London is a vast city, the largest in Europe. For centuries, it has been a cultural hub for the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe. It’s no surprise that this metropolis is brimming with attractions.
To help you get started on your city trip to London, we’ve compiled a list of London attractions you really want to see!
But to truly feel London, you need to experience it. And what better way than with our London Highlights Bike Tour? In just 3.5 hours, a Dutch local will guide you through the city, showcasing both iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Pedal along and be amazed!
Discover and enjoy! 🚴♂️🇬🇧🏰
Our top London attractions, United Kingdom
Below you’ll find an overview of the most beloved attractions in London, with handy links to purchase your tickets quickly and securely online. This way, you can skip the long queues and spend more time actually experiencing the highlights of London.
- Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster – Admire the iconic Big Ben and the majestic Palace of Westminster along the banks of the Thames.
- The British Museum – Explore the treasure trove of art and history with millions of fascinating objects, including the famous Rosetta Stone.
- The Tower of London – Discover the rich history of this historic fortress and admire the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom.
- Buckingham Palace – Witness the Changing of the Guard at the official residence of the British monarch.
For the adventurous travelers among us, check out the London City Pass. This allows you not only to visit the most famous attractions in London but also to enjoy convenient benefits and discounts. Make the most of your stay in this vibrant city!
Houses of Parliament with Big Ben (Palace of Westminster)
In our editorial team, this building has been voted the most impressive structure in the British capital. This parliament building, also known as the Palace of Westminster, stands prominently on the banks of the Thames. One of the city’s biggest attractions is part of this building, namely Big Ben. The clock tower with the most recognizable melody houses one of the heaviest bells in the world.
British Museum
The British Museum is one of the largest and most prestigious museums in the world, located in the heart of London. The museum houses an enormous collection of over eight million artworks, artifacts, and cultural objects from around the globe, including the famous Elgin Marbles and the Rosetta Stone. The museum offers visitors the chance to explore the history and culture of humanity, from the earliest civilizations to modern times.
Tower of London
The Tower of London is a complex with no less than 20 towers. This attraction features unique objects and stories. It has served as a palace, later as a prison where even publicly condemned prisoners were executed on Tower Hill. There are various towers, each with its own story. For many visitors, the Crown Jewels are truly the highlight. You can view them up close, and they are the originals.
Buckingham Palace
This attraction is undoubtedly one of the most famous in London. It is the residence of the Royal Family. Buckingham Palace is frequently used for official occasions. Many tourists come for the ceremonial Changing of the Guard. The guards put on quite a spectacle that always draws a crowd. The palace itself is also worth capturing in a beautiful photo.
The palace has about 775 rooms and 78 bathrooms. Besides these many rooms, there is also a chapel, doctor’s office, swimming pool, and a cafeteria for the staff within the palace. It covers an area of no less than 77,000 square meters.
Currently, you cannot visit Buckingham Palace from the inside due to the passing of Queen Elizabeth. It is not yet clear when this will be possible again.
Hyde Park
Close to Buckingham Palace, you’ll find Hyde Park. This vast park is a delightful green oasis in the middle of the metropolis. On the three days a year when the sun shines, all Londoners flock here to enjoy the park. There is also an impressive memorial built for Lady Di. On the edge of the park stands a palace, Kensington Palace. The building is beautiful, but the Kensington Gardens in front of the palace are equally charming.
Exploring London attractions by bike
Discovering the largest city in Europe isn’t something you do quickly. On a bike, you see more than when you opt for the extensive metro network. That’s why at the start of your city trip, you should choose our London highlights tour with a Dutch guide. In just a few hours, you’ll see all the major London attractions. Our guide will also provide you with handy tips about the city to make the rest of your stay even more enjoyable. There’s no better way to start your city trip.
Covent Garden
If you love shopping, theater, and good food, then Covent Garden is the place for you. Covent Garden is located in the West End where all the theater shows are, but this area is mainly a shopping paradise. If you want to impress with the trendiest fashion, you should definitely check out some boutiques here. If you’ve found a new outfit, you won’t have to travel far. Covent Garden and the West End offer excellent nightlife venues where you can show off your new attire.
Tower Bridge
Perhaps the most famous bridge in the world, the Tower Bridge is the icon of London. This 244-meter-long bridge with two towers stands next to the Tower of London, from which it gets its name. For over 100 years, Londoners have crossed the Thames via this impressive bridge. The bridge can also open, but they try to avoid this as much as possible. Annually, the Tower Bridge opens about 900 times.
- Buy your ticket in advance!
The London Eye
This enormous Ferris wheel stands on the bank of the River Thames. This attraction offers a stunning view over central London. Thanks to the large glass capsules, you’ll never feel cold while enjoying the view from great heights. On a clear day, you can see about 40 kilometers and spot all the major attractions London has to offer. The Ferris wheel is a whopping 135 meters high. Here, you truly see how vast London really is!
Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus is to London what Times Square is to New York. The square is the third largest in the heart of the city, after Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square. Today, it is a popular London attraction with its enormous billboards. Additionally, it is a traffic hub, making it one of the busiest spots in the city. It’s a great place for people-watching. No matter the time, it’s always bustling here.
Trafalgar Square
This is the central square of the city. The monument in the middle of the square is particularly worth a closer look. The square is named after the victorious Battle of Trafalgar, where the British defeated Napoleon. The monument in the middle is a tribute to Admiral Nelson. A statue of him stands atop a 50-meter-high column. Like Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square is an excellent place for people-watching.
Westminster Abbey
This is the church of London. For nearly 1000 years, this abbey has stood here, and since the year 1100, the royals have used this church for their weddings and funerals. The last official event held here was the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Additionally, this is also the place where important Britons are interred after their passing. Here, you’ll find the memorial stones of Darwin, Dickens, and Shakespeare, although the latter’s remains are not here.
Now you have an overview of all our favorite London attractions. You know where to go and how to best experience them all. The planning of your city trip can truly begin!
If you’ve already seen London, opt for our Secrets of London bike tour, and you’ll see a completely different side of the city.
Harry Potter Warner Brother’s Studio Tour
Are you a big fan of the Harry Potter books and films? Then this attraction is definitely something you shouldn’t miss. You can explore the film sets and admire the magical objects from the movies. There’s plenty to see, from Dumbledore’s office to the students’ dormitory, potions, and you can even have your photo taken using special effects.
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
Are you a fan of Romeo and Juliet and all the other great plays associated with Shakespeare? Located near the London Bridge is Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. This is an exact replica of the open-air theatre from 1559. Many of the world-famous writer’s plays have been performed in this theatre. Here, you can learn all about William Shakespeare and his history in the world of theatre.
The theatre stands approximately on the same site where the original was burned down!
Chelsea FC
Attention football fans! A visit to the world-famous football club Chelsea FC is definitely worth your time. This is one of the most popular football clubs in the English league. At the stadium, you can take a tour of the stadium and the Chelsea Museum. Even if you’re not a huge football fan, it’s still a lot of fun. The guides who conduct the tours tell engaging stories, so you’ll definitely enjoy yourself!
Madame Tussauds
Do you enjoy coming face-to-face with various celebrities? Then a visit to Madame Tussauds is definitely for you. This is the largest and oldest location of the wax museum. In London, you can see figures of the Royal Family, historical figures, sports heroes, and cultural icons. You’ll need a few hours to see all the wax figures.
The museum also has 14 interactive zones where you can take photos with your favorite people. Each of these zones has its own theme.
Harrods
Harrods is an iconic department store in London, located in the chic Knightsbridge district. The building is enormous and has more than 330 departments, ranging from fashion to jewelry, homeware to luxury food and drink. It’s an experience to wander through the store, with its gleaming marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and stunning window displays.
Harrods has a rich history and has welcomed many celebrities as customers. The store is known for its exclusive range of brands and products, as well as the famous Harrods Food Hall, where you can find all sorts of delicacies. A visit to Harrods is a must-see for anyone visiting London looking for a unique shopping experience.
National Gallery
The National Gallery is one of the most popular and important art museums in the world, located in the heart of London on Trafalgar Square. The museum houses more than 2,300 paintings from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, including works by famous artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Michelangelo. Visitors can enjoy a stunning collection of masterpieces from Western art history and learn about different art movements and techniques. The National Gallery also offers a range of educational programs and events for both adults and children.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
St. Paul’s Cathedral in London is an impressive cathedral with a rich history designed by Christopher Wren. The cathedral’s interior is filled with stunning domes, columns, and decorations. The Whispering Gallery is a unique experience where whispers on one side can be clearly heard on the other side of the dome. A climb to the top offers a breathtaking view of the city. St. Paul’s Cathedral is not only an important religious center but also a cultural and historical treasure that completes any visit to London.
Tate Modern
Tate Modern is a world-renowned museum of modern and contemporary art, located on the banks of the River Thames in London. The museum is housed in a former power station and boasts an impressive collection of over 60,000 artworks, including works by Picasso, Warhol, Pollock, and many other significant artists. In addition to permanent collections, Tate Modern also offers temporary exhibitions, events, and educational programs. The museum provides a unique and inspiring experience for visitors of all ages and backgrounds and is a must-see for anyone interested in modern art and culture.
Cycling in London
Do you want to stay active during your city trip? Then it’s fun to explore the city by bike! During the London Highlights Tour, you’ll pass by all the popular London attractions in just 3.5 hours.
If you’ve already seen the well-known attractions, then the Love London Bike Tour is the perfect tour! Here, you’ll discover the lesser-known but beautiful spots of London with a local.
Additionally, there are many other tours in London you can take. The secrets of London bike tour, cycling with kids tour, and even an evening bike tour. You can also book a private tour!
Bike tour for kids
Map overview of London attractions
Below you can see the attractions in a map overview.