Tower of London
Since the 11th century, when the first foundations were laid, this castle on the banks of the Thames has been continuously extended, serving as both a defensive fortification and the kings and queens of England’s crowns up until Tudors in the 1500s. The Tower of London was also used as a high-security jail, with a long history of torture and public executions, aside from its defensive and royal goals. The popular Beefeater-led excursions depart every 30 minutes and run for a duration of one hour. The interior of the tower, however, contains a museum that shows you how the 500-year history of royal armaments, medieval building blueprints, and relics has evolved.
Your best bet to minimize standing in line is to beeline to the Crown Jewels (included with admission) upon first morning entry at 09:00. Taking a Beefeater tour, seeing the museum in the tower, and peeking at the Crown Jewels takes most people around three hours. As you leave, don’t miss the unimpeded view of Tower Bridge.
£25 online, £26 in person, Tues-Sat 09:00-17:30, Sun-Mon 10:00-17:30, closes one hour earlier Nov-Feb, The City, +44 (0)20 3166 6000, hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon, Tube: Tower Hill
St. Paul’s Cathedral
After being destroyed by the Great Fire of London in 1666, St. Paul’s Cathedral was rebuilt between 1675 and 1710. Sir Christopher Wren oversaw the rebuilding, which was one of London’s most revered architects at the time. He drew inspiration from Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome, and he employed all of the formulas of the renowned neo-Renaissance style to build his masterpiece.
St. Paul’s Cathedral survived the Nazi bombs of World War II, standing tall in the face of nightly bombing raids. Many took it as a sign that God was still watching over the British even during the darkest days. The proud dome was saved by a team of brave men who lived in the church and hauled water buckets up as soon as they saw an indication of danger. They emerged from the flames of war with their heads held high, just like St. Paul’s Cathedral, thanks to good old-fashioned English tenacity. The cathedral became a symbol of national pride and the country’s stoic attitude.
The stunning majesty of overwhelming proportions may be witnessed at this Anglican cathedral, if you can stomach the price. St. Paul’s is a massive presence standing out in the region because to its white stone construction. The east façade of St. Paul’s Cathedral is covered with over 2,000 golden mosaics and intricate golden architectural elements. Climb the cathedral’s 528 steps for a stunning view of London’s downtown core. It’s possible to visit for free if you stay for the length of the breathtaking service (Mon-Fri 17:00, Sat 15:00, Sun times vary).
£16 online, £18 in person, includes audio guide and crypt and cupola entry, Mon-Sat 08:30-16:00, Sun worshippers only, The City, +44 (0)20 7246 8350, stpauls.co.uk, Tube: St. Paul’s
The Monument
The Monument, the world’s tallest freestanding stone column, was erected to commemorate the Great Fire of London, which destroyed 80 percent of the city in 1666. You may climb the 311 steps to the top and enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree view of London as you reach the top. Its location right downtown—only a couple of blocks from the Tower of London—and the £4.50 price of admission make this sight as convenient as it is cheap.
£4.50, Apr-Sept daily 09:30-18:00, Oct-Mar daily 09:30-17:30, Fish Street Hill, The City, +44 (0)20 7626 2717, themonument.info, Tube: Monument
Palace of Westminster & Big Ben
The Palace of Westminster, which we see today, dates from the nineteenth century and marked the peak of Britain’s colonial period. It was said that the sun never set on the British Empire. The Palace of Westminster, located strategically outside of London’s capital city, is where the wealthy and powerful had to trek to speak out in government. The neo-Gothic building that housed the parliament of the world’s most powerful empire during its heyday is now a stunning sight. Although British politics have been playing out in this government center since the palace was finished in 1870, England has been governed from this area for much longer—several wooden-construction palaces have burned down.
The Elizabeth Clock Tower, which is often called Big Ben, stands at the northern end of Palace of Westminster. The best angle for selfies is from a few paces down Westminster Bridge. The clock face is a full 23 feet wide, and the minute hand moves six feet every five minutes. Big Ben has tolled the hours without fail since 1859. While it is possible to visit inside the Houses of Parliament (for information, see parliament.uk/visiting), those on a three-day visit to London might be content with a view from the outside.
Free, open when Parliament is in session, Westminster, Tube: Westminster
Buckingham Palace
A photo in front of Buckingham Palace is essential for any self-respecting tourist to take in London. The magnificent and luxurious home of the royal family, as well as an enduring symbol of the British monarchy, is located about a 15-minute walk west of Westminster Abbey. As did Prince Charles and Lady Diana before them, William and Kate kissed on the neoclassical balcony. Before taking a photograph and moving on, take time to appreciate the perfectly proportioned façade, a treasured Renaissance-style architectural harmony. Buckingham Palace is the official home of British sovereigns and has 775 rooms, making it the largest palace in London. The castle was constructed by Edward I between 1272 and 1279 to replace one that had been destroyed during his war against Scotland.
