London attractions listed by popularity
London’s Tower Bridge is one of the most recognizable bridges in the world. Despite being disliked by many when it was built in 1894 the bridge soon became one of the London's most famous landmarks.
The Tower of London was built at the end of the 11th century by William the Conqueror. The fortress houses a famous collection of jewelry including the Imperial State Crown.
Construction of Westminster Abbey started in 1050 and spanned eight centuries. The abbey serves as both as a royal coronation church and as a burial ground for many famous British personalities.
The majestic St. Paul's Cathedral was constructed between 1675 and 1711 by Christopher Wren who designed world's second largest dome; it was only eclipsed by the St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
The Houses of Parliament, the seat of the two parliamentary houses of the United Kingdom, was built in 1870. The enormous building is best known for its iconic clock Tower, the Big Ben.
The London Eye is a giant observation wheel in the center of London. Since its opening in 2000 the 30-minute 'flight' has been offering visitors great panoramic views over London.
The largest square in London is named after the Battle of Trafalgar where the English fleet defeated the French. The column at the center of the square honors Admiral Nelson who was fatally wounded during the battle.
One of London's most popular tourist attractions, Buckingham Palace is the most famous of all the palaces in London. The palace is the official residence of the King.
Piccadilly Circus is one of London's busiest squares. Always buzzing with activity, the popular plaza is best known for its billboard advertisements and the Eros statue.
St Pancras Station combines a historic Victorian train shed with an eye-catching neo-gothic building. The station is the terminus for the Eurostar High Speed Train, linking London with the European continent.
Madame Tussaud's display of wax figures has been fascinating visitors since the first exhibit was held in 1835. The museum is still one of the city's most popular attractions.
London's largest museum features one of the world's most impressive archeological collections. Its Parthenon Galleries and the impressive Egyptian collections are some of the highlights.
This old square used to be the home of the largest fruit-and vegetable market in England, but it is now a very popular shopping, eating and entertainment area.
The Globe Theatre is a reconstruction of the original 16th century theatre building, which was known for its association with Shakespeare and burnt down in 1613.
London's popular Natural History Museum, housed in a large 19th-century landmark building, has an enormous collection of all things regarding life on earth.
One of London's most interesting museums has a large collection of over four million pieces. Founded in 1852, the museum's diverse exhibits focus mostly on decorative arts and design.
The Millennium Bridge was built in 2000 across the river Thames. The pedestrian bridge connects the St. Paul's Cathedral with the Tate Modern Gallery on London's South Bank.
The City, the historic center of London, is now London's financial center. In this area several interesting skyscrapers can be found, as well as the St. Paul's Cathedral and other historic buildings.
In 1911 the Victoria Memorial was built right in front of Buckingham Palace. It honors the late Queen Victoria, who reigned more than 60 years over the expansive British Empire.
The National Gallery is one of London's most important museums, with a collection of paintings spanning the period from the 13th to the 19th century. It is housed at Trafalgar Square, in an impressive Neoclassical building.
The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew are one of the world's most important botanical gardens with about 50,000 plant species and many historically significant buildings such as the Palm House and Temperate House.
This large park in the center of London features the Kensington Palace and a bronze statue of Peter Pan. Originally a private royal park, it opened to the public in 1841.
One of the world's most important collections of modern art is housed in a former power station building. The massive brick building is located at the south bank of the river Thames.
Leicester Square is one of London's most lively squares situated in the heart of London's prime entertainment district. The abundance of theatres gives the area the nickname Theatreland.
This Roman Catholic Church is located at a small piazza near Victoria Station. Its red and white brick Byzantine architecture sets it apart from the many other, mostly Neo-Gothic churches in London.
This arch was built in 1911 by Aston Webb. It serves as a majestic buffer between the crowded Trafalgar Square and the Mall, the stately boulevard leading to Buckingham Palace.
The Monument was erected in 1671-1677 to commemorate the Great Fire of 1666, during which most of London burned to the ground. It was designed by the illustrious architect Christopher Wren.
The British royal family still uses ceremonial state coaches, housed in the Royal Mews, near Buckingham Palace. The centrepiece of the mews is the ornately decorated 'Gold State Coach'.
This palace in the Kensington Gardens was originally built in 1605. Several royals lived in this palace, including Queen Victoria, who was born here. Today the palace is partially open to the public.
