29 Tourist Attractions in London & Top Things to do
Last Updated on 26th September 2025 by admin
The City of London is one of the most renowned tourist attractions in the world. The city has a rich history, culture and entertainment, which has a plethora of attractions that attract millions and millions of people each year. The article mentions 29 of the best tourist attractions in London and includes historic buildings and monuments like the Tower of London and the Buckingham Palace, world-renowned museums like the British Museum and the Tate modern. The London Eye, St. Pauls Cathedral, and the Churchill War Rooms are some of the other attractions.
Overall, the article provides a comprehensive guide to things to do in London. Popular markets like Camden Market, Borough Market and cultural sites are also addressed in the article. The following are 29 of the best tourist attractions in London:
1) The British Museum
The British Museum is a world-renowned and one of the largest museums in the world with its location in the Bloomsbury part of London. The museum was Founded in 1753, the museum collection covers more than two million years of human history, culture, and art throughout the world. The British Museum is divided into different galleries including the ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, the Middle East and Asia. The museum also has a large collection of prints and drawings, an extensive library and an archive that visitors may also explore.
In general, the British Museum has a strong reputation of having a large amount of world-class artifacts, some of which are the most recognizable and iconic objects in all of human history, which is why it is one of the famous tourist attractions in London. The British Museum is a place of interest to any history, culture and art lover.
2) The Tower of London
The tower of London is an ancient castle on the north bank of river Thames at the center of London. Constructed in the 11 th century by the William the Conqueror, the tower has been a center of the English history as a royal palace, a prison or a treasury and a fortress. The tower of London is one of the most visited tourist sites in the city today attracting millions of visitors annually. It is a one of the famous castles in the world, where people may visit the tower with its numerous buildings and grounds, such as the White Tower, the Crown Jewels exhibition, and the medieval palace.
The Tower of London is an essential place in the sightseeing of London of anyone who is interested in the history, culture, and tradition of England. The tower boasts of numerous historic buildings and artifacts, which in relation to its rich and intriguing history, make it one of the best and most frequented tourist sites in London.
3) The London Eye
The London eye is a huge Ferris wheel situated in South Bank of river Thames in London. It was inaugurated in 2000 in honor of the new millennium and has since then emerged as one of the most favored tourist attractions in London. The height of the London eye is 135 meters (443 feet) and a diameter of 120 meters (394 feet). It has 32 glass-enclosed capsules with the capacity of accommodating 25 people each. The capsules will have a slow rotation that will provide a 360-degree experience of the city and iconic landmarks to passengers.
The London eye stands out to be one of the places that tourists must visit to enjoy the best views of this vibrant city as well as have a unique and thrilling ride. Top things to do at the London Eye: Take a Ride, Champagne Experience, 4D Cinema Experience, River Cruise, Private Capsule, Photography and much more.
4) Buckingham Palace
The Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British king/queen in Westminster, London. The palace is the head office and residence of the royal family in London. It has witnessed numerous national and royal ceremonies. The Duke of Buckingham was the first owner of the palace, which was constructed in 1703. It was a privately owned house then. In 1761, the palace was purchased by King George III to provide Queen Charlotte with the private house.
Buckingham Palace is a legendary representation of the British Monarchy and a major element of British culture, and this is the reason why it is among the top visiting sites in London. It is one of the most renowned places of attraction and every other day in summer people can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place. During the winter the ceremony is less commonly repeated and there are fewer soldiers in attendance than in summer.
5) The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
Big Ben or the Houses of Parliament, which is alternatively called the palace of westminster, is home to the parliament of the United Kingdom, and is situated on the banks of the River Thames in the heart of London. Originally constructed during the 11th century it has Gothic architecture and contains two chambers of parliament. The greatest attraction of the Houses of Parliament is the clock tower that is often referred to as Big Ben. This tower is 315 feet, and it is one of the most famous landmarks in London.
Visiting London, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben are the best sightseeing tour of the city, and the look through the history and political strength of the United Kingdom. It is also among famous tourist attractions in England as the tours are associated with beautiful scenery of the River Thames, as well as other England landmarks, including the London eye and the St. Pauls Cathedral.
6) The National Gallery
National Gallery is the most renowned art museum in London as well as favorable place to visit when one likes art. It is located at the very Trafalgar square and can be easily visited on a sightseeing tour around the city. It has more than 2,300 exquisite works of art in the form of paintings and sculptures that date back to the 13th to the 19th century. Since its first opening in 1824, the National Gallery has gradually become one of the most popular museums in London visited yearly by millions of people.
This is the right gallery whether you are an art enthusiast or simply incurious and find masterpieces of Van Gogh, da Vinci and Rembrandt in a single gallery. The National Gallery is also a significant cultural establishment and top tourist destination in London to those passionate about art and history. The massive store and its convenient location attracts visitors across the globe.
