Landmarks of London

The City of London has attracted millions of visitors from all over the globe for centuries and has inspired us all to visit this beautiful, charming city with its picturesque streets and historic landmarks. London is also one of the most influential cities in the world making an impact on wide range of fields like fashion, art, education, finance and so on. Built on the banks of river Thames, London has its history dating back the Roman times and is a place where one can easily find traces of influence from different eras in various parts of the city. With so much to explore, London is always on top of must visit cities in almost every traveler’s list. So lets check out some of the must visit landmarks when in London:

1.Big Ben and Westminster Palace

Often considered as the icon of London, Big Ben is one of the most visited and photographed landmarks in the city. The arresting sound of the clock striking from the tower is not gone unnoticed by the visitors. Another closely associated structure with the tower is the Westminster Palace, also known as the Houses of Parliament. The Palace is considered as the ‘Heart of the British Politics’ and this is where the nations leaders have come together for several decades and made history. If possible do make a point to visit after dusk to catch these buildings all lit up with golden lights.

2. London Eye

This world famous giant wheel is very popular among the tourists visiting London as it provides 360 degree panoramic view of London from the Big Ben upto the Buckingham Palace as you take 30 minute ride in it.  Also, the London Eye is famous for its grand fireworks display with well-synchronized light and music on the New Year’s Eve.

London Eye during New years Eve

3. Buckingham Palace

London is all about royalty and one cannot miss admiring the beauty of the official residence of the Queen of England. Although palace tours are open only during the summer do not miss out on catching a glimpse of Change of Guards at 11:30 am and take a stroll around the famous Victoria Memorial.

Victoria Memorial

Change of gaurds

4. Tower of London

How can one resist visiting this place after learning that the famous crown jewels are housed here? The Tower of London probably one of the oldest structures in the London city has served as a castle as well as a prison for several years. Walking alongside the torture chambers, listening to all the terrifying stories gives you an eerie feeling of the castle being haunted.

5. Tower bridge

The Tower Bridge, often confused with the London Bridge is an iconic bridge built across the River Thames. Designed as a suspension and bascule bridge to accommodate the movement ships through the river, the Tower Bridge attracts million of visitors every year hoping to catch a glimpse of the ancient Victorian engines working their magic in opening and closing the bridge.

6. St Paul’s Cathedral

The enormous dome of this magnificent cathedral has occupied the skyline of London for centuries. This cathedral has hosted some of the major events and one among them is the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. Take a tour inside the Cathedral and admire the awe-inspiring domes, paintings and mosaic art works on the ceilings. The tour does not end here, climb up the two galleries of the Cathedral and don’t miss to check out the most stunning panoramic view of London.

7. Bond Street & Oxford Street

Bond Street

I.S: http://www.visitlondon.com 

London has always been the front-runner when it comes to fashion and this city has some of the most fashionable locations to shop. Head over to the famous Bond Street and Oxford Street where you would find plenty of high street fashion brands as well as trendiest boutiques offering you a wide range of choices to shop.

8. Piccadilly Circle

As many describe it as the miniature version of New York’s Time Square, Piccadilly Circle is always busy humming with activities surrounded with bold and bright billboards, locals and tourists busy walking around and few gather near the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain. This circle is formed by the confluence of five main roads: Regent Street, Shaftesbury Avenue, Piccadilly Street, Covent Street and Haymarket.

9. Shard

This newly built skyscraper adorns the London’s skyline, standing out among the several centuries old iconic buildings, making a mark of its own. Visit this tallest building of Europe to catch the uninterrupted view of the whole of London

10. Hyde Park

I.S.: http://www.visitlondon.com 

No visit to London is complete without relaxing in one of its several royal parks. Spend a relaxing evening strolling through the park or carry a picnic basket, unwind after a busy day of sightseeing here.

Well these are some of the must visit landmarks in London, do share with us your favourite landmarks from the city by leaving a comment below 🙂