London is one of my favorite cities in the world! The architecture and English charm drew me in so deeply that I now find myself wanting to explore all of England.
There are so many wonderful things to do in London and there never seems to be enough time to see everything. I will be traveling (or is it travelling?) across the pond once again this upcoming March and I was reminiscing about my favorite London highlights.
Even if it’s your first time visiting or your third, like me, these are my favorite London highlights!
Table of Contents
Big Ben and Houses of Parliament
The iconic clock tower and houses of parliament are absolutely stunning. I remember getting off the tube at Westminster Station and running right into Big Ben. It was the first time seeing Big Ben and it took my breath away.
Westminster Abbey
Just up the street from Big Ben is Westminster Abbey. Many prominent people are buried within this amazing abbey, including Charles Dickens, Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Rudyard Kipling. Also, buried side-by-side are Mary Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth I of England (ironic right??). A ticket to go inside Westminster Abbey costs £20. The price is worth the experience but just looking at the outside of Westminster Abbey will do, as well.
Buckingham Palace
You cannot visit London without visiting the home of the Queen! Strolling up The Mall toward Buckingham Palace is very beautiful and peaceful with St. James’s Park on your left and Green Park on your right. After looking at the Palace, continue up Constitution Hill toward Wellington Arch and Apsley House (originally built in 1778 and nicknamed Number 1, London as it was the first house on the north side of Piccadilly). Next door to Apsley House is a gorgeous archway into Hyde Park.
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is on the West End of London and is a large shopping destination. My favorite area is the pedestrian mall between St. Paul’s Church and the Covent Garden Market. St. Paul’s Church in Covent Garden has been standing since 1633 and is a lovely church amongst the bustling pedestrian square. The Covent Garden Market right across the way is a two-story covered market with numerous independent shops and eateries. Covent Garden Market also houses the Apple Market which sells homemade jewelry, prints, and beautiful crafts from individual merchants.
The British Museum
The British Museum is just one of the amazing museums in London! The cost is FREE and you can easily spend many hours inside this fantastic museum. My favorite exhibits include the Easter Island statue, the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures, Lewis Chessmen (the most famous chess pieces in the world), the Assyrian Lion Hunt reliefs, and the Mausoleum of Halikarnassos & a column from the Temple of Artemis at Ephesos (both are 7 wonders of the ancient world). The British Museum has great 1 hour and 3 hour visiting guides.
Tower of London
The Tower of London is a historic castle that was originally built in 1078. It was a grand palace for the royal residence and a fortress (with a moat of course!). It was also used as a prison up until 1952. The Tower of London houses the crown jewels with over 140 royal ceremonial objects. This is the main reason to visit the Tower of London and the most popular exhibit inside. The entry price is £24.70. Once inside, they have wonderful free tours that teach you the history of the Tower of London.
Pro tip: Get in line about a ½ hour before opening time. The line is extremely long and will wrap around the tower walls. I purchased the London Pass (an AMAZING idea if you plan to see a lot of attractions in London), which came with a fast track type entry into the Tower of London. The line was thankfully shorter for the London Pass holders but still just as long. After I entered, I ran to where the crown jewels are housed. This is the most popular exhibit and the wait time could be a couple of hours.
Tower Bridge
The Tower Bridge is the iconic gorgeous Victorian bridge. They have exhibits available inside the bridge, but I recommend doing the Thames River Boat Cruise (which is also available with the London Pass). The Boat Cruise will take you straight under the Tower Bridge on the way to Greenwich.
If you have more time to explore in London, read my more to explore guide!
Until next time,
Leave a Comment