Places not to miss in London

London, as you most likely know, is the capital of England. It's one of the most visited cities every year. Perhaps you've even had the chance to go there yourself. In that case, our article probably won't be very useful to you. Because today we're going to talk about the must-see places in London!

Every city in the world has a few must-see places. It could be an iconic building, a square, a monument, a neighborhood, a museum… London is no exception. But unlike some less famous cities, the English capital boasts several world-renowned landmarks. We've all seen them (sometimes without even realising it) in a film, a TV series, or online.

BIG BEN

How could you not have heard of or seen Big Ben somewhere? It's almost impossible! The clock tower is one of the symbols of the United Kingdom and THE must-see monument in London! Located in the Westminster district, it sits atop the Palace of Westminster, the seat of the British Parliament. However, the tower is only open to UK residents. Furthermore, you need to make an appointment and wait patiently for several months before receiving a response. Fortunately, though, Big Ben can be admired from the outside! For example, from Westminster Bridge, the London Eye, Great George Street, and many other locations…

LONDON EYE

Although not a listed historical monument, the London Eye is sure to catch your eye. Standing 135 meters tall and located opposite the Thames and Big Ben, you'd almost have to try to miss this giant Ferris wheel. Unlike other Ferris wheels, the capsules are fully enclosed and made of glass. Nevertheless, it's incredibly impressive! The ride offers breathtaking views of London. It's especially the perfect spot for those who want to capture Big Ben from a unique perspective!

BUCKINGHAM PALACE

Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British royal family. While the chances of encountering the Queen are slim, the palace boasts many other attractions. It's an iconic building with beautiful architecture, surrounded by two parks (St. James's Park and Green Park). But above all, it's the perfect opportunity to witness the Changing of the Guard. During this free ceremony, the new military regiment takes over from the Royal Guards. Hundreds of thousands of tourists flock there every year to enjoy it.

TRAFALGAR SQUARE

Trafalgar Square is probably the least known place on this list. And yet, every year it too attracts several thousand tourists. This large square is named in honour of the Battle of Trafalgar, which took place in 1805. It's a popular spot for special events, such as demonstrations or film premieres. But outside of these times, the square is just like any other. You can meet friends, sit for a break by the fountain, admire the view of the famous Big Ben clock tower, and so on. People also come to the square to visit the National Gallery, an art museum exhibiting works dating from the 13th century to the 1900s.

Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus has become incredibly popular thanks to its "little" peculiarity: its enormous illuminated advertising screens! Formerly comprised of six screens, it now consists of just one huge screen following renovations in 2017. All kinds of advertisements are displayed on it throughout the day and night, giving the square a bit of a Times Square feel. Besides these advertisements, you can also find the Shaftesbury Fountain, which pays homage to Lord Shaftesbury, a British Member of Parliament. The area also features the Tube (London's Underground), a theatre, shops, restaurants, and more.

TOWER OF LONDON

Let's now head to the other side of London, to the City of London. This is where the famous Tower of London is located. For those unfamiliar with its history, it's an ancient fortress built in 1066 where many royal figures resided, such as Kings Henry III and Edward I. Today, the Tower of London is a popular tourist attraction open to the public. Inside, you'll find several rooms that tell the story of the site, as well as the British Crown Jewels (we'll discuss these in more detail in a dedicated article), the Chapel Royal, and much more. There's so much to see that if you want to see everything, plan to dedicate a whole day! That way, you're sure not to miss a thing!

TOWER BRIDGE

Just a short walk from the Tower of London is Tower Bridge. This bridge allows vehicles and pedestrians to cross the River Thames. It's one of London's main symbols, along with Big Ben! You can enjoy the view from the banks of the Thames, from the Tower of London, by walking on the bridge, from a cruise, or even from inside. In fact, it's possible to visit the inside of the bridge. This attraction is also known for its glass floor, which offers a view of the road just below. And let's not forget its famous feature: its bascule bridge system. It lifts to allow boats to pass, thus closing off pedestrian and vehicular traffic. It's quite an impressive transformation to watch!

These places are among the most popular in the capital. They're the ones that immediately spring to mind when you think of London. They're iconic and unmissable spots in the city! For travellers who prefer less touristy locations, we'll have the opportunity to discuss them in future articles. But one thing is certain: you'll find it quite difficult to miss at least one of these places, even by chance.

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