London Sightseeing - Some Ideas To Get You Started
Thinking about going sightseeing in London? There’s a lot out there to see and do, so it can get pretty confusing and might even be hard to decide what’s the best choice for you.
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a lot of fun in London, as long as you think about where to go and what to see before you get there. Here are a few of the most popular London sightseeing options to get you started.
Thames River Cruises
Check out a river cruise down the Thames from Westminster to the Tower of London. Along the way, you’ll pass many famous bridges and some of the most important landmarks in the city.
Among others, you’ll get fantastic views of the London Eye, Houses of Parliament, the Globe Theatre, Tower Bridge, and St. Paul’s Cathedral before arriving at the Tower of London. Founded in 1066 by William the Conquerer, this Tower holds the Crown Jewels, and is one of the more spectacular fortresses in the world.
Over the course of its history, the Tower of London has served as a Royal palace, a place of imprisonment, a location for executions, an armory and the home of the fantastic Crown Jewels. These include the Sovereign’s Scepter, Imperial State Crown, Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation crown, the legendary Koh-i-Noor diamond and the huge Cullinan stones.
City of London Tours
Take a guided or solo tour through the City of London, and see St. Paul’s Cathedral up close, as well as the Bank of England and the Mansion House, which is home to the Lord Mayor of London. If you’re with a guide, you’ll find out all about the area’s history, including the great fire of 1666 that nearly destroyed a large portion of the city.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
The Cathedral itself is a masterpiece of architecture by Christopher Wren, and was built after the 1666 Great Fire of London. It’s recently served as a wedding place for royalty, and was the location of the thanksgiving services for the Queen’s 80th birthday and Golden Jubilee.
St Paul’s Cathedral
Parliament Square and Westminster Abbey
Take a drive or walk around Parliament Square to see the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, then head to Westminster Abbey, where many of the most important people in British history are buried. Services at the Abbey are free to worshipers, but visitors there for the architecture and history are encouraged to leave a donation.
The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
A must-see sight on any trip to London, the changing of the guard happens at 11:30 each day during the some, and every other day in winter. Arrive early to see it happen!
These aren’t the only things to see on your next trip to London, but they’re a good start. Check out all your options for guided, unguided and walking tours of some of London’s best attractions.
Don’t let your trip to London overwhelm you. There’s a lot to see and do, but if you take the time to plan first, you’ll get to do plenty of sightseeing without getting lost.