London, the vibrant capital of the United Kingdom, is a city steeped in history and brimming with culture. For first-time travelers, the city offers a plethora of iconic landmarks that are a must-see. From royal palaces to historic bridges, London has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore seven must-see landmarks that should be on every first-time traveler’s itinerary.
Key Takeaways
- Buckingham Palace: The official residence of the British monarch and a symbol of the UK.
- Tower of London: A historic castle that has served as a royal palace, prison, and treasury.
- British Museum: Home to a vast collection of world art and artifacts, including the Rosetta Stone.
- Westminster Abbey: A stunning Gothic church known for royal coronations and weddings.
- St. Paul’s Cathedral: An architectural masterpiece with a stunning dome and panoramic city views.
1. Buckingham Palace
Overview
The Buckingham Palace is the administrative headquarters of the British Monarch and its official residence. The construction of this magnificent structure started in the year 1703, and since then it adds to the grandeur of the city of London. A visit to the Buckingham Palace is surely bound to give you an extraordinary experience of royal life and should be one of the top things to do.
Architectural Beauty
Buckingham Palace is a royal landmark that most people around the world recognize. With its stunning exterior and Renaissance-style interiors, it is definitely a landmark that should be on every history buff’s bucket list.
Changing of the Guards
Buckingham Palace is the home of the royal family. It’s a grand palace with stoic guards who attract large crowds when they end their shifts, known as Changing of the Guards. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London!
Nearby Attractions
As always, when in the UK you will want to go and see how the royals live. Take a stroll across Westminster Bridge, admire Big Ben, Parliament and Westminster Abbey before walking through St James Park and on to Buckingham Palace for a look at the golden gates and huge palace.
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2. Tower of London
The Tower of London is one of the most famous historical sites in the UK and a designated World Heritage Site. It has served as a fortress, prison, and palace. A visit here is a journey through time.
Address: Tower of London, London, EC3N 4AB
Cost:
- Adult: £33.60 ($43.11)
- Children 5-15: £16.80 ($21.56)
Admission includes:
- The Crown Jewels
- The White Tower
- The Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula
- Battlements
- Medieval Palace
- Bloody Tower
- Torture at the Tower exhibition
- Fusiliers Museum
- Royal Mint exhibition
A good strategy to ensure a stress-free experience is to book the Tower tickets early.
Travelers that visit will get to meet the guardians of the tower (ravens), learn about the turbulent history of the Tower on the guided Yeoman Warder tour, and see the crown jewels along with so much more. Plus, one of the best reasons to visit London in summer is that travelers will experience the moat in full bloom; the area really comes alive with hundreds of wildflowers.
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3. British Museum
For history buffs, the British Museum is definitely a London landmark worth a visit. From the museum’s most popular attraction, the Rosetta Stone, to the Egyptian Sculpture Gallery, there are so many exhibits and artifacts to see, making this one of the best landmarks in the city.
Highlights
Head directly into the British Museum and begin your tour through the massive venue, home to millions of artifacts across more than 70 galleries. Your entrance will be greeted by the grandeur of the Greek Revival Style architecture, complete with columns and pediments in a neoclassical approach.
Guided Tours
Visiting the British Museum can be one of the most interesting and enriching things to do in London. There are also guided tours available where expert guides take you through a journey of thousands of years’ worth of knowledge and tell you about the intricacies which an untrained eye might miss. The duration of any guided tour can be around 2 to 2.5 hours.
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Collections
The British Museum is considered to be one of the most comprehensive museums with over 8 million artifacts and works. Its permanent collections can take you back to the inception of human existence, with exhibits originating from various parts of the world. The museum is dedicated to showcasing the evolution of humankind.
Visitor Information
- Address: Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG, United Kingdom
- Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Admission: Free, but some special exhibitions may require a ticket.
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4. Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey, also known as the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster, is a stunning Gothic abbey church located in the heart of London. This monumental building is not only a place of worship but also a site of immense historical significance. It has been the traditional place for the coronation and burial of British monarchs.
Historical Significance
Westminster Abbey is steeped in history, being the site for all royal weddings and many other significant events. Visitors can explore the library, Jerusalem chamber, St. George’s Chapel, and the coronation chair.
Architectural Marvel
The abbey’s high ceilings, supported by colossal marble columns, and glittering stained glass windows add to its aesthetic value. The impressive architecture makes it a must-see landmark in London.
Visitor Information
- Address: Westminster Abbey, 20 Deans Yd, London SW1P 3PA
- Entry Times: Check the official website for the latest prices & entry times.
- Guides: A lively 48-page souvenir guidebook is available for visitors.
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5. St. Paul’s Cathedral
St. Paul’s Cathedral, an iconic London landmark, has a rich history that extends over 1,400 years. Built in the 17th century, it has stood the test of time and remains one of the top historic sites in the UK. When you visit, you’ll have the chance to explore the cathedral floor, the crypt, and the dome galleries.
Address
St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD
Ticket Costs
- Adults (18yrs+):
- Online advance rates: £20.50 ($26.30)
- Walk-up Individual rates: £23 ($29.51)
- Group (10+): £20.50 ($26.30)
- Children (6-17yrs):
- Online advance rates: £9 ($11.55)
- Walk-up Individual rates: £10 ($12.83)
- Group (10+): £9 ($11.55)
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6. Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is one of London’s most iconic landmarks, instantly recognizable and often mistaken for the London Bridge. This combined bascule-suspension bridge, built in 1894, spans the River Thames and is a testament to Victorian Gothic architecture. Visitors can explore the towers, walkways, glass floors, and engine rooms. The perspectives and views from the top are truly breathtaking.
The History of Tower Bridge
After 125 years, we take a look at some of the defining moments in the history of Tower Bridge. This iconic structure has survived two world wars and remains a symbol of London’s resilience and ingenuity.
Tower Bridge – All You Need to Know Before You Go
Tower Bridge is open to the public 363 days a year. Within the bridge’s iconic structure, you can find exhibitions that delve into its history and engineering marvels. Don’t forget to download the official app for more interactive experiences.
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7. London Eye
Overview
The London Eye is a giant cantilever observation wheel situated on the southern banks of the River Thames. At 443 feet (about 135 meters) tall, it is the tallest observation wheel in Europe and one of the most popular paid tourist attractions. With its impressive height, the London Eye offers breathtaking views of the city skyline.
Ticket Information
A standard entry ticket to the London Eye is priced at about £30.50 – £45 ($39.13 – $57.74) per adult. For a quicker experience, you can opt for the Fast Track ticket, which costs around £53 ($68) per adult. Booking in advance can be more pocket-friendly, and special packages are available on the official website.
Best Time to Visit
For a more tranquil experience, it’s best to avoid booking in summer. Consider the first or last entry of the day to enjoy a less crowded ride.
Address
The London Eye is located at Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB.
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The London Eye offers a breathtaking view of the city’s skyline, making it a must-visit attraction. Whether you’re planning a romantic evening or a fun day out with family, the London Eye promises an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss out on this iconic landmark!
Conclusion
London is a city that effortlessly blends history, culture, and modernity, offering first-time travelers an array of unforgettable experiences. From the majestic Buckingham Palace to the iconic Tower Bridge, each landmark tells a story that adds to the rich tapestry of this vibrant city. As you plan your visit, remember that Tripcorner is here to help you craft the perfect itinerary, ensuring you don’t miss any of these must-see landmarks. With our expertise in travel planning, we can customize your trip to include the best deals on flights, hotels, and excursions tailored to your specific tastes. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the wonders of London with Tripcorner by your side.
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