London Attractions – A City of Contrasts

While London may be most recognized for its iconic landmarks and for the characteristic English tea, cricket and dismal weather, at its heart lies a vibrant city, with a diverse populace and some very colorful neighborhoods. Use the guide below to take in the most well known London attractions but also find time to explore the antique markets for Notting Hill, the galleries and clubs of Soho, the eccentricities of China Town and the energy of Piccadilly Circus.

Tower of London and Tower Bridge

Despite its bloody history of imprisonment, torture and beheadings, the biggest draw at the Tower of London today is indisputably the exhibition of the Crown Jewels, counting the Kohinoor, several assorted precious jewels and the Crown itself among the display. Once you have finished admiring the jewels, join one of the famous tours to learn more of the tower’s history, learn of its many legends, and get some pictures with the guides themselves in the authentic Beefeater costumes. Just a short walk away is the Tower Bridge with its incredible views of the city and the HMS Belfast. If you are lucky enough, you will be just in time to witness the raising of the drawbridges.

Buckingham Palace

One of the top London Attractions, the Buckingham Palace has been town residence to the Royal family since the time of Queen Victoria. Though the Palace itself is open to visitors only for a few short months each year, tourists flock to the Palace every day to witness the famous ceremonial changing of the Guard that takes place in the Palace forecourt.
3. St. Paul’s Cathedral
The generously proportioned Cathedral was the tallest building in the city till very recently and has had the honor of hosting several Royal weddings, thanksgivings and funeral services for notable dignitaries. St. Paul’s Cathedral is best known for its graceful dome, the intricate mosaic work in the Choir, the unique acoustics of the Whispering Gallery and its very elegant interiors.

Natural History Museum

While visitors with young children will most definitely want to visit the museum for the dinosaur collection alone, adults will also enjoy the incredible collection of animals and several interactive exhibits. Entrance to the museum is free but a complete tour of the exhibits will take up time.

Madame Tussauds

The incredible Madame Tussauds Wax museum will bring you into the presence of famous personalities from around the world, dead and alive. Don’t forget to take your camera along for that perfect picture with your favorite celebrity, whether it be Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow or Her Royal Highness, the Queen itself.

The London Eye

A London attraction with a difference, the London Eye is barely a decade old but holds its own against the city’s iconic cultural attraction. Regarded as London’s answer to Paris’s Eiffel Tower, the London Eye stands 135 meters tall and is composed of a giant wheel holding 32 capsules, which visitors can board for viewing unparalleled vistas of the city.