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The fifty best London attractions

Detect London's best attractions, landmarks and sightseeing spots that you'd be mad to miss, even if yous're a local

A visitor, a daytripper and a tourist all walking into London and... as it turns out, there are sure iconic London attractions that they all merely have to visit. These museums, galleries, monuments and parks are part of the city'southward textile – to feel them is to uncover a patch of the capital's culture and history.

But where to begin? We've pulled together a list of the 50 best attractions in London for yous to start ticking off your saucepan list. And the best news? Loads of these must-see London attractions are costless, and those that aren't, you can book below.

Notwithstanding later some sightseeing inspiration? Check out our list of101 things to practise in London, and find out what's happening in Londontoday,this calendar week andthis weekend.

RECOMMENDED: The best free things to practise in London

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London's 50 top attractions

ane. The View from the Shard

What is it? The majuscule's tallest tower, having joined London's skyline in 2012. Measuring 310 metres, The Shard was built with everything in mind: offices, homes, hotels, bars, restaurants and, of form, the alluring viewing platform. From the highest point, the public are immune admission (floors 69-72) you lot get stunning 360-degree views of the metropolis. There'south a silent disco on selected Sabbatum nights and other events, such every bit gigs and gin tastings throughout the year.

Why go? The floor-to-ceiling windows allow exceptional views out across the capital, especially on a clear solar day.

ii. Up at The O2

What is it? Ever wondered what London looks like from 53 metres above North Greenwich? Find out with a ticket for Upwards at The O2 where yous can choose from Daytime, Sunset and Twilight climbs. The ultimate AAA laissez passer gains yous access to the roof, where you'll be able to see across the capital, spotting famous sites like the Olympic Park, Thames Barrier, The Shard and Canary Wharf.

Why go? For an incredible 360-degree view – and that ambrosial climbing onesie.

3. ArcelorMittal Orbit and slide

What is it? This network of curly-wurly scarlet scaffolding lords it over the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park from its position correct alongside the Olympic Stadium. Designed by the artist Anish Kapoor and structural engineer Cecil Balmond, information technology stands 114.5m (376ft) alpine – with lifts (and a 455-footstep staircase) up to two platforms from which you lot accept in the interesting, if not entirely spectacular, view. There are besides two of Kapoor'south entertaining distorting mirrors inside and the options to abseil or slide downwards to the basis.

Why go? 2 things: the view and the slide. Hold on to your stomach and savour the speedy descent downwards the 12-loop corkscrew.

4. London Eye

What is it? Much like the Millenium Dome – or, as it's known to those who don't think the twentieth century, the O2 Arena – the London Middle was congenital to celebrate the year 2000. Since and then, the Eye has been a resounding success and it's difficult to pic London'south skyline without it. It rarely always comes to a end, so y'all won't be standing on ceremony when you get on. Before you know it, you're halfway into the sky and taking in sweeping vistas of the city.

Why go? The location. Not just does it offer a great view of the capital, just in that location are oodles of top attractions nearby.

5. Westminster Abbey

What is information technology? Similar the Pantheon Crypt in Paris, where you tin can come across the tombs and memorials to great figures from history, Westminster Abbey is a popular attraction to peruse the graves, tablets, busts and rock dedications. In fact, seventeen monarchs are buried here, forth with dukes, countesses and history'southward 'celebs' (Think Darwin, Dickens and Hardy). Founded by Benedictine monks in 960 Advertisement, there have also been 16 royal weddings here and every single British coronation has taken place inside the Abbey'south walls since 1066.

Why go? To see Gothic grandeur in all its splendour.

6. Buckingham Palace

What is it? A risk to see world-famous art, glimpse regal opulence and get inside HRH's headquarters. Tourist and locals alike know the façade of Buckingham Palace, which stands at the end of The Mall. But it was but in 1913 that this addition was made, by King George 5 and Queen Mary. Before that, in 1633, the palace wasn't even royal – information technology belonged to Lord Goring, who was forced to mitt over ownership to the Royal Family (under Male monarch George Iii) due to a flaw in his contract. Poor chap.

Why get? To snoop around the most famous royal residence in the earth.

seven. Hampton Court Palace

What is it? A resplendent palace with costly grounds on the edge of south-westward London. From the Tudor indoor tennis court to the Royal Maze, from the Rex's individual loo to the Magic Garden adventure playground, there'due south something here for all ages. History buffs and art enthusiasts should purchase the ticket for the Palace and Gardens; those with little ones in tow volition capeesh the Magic Garden and Maze ticket. Make certain you lot keep an heart on the site for their seasonal opening times.