7) The Tower Bridge
Tower bridge is known as one of the most iconic sites in London and it crosses over the river Thames. It is famous about its very unusual design combining the suspension bridge and the bascule bridge and the Victorian Gothic architecture. Tower Bridge Exhibition is an event where people can not only find out the story of the bridge and how it was built but also experience breathtaking sightseeing of river Thames and rest of the city. The bridge is a historic icon of the London city since it was completed in 1894.
Tower bridge is one of the most famous bridges in London, and also known to have unique design which is the Victorian Gothic design. It is also lit at night by over 4,000 LED lights highlighting its special design and giving it an amazing appearance on the night sky, visible throughout the city.
8) St. Paul’s Cathedral
St. Paul’s Cathedral is a famous and historic church in London. It is one of the most renowned places in the city and is characterized by its beautiful architecture, rich history, and famous dome. The cathedral was constructed between 1675 and 1710, and was designed by Sir Christopher Wren. It is among the oldest churches in the city with a magnificent dome, beautiful interior, and a rich history. The cathedral is accessible to visitors and provides tours to visitors to see the spectacular interior.
St. Paul’s Cathedral has played a significant role in British history; it has witnessed most of the key events in the country such as funerals, weddings and state events. It is a significant and symbolic aspect of London history and culture and a primary tourist attraction whenever someone visits London and it attracted people throughout the decades across the globe.
9) The Tate Modern
Tate modern is a contemporary and modern art gallery located in the south bank of the River Thames, and opposite the St Paul’s Cathedral. It occupies a former power station along the River Thames and is reputed to have an impressive collection of modern and contemporary artworks across the world.
The museum has a great array of artwork, including painting, sculpture, photography and installation art, by artists like Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Mark Rothko and Andy Warhol. The Tate Modern is a great place to visit in London whether you are an experienced art lover or simply need to have a good and entertaining outing.
10) Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is an old church situated in central London. It is a well-known and iconic monument in the city, which was built in gorgeous Gothic style with a rich history and the relationship with the British monarchy. The Abbey was originally constructed in the 11th century and has remained an important part of both religious and political history of the country, including many royal weddings, coronations, and funerals.
The Abbey offers guided tours to visitors who can learn a lot about its history and importance. Ranging educational programs and activities are also offered by the Abbey to visitors of all ages, which makes it the best destination to visit as a family or a school group.
11) Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is one of the most recognizable public spaces in London, which is situated in the center of the West End of London. The square is famous by its great architecture, historic monuments, and vibrant atmosphere. It was built 19th century and since then it has been a frequent meeting place among the Londoners and visitors. It is a known fact that the square is characterized by great architecture, historical buildings, and vibrant atmosphere.
There are a number of historic buildings surrounding Trafalgar Square, such as the National Gallery and the church of St Martin-in-the-Fields both having a gorgeous architecture. There are also two impressive fountains in the square, the fountains are a popular tourist and local attraction, making it one of the most visited tourist attractions in London.
12) St James’s Park
St James’s Park is a royal park of 57 acres in the centre of London, surrounded by some of the most renowned landmarks in this city such as Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. The park is famous with its beautiful lake, bright flower beds, and due to the fact that every day here people can see pelicans, whose life has been flourishing here centuries. It is also a great place to have a rest, picnic or take a pleasant stroll and appreciate the royal environment of London.
It is one of the oldest and most famous of the London’s eight royal parks. It is popular tourist attractions in London for both locals and visitors alike due to its scenic landscape, wide array of wildlife and incredible tranquility.
13) Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace is a royal palace in the borough of Richmond upon Thames, London. It was originally constructed in the early 16th century on behalf of the Cardinal Thomas Wolsey but was later taken over by King Henry VIII and expanded significantly. Many British monarchs have used the palace over the centuries, William III, George II, and George III and this has been of great importance in the history of England.
The visitors to Hampton Court Palace are also able to see the old buildings and grounds, have a tour of the numerous rooms and apartments located in the palace, and learn about the lives of the kings and queens who used the palace to be their home. Also events are held throughout the year, which include concerts, plays, and recreations, so the palace is an essential must-visit visit for those interested in English history and culture.
14) Greenwich Park
The Greenwich park is a large park which is found in the southeast part of London, and it is among the eight Royal Parks of London. The park spans 183 acres (74 hectares) and also provides a breathtaking view of the city skyline together with a variety of attractions and amenities to the visitors. The park is also included in the Greenwich world heritage site that includes the royal observatory and the prime meridian line. Greenwich park is known due to its historic links, picturesque landscapes and iconic structures.
The park is very historical as it was used as a hunting ground by Henry VIII in the Roman times. Greenwich Park allows visitors to take their time and walk through the many walking paths within the park or have a picnic on the lawns or even have a cup of tea in one of the cafes that the park has. There are also many sporting facilities in the park such as tennis courts, a cricket pitch, and a running track.
