The city of London is one that’s so thoroughly packed with culture and things to see and do that it’s difficult to know where to start with recommendations. You almost certainly won’t be able to see all that you’d like to in a given day, and so picking out the highlights and prioritising your time accordingly is essential. Let’s take a look at some of most noteworthy locations.
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Natural History Museum
Of all the museums in London, the Natural History Museum is perhaps the most iconic. Walk through the front door and you’re immediately confronted with an enormous skeleton of a brontosaurus – and from there you can turn right or left to explore the two main wings of the building. There are regular events and activities coming around, and thus it’s worth checking the schedule for the time you’re thinking of visiting. The Natural History Museum also comes with another considerable advantage: it’s free to get into. If you’re going to do the tourist thing while on a budget, therefore, it’s sure to form a part of the experience that’s economical as well as memorable.
Westminster Abbey
This enormous church is the site of most state occasions, from weddings to funerals. A number of British monarchs are interred here. While it might be called an Abbey, the building doesn’t technically qualify as one. It’s the church directly responsible to the head of the Church of England, the reigning monarch, and has served this purpose since 1560. As well as this, however, it’s a spectacular building, and one which simply must be visited if you’re in Westminster.
London Eye
This gigantic Ferris wheel consists of a number of glass-walled ellipsoid carriages. Step into one of them and you’ll be slowly listed above the surrounding rooftops, and privy to an incredible view of the surrounding cityscape. The Eye is open between 11am and 6pm, granting a view of the surrounding city that’s difficult to match.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
You’ll recognise this building from afar thanks to the distinctive dome shape of its central spire. It’s the seat of the Bishop of London, and is built upon the city’s highest point. The cathedral isn’t the first to be built on this site, and replaces a succession of smaller churches to take up the location, the first of which dates all the way back to the 7th century. The building that currently occupies this spot was completed during the first half of the 18th century, and evidences the baroque stylings of the time rather nicely. It’s among the most distinctive and attractive buildings in the city – so make a point of paying it a visit.
Tower of London
This famous building was first constructed under the orders of William the Conqueror, shortly after he’d done the bulk of his conquering in 1066. It served as a prison for much of its life, and was expanded upon at several points. The popularity of this particular tourist attraction pays testament to the fascination with the macabre visitors to London share. The tower details very precisely the means through which English monarchs punished enemies of the state – with grisly torture apparatus proudly displayed. The other big draw of the Tower of London is the fact that the Crown Jewels are on display here – and they’re a must-visit for everyone with the remotest interest in the royal family.
London Zoo
For fans of wildlife, a trip to London Zoo is almost obligatory. It can be found at the northern edge of Regent’s Park, and is home to a stunning variety of different animals. It’s famous for a number of firsts; it was the first scientific zoo opened in the country, and the first to open a reptile house, an aquarium and an insect house. Take a look around and you’ll find lions, tigers, gorillas and a host of other amazing creatures.
The Thames
If you’re in London, you’ll scarcely be able to avoid contact with its most famous river. The Thames winds its way through the city, and provides a fantastic means of travelling through it and seeing all of the fantastic sights and sounds along the way. London river cruises are crammed to bursting with some of the most amazing destinations the capital has to offer, including the London Eye, the Palace of Westminster, and the Globe theatre. The river also provides a fantastic place to tie the knot; with an amazing London reception venue to be found floating along the Thames, as well as many standing beside it!