Why go? To go lost in the Royal Maze.

eight. Houses of Parliament

What is it? The seat of British democracy. Have an audio tour through the House of Lords and Firm of Eatables to bring the building to life. It takes effectually 90 minutes and features leading parliamentary figures such as Mr Speaker and Black Rod. Feeling fancy? Cull the tour that comes with afternoon tea abreast the Thames.

Why become? For a dazzling combo of history, politics and architecture.

9. Madame Tussauds

What is it? In 1802 Marie Tussaud fabricated her waxwork debut in the upper-case letter (32 years after she founded the show in Paris). Past 1884 she decided to lay downwards permanent roots in Marylebone and she's been there always since (well, her legacy at to the lowest degree). Visitors to Madame Tussauds today volition observe some 300 lifelike models including contemporary actors such every bit George Clooney and historic icons similar Einstein and Monroe. Elsewhere The Queen stands proudly on the Royal Balcony and stars like the Curiosity cast have their own Hall of Heroes.

Why go? To snap a selfie with all the famous faces. Instagram, incoming.

10. St Paul's Cathedral

What is it? Iconic though St Paul's may be, the cathedral as nosotros know information technology today is in fact version six, at to the lowest degree. Mark v was razed to the ground past the Great Fire of London in 1666, mark three was too destroyed past fire, in 1087, and mark four vicious to ruins under Henry VIII's leadership. Thankfully Sir Christopher Wren's pattern, which was completed in 1708, survived 12 monarchs and two world wars. If you've paid for main access you'll exist treated to an introductory talk before being taken on a 90-minute bout.

Why go? To test your hearing in the Whispering Gallery.

11. Afternoon Tea at the Ritz

What is it? An occasion to enjoy finely cutting sandwiches, fresh cakes and the tinkling of shiny silver teapots in the gold and white splendour of the Ritz Hotel's former Ballroom. It's then pop that you tin can book sittings from eleven.30am to 7.30pm every 24-hour interval – sure, it's non strictly afternoon, merely all accompanied by the delicate sounds of a pianist, harpist or string quartet.

Why go? For the unlimited scones and sandwiches.

12. Tower Bridge

What is information technology? There's more to this ornate Victorian bridge than something cool to look at: you tin really venture within. Cheque out the engine rooms with their whirring wheels and pistons, and then head upward to glass-floored viewing platform above the describe bridge, where you lot can delve into this magnificent structure'due south story.

Why get? Time it right and you'll see the bridge rising up to let paddle steamers and barges through. Want to know a fun fact? A full schedule of bridge lift times is available on their website.

thirteen. Kensington Palace

What is information technology? Where William, Kate and the kids hang their hats. This tourist attraction has a chic way: it played host to the most fashionable salons in Georgian times, was home to Queen Victoria in her youth, then sassy Princess Margaret and then classy Princess Diana. Now the main palace is a pretty visitor magnet with tranquil gardens to wander.

Why get? To be blown away past the outfits in the 'Imperial Style in the Making' exhibition.

xiv. Large Ben

TOURS SUSPENDED INDEFINITELY

What is it? Big Ben is the nickname of the Smashing Bell inside Westminster's iconic clock tower, merely even locals think 'Large Ben' when they see the Elizabeth Tower. Y'all can't become inside for a tour until 2022 due to maintenance work but you're a minute away from the river, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey here, and so it's an piece of cake visit.

Why become? To run across the world'due south most celebrated clock face to face up.

15. Wembley Stadium

What is it? The venue where England won the World Cup in 1966. Wembley still has a magic about information technology, even when you lot don't have a ticket for a match or a rock concert. Take the tour – currently not running, but due to resume in autumn 2021 – and you lot'll get to walk downwards the players' tunnel and climb the 107 Trophy Winner's steps, plus, with the use of 360-degree video, experience the electric atmosphere at some of the stadium'southward biggest events.

Why go? To peek behind the scenes and sense that Loving cup Final magic.

sixteen. Churchill War Rooms

What is it? A secret, secure bunker, tucked behind Downing Street and Parliament Square, where Churchill and his chiffonier could monitor how Earth State of war 2 was going, receive intelligence and give orders. It'south the picayune details that give the biggest impression, from a daily-updated weather noticeboard to the scratch marks on Churchill's chair (acquired by his ring on a stressed twenty-four hours).

Why go? For history lovers to see the rooms just equally they were left afterwards 1945.