15) The Victoria and Albert Museum
The Victoria and Albert Museum, also referred to as the V&A, is an art and design museum recognized worldwide and situated in South Kensington, London. It is the largest decorative arts and design museum in the world and its collection is more than 5,000 years of human ingenuity. The museum has the collections representing numerous cultures and civilizations such as ancient Greek, Roman, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Islamic and European.
There are also several famous statues and sculptures that visitors can see, such as Michelangelo’s “David” (plaster cast), the Samson Slaying a Philistine by Giambologna, and works from Rodin and Donatello. The museum was established in 1852 and has since become a tourist destination for tourists and locals alike. V&A is a place that every person to explore art, design, and cultural history finds fundamental.
16) The National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery is an art gallery in London which is famous in the world. It was opened up in 1856 and it houses a massive amount of portraits of some of the historically relevant and famous British figures since the Tudor Age up to date. The museum contains more than 200,000 portraits of historical and contemporary personalities of the British history and culture, and outstanding people of the world.
The National Portrait Gallery allows its visitors to view the vast collection of portraits, study the history of portrait-making, and visit the exhibitions and events that present some of the most famous faces in the world. The museum also provides a variety of educational programs and materials in schools and families, which makes it a place of accessibility and interest to everyone.
17) The Churchill War Rooms
The Churchill War Rooms is the museum in London that will give the opportunity to look into a secret underground bunker where Winston Churchill and his colleagues worked during the World War II. The war rooms were initially constructed as a government emergency shelter in 1938, however this was converted into a military command base shortly after the war started. The rooms were operational 24/7 throughout the war years, and were crucial in the victory of the Allies.
The museum offers a very interesting insight into the underground bunker where Churchill and his team operated, fully furnished and wartime artifacts. Churchill war rooms is a special and exciting learning experience to visitors of all age groups, as the exhibits and information provided are both educational and interactive.
18) The Camden Market
Camden Market is a very diverse and colorful shopping attraction in London. The market is situated in the popular Camden Town area and it is the place where alternative fashion, art and food converge. The market consists of a number of smaller markets, with their own distinctive style and product. Tourists will also be able to visit the shops, stalls, and vendors where they can taste world cuisine on the street, visit vintage clothing stores, and find original handmade products.
Camden Market is a London sightseeing place that every fashion, art, and food lover cannot pass without visiting. Being extremely diverse and having a specific atmosphere, it is not surprising that Camden Market is one of the most popular places in London.
19) The Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is a popular museum in South Kensington, London. It has become one of the busiest and most popular museums in the city with millions of visitors annually. The collection of the museum holds more than 80 million specimen(s) that are in form of fossils, minerals, rocks, plants, animals and human remains. The museum is located in the beautiful building of the Victorian era, and the interior is not inferior, which consists of spacious halls and detailed architectural elements.
The Natural History Museum has something to offer to every one of its visitors and the year is full of interactive exhibitions, educational programs and special events. The museum is one of the best places to visit in London whether you are a nature lover or you are only interested in having an exciting and educative day out.
20) The British Library
The British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom which is found in London. It was established in 1973 and it hosts a vast array of books, manuscripts, maps, newspapers and other printed materials. Besides its physical collection, the British Library has also scanned most of its collection and put it online. The British Library is a high profile research organization that aims to enhance knowledge and facilitate research.
British Library is another historical landmark in London that is a must-see place to every history, literature or research lover. Its huge collection and resources together with its amazing architecture makes it a special and interesting place to visit.
21) Borough Market
Borough Market is a Southwark food market that is one of the oldest and largest in London. The market is a renowned place of foodies and tourists visiting to taste various fresh and artisanal foods such as fruits and vegetables, cheeses, meats, baked goods among others. The history of Borough market stretches back to the 13th century when the market was a produce wholesale market. The market today has been made public and it is also open to visitors around the globe.
Borough Market is one of the most famous market in London and most visited tourist attractions, a must visit if you come with family or loved ones. The visitors of the Borough Market may walk in between the stalls and taste a bunch of different foods and experience the vibrant life of Borough Market, one of the most famous food markets of London.
22) The Shard
The Shard is a skyscraper which is 95 storey long and situated in Southwark district of London on the south bank of River Thames. It is a famous building in the United Kingdom, built by an Italian architect named Renzo Piano and was completed in 2012. The Shard is the highest building in the United Kingdom and fifth tallest in Europe, with 310 meters (1,016 feet) high. The structure is known due to its unique shard-like appearance and has become a new icon of London.
The unique structure of the Shard and its high stature have ensured its popularity as a landmark that can be spotted by anyone in the London skyline. Tourists will be offered beautiful panoramas of the city through the observation deck, they can eat in one of the restaurants of the high end of the building or even spend the night in the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel.
