalls – they’re legendary!
- Hyde Park – London’s Green Escape
📍 Location: W2 2UH
🚇 Nearest Tube: Hyde Park Corner or Marble Arch
🎟 Entry Fee: Free!
One of the largest Royal Parks in London, Hyde Park is perfect for a relaxing stroll, boat rides, or even spotting swans in the Serpentine Lake.
💡 Top Tip: Visit Winter Wonderland if you’re here at Christmas!
- Covent Garden – A Bustling Cultural Hub
📍 Location: WC2E 9DD
🚇 Nearest Tube: Covent Garden
🎟 Entry Fee: Free!
Full of street performers, high-end shops, and amazing restaurants, Covent Garden is always buzzing with life!
💡 Top Tip: Visit the Apple Market for handcrafted goods and unique souvenirs.
- The Shard – London’s Tallest Viewpoint
📍 Location: 32 London Bridge St, SE1 9SG
🚇 Nearest Tube: London Bridge
🎟 Entry Fee: Check with the attraction for UpToDate prices.
Standing at 310m, The Shard is the tallest building in the UK and offers breathtaking views of the city from its 72nd-floor observation deck.
💡 Top Tip: Book a sunset slot for the most spectacular views.
Final Thoughts
London is a city that never runs out of places to explore. Whether you’re here for history, food, or entertainment, these 10 hotspots will give you an unforgettable experience!
📍 Which of these places are you most excited to visit? Let me know in the comments below!