London's oldest royal park is one of the city's most romantic. The park was created in the 16th century by King Henry VIII when he built the nearby St. James's Palace.
Originally built in the twelfth century, St. Bartholomew-the-Great is the oldest monastic church in London and one of the best examples of Norman architecture in the city. Inside is the tomb of Rahere, the founder of the church.
This Memorial was commissioned by Queen Victoria as a tribute to her late consort, Prince Albert. The High Gothic monument was completed in 1876, 15 years after Prince Albert died at the age of 42.
Leadenhall Market is a glass-covered shopping gallery, created in the 19th century in a Victorian design. Originally a food market, today you'll find a wide assortment of shops and restaurants.
This national museum extensively covers the 20th century conflicts in which Great Britain was involved, with an emphasis on the two World Wars. It is housed in a former hospital building.
The history of Southwark Cathedral goes back to the twelfth century but much of the current structure is the result of a nineteenth century renovation. Inside the cathedral are many interesting tombs and monuments.
This arch was built in 1827 by famed architect John Nash as the triumphal entrance gate to the newly expanded Buckingham Palace. The arch moved to its current position in 1851.
This warship was brought into service just before the Second World War. It saw plenty of action until the ship became decommissioned in 1963. Today the ship is a floating naval museum.
The Cutty Sark is a beautiful historic clipper ship, now a permanent museum in Greenwich. Built in 1869, it is the only remaining tea clipper ship from the 19th century.
The main building of the National Maritime Museum touts itself as the world's largest maritime museum. Highlights include a sumptuously decorated barge, a large model of a warship and the jacket of Admiral Nelson.
London's historical entertainment hall was built in 1871 in honor of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband and consort. The red brick building was renovated in 2004.
A collection of statues, monuments and memorials can be found on this traffic roundabout located at the southeast tip of Hyde Park. Apsley House, the home of the first Duke of Wellington, is also located here.
The London Aquarium is one of Europe's largest aquariums, with many large water tanks and an especially impressive collection of sharks.
This brick palace was built by King Henry VIII between 1531 and 1536. It became the principal royal residence in 1702 when Whitehall Palace was destroyed by fire and Queen Anne moved to St. James.
Originally a hunting ground for King Henry VIII, Regent's Park is now one of London's largest and most popular parks thanks to its lake, beautiful gardens and its London Zoo.
The Old Royal Naval College is a complex originally built on the order of Queen Mary II as a hospital for seamen of the Royal Navy. The magnificent Painted Hall and chapel are its two not-to-miss sights.
Installed at the London embankment in 1878, this almost 3500-year-old obelisk was originally located at the ancient city of Heliopolis in Egypt. It was presented as a gift to the city in 1819.
Connecting Chelsea with Battersea across the Thames, this colorful historic bridge in Victorian Style was built in 1872. It is named in memory of Prince Albert, Prince Consort to Queen Victoria.
London's Science Museum is dedicated to the history of science and technology. The large museum covers a wide variety of subjects, from rockets and steam engines to climate change and medicine.
Canary Wharf is a modern high-rise business district located in the Docklands, one the site of the world's busiest port. Today it features some of London's tallest buildings.
This magnificent group of Neoclassical buildings was just one of many such terraces built in the early 19th century as part of a large development project, transforming an area now known as Regency London.
Once the garden of the Earl of Bedford, this square with quiet park in Bloomsbury is lined with historic buildings, most notably the impressive Russell Hotel, built in 1900.
Built in 1858, this is the third opera house at this location near the Covent Garden Market after the first two were lost to fire. When it opened the building was lauded for its spectacular glass and iron arcade.
Holland park was created in 1952 from what was left of the enormous estate of Holland House, a large mansion originally built in the early 17th century in West London.
Waterloo Place was created in the 1820-30s as an extension of Regent Street. There are quite a few monuments and statues to admire here, most notably the Duke of York Column and the Crimean War Memorial.
Of all the cemeteries that were built in the Victorian era, Brompton Cemetery is the closest to the center of London. The design of the cemetery's chapel was based on the St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
Somerset House is a massive building that was erected in the early eighteenth century as an office building for government institutions. Today it is home to a number of cultural institutions including the Courtauld Gallery, an excellent art museum.
The Museum of London narrates the turbulent history of London from its early beginnings to today. The museum is one of the largest of its kind, with permanent galleries in a former market hall.
