Watch the 4-minute video below or scroll past it for a written explanation of the top 10 must-see places in London:
Top 10 Quintessential London Tourist Attractions:
- Big Ben – This well-known symbol of the city is known by its nickname, “Big Ben,” though it is really called something boring such as the “Clock Tower.” Big Ben actually only refers to the bell of the clock, though most people refer to the entire Clock Tower as Big Ben. It is located at the northern corner of the Palace of Westminster. It is probably the most popular landmark in the United Kingdom, as well as the most iconic film location. Visit the Official Website ->
- Camden Market – Camden Market, also known as Camden Lock, is the name for the numerous, large, adjoining retail markets in Camden Town near the Hampstead Road Lock of the Regent’s Canal. Throughout the market, a plethora of stalls can be found serving handmade wares, food, craft, clothing, etc. It was originally open on Sundays only, and Sundays are still the main day, with Saturday a close second; most of the vendors are there through the week, as well, though you may want to stick to the weekend days for the best selection and vibe. Visit the Website ->
- Regent’s Park – Located in central London, Regent’s Park is one of the famous Royal Parks of London. It is located partly in the City of Westminster and partly in the London borough of Camden. The London Zoo is located within, as well as Regent’s College. This park is a perfect way to unwind on a beautiful day (good luck!), and there are plenty of activities to take part in, should you choose to do so. Visit the Official Website ->
- St Paul’s Cathedral – The Bishop of London holds his seat here at St. Paul’s, a cathedral which is part of the greater Church of England and is the mother church of the Diocese of London. This tower is almost as recognizable as Big Ben, and full of history, as well. A must-see! Visit the Official Website ->
- Oxford Circus – Oxford Circus is the name for an area in London’s West End at the intersection of Regent Street and Oxford Street. It is full of numerous shops and boutiques just waiting to be explored.
- South Bank – The South Bank is an area in London located on the southern bank of the River Thames. It is quite a popular arts and entertainment district, as it is home to the famous London Eye (the giant Ferris wheel), the Design Museum, the National Theatre, County Hall, and many more attractions. Visit the Official Website ->
- Buckingham Palace – Who isn’t familiar with Buckingham Palace? This official residence of the British monarch is famous for the “Changing of the Guard.” Located in Westminster, it is full of history and shouldn’t be missed. Visit the Official Website ->
- Tower of London – This historical castles has been around for almost 1,000 years, and as such, has played a major role in British history. Having been a fortress, a dungeon, an armory, a treasury and other things in the past, the Tower of London now is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. Visit the Official Website ->
- Brick Lane – This street that is located in East London used to be called Whitechapel Lane centuries ago. Brick Lane was also the scene of the infamous Jack the Ripper murders. It forms the center of the city’s Bangladeshi-Sylheti community and is sometimes referred to as Banglatown; It is famous for its numerous curry houses, as well as many of the city’s most popular nightclubs. Visit the Official Website ->
- Kensington Museums – The Kensington Museums are three major museums on Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea: The Science Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Natural History Museum. The Victoria and Albert Museum is the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design, with over four and a half million permanent pieces. The Science Museum houses over 300,000 artifacts, such as the first jet engine. The Natural History Museum, located on Cromwell Road, houses over 70 million items and is world-renowned in taxonomy, identification and conservation. Visit the Official Websites:
Science Museum Official Web Site
Victoria & Albert Museum Official Site
Natural History Museum Official Web Site
*Thanks to TripFilms.com and TripFilms user tamiralu for the video!