Tourist Attractions in London

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in London

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About London

During the rise of the mighty British Empire, London became practically the centre of the world. The fabulous capital and resources flowing into the metropolis from numerous overseas colonies made the capital of Great Britain a rich, haughty and glittering city, packed with architectural masterpieces, magnificent concert halls and fashionable shops.

London is a coveted destination not only for countless streams of immigrants, but also for tourists from all over the world. The opulent Victorian city blocks, Buckingham Palace, the Tower and Westminster Abbey are among the world’s most visited attractions. “The Michelin restaurants and trendy clubs of London’s Soho district attract the most advanced, progressive, selective crowd.

Top-35 Tourist Attractions in London

Tower Bridge

 4.8/5

147555 reviews

A drawbridge over the River Thames, designed by architect H. Jones and built in the late 19th century. Jones and built in the late 19th century. The structure consists of two powerful “Gothic” towers 64 metres high, connected by galleries and hanging spans. Tower Bridge is one of the most recognisable symbols of the UK capital, although initially Londoners thought it was ugly and ridiculous. There is a museum on the top floor of one of the galleries.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Tower of London

 4.6/5

99631 reviews

A fortress standing on the north bank of the Thames, it is over 900 years old. The Tower is known as a prison for nobles and royal prisoners. From time to time it became the residence of monarchs. At different times the famous humanist Thomas More, Henry VIII’s wives Catherine Howard and Anne Boleyn, the “bloody” Queen Mary Tudor and many others were prisoners of the castle. It was only in the middle of the 20th century that the Tower ceased to fulfil the functions of a prison.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM

lastminute.com London Eye

 4.5/5

167846 reviews

One of the largest attractions of this type in Europe. The height of the structure is 136 metres, which approximately corresponds to a 45-storey building. The wheel is set on the bank of the Thames, offering a view of the whole of London. Passengers can be accommodated in one of 32 closed capsule cabins, which symbolise the 32 city districts. It takes half an hour to complete a full revolution. The attraction opened in 1999.

Open time

Monday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM

Buckingham Palace

 4.5/5

160964 reviews

The Royal Palace, the official residence of the ruling dynasty in London. There are about 800 rooms in the building, around the perimeter of 20 hectares there is a whole “city” for the internal use of the royals: hospital, police station, post office, restaurant. The palace was built for the Duke of Buckingham in the XVIII century, but was bought by King George III. It became an official residence after Queen Victoria came to the throne.

Open time

Big Ben

 4.5/5

57413 reviews

The seat of the British Parliament since the 16th century. The palace stands on the banks of the Thames in the heart of the capital. English kings have lived here since the 11th century. Over the centuries, the facade of the building has been rebuilt, renovated, and new buildings have been added. Tourists can get inside only during the summer parliamentary holidays. Big Ben is the bell of the famous clock tower on the grounds of the Palace of Westminster, more commonly referred to as the entire tower along with the famous clock face. The tower was built by the architect O. Pugin in 1859 and is 96 metres high. Since 2012, Big Ben has been officially renamed Elizabeth Tower in honour of the reigning queen.

Open time

Kensington Palace

 4.4/5

26089 reviews

Another royal residence, the smallest of all the palaces owned by the ruling family. The building was built in the 17th century for the Earl of Nottingham, but King William of Orange bought it and made it his summer country estate. Kensington Palace (more of a mansion compared to other royal palaces) is located in one of London’s western boroughs. The Duke of Kent and the Duke of Gloucester’s families live there nowadays.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Westminster Abbey

 4.6/5

39029 reviews

The main church of Great Britain, not only an important religious centre, but also a place of coronation and burial of British monarchs. The Abbey was founded by Edward the Confessor at the beginning of the 11th century and acquired its present-day appearance in the 15th century. Starting with Harold II, all British kings have been crowned here. The Abbey is open to tourists and often hosts classical music concerts and exhibitions.

Open time

St. Paul's Cathedral

 4.6/5

40589 reviews

An Anglican church standing on Ludgate Hill. Christian churches have been built on this site since the early medieval period. The last Catholic cathedral fell into disrepair after the reforms of Henry VIII, and only ruins remain on the hilltop. In the 17th century construction began on a brand new cathedral designed by Sir Christopher Wren. In the temple are buried many iconic figures of British history: W. Churchill, Admiral Nelson, A. Fleming and others.

Open time

Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Trafalgar Square

 4.6/5

119113 reviews

A famous square in central London, a favourite symbol of the city and the place where the British “kilometre zero” passes. Numerous festivals and celebrations are organised here, and the country’s main Christmas tree is erected in winter. The square appeared in 1820 on the site of the old Whitehall stables. The place was named in honour of the British victory in 1805 in the naval battle at Cape Trafalgar.

