I’ve been to London a few times, most recently with my husband in August 2019 as part of our UK + Denmark + Germany trip. While the weather there can be rainy and cloudy, London is a city rich with history and interesting things to see. Here are my favorite things to do across multiple trips:
1. Tower Bridge
Why Visit:
A bascule and suspension bridge with two towers, the Tower Bridge is one of London’s most iconic and photogenic landmarks.
Highlights:
- Glass Floor Walkway → look straight down at traffic and boats passing below. We happened to visit during one of the bridge lifts, so we got to watch the bridge open up right beneath our feet!
- Victorian Engine Rooms → see the original steam engines that once powered the bridge.
How to Go:
The main walkways are free, but the Tower Bridge Exhibition (which lets you go inside) requires a ticket. We booked timed entry online in advance.
2. Tower of London
Why Visit:
One of Britain’s most famous historic sites, the Tower of London has served as a royal palace, prison, fortress, and even a zoo over the centuries.
Highlights:
- Crown Jewels → a dazzling collection of royal crowns, scepters, and ceremonial items still used today.
- White Tower → built by William the Conqueror, it houses the Royal Armouries collection which includes the magnificent armor of Henry VIII.
How to Go:
We bought timed entry tickets online in advance.
3. Churchill War Rooms
Why Visit:
A fascinating museum where you can explore the secret underground headquarters used by Churchill during World War II. The rooms have been preserved exactly as they were left in 1945!
Highlights:
- War Cabinet Room → where Churchill directed the war with his team.
- Transatlantic Communication Room → disguised as a private toilet, this was where Churchill secretly spoke to President Roosevelt.
- Churchill Museum → an interesting exhibit dedicated to Churchill’s life and legacy.
How to Go:
We booked timed entry online in advance. The included audio guides are excellent and bring the stories to life.
4. Palace of Westminster
Why Visit:
Home to the UK Parliament and the iconic Big Ben, this is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world.
Highlights:
- Parliament Tour → step inside the seat of British democracy on a guided or self-guided tour.
- Big Ben → the world-famous clock tower, fully restored in 2023 after years of renovation. It strikes on the hour and the number of strikes matches the time.
How to Go:
We booked a guided tour of the parliament online in advance. When we visited, Big Ben was still under renovation, but tours have since reopened. You can now climb the 334-step spiral stairwell to the bell by booking online.
5. Buckingham Palace
Why Visit:
The official London residence of the British monarch and one of the city’s most visited landmarks.
Highlights:
- Changing of the Guard → watch the red-coated guards march with precision and music as they switch duties. Check the schedule online.
- State Rooms → the grand public rooms used by the Royal Family for official occasions.
- St James’s Park → a beautiful park right across from the Palace.
How to Go:
We booked tickets for the State Rooms online in advance. They’re open to visitors only during summer, while the rest of the year offers limited small-group guided tours.
Planning a trip to London? Check out my Top 5 Tips for London.
Visiting other UK cities too? Check out my favorite spots in Edinburgh and Belfast!