Must-See Attractions of London
One of the salient features of London is that it attracts people with different interests as it has plenty to offer for each one of them. As such, tourists who are interested in sightseeing can find a whole lot of attractions such as London Eye, Houses of Parliament, Tower of London, Tower Bridge and many more; visitors interested in cultural centres can find about 200 museums such as the Tate Modern and Natural History Museum and about 850 art galleries along with plenty of theatres where they can satisfy their cultural instincts; and people who are history buffs can find places such as Westminster Abbey or the Tower of London that are steeped in history. The following are some of the most famous attractions in London.
London Eye: This giant Ferris wheel can take you up to a height of 443 feet over the city of London where you can get splendid views of the city. London Eye has become extremely popular as its capsules move at a very slow speed to the extent that you can even board it or get off when the capsule is at ground level without the wheel stopping. An estimated 3.5 to 4 million people take a ride on this giant wheel every year. It also affords the opportunity for booking an entire capsule for holding a party or for more intimate rides. The views that it offers give you an entirely new perspective of the city.
St Paul’s Cathedral: It is one of the most famous and eye-catching landmarks of London having a height of 111 feet. There are now many skyscrapers that try to engulf it but it has a charm of its own and a lasting appeal, unscathed by time. It is the venue of many royal weddings and birthdays and funerals of Britain’s important personalities in various fields of life. It was reconstructed after the Great Fire of 1666 and miraculously survived the bombings of World War II. It presents medieval relics in the crypt and beautiful Victorian mosaics and once you climb to the top of the dome, you can enjoy spectacular views of the city.
British Museum: This famous museum exhibiting human history and culture was founded in 1753 and is free to enter. Having a collection of around 7 million objects with some of them being more than 10,000 years old, it has a grand columned entrance through which you can walk and then go through a glass domed Great Court. Many of its exhibits relate to relics of ancient Egyptian and Greek empires and unveil the greatest cultural achievements of mankind. Objects from all over the world are exhibited here covering the entire span of human history and also the pre-historic period.
Tower of London: In existence since 1078, this fortress has been used for a variety of purposes such as a prison, torture chamber, execution venue, mint and as the home of the Crown Jewels. In modern times it is a treasury museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It consists of a number of buildings around a central tower. Some very famous people such as Sir Walter Raleigh and Anne Boleyn, who was one of Henry VIII’s wives and was beheaded here, have been held prisoners here. Important features include the Beefeaters and the Ravens. Among the Crown Jewels are two largest cut diamonds in the world.
While exploring the various attractions of London, it is best for visitors to go to the Jugged Hare London at the Montcalm hotel for relaxing and enjoying a hearty meal and exciting drinks.
National Gallery: It is home to a large range of European art covering the period from 1200 to 1900 and is located in the heart of Trafalgar Square. Some of the most important paintings of the world dating back to the 13th century are among its permanent collection that boasts of having works by some great painters such as Titian, da Vinci, Rembrandt, Monet, Renoir, Cezanne, Raphael and Van Gogh. It offers free admission as well as extended opening hours. Many of the greatest works of European art are exhibited here.
HMS Belfast: Moored on the River Thames at Morgan's Lane off Tooley Street, this World War II cruiser has nine decks and acts as a floating museum. Its other features include the Captain’s Bridge and the large Boiler and Engine Rooms that are located well below the ship’s waterline. It was retired from public duty in 1952 and given to the public in 1971.
Westminster Abbey: A coronation and burial site for the Royal Family members, this large Gothic church is an example of Medieval excellence as it offers amazing gothic architecture. It features a poets’ corner representing its fascinating literary history; statues that demonstrate the artistic talent of their creators; murals, tombs and paintings; and the fascinating stained glass. All these features are responsible for it being labelled as the most enduringly amazing church in London.
If you are visiting London and wish to see some of its most important attractions, it would be best to stay at London City Suites Barbican.
Buckingham Palace: The official residence of Queen Elizabeth II when she is in London, Buckingham Palace is one of the most famous Royal palaces and is open to the public in the summer when the Queen is away. Visitors can see the State Rooms which are used to receive and entertain guests on State and ceremonial occasions. They can also see the unusual gifts that are received by the Queen. The rooms are also decorated lavishly and contain paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Canaletto, Vermeer and Poussin, sculpture by Canova, exquisite examples of Svres porcelain, and some of the finest English and French furniture in the world. Its most famous feature is the Changing of the Guards that takes place outside the palace and can be seen by tourists from a distance.
The other important attractions include Houses of Parliament, Tate Modern, The Shard, ArcellorMittal Orbit & Slide, Tower Bridge and many more.