Open time

Oxford Street

 4.6/5

3314 reviews

One of London’s most famous shopping streets. More than 100 million people visit it every year. First of all, a visit to the street is interesting for all those who follow fashion and love shopping. In a relatively small space (Oxford Street is only 2.4 kilometres long) there are more than 500 shops, including boutiques of world brands, large family supermarkets and mass-market shops.

Piccadilly

 0/5

The street got its name from the lace collars that Robert Baker sold. Previously it was called Portuguese Street. Piccadilly is famous for the fact that for more than 300 years the richest and most noble representatives of the world “elite” have been living here: bankers, stars, members of powerful financial clans. The most expensive and luxurious mansions, hotels and apartments are located here.

Abbey Road

 4.5/5

455 reviews

The street became popular because a part of it was immortalised on the cover of The Beatles’ record (the album was called Abbey Road). It was also the location of the record company where the famous band recorded their songs. Decades later, fans continue their pilgrimage to Abbey Road. Beatle fans breathlessly take photos at “the very spot” depicted on the cover.

30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)

 4.5/5

4882 reviews

A metal and glass structure in the modern centre of London, shaped like a cucumber (Barcelona also has such a tower). The building is used as the headquarters of Swiss Reinsurance. The tower was built from 2001 to 2004 by architect Sir N. Foster. The construction cost $400 million. The structure reaches a height of 180 metres and contains 40 floors.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

The Shard

 4.6/5

36885 reviews

A high-rise building built for the opening of the 2012 Olympic Games. The structure is a glass pyramid resembling a piece of ice with a height of 310 metres (72 floors). Inside there are offices, hotels, recreation areas, private apartments. Tourists are eager to get into the skyscraper to the observation deck located at the level of the 70th floor, from where they can admire London lying in the palm of their hands.

Open time

The British Museum

 4.7/5

146069 reviews

The country’s main historical and archaeological museum, one of the largest in the whole world. The building has about 100 exhibition halls with exhibits from all corners of the world – former colonies of the British Empire. There are also ancient Egyptian and ancient artefacts. Many countries demand that the exhibits be returned to their homeland, as it is believed that they got to the British Museum in a not quite honest way.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The National Gallery

 4.7/5

46544 reviews

The largest museum in the country, with more than 2,000 examples of Western European paintings from the 12th century onwards. The gallery was established in 1839, and the collection has been growing ever since. Like many such places, the museum is impossible to get round in one visit, you will need to return to it several times to see all the expositions. You can also listen to audiobooks and lectures about art at the London Gallery.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Churchill War Rooms

 4.6/5

12421 reviews

An underground bunker from which Churchill and his entourage ran a military company during the Second World War. It was completed shortly before the outbreak of war. In 1989 Margaret Thatcher inaugurated the bunker for everyone to see. Equipment, personal belongings of the country’s leaders, photos and documents were left as exhibits inside. The museum is located under the Treasury building, next to the Palace of Westminster, and is a branch of the Imperial War Museum.

Open time

Victoria and Albert Museum

 4.7/5

53862 reviews

The world’s largest museum of design and arts and crafts. It was opened a year after the 1851 World’s Fair, as the event was a great success. “Musee des Arts and Crafts” – that was the original name of the collection – was renamed in honour of Queen Victoria and her husband Albert in 1899. The royal couple gave their full support to the collection, which consisted of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, medieval rarities, fabrics and theatre props.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:45 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:45 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:45 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:45 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:45 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:45 PM

Natural History Museum

 4.7/5

24083 reviews

Opened in 1881, the exposition was based on the collection of the Natural History Department of the British Museum. The total number of exhibits exceeds 80 million (botany, zoology, mineralogy, palaeontology). Many of them can be touched and studied, and there are information boards in different languages. The most impressive room is the centre hall: it contains full-length authentic dinosaur skeletons.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:50 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:50 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:50 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:50 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:50 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:50 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:50 PM

Madame Tussauds London

 4.4/5

70118 reviews

A branch of the most famous wax museum in the world (it has branches in Amsterdam, Hong Kong, New York, Copenhagen). Maria Tussauds inherited wax figures from her teacher Curtis and gradually added new characters to the collection. Until 1835 she toured all over England like circus performers, then opened a permanent exhibition at the insistence of her sons.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

The Sherlock Holmes Museum

 4.3/5

17553 reviews

The house-museum of the popular detective at 221b Baker Street. It was here that Sherlock Holmes and his assistant Dr Watson rented rooms according to the idea of the writer Arthur Conan Doyle. The building was bought by the society of fans of this literary work. The museum opened relatively recently – in 1990. The rooms have been recreated in a manner that exactly corresponds to the author’s description by A.K. Doyle.

