10 best London landmarks

Ever wondered which are the 10 best landmarks in London? Which famous monuments and historical sites should a tourist definitely not miss? Here is a list of the 10 must-see landmarks in the capital that every visitor simply must visit.

#1 – Big Ben

If tourists only take one photograph in London then it’s invariably this one – Big Ben. ‘Big Ben’ is actually the name of the bell, rather than the clockface, and his voice booms out every hour. He stands at one end of the Houses of Parliament, looking out over Parliament Square.

#2 – St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral is arguably London’s most beautiful building, by the country’s greatest-ever architect – Christopher Wren. Every tourist should definitely make sure they visit the famous ‘Whispering Gallery’. Opening times: 8.30 AM to 4 PM (Mon–Sat). Cost: Adults £14.50; Children £5.50 (6–18); Family ticket £34.50.

#3 – Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge should be a pure piece of kitsch, a mock gothic-building built in the 19th-century. But its two towers have become synonymous with London around the world. Opening times: 9.30 AM to 6 PM (Mon–Sun, Oct–Mar), 10 AM to 6.30 PM (Mon–Sun, Apr–Sep); Last admission 1 hour before closing time. Cost: Adults £8.00; Children £3.40 (5–15); Infants free (under-5); Family ticket £18.00.

#4 – Nelson’s Column

Nelson’s Column is London’s grandest monument, to the country’s greatest naval hero – Admiral Nelson. He stares down on Trafalgar Square from his lofty pedestal 185-feet above the pigeons, guarded by four huge bronze lions.

#5 – London Eye

The London Eye is the capital’s newest landmark, built for the millennial celebrations in 2000. As the largest observation wheel in the world, it offers visitors all-round views up to 25 miles. Opening times: 10 AM to 8.30 PM (Jan–Mar), 10 AM to 9 PM (Apr–Jun), 10 AM to 9.30 PM (Jul–Aug), 10 AM to 8.30 PM (Sep–Dec). Cost: Adults £18.60; Children £9.54 (4–15); Infants free (under-4); Family ticket £56.28.

#6 – Houses of Parliament

The Houses of Parliament is home to the UK government. Its gothic style belies its age, and many people are surprised to discover that it was only built in the 1830s, after the original palace burnt down to the ground. Opening times: Debates can be viewed by queuing at St. Stephen’s Entrance (Mon–Thu, and some Fridays). The Summer Opening takes place between Aug–Sep.

#7 – Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the Queen’s official London residence. The ‘Changing of the Guard’ ceremony, which takes place on the forecourt most days, is a favourite photocall for tourists. Opening times: Closed to the public, apart from the Summer Opening during Aug–Sep.

#8 – Tower of London

The Tower of London is one of London’s oldest landmarks, started by William the Conqueror in 1066. It is now a World Heritage Site and one of the country’s top tourist attractions. Opening times: 9 AM to 5.30 PM (Tue–Sat, Mar–Oct), 10 AM to 5.30 PM (Sun, Mon, Mar–Oct), 9 AM to 4.30 PM (Tue–Sat, Nov–Feb), 10 AM to 4.30 PM (Sun, Mon, Nov–Feb); Last admission 30 minutes before closing time. Cost: Adults £19.80; Children £10.45 (5–16); Infants free (under-5); Family ticket £55.00.

#9 – No.10 Downing Street

No.10 Downing Street is home to the British Prime Minister. The shiny black door is one of the most famous front doors in the world, but unfortunately the street has been sealed off to tourists since 1989. You can only see it now through a big black iron gate.

#10 – Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus is to London, what Times Square is to New York. It is famous for two things: the huge neon advertising signs that occupy one corner, and the small statue of Eros that adorns the central fountain. Most people think that he’s the Greek god of Love – but they are wrong! It actually represents the Angel of Christian Charity.

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