Big Ben and Houses of Parliament: The Palace of Westminster serves as the meeting place for both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Probably the most famous structure is the Elizabeth Tower, home to the great clock and 14-ton bell more famously known as ‘Big Ben’.

Buckingham Palace: The London home of the present Royal Family was built in the early 1700s but did not become a grand state palace until Queen Victoria’s reign. The Palace is only open to the public during August and September.

London Eye: The world’s largest observation wheel soars 135 meters above the River Thames and gives spectacular views over London spanning 25 miles.

Changing of the Guard: Dazzling display of pageantry by the Foot Guards of the Household Division, the King’s personal guard accompanied by a band.

Madame Tussauds: One of London’s top tourist attractions, Madame Tussauds allows you to mingle with celebrities through the ages from Muhammad Ali to Lady Gaga and the British Royal Family.

Shakespeare’s Globe: A world-renowned theatre, education centre and cultural landmark dedicated to William Shakespeare, located on the bank of the River Thames.

St Paul’s Cathedral: This is the fourth cathedral built on the highest point in the city, designed by Sir Christopher Wren after The Great Fire of London in 1666. Inside, attractions include the Whispering Gallery and the dome (only 627 steps)
with amazing 360-degree views over London.

Tower Bridge: A famous landmark built between 1886-1894. Inside features an exhibition on the bridge’s architecture and heritage.

Tower of London: The Tower of London has served as a royal residence, armoury, treasury and prison for enemies of the Crown since 1097. Today, the tower houses the Crown Jewels. Residents include the Beefeaters – the Yeomen Warders who protect the castle.

Westminster Abbey: Since 1066, the Abbey has been a setting for Royal coronations and weddings. It is also the burial place for more than 3000 of England’s poets, politicians, monks and royalty.

Museums & Galleries

British Museum: The world’s oldest museum, founded in 1753, and certainly one of the greatest, with 4 km of galleries displaying artefacts.

Imperial War Museum: This museum studies the impact of war with amateur videos, oral history, exhibits of firearms and perspectives from civilians, loved ones, heroes and villains.

Museum of London: Displays include artefacts, audiovisuals and street scenery tracing life in London from its beginnings to the 20th century.

Tate Modern: Housed in what used to be the Bankside Power Station, the museum shows modern art on five concourses.

National gallery: The Grand façade serves as an appropriate introduction to magnificent artwork inside, which spans an impressive 700 years from the late 13th century to early 20th century.

National Maritime Museum: State-of-the-art museum with thought-provoking displays on Britain’s maritime past, present and future.

Natural History Museum: The museum is known for its cathedral-like exterior and interesting displays. Galleries are divided into Life & Earth and highlights include an array of dinosaur fossils and the huge blue whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling of Hintze Hall.

Science Museum: World-famous museum covering the history and development of science and technology. Welcome Wing contains an IMAX 3D cinema.

Victoria and Albert Museum: The world’s leading museum of art, design and performance, with a permanent collection of over 2 million objects.

Serpentine Gallery: The Serpentine Gallery is a former tea pavilion in Kensington Gardens, which hosts contemporary art exhibitions throughout the year.

Royal Parks

Green Park, SW1: An undulating landscape of grassland, trees and a favourite site for duels in the 18th century. 

Hyde Park, W2: Once a hunting forest for King Henry VIII. More than 340 acres of parkland where you can relax, swim and boat on the Serpentine lake, ride a horse on Rotten Row, listen to orators on a Sunday at Speaker’s Corner and visit The Princess Diana memorial fountain. 

Kensington Gardens, W8: The former grounds of Kensington Palace became a public park in 1841 and are a continuation of Hyde Park to the east. Kensington Palace, the birthplace of Queen Victoria, was once home to late Diana, Princess of Wales. The Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection is open for public.

Regent’s Park, NW1: Designed by John Nash with beautiful formal gardens, a boating lake and home to the world-famous London Zoo.

St James’s Park, SW1: Originally a marsh, this is now London’s most ornamental park, with wildlife and a lovely lake.