London is one of the most fascinating cities on the planet. Ancient laneways are lined with historic landmarks, high-end boutiques, award-winning theaters, modern architectural wonders. With all these magnificent tourist sites and interesting activities to do, it’s no surprise that London is one of the most visited cities in the world, with over 20 million visitors annually. The bustling capital of the United Kingdom is a must-see for all, from shopaholics, foodies, adventurers, historians, children, to students.
If you will be studying in London, here’s our list of the greatest London attractions and activities to help you pick where to go and what to do in this exciting city.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace, one of the most famous structures in the United Kingdom, is also the site of London’s most famous pomp and circumstance, the Changing of the Guard. This colorful and free exhibition of precision marching and song, which takes place at 11:30 a.m. regardless of the season, also takes place in St. James’s Palace.
Buckingham Palace was completed in 1837 and has more importantly served as the Royal Family’s London residence since Queen Victoria’s accession. Look at the flagpole atop the building if the royal standard is flying day and night to see whether the Queen is in. The Queen and the members of the Royal Family may even appear on the central balcony on important state occasions.
Big Ben
Most probably, Big Ben is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of London, and it is indeed an iconic landmark. The time signal of BBC radio is broadcast from this 97-meter tower, which houses a massive clock. It’s one of London’s finest locations and one of the most beautiful spots on the planet.
The British Museum
Located in Bloomsbury, London, the British Museum has almost 13 million artifacts from the ancient world, making it one of the world’s best collections of antiquities. It’s difficult to know where to begin in this sprawling attraction with rare and valuable artifacts from Assyria, Babylonia, China, Europe, and much beyond.
The contentious Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon, the Rosetta Stone, the gigantic bust of Ramesses II, the Egyptian mummies, and the astonishing hoard of 4th-century Roman silver known as the Mildenhall Treasure are among the museum’s most notable exhibits.
The London Eye
The London Eye is arguably the most famous Ferris wheel in the world. It was constructed to commemorate London’s millennium festivities in 2000, and it has been the city’s most popular attraction ever since. The individual glass capsules on the wheel ascend 443 feet above the Thames, providing many of the city’s best views. The entire journey takes around 30 minutes, and there is always a large queue upon riding the wheel.
Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace are among the capital’s most famous monuments and top attractions that are viewable from the Eye. Interactive instructions in each capsule let you discover the capital’s famous landmarks in several languages.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
St. Paul’s Cathedral, London’s largest and most important church, rests atop the remains of a Roman temple and was rebuilt after the original was burnt to the ground. St Paul’s 365-foot dome, coupled with its twin Baroque towers, marks the pinnacle of English architecture today.
Discover other wonders from London and the UK, from study options to universities, by checking out MSM Unify.