While Big Ben and Buckingham Palace often come to mind first when planning a trip to London, this historic city offers countless hidden spots and local favorites that go beyond the typical tourist checklist. From quiet garden squares to busy market streets, London combines centuries-old charm with modern energy in ways that keep both first-timers and regular visitors coming back for more.
Whether you’re interested in following the footsteps of literary giants, hunting for vintage treasures, or simply wanting to experience life like a local, here are 18 places in London that deserve a spot on your itinerary.
Big Ben
No trip to London is complete without seeing Big Ben, the iconic clock tower at the north end of the Houses of Parliament. Standing at 316 feet tall, this famous landmark has been keeping time for Londoners since 1859. Fun fact: “Big Ben” actually refers to the massive 13-ton bell inside the tower, though most people use the name for the entire structure. The tower’s Gothic architecture and four clock faces make it one of the most photographed spots in the city, especially when lit up at night.
Tower of London
No trip to London is complete without exploring the Tower of London, a medieval fortress sitting proudly along the River Thames. Like many historic castles in Europe, the Tower holds centuries of dramatic stories within its walls, but what sets it apart is its rather grim history as both a palace and prison. Home to the dazzling Crown Jewels and the iconic Beefeater guards, this fortress has played witness to some of British history’s most notorious events. From the mysterious disappearance of two young princes to the execution of multiple Tudor queens, the Tower’s stone walls have seen it all. Because of its central role in protecting the monarchy, the Tower became a symbol of power, and you’ll still find ravens roaming the grounds today – legend says if they ever leave, the kingdom will fall.
Buckingham Palace
As the official residence of the British monarch, Buckingham Palace stands proudly in the heart of London. Beyond its famous golden gates and imposing facade, this 775-room palace draws millions of visitors eager to catch a glimpse of royal life. During summer months, tourists can explore the State Rooms where the royal family hosts official events, getting an up-close look at priceless artwork and elegant furnishings. The Changing of the Guard ceremony outside remains one of London’s most popular traditions – just follow the sea of cameras and excited onlookers gathering to watch the precision-perfect ritual. While the Queen now spends most of her time at Windsor Castle, the raised Royal Standard still signals when she’s in residence, and the palace continues to serve as the monarchy’s administrative headquarters. First-time visitors often camp out by the gates hoping to spot a royal, but the real magic lies in experiencing the palace’s rich history and centuries-old ceremonies that keep royal traditions alive.
Westminster Abbey
Few places in London capture the city’s history quite like Westminster Abbey. This Gothic church has been the backdrop for royal coronations, weddings, and burials for over 1,000 years, making it one of Britain’s most important religious buildings. Walking through its medieval halls feels like stepping into a living textbook – you’ll find the tombs of monarchs, poets, and scientists, including Elizabeth I and Charles Darwin. The architecture alone tells countless stories, from the soaring vaulted ceilings to the intricate stone carvings that have watched over ceremonies for centuries. It’s not just a tourist spot – this is where history continues to unfold, as proven by recent events like the coronation of King Charles III and the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.
British Museum
Of all the museums I’ve explored in London, none quite compares to the British Museum. This massive cultural institution houses over 8 million works of art and artifacts that tell the story of human history across six continents. It’s a place where you can walk through time – from ancient Egyptian mummies and the Rosetta Stone to Greek sculptures that once adorned the Parthenon. The best part? It’s completely free to visit. While the sheer size can feel overwhelming at first – you could easily spend days here – even a quick two-hour visit lets you see some of humanity’s most important treasures. Just be ready for crowds around the most famous exhibits, and try to arrive early if you want a quieter experience.