One of London's most famous landmarks is Nelson's Column, the crowning piece of Trafalgar Square. The monument was built as a tribute to admiral Nelson, who died in 1805 while leading the British fleet to victory during the Battle of Trafalgar.
Now encompassing thousands of paintings and photographs, the National Portrait Gallery was established in 1856 with a collection of paintings of British heroes that was meant to inspire the common people.
The Queen's House was built in 1616-1638 for the Queen consort of James I. It was the first neoclassical building in England. Today it houses a collection of paintings from the National Maritime Museum.
The design of the church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields combines an impressive portico with a tall steeple. The eighteenth-century church became a model for many future churches in England and North America.
Grosvenor Square is sometimes called 'Little America' for the connections the square has had with the United States over the last two centuries. Several statues on the square honor American presidents.
Horse Guards is a grand building most famous for the sentries who guard the building's gateway to the Horse Guards Parade, a parade ground that is the scene of the ceremonial Changing of the Guards.
Burlington Arcade is the most famous of the covered shopping arcades that were built in nineteenth-century London. The arcades are home to exclusive shops.
This triumphal arch commemorates the Duke of Wellington's Victory over Napoleon in Waterloo. The arch was constructed in 1830 just south of Hyde Park.
The Cenotaph is a memorial that was built after the First World War to commemorate the British soldiers who had lost their lives in battle. The memorial is the centerpiece of the annual Armistice Day celebrations.
This domed Italianate church - the second largest Roman Catholic church in London - was built in the 19th century for the congregation of the London Oratory.
This 200 acre / 81ha large park just south of the Thames opened in 1858. One of the attractions in the park is a Buddhist pagoda built in 1985 and known as the Temple of Peace.
The High Court of England and Wales is housed in this magnificent Victorian Gothic building. The immense building opened in 1882, shortly after its architect died.
The majestic County Hall was long used as the home of the Greater London Council. In the 1990s, the building was privatized and became home to the London Aquarium.
In 1834 a tall column was built in honor of the Duke of York. The column overlooks St. James's Park from its prominent position atop a flight of steps at Waterloo Place.
When the design of this futuristic office tower was unveiled in 1978 it caused quite a stir, but today the Lloyd's Building is considered one of the first truly groundbreaking modern buildings in London.
London attractions listed alphabetically
This arch was built in 1911 by Aston Webb. It serves as a majestic buffer between the crowded Trafalgar Square and the Mall, the stately boulevard leading to Buckingham Palace.
Connecting Chelsea with Battersea across the Thames, this colorful historic bridge in Victorian Style was built in 1872. It is named in memory of Prince Albert, Prince Consort to Queen Victoria.
This Memorial was commissioned by Queen Victoria as a tribute to her late consort, Prince Albert. The High Gothic monument was completed in 1876, 15 years after Prince Albert died at the age of 42.
This 200 acre / 81ha large park just south of the Thames opened in 1858. One of the attractions in the park is a Buddhist pagoda built in 1985 and known as the Temple of Peace.
London's largest museum features one of the world's most impressive archeological collections. Its Parthenon Galleries and the impressive Egyptian collections are some of the highlights.
Of all the cemeteries that were built in the Victorian era, Brompton Cemetery is the closest to the center of London. The design of the cemetery's chapel was based on the St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
This domed Italianate church - the second largest Roman Catholic church in London - was built in the 19th century for the congregation of the London Oratory.
One of London's most popular tourist attractions, Buckingham Palace is the most famous of all the palaces in London. The palace is the official residence of the King.
Burlington Arcade is the most famous of the covered shopping arcades that were built in nineteenth-century London. The arcades are home to exclusive shops.
Canary Wharf is a modern high-rise business district located in the Docklands, one the site of the world's busiest port. Today it features some of London's tallest buildings.
Installed at the London embankment in 1878, this almost 3500-year-old obelisk was originally located at the ancient city of Heliopolis in Egypt. It was presented as a gift to the city in 1819.
The majestic County Hall was long used as the home of the Greater London Council. In the 1990s, the building was privatized and became home to the London Aquarium.
This old square used to be the home of the largest fruit-and vegetable market in England, but it is now a very popular shopping, eating and entertainment area.
This magnificent group of Neoclassical buildings was just one of many such terraces built in the early 19th century as part of a large development project, transforming an area now known as Regency London.
The Cutty Sark is a beautiful historic clipper ship, now a permanent museum in Greenwich. Built in 1869, it is the only remaining tea clipper ship from the 19th century.
