London has so much to see that even a week is not enough. On a first visit it is best to focus on the great icons, almost all along the Thames or close to it, and to alternate monuments, museums and walks through the neighbourhoods. Here are the places not to miss, with some practical tips for planning.
Westminster and power
- Palace of Westminster and Big Ben: the British Parliament, a neo-Gothic masterpiece on the Thames, with the world's most famous clock tower. It can be visited on guided tours on Saturdays and at certain times of year; you can also watch debates free of charge from the public galleries.
- Westminster Abbey: the church of coronations (since 1066) and royal weddings, with the tombs of Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin and the famous Poets' Corner. There is an admission charge, but services are free.
- Buckingham Palace: the sovereign's official London residence, open in summer with the State Rooms; the Changing of the Guard usually takes place in the morning several times a week (see royal palaces).
- Trafalgar Square and Whitehall: the square with Nelson's Column and the National Gallery, and the street of ministries with Downing Street and Horse Guards.
The City and the river
- St Paul's Cathedral: Christopher Wren's dome has dominated the City since 1710; the gallery at the top offers a spectacular view.
- Tower of London: Norman fortress, prison, mint and home of the Crown Jewels.
- Tower Bridge: the Victorian bascule bridge, with high-level walkways with glass floors.
- South Bank: the walk along the south bank of the Thames, from the London Eye to Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe and Borough Market, is the best way to discover the city on foot.
- Skyscrapers and views: the Shard, the tallest building in Western Europe, has a paid viewing platform; the Sky Garden, at the top of the "Walkie Talkie", is free with booking.
The great museums
- British Museum: the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures, Egyptian mummies. Free.
- National Gallery: European painting from the 13th to the 19th century. Free.
- Tate Modern: modern and contemporary art in a former power station. Free.
- Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum: the three South Kensington museums, all free.
See also the page London's museums.
Neighbourhoods and markets
You cannot understand London without its neighbourhoods: Covent Garden with its street performers, Soho and Chinatown, the markets of Camden and Portobello Road, Notting Hill with its colourful houses, Shoreditch with its street art, Greenwich with the meridian. Everything on the page London's neighbourhoods.
Planning your visit
- Tickets: the most famous paid attractions (the Tower, the Abbey, St Paul's, the London Eye, the Shard) generally cost between £25 and £40 per person; booking online saves time and often money. If you plan to visit many, consider a combined tourist pass.
- Opening hours: museums generally open from 10am to 5pm or 6pm, with late openings on Fridays; many attractions have last entry an hour before closing.
- Getting around: Westminster and the Tower are about 4 kilometres apart, walkable along the river or by boat on the river services.
- How long: you need at least three days for the main icons; see the itineraries.
Back to the London guide.