London Eye
Many visitors flock to the London Eye for its famous views over the city, but this giant observation wheel offers much more than just photo opportunities. Standing 443 feet tall on the South Bank of the Thames, it’s become one of London’s most recognizable landmarks since opening in 2000. The 30-minute rotation in the glass pods gives you time to spot major sites like Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Buckingham Palace, while interactive tablets help identify what you’re looking at. Time your visit for sunset to see the city’s lights come alive, or come during the day when visibility is best for seeing up to 25 miles in every direction.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Step inside one of London’s most famous landmarks when you visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece that’s stood proud since 1697. You can climb 528 steps to reach the Golden Gallery at the top of the dome, where you’ll get amazing views across the city skyline. The Whispering Gallery, located 259 steps up, lets you experience a unique acoustic phenomenon – whisper against the wall, and someone on the opposite side can hear you clearly. Don’t miss the cathedral’s crypt, which houses the tombs of notable figures like Admiral Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington.
Tower Bridge
Of all the iconic bridges I’ve crossed in London, none is more recognizable than Tower Bridge. This Victorian-era masterpiece, often mistakenly called London Bridge by tourists, has stood proudly over the River Thames since 1894. The bridge’s twin towers and sky-high walkways aren’t just for show – they were designed to let tall ships pass underneath while keeping horse-drawn traffic moving across the span. Today, you can still catch the bridge opening for boats, walk across its glass floor high above the Thames, and explore the original Victorian engine rooms that once powered its lifting mechanism. It’s not just a way to cross the river – it’s a slice of London’s engineering history that tells the story of a city that kept innovating to keep up with the times.
Hyde Park
Many locals and tourists flock to Hyde Park, London’s largest Royal Park, which serves as both a peaceful escape from city life and a hub for outdoor activities. Stretching across 350 acres in the heart of London, this green oasis offers everything from boating on the Serpentine lake to horse riding along historic bridleways. While some visitors come for the famous Speakers’ Corner, where public debates have been held since 1872, others are drawn to the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain and the Serpentine Galleries. In summer, the park hosts major concerts and events, but you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy this historic green space throughout the year, whether you’re up for a game of tennis, a pedal boat ride, or simply want to watch the swans glide by while enjoying a picnic.
Little-Known Fact:
Did you know that Hyde Park was once King Henry VIII’s private hunting grounds before being opened to the public in 1637? Today, this 350-acre green space in central London welcomes millions of visitors who come to boat on the Serpentine lake, hear passionate speeches at Speaker’s Corner, or simply enjoy a peaceful picnic on the grass.
Trafalgar Square
Looking for London’s most famous spot to people-watch? Head straight to Trafalgar Square. Sitting at the heart of central London, this bustling plaza is home to the iconic Nelson’s Column, four massive bronze lion statues, and two beautiful fountains. You’ll often find street performers, political rallies, and cultural festivals happening here, making it a perfect place to experience the real pulse of the city.
Covent Garden
Ever walked through a Victorian market that’s been buzzing with life since 1654? That’s what you’ll find at Covent Garden, where London’s most beloved entertainment district comes alive. Once a humble fruit and vegetable market, this pedestrian paradise now houses some of the city’s best shopping, from quirky craft stalls to high-end boutiques. You can catch street performers doing their thing in the cobblestone piazza, grab a coffee at one of the outdoor cafes, or explore the Royal Opera House just steps away. It’s especially magical around sunset, when the glass-covered market building glows with warm light and the surrounding streets fill with theater-goers heading to West End shows.
Natural History Museum
Science enthusiasts flock to the Natural History Museum London for its impressive collection of over 80 million specimens, but this South Kensington landmark offers much more than just fossils and dinosaur bones. The museum’s Victorian architecture, crowned by the magnificent Hintze Hall with its blue whale skeleton, provides a perfect backdrop for discovering Earth’s natural wonders. While most visitors come for the famous Dinosaurs Gallery, featuring animatronic T-Rex displays, the museum also houses fascinating exhibits on human evolution, space exploration, and precious gems. During school holidays, the museum runs special workshops and interactive events for families, but you’ll find plenty to explore in this scientific treasure trove any day of the year.
Did you know?
