London can perhaps be called the most iconic city in the world. It is brimming with history and has been home to the Royal Family for a long time. Visitors here love its modern vibe but more than that, they are charmed by its old world charm that can only be felt when you do actually visit the city.
Needless to say, if you’re planning a trip to this charming city, you must not miss on these best places to visit in London.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
If you are a Harry Potter fanatic, then a visit Warner Bros. Studio in London is an absolute must. Here, you can relive scenes from the movie, stepping right into the Forbidden Forest or Diagon Alley. If you plan your visit in advance, then you can partake in A Celebration of Slytherin or a Dark Arts session.
Fans will love the authentic props and original costumes that appear in the Harry Potter movies. While we all have to live in real life, at least we can get this close to living in the Wizarding World.
Climb Tower Bridge
Notably, Tower Bridge is the only bridge on the Thames River that raises and lowers to allow ships to pass through. The bridge goes up and down three times a day, so if you time it right, you’ll be lucky enough to pass by the bridge as its raised.
For a particularly pleasant experience, enter the north wing, walk up the 200 steps to the top where you’ll find an exquisite view of the Thames and the city. If the steps are a challenge for you, don’t worry, you can also take the lift.
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is south of Leicester Square and features some iconic statues and monuments. Look out for the smallest police station in Britain, made to accommodate only one person. According to most maps, the nearby Charing Cross Station is the city’s “point zero,” or where all the roads lead.
The National Gallery Portrait and St. Martin-in-the-fields Church are a stones throw distance from Trafalgar Square. When you stand at the center of Trafalgar Square, in every direction you look you will see a piece of British history.
Big Ben
One of the most iconic sights in London, Big Ben is an exquisite example of Victorian London. The clock sits atop the Elizabeth Tower in the House of Parliament. Sometimes, the sound of the bell can be heard as far as 14.5 kilometers (9 miles) away from the tower.
Since there is extensive ongoing renovation work, however, you won’t be able to hear the bell until 2021. If the view of the world’s largest four-facing clock structure is not enough, you can always make your way to the public galleries of the House of the Parliament.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is possibly the most famous park in London, and it is one of the largest. The park has historical significance, having hosted a number of demonstrations and protests including protests by the Suffragettes.
The park’s famous Speaker’s Corner is still occupied by debates, protests, and performance artists every week. The park is home to several memorial features, as well as two bodies of water, the most famous being the Serpentine.
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is one of those places in London that need to be visited to be visualised. Filled with restaurants, streets, shops, and street performances, one can find stuff ranging from handicrafts to flowers and places from museums to the Royal Opera house.
St Paul’s Cathedral
With its world-famous dome, St Paul’s is a major feature on the London skyline. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and built between 1675 and 1710, it houses famous works of art and intricate mosaics. Climb to the top of the spiral staircase for amazing panoramic views of the city.
London Eye
The London Eye is a must-see sight with an observation wheel that will show you the vastness of the country’s capital. The largest structure in Europe, the glass capsules will hoist you 135 meters (443 feet) above the Thames.
While the wait in line can be long, the 30-minutes ride on the London Eye is well-worth the wait.
Kew Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens or the Kew Gardens is a perfect place to catch that ever so rare sunshine in London. Situated in the southwest London on the banks of river Thames, this 300-acre place is perfect to wander along with your loved ones.
Laid in 1759, the gardens are now government property and has a variety of tours available with free admission. Apart from this, many musical and cultural events are also held here throughout the year.
Buckingham Palace
Make your way to the residence of the British royal family on a visit to Buckingham Palace. When you look at the spectacular building, check out the flagpole on top. When it flies day-and-night, it implies that the Queen is at home.
If you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of her or other members of the royal family on the central balcony. When the Queen is away, especially when she visits her summer palace in Scotland, you may visit the Queen’s gallery and the State Rooms.
The best time to visit the palace is at 11:30 in the morning – which is when the changing of guards happens. The precision march and music are moments that you must experience to appreciate this history of this long-standing tradition.