From July through September, it’s possible to tour the palace. In this half-mile experience that takes about two hours, you can check out the State Rooms (where the royal family entertains guests) and the Royal Mews (the stables). You’ll also see dozens of priceless art pieces from greats like Rembrandt, Titian, and Van Dyck in the Queen’s Gallery. To see the entirety of the palace, purchase the Royal Day Out package (from £20); otherwise, purchase tickets by individual attraction.
Changing of the guard 11:00 Mon, Wed, Fri, and Sun (weather dependent, confirm schedule on website), Westminster, +44 (0)20 7766 7300, check palace information and purchase tickets at royalcollection.org.uk, changing-the-guard.com/dates-times.html, Tube: Victoria
Westminster Abbey
The magnificent High Victorian Gothic church, which has played host to the births of numerous British royal families, including the House of Windsor, has been home to nearly 1,000 coronations. This Anglican church is still quite active: It was the location of Princess Diana’s burial (1997) and Kate and William’s wedding (2011). The tombs of many prominent thinkers and national figures, including Charles Darwin, Geoffrey Chaucer, and Isaac Newton, are here. They are buried beneath stunning arches with intricate structural ribbing and towering sequoia-like columns.
£22, Mon-Fri 09:30-16:30, Wed until 19:00, Sat 09:30-14:30, Sun worshippers only, 20 Deans Yard, Westminster, +44 (0)20 7222 5152, westminster-abbey.org, Tube: Westminster
Churchill War Rooms
What would it be like to command a war effort in which millions of lives were depending on you, maneuvering troops around by painting their locations on a wet, gloomy bunker deep underground? Winston Churchill and his military chiefs of staff used copious quantities of tobacco and whiskey throughout World War II, all from a series of reinforced concrete rooms located deep beneath the Treasury Building.
Some of these war rooms have been preserved in time to form a museum. Each room has maps, notepads, and communication systems that have been left exactly as they were on VE Day in 1945.
£20 (audio guide included), daily 09:30-18:00, Clive Steps, King Charles St, Westminster, +44 (0)20 7930 6961, iwm.org.uk/visits/churchill-war-rooms, Tube: Westminster
Horse Guards on Whitehall
The City Parade Ground has served as an open space in the heart of London for military and royal events, ceremonies, and drills. Today’s changing and dismounting of mounted guards provides for fast, entertaining photo opportunities.
Free, guards change daily at 11:00 (10:00 Sun) and dismount at 16:00, Whitehall, Westminster, Tube: Charing Cross
Millennium Mile
The Millennium Mile is a pleasant and easy-to-walk riverside walk on the south bank of the Thames, located between London Bridge and Tower Bridge. On one end, it’s anchored by the London Bridge and the Shard, while on the other, it’s complemented by Big Ben and the London Eye. Between the major attractions, you’ll see the Borough Market, Shakespeare’s Globe theatre, Tate Modern, and Millennium Bridge.
Free, always open, South Bank, Tube: London Bridge or Waterloo
The Shard
The Shard is the newest and most prominent feature of London. The skyscraper, which has a distinctive glass design that appears to tear into the city sky, was completed in 2013. Take the elevator to the 32nd floor for an inexpensive cup of coffee at Oblix (dress code enforced; reservations recommended for dinner). The best views are seen from here; otherwise your vantage point is too far removed and the buildings fade into the distance.
Viewing platform £26 in advance/£31 in person adults over 16, £21 in advance/£26 in person students with valid ID, Apr-Oct daily 10:00-22:00 (last entry 21:00), Nov-Mar Sun-Wed 10:00-19:00 (last entry 18:00), and Thurs-Sat 10:00-22:00 (last entry 21:00), 32 London Bridge St, South Bank, +44 3334 564 000, the-shard.com, Tube: London Bridge
Shakespeare’s Globe
Despite its originality, Shakespeare’s first theater was not particularly fireproof. In 1613, a faulty prop cannon set the stage on fire, destroying the theater. In 1997, the London Globe Theater was completed as a replica of the original theater in which it burned down—complete with the distinctive black timber-framed architecture and intimate stage. The theatre has a capacity of about 1,000 seated nobles and 2,000 standing commoners. Today, seeing a performance here is fascinating. Plays are staged as they would have been in Shakespeare’s day; there is no voice amplification or artificial illumination at the theatre. Check showtimes and book online (from £5 for standing tickets, £20 for seated).
It’s also feasible to go on a tour of the theater with an excellent guide who can discuss about the original structure, how plays function in this purpose-built setting, and the current use of the space. This guided experience, like Shakespeare’s plays, appeals to both intellectuals and potty humor enthusiasts. Guided walks depart every 30 minutes throughout the day, with the exception of summer when they are paused for daily afternoon screenings.