Did you know that London’s Natural History Museum building is itself a “cathedral to nature,” decorated with carved animals both living and extinct, including monkeys swinging from stone branches and pterodactyls perched along its towers? The museum’s most famous resident was “Dippy” the Diplodocus skeleton cast that stood in the main hall for 112 years before being replaced by “Hope,” a massive blue whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling.
Tate Modern
Step into one of the world’s leading modern art museums when you visit the Tate Modern, housed in a former power station along the River Thames. The massive turbine hall hosts rotating large-scale installations that will make your jaw drop, while the permanent collection features works by Picasso, Warhol, and Dalí across multiple floors. For amazing views of London’s skyline, head up to the free viewing level on the 10th floor – you’ll get perfect shots of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Millennium Bridge. Stop by the riverside café to refuel with coffee and pastries while watching boats cruise past on the Thames.
Shakespeare’s Globe
Standing on the south bank of the Thames River is Shakespeare’s Globe, a faithful recreation of the original 16th-century playhouse where the Bard’s works first came to life. Unlike the sleek modern theaters scattered across London, this wooden O-shaped structure stays true to its historic roots, right down to the open-air design and traditional thatched roof. The theater still puts on Shakespeare’s plays the old-fashioned way – with natural lighting, period costumes, and an exposed standing area where you can watch performances just like audiences did 400 years ago. Because of its dedication to historical accuracy, you won’t find any modern lighting or sound systems here, making each performance feel like a genuine step back in time. The surrounding exhibition spaces and tours offer fascinating insights into Elizabethan theater life, complete with demonstrations of stage fighting and costume-making techniques that haven’t changed much since Shakespeare’s day.
Greenwich Royal Observatory
The Greenwich Royal Observatory holds a special place in London’s scientific legacy as the home of the Prime Meridian – that famous line that splits our world into east and west. Perched on a hill in Greenwich Park, this historic site lets you do something pretty unique: stand with one foot in the eastern hemisphere and one in the western hemisphere at the exact same time. It’s where the world’s time zones were born, and today you can check out the old telescopes, peek through the modern ones at night, and learn how sailors once used the stars to find their way across vast oceans. The views of London’s skyline from up here aren’t bad either, making it worth the uphill walk through the park to reach this important piece of scientific history.
Camden Market
Many visitors flock to Camden Market for its extensive collection of food stalls and vintage finds, but this North London destination offers much more than just shopping. The market spans several interconnected areas – from the Lock Market’s street food paradise to the Stables Market’s maze of alternative fashion and antiques. Throughout the week, local artists and indie designers set up shop alongside international food vendors, creating a place where you can sample dishes from around the world, hunt for unique souvenirs, or simply people-watch along the peaceful Regent’s Canal. While weekends draw the biggest crowds, a weekday visit lets you explore the market’s hidden corners at a more relaxed pace.
Piccadilly Circus
Think of Piccadilly Circus as London’s version of Times Square. At the heart of the West End, this famous junction has been a meeting point for Londoners since the 1800s. The massive electronic billboards light up the night sky, while the iconic Eros statue stands watch over the crowds below. During the day, you’ll find tourists snapping photos, locals rushing between meetings, and street performers entertaining passersby. The surrounding streets branch off into Soho’s food scene, the theaters of Shaftesbury Avenue, and the shopping paradise of Regent Street. And just like in the old days, if you wait here long enough, you’re bound to run into someone you know – or at least that’s what Londoners have always said.
Kew Gardens
Step into a living museum of rare plants and flowers at Kew Gardens, London’s largest UNESCO World Heritage site. This 326-acre wonderland houses the world’s biggest collection of living plants, from towering redwoods to exotic orchids. Take a walk through the Palm House, a Victorian glasshouse where you can explore tropical landscapes, or climb the Treetop Walkway for a bird’s-eye view of the gardens from 59 feet up. For something special, book afternoon tea at The Botanical restaurant, where you can enjoy fresh pastries while looking out over the peaceful gardens.