In 1834 a tall column was built in honor of the Duke of York. The column overlooks St. James's Park from its prominent position atop a flight of steps at Waterloo Place.
The Globe Theatre is a reconstruction of the original 16th century theatre building, which was known for its association with Shakespeare and burnt down in 1613.
Grosvenor Square is sometimes called 'Little America' for the connections the square has had with the United States over the last two centuries. Several statues on the square honor American presidents.
This warship was brought into service just before the Second World War. It saw plenty of action until the ship became decommissioned in 1963. Today the ship is a floating naval museum.
Holland park was created in 1952 from what was left of the enormous estate of Holland House, a large mansion originally built in the early 17th century in West London.
Horse Guards is a grand building most famous for the sentries who guard the building's gateway to the Horse Guards Parade, a parade ground that is the scene of the ceremonial Changing of the Guards.
The Houses of Parliament, the seat of the two parliamentary houses of the United Kingdom, was built in 1870. The enormous building is best known for its iconic clock Tower, the Big Ben.
A collection of statues, monuments and memorials can be found on this traffic roundabout located at the southeast tip of Hyde Park. Apsley House, the home of the first Duke of Wellington, is also located here.
This national museum extensively covers the 20th century conflicts in which Great Britain was involved, with an emphasis on the two World Wars. It is housed in a former hospital building.
This large park in the center of London features the Kensington Palace and a bronze statue of Peter Pan. Originally a private royal park, it opened to the public in 1841.
This palace in the Kensington Gardens was originally built in 1605. Several royals lived in this palace, including Queen Victoria, who was born here. Today the palace is partially open to the public.
The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew are one of the world's most important botanical gardens with about 50,000 plant species and many historically significant buildings such as the Palm House and Temperate House.
Leadenhall Market is a glass-covered shopping gallery, created in the 19th century in a Victorian design. Originally a food market, today you'll find a wide assortment of shops and restaurants.
Leicester Square is one of London's most lively squares situated in the heart of London's prime entertainment district. The abundance of theatres gives the area the nickname Theatreland.
When the design of this futuristic office tower was unveiled in 1978 it caused quite a stir, but today the Lloyd's Building is considered one of the first truly groundbreaking modern buildings in London.
The London Aquarium is one of Europe's largest aquariums, with many large water tanks and an especially impressive collection of sharks.
The London Eye is a giant observation wheel in the center of London. Since its opening in 2000 the 30-minute 'flight' has been offering visitors great panoramic views over London.
Madame Tussaud's display of wax figures has been fascinating visitors since the first exhibit was held in 1835. The museum is still one of the city's most popular attractions.
This arch was built in 1827 by famed architect John Nash as the triumphal entrance gate to the newly expanded Buckingham Palace. The arch moved to its current position in 1851.
The Millennium Bridge was built in 2000 across the river Thames. The pedestrian bridge connects the St. Paul's Cathedral with the Tate Modern Gallery on London's South Bank.
The Museum of London narrates the turbulent history of London from its early beginnings to today. The museum is one of the largest of its kind, with permanent galleries in a former market hall.
The National Gallery is one of London's most important museums, with a collection of paintings spanning the period from the 13th to the 19th century. It is housed at Trafalgar Square, in an impressive Neoclassical building.
The main building of the National Maritime Museum touts itself as the world's largest maritime museum. Highlights include a sumptuously decorated barge, a large model of a warship and the jacket of Admiral Nelson.
Now encompassing thousands of paintings and photographs, the National Portrait Gallery was established in 1856 with a collection of paintings of British heroes that was meant to inspire the common people.
London's popular Natural History Museum, housed in a large 19th-century landmark building, has an enormous collection of all things regarding life on earth.
One of London's most famous landmarks is Nelson's Column, the crowning piece of Trafalgar Square. The monument was built as a tribute to admiral Nelson, who died in 1805 while leading the British fleet to victory during the Battle of Trafalgar.
The Old Royal Naval College is a complex originally built on the order of Queen Mary II as a hospital for seamen of the Royal Navy. The magnificent Painted Hall and chapel are its two not-to-miss sights.
Piccadilly Circus is one of London's busiest squares. Always buzzing with activity, the popular plaza is best known for its billboard advertisements and the Eros statue.
In 1911 the Victoria Memorial was built right in front of Buckingham Palace. It honors the late Queen Victoria, who reigned more than 60 years over the expansive British Empire.
