If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to our RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

credit: Simone Hudson

When you get the opportunity to take a vacation to London, you should take advantage of it. This modern city is rich with history. That history has greatly impacted the United States and the rest of the world over the years and makes London a place that’s important for people from all nations to visit. Any basic tour guide will take you to all of the major spots that you’re going to want to see but you can also see most of their on your own if that’s your style.

Here are the top landmarks in London that you’ll want to try to include in your itinerary:

credit: hashmil

• Big Ben. Everyone knows about this big bell that strikes every quarter hour in London to mark the time. In addition to Big Ben itself, you should take the time to see the rest of the Houses of Parliament where Big Ben is located. You’ll know that the House of Commons is in session if you see a light shining in the clock tower. The buildings have areas that are open to the public and you can rest assured that you’re hardly going to be the only tourist there.

• British Museum. This is a landmark in its own right because of the architecture of the building and the history surrounding its development as a tourist attraction. However it’s also a place where you can get a great overall education in the history of London and in European and World History as a whole. This is a great early stop on your itinerary because it’ll give you a terrific appreciation for all that you’re going to see throughout London.

credit: damo1977

• Buckingham Palace. Can you imagine a trip to London without a trip to Buckingham Palace? This is where the British monarchs have lived and it’s a place that’s of great importance to the political history of the country. Try to schedule your timing here so that you can see the changing of the guards which is itself a historical rite.

• Canary Wharf. Visitors spending time in a new location are often interested in seeing their destination’s tallest buildings. Britain’s claim to fame in this area is Canary Wharf Tower. You can’t go up to the top to get a view but you should go take a look at it anyway if you’re in the area. Get some pictures and wander around the Thames.

• Hampton Court Palace. There are two reasons that you will want to add this landmark to your list of must-see places. First, you’ll go there because it’s a historical landmark for the Royal Palace. You can learn a great deal about the royal history by exploring the exhibits at this destination. But the main reason that you’ll want to go here is that there are over 500 acres of beautiful public gardens that you can explore free of charge.

credit: stevecadman

• Kensington Palace. You can’t think “London” without thinking “Princess Di”. This was her home and so it’s no surprise that American tourists flock here to take some fabulous pictures.

credit: bortescristian

• The Millennium Wheel. The Milennium Wheel is a huge Ferris Wheel unlike any other you’ve ever seen before. It takes a half an hour to complete one revolution. Be sure to take your camera because you will not find a better view of London.

• National Gallery. This art museum was created in the mid-nineteenth century to showcase the portraits of famous artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci. Those portraits are still points of interest to visitors today and the National Gallery itself has gained quite a name as a destination landmark for London travelers.

credit: Floyd Nello

• Piccadilly Circus. This shopping area has brought tourists to the region for decades and will continue to do so well into the future. Statues, fountains, theatres and other smaller landmarks are all located within this general area so there will be lots of picture-taking opportunities amidst the souvenir shopping that you’ll likely do here.

• Royal Albert Hall. If you have any interest at all in the performing arts and live theatre, you’ll want to make sure that this destination is on your to-do list. It’s a nineteenth century building that is filled with the city’s performing arts history. Take a tour and learn a little bit about the arts that have filled the lives of London residents for over a century and a half.

• Royal Mews. There aren’t too many places in the world where you can go to see famous working stables but London is, of course, one of those few places. The horses here have pulled the royal family through a number of processions so you’re touching the royal past while viewing the present.

• The Tower of London. There are two major aspects of this landmark’s past that make it of interest to travelers. The first is that it was originally an old prison making up a part of London’s criminal history. And the second is that it is where The Crown Jewels are stored today. You can see them on display when you take a tour of this London attraction.

• Tower Bridge Drawbridges. Drawbridges are a fun destination regardless of what kind of history is associated with them but this bridge with its double drawbridges has that history to boot. This bridge has been around and active for over a century and it’s made its way into the photographs of many travelers. You’ll want to keep that tradition. You’ll also want to take pictures of London itself once you see the stunning views that are available from the walkway here.

credit: ★eclaire

• Trafalgar Square. This early nineteenth century town square is a landmark which commemorates the political rallies of London’s past. It used to be where tourists would go to see the people throwing food at the pigeons but that practice has since been banned and is now just a part of the rich history that makes London what it is.

• Westminster Abbey. Whenever you go to a historic city such as London, there is at least one historic place of worship that you must see. Westminster Abbey is an architecturally impressive church that is filled with history. Numerous famous people are buried here including Elizabeth I of England.

credit: David Wilmot

• Windsor Castle. You should only plan on adding this landmark to your itinerary if you have a decent amount of time to explore London. That’s because it’s situated quite a drive away and will take a big chunk out of your schedule. Despite this, it’s worth the visit. It’s an important place which is currently an active residence and is said to be the oldest castle in the world.

You should take as much time as you can to simply explore the boroughs of London. Make a note as to what things there strike your fancy as you move from neighborhood to neighborhood and get a taste of London life. Also, make sure that you save some time to check out some of the fabulous locations listed above.

Tags: attractions | England | London | travel | vacation | vacations