23) Imperial War Museum
The Imperial War Museum is in the London City, that explore the modern warfare history and its effects on the society. It was established in 1917 in the middle of the World War I and relocated to Lambeth in 1936. The museum has a massive amount of pieces connected to the wars of the 20th and 21st centuries, such as individual letters, photos, military gear, and art. The museum also exhibits a great number of military cars and aircrafts such as tanks, fighter jets, and helicopters.
The Imperial War Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, special events, and educational programs as well as its permanent exhibits to visitors of all ages. It touches the heart and is one of the most powerful and touching tributes to people serving in war in different periods of the world.
24) Hyde Park
Hyde park is a big and very renowned park in London and is situated in the center of London. It spans a total of 350 acres and is encircled by some of the most historic sites in London such as Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace and Marble Arch. The park was initially opened to the public in 1637, and over the years, it has been utilized in many ways, such as a royal hunting area, a place to run political protests and rallies, and to host major events in culture.
It is one of the top tourist attractions in London and visitors in Hyde Park may have time to have a nice stroll, enjoy the beautiful gardens that the park has or even participate in the numerous activities that are available in the park. Hyde Park is one of the places to visit in London due to its calm nature, landmarks, and breathtaking scenery.
25) Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds is a world-famous museum chain that displays life-sized wax statues of famous people, historic figures, and representatives of pop culture. Its flagship museum is in London, at Marylebone. It was founded in 1835 by Marie Tussaud, a wax sculptor who made death masks during the French Revolution. The museum has since become popular and one of the best tourist attractions in London.
Here you can see Hollywood stars, music legends, sports heroes, world leaders, the British Royal Family, and even famous fictional characters like Marvel superheroes and Star Wars icons. Madame Tussauds give the visitor the opportunity to be close and personal with their favorite celebrities and historical figures making it a unique and memorable experience to all ages.
26) Kensington Gardens
Kensington Gardens is a big municipal park situated in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London, England. It was originally the private garden of Kensington Palace, but in the 18th century it was opened to the public, and has since become a popular destination for locals and tourists. Queen Victoria was born and spent her childhood in Kensington Palace. It is now used as the official residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales (William and Catherine).
By visiting Kensington Gardens, you will realize that it is one of the most beautiful or the best tourist places in London. Kensington Gardens visitors can enjoy the view and the atmosphere of this beautiful park, visit Kensington Palace, walk in the Italian Gardens, or just relax and admire the beautiful nature.
27) Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly circus is a busy public area situated in the West End of London. It is usually compared to Times Square in New York City and it is a best tourist attraction to any visitor in London. It is connected with colorful colorful billboards, a busy surrounding, and central location. Piccadilly Circus is located at the junction of several famous streets, including Piccadilly, Regent Street, Shaftesbury Avenue, and Coventry Street, which makes it a transportation and activity-packed location.
There are a number of theatres located in Piccadilly Circus which include the Criterion Theatre and the Piccadilly Theatre. It is also said that Piccadilly Circus has a very lively nightlife. The area has numerous bars, pubs, and nightclubs with a variety of tastes and preferences.
28) Sky Garden
Sky Garden is an observation deck and a public garden on the upper levels of the 20 Fenchurch street skyscraper in London. The garden covers three storey and it provides the panoramic views of the city skyline. Glass windows are used to cover the floor and ceiling of the garden, hence providing visitors with a view of the entire city. It has a garden that is landscaped, which has more than 200 species of plants, trees, and flowers worldwide.
The Sky Garden has a number of restaurants and bars as well that serve a variety of food and cocktails. It is an unique tourist destination in London and a relaxing garden in the heart of the city as it absorbs the beautiful scenery of the skyline.
29) Warner Bros. Studio London
Another popular tourist attraction in Leavesden, a town close to London, is known as Harry Potter World and is referred to as Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. The tour gives the visitors an opportunity to enter the world of magic of Harry Potter and observe the sets, costumes, props, and special effects utilized in the popular film series. The tour gives visitors the chance to see the Great Hall, the Office of Dumbledore, the Gryffindor Common Room, Diagon Alley, and numerous other famous locations from the films.
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is one of the places that Harry Potter fans of any age must visit in London as it is a highly immersive and magical experience. A separate tour of Warner Bros. Studio is also known as The Making of Harry Potter, which further explores the filmmaking process, and has extra exhibits and activities.
In conclusion, London is a city that has a lot of world famous tourist attraction sites that satisfy a diverse range of interests. Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London are only a few of the historic buildings in London, and the British Museum and the National Gallery are just a few examples of the cultural sites in the city. The 29 tourist attractions shows in this list give a reflection of the numerous aspects of this vibrant city, both past and present.