Open time

Tate Britain

 4.7/5

18071 reviews

A contemporary art gallery that attracts millions of tourists every year. It is considered one of the largest in the world. The collection consists of works from the early 20th century to the present day. The modern building opened to the public in 2000. It consists of seven floors, each of which has its own exposition. The museum is housed in the rebuilt building of the former power station.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Theatre Royal Drury Lane

 4.7/5

8141 reviews

One of the most prestigious opera venues, where the best performers and orchestras seek access. Before the current building was constructed in 1858, the site was home to two theatres that burned down in fires. Covent Garden used to stage all theatrical genres, but later it began to specialise only in musical performances: operas, oratorios, ballets and concerts.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Royal Albert Hall

 4.8/5

36534 reviews

A concert hall reminiscent of the Roman Colosseum that hosts a variety of events from musicals and award ceremonies to charity receptions. The hall was erected between 1867 and 1871, designed by Prince Albert. To recoup the cost of construction, the creators sold tickets for future events that entitled them to attend the Albert Hall for 999 years. Some people still use these tickets to visit the hall today.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Shakespeare's Globe

 4.6/5

20170 reviews

A theatre created with the participation of the great playwright W. Shakespeare in the late 16th century. Almost all of the author’s works were staged here, but the building lasted only 14 years and was destroyed by fire. The rebuilt theatre existed until 1642 (then the company was disbanded by order of the Puritan government, and two years later the building itself was demolished). The modern Globe is a reconstruction based on fragments found at excavations.

Open time

Monday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Hyde Park

 4.7/5

125055 reviews

The city park, which is always crowded and lively. Tourists come here to see for themselves the epitome of democracy, the Speakers’ Corner, where everyone can express their thoughts. However, microphones are not allowed, so you will have to strain your larynx. Hyde Park is a typical English landscape park with fountains, shaped trees and neat lawns.

Open time

Monday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Thursday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Friday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM

St James's Park

 4.7/5

54627 reviews

It is part of the “green belt” of central London. The oldest park in the British capital is bounded on various sides by the Foreign Office, Buckingham Palace and St James’s Palace. There used to be marshes here, which were drained and a canal was built. The design, imitating the gardens of Versailles, did not last long: the area was planted with trees and the main water feature was a pond. To the north is the Mall, a street for ceremonies involving the royal family.

Open time

Highgate Cemetery

 4.6/5

935 reviews

In the first half of the century before the last century there was a need to create a network of cemeteries in London. The previous ones belonged to churches and were already full. The plan for Highgate Cemetery was ready in 1839. The architecture of the buildings and mausoleums is colourful, with most of the headstones in the Victorian style. The plots called Egyptian Street and Lebanon Circle are particularly notable. The most famous grave is that of Karl Marx. The grounds have lots of wild greenery from flowers to large trees.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

River Thames

 4.5/5

2446 reviews

The river artery of the capital, crossing the entire city and passing through its central part. It is arguably one of the most popular rivers in the world that passes through the city. Thanks in large part to the Thames’ navigability, London began to develop as an industrial and later financial centre. Even in the times of the Roman Empire there was a port here. The Thames is a tourist attraction in its own right, visited by millions of tourists.

St Pancras International

 4.4/5

3835 reviews

A railway junction in central London. It was built by the architect W. Henry in the 19th century. The station building is a typical example of the neo-Gothic style characteristic of the Victorian era. Trains from continental Europe and neighbouring counties arrive here. Together with the station, the five-star Renaissance Hotel forms a single red-brick architectural ensemble.

Open time

Wembley Stadium

 4.6/5

53566 reviews

A famous and even legendary stadium among football fans, a symbol of England football. For the first time its gates were opened under King George V in 1923, in the same year the FA Cup was played at the stadium. By the 60s of the twentieth century Wembley became the main football arena of the country. In addition to games, concerts of Madonna, Michael Jackson, Metallica, Oasis, AC/DC and other world stars took place here.

Open time

Harrods

 4.4/5

93553 reviews

A real mecca for fashion fans and shopaholics, it is one of the top three most visited London attractions. Harrods covers 18,000 m² and is home to 300 shops selling everything in the world. Shopping is elevated to its highest degree here. The building itself is characterised by luxurious interior decoration and monumental architectural forms.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Camden Town

 0/5

Every weekend, the Camden market, which is divided into segments, is visited by about 100,000 people. The market is also open on weekdays, but some outlets are closed most of the week. Some vendors rent shops, others set up in tents or in the open air. Original gifts, clothes and things from independent designers are sold here. Pubs and restaurants can also be found on the main street.

Portobello & Golborne Market

 4.5/5

234 reviews

Located in the Notting Hill neighbourhood of West London. Here you can find antique shops, second hand clothes shops and expensive boutiques. At the market you can buy unusual clothes, vintage interior items and furniture, interesting souvenirs made by hand. Many people come here not for shopping, but for the special atmosphere of antiquity, history and strong traditions.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

A telephone box and a double-decker bus.

Internationally recognisable symbols of the British capital. They used to be used for their intended purpose, but with the invention of mobile phones they have become simply cultural objects (some have mini libraries). The red bus has become the prototype for the tourist bus in almost all world capitals, its model was invented in Britain in 1956.