17. The National Gallery

What is it? A huge art museum right on Trafalgar Foursquare that'due south gratuitous to enter. Perfect, whether you've got ten minutes in your lunch-break to bank check out Van Gogh's 'Sunflowers' or fourth dimension to wander the entire drove of Western European paintings from the thirteenth to the nineteenth centuries. Check out the Friday Lates for after-hours admission to exhibitions, creative workshops and life cartoon sessions.

Why go? To exist swaddled in artistic greatness.

eighteen. National Portrait Gallery

CLOSED UNTIL 2023

What is it? But around the corner from The National Gallery, this is the home of a stunning collection of portraits, from paintings to photography, capturing the essence of notable royalty, celebrities and our enduring fascination with the human face. The permanent collection is free to visit, with ticketed special exhibitions. The National Portrait Gallery also hosts Late Shifts every Thursday and Friday, with DJs, drop-in drawing sessions and lots more.

Why go? To wander among the neat and good.

19. Thames RIB Feel

What is it? A high-speed 'rigid inflatable boat' that will take yous zooming up and downwards the river. If you want to ramp up the excitement on the Thames – the kind that would make 007 proud – hop aboard the RIB to travel at speeds of effectually 35 knots (roughly forty mph).

Why go? Because it's the nigh thrilling way for adrenaline junkies to see the sights.

20. National Theatre

What is it? Only the greatest theatre in the world (well, nosotros would argue so, anyway). Take your selection of entertainment from the three theatres, and if you've got time to kill pre- or post-performance, have a seat at one of the various bars or restaurants.

Why go? To witness shows that champion rising talents and showcase large-name stars.

21. Royal Albert Hall

What is information technology? Beyond the route from the ornate golden memorial statue of Prince Albert is another dedication. The construction of Purple Albert Hall was ordered past Queen Victoria and named later on her late husband. Since its completion, the hall has hosted music and theatre and continues to practise so to this day – almost famously the Proms.

Why go? To experience the dazzling Victorian opulence.

22. Tower of London

What is information technology? One of the uppercase'south best and most well-known historical attractions.The Belfry of London offers wonderful architecture, gruesome stories, hands-on activities for younger visitors, costumed actors and guides, and worryingly confident ravens.

Why go? To get an eyeful of the Crown Jewels.

23. Royal Opera House

What is it? Covent Garden's grand old opera house. You don't accept to be super-rich to arrive on the action – there are reductions for students, senior citizens and those on credits, plus regular ticket offers for all. Alternatively, take a backstage tour, where you tin sometimes spot the Royal Ballet practising their moves.

Why go? To see a right regal opera or ballet functioning.

24. Kew Gardens

What is it? Budding horticulturalists will have a field twenty-four hours hither. There are over 300 acres to explore filled with ethnic flora and fauna, every bit well equally exotic greenhouses and nature trails. There's also a treetop walkway and the Grade I-listed Temperate House recently reopened after a five-year refurb. Information technology's the largest Victorian glasshouse in the world and quite a sight to behold.

Why go? For a jiff of fresh air in the busy city.

25. Shakespeare's Globe

What is it? A painstakingly accurate recreation of the kind of theatre Shakespeare would have written all his plays for. If y'all've never been, book groundling tickets and stand up in the open up-air pit like you lot're at a rock festival. It makes the Bard's poetry seem a lot less like homework and a lot more similar first-charge per unit drama.

Why become? For a raucous, interactive take on theatre.

26. Somerset House

What is it? An elegant eighteenth-century landmark and cultural hub on the northward side of Waterloo Bridge that hosts several fine art exhibitions and events at a time, incorporating the Courtauld Gallery and temporary exhibitions in the Beach Galleries. Hell, fifty-fifty the courtyard (once an Inland Revenue automobile park) makes itself useful, with gigs, alfresco cinema and fountains in summer.

Why get? For music and movies nether the stars.

27. Tate Modern

What is it? A riverside icon dedicated to modern and contemporary fine art, based in what was the Bankside power station. Yous can discover works past the likes of Warhol, Dalí and Hockney, as well equally unusual, middle-grabbing installations, as function of its free-to-visit permanent collection.

Why go? For some of the all-time art and architecture London has to offer.

28. Kew Palace

What is information technology? The favoured residence of George III that looks more like a massive, ornate biscuit can than the glittering home of a royal. In the gardens there is a wonderful lilliputian cottage congenital for Queen Charlotte that trumps whatever garden shed. You tin can only visit the palace via Kew Gardens (it's free with entry to Kew).

Why become? To observe an often forgotten treasure.

