There are a lot of places that I have yet to visit. Many cities that appear on my bucket list that I hope to someday explore. London is one of those cities, and I’m always interested to learn what sights different people would suggest I add to my must-see list. Here are 5 of the most popular suggestions:
1. The London Eye
Photo by: netlancer2006
Offering fantastic views in all directions across the city, the London Eye stands taller than Big Ben and holds its place as the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe. It’s also the most popular of all the paid-for attractions London has to offer. So popular, in fact, that while it was originally intended to be a temporary fixture when it was conceived and erected back in 1999, it still stands tall more than 10 years after it was first installed as the Millennium Wheel.
2. Camden Market
Photo by: dbtelford
You’ll see it all here. Punks, goths, rockers and ravers (complete with the obligatory piercings and tatts) alongside a more-than-generous serving of alternative clothing, quirky handmade jewellery, unusual gifts, antiques, foreign curiosities, furniture… The list goes on and on. Quite simply, this market sells an eclectic mix of everything you could imagine a market to sell — but chain stores are not permitted. It’s quite a spectacle. Venture past the incredibly diverse market food and outdoor markets, and you’ll be met by the Stables Market. Set indoors in the once-upon-a-time home of the horse hospital for the canal’s workhorses, this section of Camden’s huge bazaar houses countless stalls selling even more clothes and curios.
3. Tower Bridge
Photo by: siddhu2020
Nextdoor to the Tower of London, this is one of the most inspired examples of Victorian engineering that exists in the U.K. today. The Tower Bridge is a lifting bridge that was designed to allow the passage of large vessels along the Thames — a particularly magnificent sight when you catch a glimpse of it over the course of one of those twinkling London nights. Working just as well as it did when it was opened in 1894, it provides some truly awe-inspiring views across the city and is still raised two or three times a day — so it’s quite probable that you’ll catch a glimpse of it in action. Those who are interested in the history and engineering behind the bridge will also find a dedicated exhibition housed there.
4. The Tower of London
Photo by: tammylo
For those who visit London for the first time, the Tower is probably the most significant historical landmark in the city. Dating back to the Norman Conquest in 1066, the Tower has a great (and rather gruesome) story to tell. It was a place where important historical figures were imprisoned and where grisly capital punishments took place for crimes against the Crown. It’s also where the Crown Jewels are still kept under close guard. While today the Tower is dwarfed by so many of London’s buildings, its dark stone walls have somehow managed to keep hold of every last bit of their majesty and ominousness, and remain as intriguing as ever to visitors.
5. The Royal Observatory
Photo by: RachelH_
Contained within Greenwich’s National Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory is home to the National Meridian Line, which not only officially separates East from West at Longitude 0º (the ‘Prime Meridian’), but also represents the official center of world time — Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). And if you think that’s all, then think again. The Royal Observatory is also home to Britain’s biggest refracting telescope, a spectacular planetarium, and some of the world’s oldest clocks, watches and sundials.
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Have to been to London? What other sites would you recommend to first-time visitors?
*This post was sponsored and submitted by London Nights.
As a life-long Londoner, I’ve always seen the city from a very different perspective. My suggestion, which I’d guess doesn’t turn up in the guidebooks, would be to jump on the central line and ride it right to the east end. Get off at Theydon Bois, Debden or Epping and then walk yourself out into Epping Forest. Enjoy the beautiful protected woodland and find yourself a pub lunch for the real experience. Most friends I’ve taken here are thoroughly shocked at the different world you can experience only 40 minutes outside of the City.
Sarah recently posted..Tailoring Clothes in Hoi An
That sounds like a fantastic tip, Sarah! I would have never guessed something like that would be so close to the city. Thanks for sharing!
I think the London Eye is overrated (especially for the price). Definitely check out the British Museum. You could spend days there.
The Travel Chica recently posted..Saying Goodbye
I don’t know whether I’d actualy shell out to ride the Eye, but I know I’d definitely at least want to see it up close and snap one of those recognizable photos of it!
I second the British Museum, fabulous place, and free.The Natural History Museum and the Science Museum are brilliant too. The views from the London Eye are very impressive but I prefer to get a view of the city from Primrose Hill or Hampstead Heath – Hampstead Heath’s lovely – you almost forget you’re in a city.
Nat recently posted..Golf in London
Thanks for all your suggestions, Nat! I’ll have to keep them in mind.
I’m glad you included the Royal Observatory, because most people tend to oversee it due to its location. But really, if you board the Thames Clipper, it’s actually pretty quick to get there. And it’s such a beautiful place, right next to the Royal Greenwich Palace and Navy Museum.
Eurotrip Tips recently posted..Finding Banksy’s Art in London
It’s definitely a place I’d want to visit if I was in London! It’s not every day that you can stand on the Prime Meridian, after all!
For me Madam Tussaud’s Wax Museum was also a great visit – there are all kinds of tourist deals – see lets say 3 attractions for a discounted price – that’s what I did at least…close to the Wax Museum is the Sherlock Holmes Museum…and while we’re on the Museum topic, Tate modern museum is also worth seeing, not to mention, if you cross the Millenium Bridge, you reach Saint Paul’s Cathedral
These would be my suggestions!
Joseph recently posted..At the movies
Great suggestions! And a Sherlock Holmes museum? Awesome!
Very nice article, thankyou.
Great photos as well!
Our family visited London last summer from Canada.
We had a great time and too a ride on the ‘London Eye’ at sunset.
Was a beautiful evening and the view was specatcular.
I will definitely link back to you for future reference.
Thanks again!
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