London Attractions
1. British Airways London Eye
Paris has the Eiffel Tower, New York the Empire State, and now London has the London Eye - an extraordinary symbol for an extraordinary city. The world's largest observation wheel offers a spectacular way to take in over 55 of London's most famous landmarks in just 30 minutes!
2. ZSL London Zoo
London Zoo is a 36-acre conservation centre which houses more than 650 species. Situated in Regent’s Park, it’s one of London’s most popular tourist attractions, and a great day out for all ages.
3. Brick Lane
Brick Lane, known locally as 'Banglatown', lies in the heart of London's East End. It's a vibrant, diverse area renowned for its markets, contemporary artists and galleries, large Bangladeshi community and of course, the best curries outside India.
4. St Paul's Cathedral
A Cathedral dedicated to St Paul has overlooked the City of London since 640AD. The actual one has been designed by Sir Christopher Wren and built between 1675 and 1710 after its predecessor was destroyed in the Great Fire. It is now one of London’s most famous landmarks.
5. National Gallery
Located on the north side of Trafalgar Square, you could spend all day exploring this world-class gallery. Among thousands of inspirational treasures you’ll find works by Botticelli, Leonardo Da Vinci, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Turner, Renoir, Cezanne and Van Gogh.
6. British Museum
Free to the world since 1753, the British Museum is a fascinating collection of displays and special exhibitions on the works of man from prehistory to the present day. Permanent exhibits include antiquities from Egypt, Greece, Rome, as well as Prehistory.
7. Tate Modern
Tate Modern is Britain's national museum of modern art. Housed in the former Bankside Power Station, on the banks of the River Thames, the gallery displays the world famous Tate collection of international modern and contemporary art, including major works by Matisse, Picasso and Rothko.
8. Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace serves as both the office and London residence of Her Majesty The Queen. It is one of the few working royal palaces remaining in the world today. During the summer, visitors can tour the nineteen State Rooms, which form the heart of the Palace.
9. Madame Tussauds
Be part of the interactive experience at Madame Tussauds London! Discover what it is like to be famous. Be snapped by the paparazzi as you arrive, be interviewed about your latest film release and join in the latest cheeky celebrity gossip in the powder room.
10. Kensington Palace
Furniture and ceiling paintings from the Stuart-Hanoverian periods, rooms from the Victorian era and works of art from the Royal Collection. Highlights include the Kings Apartment with a magnificent collection of Old Masters, and the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, including pieces worn by Diana.
11. Hampton Court Palace
The oldest Tudor palace in England with many attractions including the Tudor kitchens, tennis courts, maze and State Apartments and King's Apartments. Real tennis court and banqueting house open during summer months.
12. Imperial War Museum
The museum explains the two world wars and many other conflicts fought since 1945, to examine what led up to them as well as what happened during and after them. Its exhibits range from tanks and aircraft to personal letters; it also includes films and some of the century's best known paintings.
13. Tate Britain
Tate Britain holds the world’s greatest collection of British art from 1500 to the present day. Highlights include works by Hogarth, Stubbs, Gainsborough, Reynolds, Millais and Rossetti, as well as modern artists such as Bacon, Freud, Hockney, Hodgkin, Hepworth, and the Young British Artists of the 1990s.
14. Camden Lock Market
Camden Lock, the original market of Camden Town, distinguishes itself from others by offering an individual and extensive range of goods from designer clothes and accessories, to one-off pieces of art, food and furnishings. Includes designer workshops, studios, stalls, shops, cafes, restaurants and bars.
15. Portobello Road Market
Hugh Grant starred in the film but the inimitable backdrop was Portobello Road, made famous by the movie Notting Hill. This colourful and seemingly endless morphs from real antiques to fruit and vegetables, great clothes, jewellery and household items.
16. Borough Market
Pay a visit to London’s fashionable South Bank to discover its finest food market and experience a true culinary delight. Endorsed by many a celebrity chef, Borough Market offers a wonderful mix of excellent foods including fruit, vegetable, meat, fish, beer, cider and wine.
17. Regents Park
Regent's Park houses a private residential estate, parkland, Queen Mary's Gardens and the Rose Gardens, a lake, a heronry and waterfowl collection. It is a haven for migrant birds as well as home to London Zoo. The summit of Primrose Hill offers fine views over Westminster and the City.
18. Kensington Gardens
Kensington Gardens were originally formed with land taken from Hyde Park. Today, tree-lined avenues give distant views of the palace, there is a Flower Walk, roller-blading paths and boating on the Round Pond. The gardens are home to The Serpentine Gallery and the start of the Diana memorial walk.
19. Harrods
You might need to save up your pennies if you plan to shop in Harrods. You'll find everything from the finest cakes to the cutest puppies here. And if you can't afford it, wait for the Harrods January sale. But even if you don’t plan on buying anything, the shop itself is worth a visit.
20. Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre offers a fascinating introduction to the world-famous Theatre and life in Shakespeare's London. Discover Elizabethan Bankside, see a sword-fighting display, find out how actors are dressed in handmade costumes and take a tour of today’s working theatre.