29. Cutty Sark

What is it? Experience life aboard the earth's last surviving tea clipper in Greenwich. Encounter the intricate craftsmanship used in its creation and discover out how the crew lived. Thanks to a million-pound refurbishment subsequently a fire in 2007, you can now walk underneath the hull.

Why go? To get a taste of life at sea without leaving the dock.

thirty. HMS Belfast

What is it? A greyness warship, with its guns tilted loftier, moored shut to Belfry Bridge, that' s a museum nowadays. Open daily, with scenes set to show you what life was similar on board a working WWII warship, HMS Belfast is a lively visitor infinite. You tin scoot around the lower levels, exploring the engine room, the kitchens and the dentist's office, and the action stations up on deck.

Why go? To play life-sized battleships.

31. London Transport Museum

What is it? A vast museum full of existent relics of the foretime ages of London ship, where there's always a coach or a train to hop on. Find out why tube stations were used as wartime shelters, see decades of cute poster artwork and discover how the latest technology will run our services in the future. The LTM e'er hosts a fabulous Friday Late themed around its newest exhibition.

Why go? To observe a treasure trove of retro blueprint.

32. London Zoo

What is information technology? The Regent's Park landmark that has come a long way since the days when zoos were full of homesick wild fauna. London Zoo does a lot of world-course animal welfare piece of work, creating carefully designed settings in which cute creatures from gorillas to lizards, penguins to tigers now reside. There's a dedicated area for minor kids and daily shows for nature fans of all ages.

Why go? To take a walk on the wild side.

33. Warner Bros Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

What is it? The Warner Bros Studio, a short trek n of London, where you can gear up foot within the Great Hall, Forbidden Forest and Diagon Alley. Run into motion picture sets, costumes, props and exhibits that have you behind the scenes of the Harry Potter films. Changing exhibitions are included in the ticket and you become the chance to discover the secrets of the movies' special effects.

Why go? To finally go your mitts on a flagon of butterbeer.

34. Royal Observatory

What is information technology? For centuries, the location for the scientific written report of the stars and of timekeeping – originally for the benefit of ocean navigation. This is where you'll see the Greenwich Meridian Line marked out, from which betoken the world'southward time zones are measured. You can also see the incredible instruments with which astronomers fabricated discoveries about our universe, long before the digital age, or get stargazing at a planetarium show.

Why go? To give Brian Cox a run for his money.

35. Shrek'south Adventure! London

What is it? An interactive tour that starts with a breathtaking 4D ride through the heaven before you crash-land almost a certain ogre'due south swamp and find yourself having to abscond from the wicked Rumpelstiltskin. You'll encounter a few favourite characters while you take on unlike missions, such as liberating Pinocchio from the Bicycle of Torture and cooking up some spells with the Muffin Human being.

Why become? To take a giggle on a whirlwind trip to Far, Far Away.

36. SEA LIFE London Aquarium

What is it? The domicile of sea creatures from all over the globe, from Pacific nurse sharks to Antarctic penguins (with a glimpse of what's swimming past you in the Thames, too). It can become decorated, but go off-peak and see the crocs or nourish a Ocean Life Late, where you tin can relish a drinking glass of fizz while you sentry the backside-glass bubbles.

Why go? To immerse yourself in the life aquatic.

37. The South Bank

What is it? A buzzing open space and cultural nucleus of the capital, lined with some of the urban center'southward about exciting galleries, theatres and attractions. First at the Southbank Heart, for free art and live shows, lunch at one of the many restaurants, scout the skateboarders and so wander due east past the artists' enclave at Gabriel'south Wharf and on to Tate Modern and the Globe.

Why get? For riverside adventures and ace views.

38. The London Dungeon

What is it? A tour of London'southward nastiest historical moments, with gory stories retold with sense of humor, gooey props and gruesomely costumed actors. You tin can lath a traitor'south boat to the Belfry of London, dash through the streets of Whitechapel in pursuit of Jack the Ripper and glimpse plague London.

Why get? Gore-seekers tin ride a recreation of The Decease Express, a line which carried the deceased to their final resting identify in Surrey.

39. British Library

What is it? A working resources for printed and audio archives that'due south open to all. If you nip into the free entrance hall exhibitions you might become to see a scribbled page of Beatles songwriting or a Leonardo da Vinci notebook. At that place are some stunning illuminated scripts and landmark scientific items too, including very early photographs. Don't expect silence to be enforced when a Belatedly at the Library upshot kicks off.

