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 – of Big Ben. He’s got the biggest face in the city, and his voice booms out every hour. He even bags a primetime spot on the national news every night.
#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. Opening times: Cathedral - 8.30–4 (Mon–Sat); Galleries, crypt and ambulatory - 9.30–3.45 (Mon–Sat). Cost: Adults £10.00; Children £3.50 (7–16); Infants free (under-6); Family ticket £23.50.
#3 – Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge should be a pure piece of kitsch, a mock gothic-building built in the 19th-century. But it’s two towers represent the capital around the world. Opening times: 10–6.30 (Apr–Sep); 9.30–6 (Oct–Mar). Cost: Adults £6.00; Children £3.00 (5–15); Infants free (under-5); Family ticket £14.00.
#4 – Nelson’s Column
Nelson’s Column is a monument to the nation’s greatest naval hero, Admiral Nelson. He stares down on Trafalgar Square from his lofty pedestal 185-feet above the pigeons.
#5 – London Eye
London Eye is the newest London landmark, built for the millennial celebrations in 2000. Opening times: 10–8 (Oct-May); 10–9 (Jun, Sep); 10–9.30 (Jul–Aug). Cost: Adults £14.50; Children £7.25 (5–15); Infants free (under-5); Family ticket £38.50.
#6 – Houses of Parliament
The Houses of Parliament are home to the UK government, and many people are surprised to find out that they are relatively modern – only being built in the 1830s. Opening times: During Parliamentary sessions - 2.30–10.30 (Mon); 11.30–7 (Tue–Wed); 11.30–6.30 (Thu); 9.30–3 (Fri).
#7 – Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is where our Head of State resides, and you can frequently see the Queen’s car heading down The Mall. Opening times: 9.45-6 (late Jul–late Sep). Cost: Adults £15.50; Children £8.75 (5–17); Infants free (under-5); Family ticket £39.75.
#8 – Tower of London
The Tower of London is one of London’s oldest landmarks, started by William the Conqueror in 1066. Opening times: 10–5.30 (Sun–Mon); 9–5.30 (Tue–Sat). Cost: Adults £16.50; Children £9.50 (5–15); Infants free (under-5); Family ticket £46.00.
#9 – No.10 Downing Street
No.10 Downing Street is home to the British Prime Minister, and has one of the most famous front doors in the world. This is where the day-to-day running of the country occurs.
#10 – Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus is London’s version of New York’s Times Square. It is famous for two things: the neon signs that light up the night sky, and the small statue of Eros that adorns the central fountain.