The Queen's House was built in 1616-1638 for the Queen consort of James I. It was the first neoclassical building in England. Today it houses a collection of paintings from the National Maritime Museum.
Originally a hunting ground for King Henry VIII, Regent's Park is now one of London's largest and most popular parks thanks to its lake, beautiful gardens and its London Zoo.
London's historical entertainment hall was built in 1871 in honor of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband and consort. The red brick building was renovated in 2004.
The High Court of England and Wales is housed in this magnificent Victorian Gothic building. The immense building opened in 1882, shortly after its architect died.
The British royal family still uses ceremonial state coaches, housed in the Royal Mews, near Buckingham Palace. The centrepiece of the mews is the ornately decorated 'Gold State Coach'.
Built in 1858, this is the third opera house at this location near the Covent Garden Market after the first two were lost to fire. When it opened the building was lauded for its spectacular glass and iron arcade.
Once the garden of the Earl of Bedford, this square with quiet park in Bloomsbury is lined with historic buildings, most notably the impressive Russell Hotel, built in 1900.
London's Science Museum is dedicated to the history of science and technology. The large museum covers a wide variety of subjects, from rockets and steam engines to climate change and medicine.
Somerset House is a massive building that was erected in the early eighteenth century as an office building for government institutions. Today it is home to a number of cultural institutions including the Courtauld Gallery, an excellent art museum.
The history of Southwark Cathedral goes back to the twelfth century but much of the current structure is the result of a nineteenth century renovation. Inside the cathedral are many interesting tombs and monuments.
Originally built in the twelfth century, St. Bartholomew-the-Great is the oldest monastic church in London and one of the best examples of Norman architecture in the city. Inside is the tomb of Rahere, the founder of the church.
This brick palace was built by King Henry VIII between 1531 and 1536. It became the principal royal residence in 1702 when Whitehall Palace was destroyed by fire and Queen Anne moved to St. James.
London's oldest royal park is one of the city's most romantic. The park was created in the 16th century by King Henry VIII when he built the nearby St. James's Palace.
The design of the church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields combines an impressive portico with a tall steeple. The eighteenth-century church became a model for many future churches in England and North America.
St Pancras Station combines a historic Victorian train shed with an eye-catching neo-gothic building. The station is the terminus for the Eurostar High Speed Train, linking London with the European continent.
The majestic St. Paul's Cathedral was constructed between 1675 and 1711 by Christopher Wren who designed world's second largest dome; it was only eclipsed by the St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
One of the world's most important collections of modern art is housed in a former power station building. The massive brick building is located at the south bank of the river Thames.
The Cenotaph is a memorial that was built after the First World War to commemorate the British soldiers who had lost their lives in battle. The memorial is the centerpiece of the annual Armistice Day celebrations.
The City, the historic center of London, is now London's financial center. In this area several interesting skyscrapers can be found, as well as the St. Paul's Cathedral and other historic buildings.
The Monument was erected in 1671-1677 to commemorate the Great Fire of 1666, during which most of London burned to the ground. It was designed by the illustrious architect Christopher Wren.
London’s Tower Bridge is one of the most recognizable bridges in the world. Despite being disliked by many when it was built in 1894 the bridge soon became one of the London's most famous landmarks.
The Tower of London was built at the end of the 11th century by William the Conqueror. The fortress houses a famous collection of jewelry including the Imperial State Crown.
The largest square in London is named after the Battle of Trafalgar where the English fleet defeated the French. The column at the center of the square honors Admiral Nelson who was fatally wounded during the battle.
One of London's most interesting museums has a large collection of over four million pieces. Founded in 1852, the museum's diverse exhibits focus mostly on decorative arts and design.
Waterloo Place was created in the 1820-30s as an extension of Regent Street. There are quite a few monuments and statues to admire here, most notably the Duke of York Column and the Crimean War Memorial.
This triumphal arch commemorates the Duke of Wellington's Victory over Napoleon in Waterloo. The arch was constructed in 1830 just south of Hyde Park.
Construction of Westminster Abbey started in 1050 and spanned eight centuries. The abbey serves as both as a royal coronation church and as a burial ground for many famous British personalities.
This Roman Catholic Church is located at a small piazza near Victoria Station. Its red and white brick Byzantine architecture sets it apart from the many other, mostly Neo-Gothic churches in London.