9 Best Tourist Attractions in London, UK

Searching for things to do in London? London is a fantastic city with so much to see and do that we couldn’t miss the opportunity to go there and check out all the popular tourist attractions, from Big Ben to the London Eye to Chinatown. We have it all covered here.

Big Ben

Big Ben, officially named the Elizabeth Tower, is a global symbol of London. Situated at the north end of the Palace of Westminster, this architectural masterpiece has defined the city’s skyline since its completion in 1859. While the term “Big Ben” originally referred to the tower’s 13.5-tonne bell, it has since come to represent the entire structure.

One of the most iconic landmarks in London, Big Ben stands at 96 metres tall and boasts intricate Gothic Revival details. The tower’s famous clock, designed by Frederick Dent, is lauded for its accuracy and impressive size. Visitors often admire it from Parliament Square or the nearby Westminster Bridge, which offers an excellent vantage point for photographs.

While tours inside the Elizabeth Tower are limited to UK residents due to security concerns, international visitors can still stroll around the adjoining Houses of Parliament, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For those eager to explore Westminster in-depth, guided tours delve into the building’s history, architecture, and role in British governance.

Chinatown

One of the most unique attractions you must check out is Chinatown, located in the city’s centre. Here, you will experience a part of London that East Asia inspires. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another country entirely and get a natural, authentic Chinese feel. From beautiful Asian-styled decorations as you walk along the streets.

The fantastic selection of restaurants and bars will offer you a taste of Asia that’s not to be missed. It has everything you could think of, including souvenir shops, health clinics, and barbers. This is considered the getaway place for Londoners who are bored with ordinary places and wish to try something. Tourists should also add this to their list of the best attractions in the city.

London Eye View

No trip to London is complete without seeing and even being on a London Eye trip/tour. On a good day, you can see around the South Bank of the River Thames. It was sometimes called the Big Wheel – or the Millennium Wheel – when installed in 1999. It has become a top-rated attraction. The structure is 443 feet (135 m) tall, and the wheel has a diameter of 394 feet (120 m). It opened publicly in 2000 and was the world’s tallest Ferris wheel. It is now known as the Coca-Cola London Eye due to a specific sponsorship deal!

There are 32 sealed air-conditioned ovoidal passenger capsules representing the 32 London boroughs. Each capsule holds 25 people; you can walk around it while it moves. The rotation is prolonged!

The original architects, The Tussaud’s Group, British Airways, and Marks Barfield, owned the original wheel. However, Tussaud’s bought their partners out in 2005 and 2006. The Blackstone Group bought Tussaud’s out in 2007, but the London Eye has stayed true to its core as a principal tourist attraction for anyone visiting the city for a weekend shopping or sightseeing trip.

National History Museum

The Natural History Museum is a world-class visitor attraction that exhibits various specimens from various segments of natural history. This museum is a different experience because life and earth science specimens are found there. Almost 80 million items have five main collections: botany, entomology, mineralogy, palaeontology, and zoology.

When we stood in front of the museum building, we felt transported back. It’s a marvellous old building that has been restored to host this museum and welcome all those visitors. As much as this building and its architecture are different and elegant, they have been referred to as “the cathedral of nature.”

It seems that the history of the building is also related to the items found inside since there are collections with historical and scientific importance, such as the specimens collected by Charles Darwin, that can be seen inside the museum.

If you’re into history and discovering something new, you will enjoy the Natural History Museum. The Museum aims to challenge you about the natural world; hopefully, it will! Make sure it’s on your list of tourist attractions.

Sky Gardens

Sky Garden in London is one of the top restaurants in the city not just because of what it serves but also because of the views of the city that it will provide visitors. This attraction is a unique public space that spans three storeys. It offers incredible 360-degree views across the city of London. It’s considered the highest public garden in the city, allowing visitors to wander around the landscaped gardens, observation decks and an open terrace.

There is a fantastic selection of the city’s most exclusive restaurants and bars. If you’re celebrating something or want a great experience, you can’t go wrong with Sky Gardens.

Tower of London

A symbol of Britain’s medieval history and resilience, the Tower of London stands as one of the city’s most significant landmarks. Founded in 1066 by William the Conqueror, this fortress has served various purposes, including a royal palace, prison, armoury, and menagerie.

Visitors to the Tower are treated to a journey through history. The Crown Jewels exhibit is particularly captivating, showcasing a dazzling array of regalia, including the Imperial State Crown and Koh-i-Noor Diamond. The White Tower, the oldest part of the complex, houses the Royal Armouries Collection.

Don’t miss a tour led by the Yeoman Warders or Beefeaters, who regale visitors with tales of intrigue, executions, and ghostly sightings. Legend has it that the ravens residing at the Tower are protectors of the Crown; their continued presence ensures the monarchy will never fall.

London Aquarium

The London Aquarium is an excellent break from the hustle and bustle of the London traffic. So well worth an escape

The sea life aquarium has multiple sections, including the intense Shark Walk, the Atlantic Coasts section, the Ray Lagoon, Seahorse Kingdom, Conservation Cove, Ocean Invaders (jellyfish), Rockpool, and Ocean Tunnel. You can see everything from Octopus, Ray’s, Penguins, and more through each location—a fantastic family attraction for anyone who loves sea life.

The Sea Life London Aquarium is located on the ground floor of County Hall on the South Bank of the River Thame. It is in central London, near the London Eye. It opened in March 1997 as the London Aquarium and hosts about one million visitors yearly. It is a fun attraction in the city that both young and old will enjoy.

Buckingham Palace

There are different reasons for visiting Buckingham Palace. It might be to check out this old building in general, to visit the city residence and administrative headquarters of the monarch of the United Kingdom, or to watch the change of the Guards that happens there. Everyone might have different interests, but eventually, all the travellers heading to this city must stop by Buckingham Palace at some point.

Buckingham Palace is located in the City of Westminster, initially known as Buckingham House. It is often the centre of state occasions and royal hospitality, and it has been a focal point for the British during national rejoicing and mourning. It is one of the most well-known attractions, and no trip would be complete without a visit to Buckingham Palace.

HMS Belfast

Moored on the Thames near Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast is a floating museum that offers a deep dive into Britain’s naval history. Launched in 1938, this historic ship played a crucial role during World War II and the Korean War.

Nine accessible decks allow visitors to explore various parts of the ship, from the crew’s quarters and galley to the complex engine room and towering gun turrets. Exhibits also include stories from former sailors, providing an authentic glimpse into life aboard a warship.

Interactive displays, such as virtual reality periscopes, make it an engaging experience for families. Children will enjoy the immersive Operations Room, where they can simulate commanding the ship during a naval battle.

Conclusion

From iconic landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace to unique experiences such as Chinatown and the Sky Garden, London is a city of endless discovery. Each attraction tells a story, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of culture, history, and modernity that defines the UK’s capital. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, London promises to captivate your imagination and leave you longing for more.

Have you ever visited London? What are your picks for the best tourist attractions to visit in the city? We would love to know!

Also, don’t forget to check out some of our other blogs that might interest you, such as Sky Gardens, Best Things To Do in London For Couples, Top 10 Things To See in London This Summer, Top 10 Free Things To Do In London.