Tour £16, daily 09:00-17:30, 21 New Globe Walk, South Bank, +44 (0)20 7902 1400, shakespearesglobe.com, Tube: London Bridge
Tate Modern
The Tate modern art museum, which opened in 2000 to house London’s top contemporary art collection, is located on the South Bank and houses one of the world’s best modern-art collections. With stark, dark brick construction and large gallery spaces, the Tate is jam-packed with pieces from an outstanding list of artists. You may discover incredible and iconic contemporary pieces of art, such as Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe diptych, Roy Lichtenstein’s big-scale comics, and Donald Judd’s installation sculptures of spatial adventures. Plan to spend about 90 minutes here, but, if you’re a fan of modern art, block off an afternoon—the bookstore alone can keep art fans enraptured for hours. On the 10th floor toward the back of the building is a restaurant with a beautiful view of the city. While the restaurant is pricey, the view is free.
Free, Sun-Thurs 10:00-18:00, Fri-Sat 10:00-22:00, South Bank, +44 (0)20 7887 8888, tate.org.uk, Tube: Blackfriars
London Eye
The London Eye, erected in 1999 to commemorate the new millennium, is the most popular tourist attraction in the United Kingdom, with over 3.5 million passengers each year. The 32 glass and steel pods rotate around a wheel on a single, cantilevered arm that extends out over the Thames. The Eye rotates slowly and evenly, taking about 30 minutes to complete a revolution. Guests enter and exit the swiftly moving pods as they tour the terminal at the bottom of the slope. Insider tip: Sunny days wash out all your pictures. Go at dusk for shorter lines and striking sunset shots.
£23.50 online, £26 in person, daily 10:00-sunset, Riverside Bldg, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, South Bank, 0800 093 012, londoneye.com, Tube: Waterloo
British Museum
The British Museum was the first national public museum, having been founded in 1759. Today it contains one of the world’s largest collections, with 8 million pieces. This well-appointed museum, which features some of history’s greatest treasures like the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon Sculptures (also known as the Elgin Marbles), and the world’s finest examples of Assyrian bas-reliefs, is dedicated to history, art, and culture. The highlights of the museum will take you roughly two hours to see; however, if you want to go over each chamber carefully, it could take much longer. The museum also offers free 40-minute walking tours throughout the day in one of your selected sections. Find the relevant times on the free brochure when you walk in, or check the website.
Free, daily 10:00-17:30, Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, +44 (0)20 7323 8299, britishmuseum.org, Tube: Tottenham Court Road
National Gallery
The National Museum houses works from the Dark Ages to the late 19th century in its exhibits. Take advantage of the free entry and soak up more than 2,000 paintings, including greats such as Leonardo and Michelangelo, Baroque master Caravaggio, and impressionist Van Gogh.
The National Gallery is right on Trafalgar Square, as is the National Portrait Gallery (npg.org.uk), another excellent free museum displaying thousands of pieces that bring you face-to-face with the great and not-so-great characters of history—a must for those who want a deeper understanding of the men and women who shaped our world. Nelson’s Column is visible from the steps of the museum. The one-armed Admiral Horatio Nelson, who was killed in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 while leading his navy to a key victory over Napoleon and the French, stands at the top of the column.
Free, daily 10:00-18:00, Thurs-Fri until 21:00, Trafalgar Square, West End, nationalgallery.org.uk, +44 (0)20 7747 2885, Tube: Charing Cross
West End Shows
London’s theater district began on the west side of the city, or the West End, decades before Shakespeare’s time. Today, the area contains dozens of theaters both large and small, and it is a popular destination to see a performance while in town. Large-scale shows like Les Miserables and Mousetrap run all the time. More recent entries such as Hamilton, Wicked, and The Lion King give theatergoers a chance to see well-known Broadway musicals. Find the TKTS booth in Leicester Square, or visit the box offices for tickets up to half off in the hours and minutes before the show starts.
Theater locations, prices, and showtimes vary, West End, officiallondontheatre.com, Tube: Leicester Square, Covent Garden, or Piccadilly Circus
Victoria and Albert Museum
This enormous museum, with more than 4.5 million design and decorative art pieces drawn from throughout the world, overwhelms any visitor in both quantity and quality of relics dating back 5,000 years. The information desk is vital for planning your day. The exhibits cover a variety of topics, including religions, centuries, styles, materials, subjects, geography, and media. It’s easy to get lost in the 146 galleries that make you feel like you’re walking through a life-size encyclopaedia. I like to geek out upstairs in the 20th-century design gallery. Free, daily 10:00-17:45, Fri until 22:00, Cromwell Rd, West London, +44 (0)20 7942 2000, vam.ac.uk, Tube: South Kensington