Why go? For studious research or to geek out on paper-based artefacts.

xl. The British Museum

What is information technology? Since it opened in 1759 – the first ever national museum for the public – the British Museum has been displaying global artefacts discovered by British explorers. Must-run into gems include the Rosetta Rock and the Parthenon sculptures.

Why become? The museum has more than 8 million objects in its drove, 50,000 of which are on display. That's a lot of bang for your buck, considering entrance to the principal areas is free. Plus, the museum will close for 3 years from December 2022 so get in there quick.

41. Hyde Park

What is it? A massive central London park that'south easy to take for granted. Wander into Hyde Park'southward vast greenery and eventually y'all become to the Serpentine lake, where you can take a dip, go boating, board a solar-powered ferry (in summertime) or eat pizza by the water. Y'all can besides take guided tours of the gardens and a secret pet cemetery – visit the park's website to book the latter.

Why go? Because life's more fun if you lot stop for a stroll, a cycle ride or a picnic.

42. Highgate Cemetery

What is it? A beautiful, aging northward London cemetery full of overgrown paths that will lead you to several Form II-listed catacombs and a number of famous remains, including poet Christina Rossetti, builder Sir Lawrence Weaver and philosopher Karl Marx. On a sunny day, it even feels a little less morbid.

Why get? To try to find Karl Marx's hidden-away grave.

43. Museum of London

What is it? A museum that traces the capital's history from its beginnings to the present day – you can even see part of the metropolis's original Roman Wall from its windows. Sense the drama of the Great Burn of London, walk through a Victorian shopping arcade, encounter the stunning London 2012 Olympic cauldron and get an eyeful of role of the fatberg found lurking in a Whitechapel sewer. Yuck!

Why become? To discover out what life was really like in Londinium – for free.

44. Natural History Museum

What is it? The magnificent South Kensington home of around 80 meg plant, animal, fossil, stone and mineral specimens. This fascinating museum, which is also a world-class research institution, is total of natural wonders and access is free.

Why get? To marvel at a25.2-metre-longblueish whale skeleton, a piece of Mars rock,Mary Anning'sichthyosaur fossil and lots more.

45. Regent'southward Park

What is information technology? A verdant 410 acres of lush, open space, that are only a short stroll northward of Oxford Circus. Featuring a pretty rose garden, an elegant Open Air Theatre (open throughout the summer – check the website for exact dates) and tree-lined avenues for jogging, it'south a slice of horticultural heaven and a much-needed break spot from the residual of the whirring city.

Why become? To escape the Oxford Street crowds.

46. St James'south Park

What is it? London's oldest Royal Park and, essentially, Buckingham Palace's forepart garden. St James's Park runs alongside The Mall and offers an piece of cake escape from the traffic noise of Trafalgar Square. The two islands in its lake are home to wildlife and there'southward the Princess Diana Memorial Walk to follow if you fancy some gentle practise.

Why become? To sentinel the pelicans (which were introduced to the park more than than 400 years ago) being fed at 2.30pm daily.

47. Science Museum

What is it? An incredible, free-to-enter, hands-on museum that features vii floors of entertaining and educational exhibits, including the Apollo x control module, a virtual reality space-descent experience and a sixteenth-century artificial arm.

Why go? To experience the incredible Data Historic period gallery, from where the Queen sent her offset tweet, signed Elizabeth R.

48. Trafalgar Square

What is it? When it comes to London's top attractions, Trafalgar Square can't be overlooked. Bring your selfie stick considering posing for pics is a must. Get the lions and fountains in shot (no paddling, please) and check out the latest modern fine art installation adorning the Fourth Plinth, as London'due south red buses circle on the busy roads around you.

Why go? To have the archetypal, cheesy, London tourist selfie.

49. 5&A

What is it? One of the greatest collections of decorative art, design, mode and textiles in the world. The Style galleries run from eighteenth-century court dress right upwardly to contemporary chiffon numbers; the Architecture gallery has videos, models, plans and descriptions of various styles; and the famous Photography collection holds more than than 500,000 images. Admission is free.

Why go? To drool over amazing blueprint and gobble upwardly cake in the sunny courtyard. Bliss.

50. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

What is it? The dark-green infinite around the Olympic Stadium that'southward now open to the public. You don't need to exist a sports fan to enjoy the Olympic Park. If y'all fancy a intermission from the Westfield shopping heart crowds, yous can wander around the waterways and immaculate parklands or accept a dip at the Zaha Hadid-designed Aquatics Centre – and be sure to give the VeloPark a spin.

Why get? To savor in Olympic legacy.

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