Our top picks of attractions in London
From awe-inspiring historical attractions to majestic royal palaces, iconic landmarks and sightseeing tours, discover the must-see London attractions worth visiting during your time in the city.
See world-famous London attractions and iconic landmarks, like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye, to the lesser-known London sights and gems including Leadenhall Market, historical museums and Royal residences. Gain a unique glimpse into the city's rich history and vibrant culture, and don't forget to plan ahead to tick off as many London sightseeing experiences as you can during your time in London. Most attractions require advanced booking for a timeslot, even if they’re free to enter.
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Top London attractions
St Paul's Cathedral
Visit a cultural icon with an incredible royal past.
Royal London
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London sightseeing ideas
Discover top attractions in London and sightseeing ideas to book, from guided walking tours to get a closer look at the capitals interesting and unique sites, to itinerary planning guides to help you make the most of your time in the city.
Tours and cruises
London attractions for kids
London attractions for families
London museums and galleries
Plan a day seeing London's best attractions
Plan your next day out in London and visit an exciting range of iconic attractions and top London sights. Compare sightseeing passes with fantastic deals, and build your own sightseeing map and itineraries on the Visit London app.
Places of interest
Historic buildings
What are the top seven places to visit in London?
1. Big Ben – Originally known as the Clock Tower, Big Ben is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Europe, if not the world! Having been an integral part of London's famed Westminster area since 1859, Big Ben stands at a whopping 316ft (96.3m) tall and is nothing short of a must-see attraction when visiting London.
2. The London Eye – Just over the river from Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, you'll find the London Eye. Opened to mark the millennium, the London Eye delivers unrivalled views of London from its 443ft (135m) peak. As Europe's tallest cantilevered observation wheel, it's never been easier to take in so many of London's sights and landmarks at once.
3. The Tower of London – Originally dating back to 1078, the Tower of London is one of the most prominent locations in English history. Having been used as a secure fortress, a royal palace and even an infamous prison, the Tower now stands as one of London's most famous landmarks and houses the priceless Crown Jewels.
4. St Paul's Cathedral – As one of the most distinguished figures in London's skyline, St Paul's Cathedral is quite something to behold. An active place of worship since 1697, St Paul's Cathedral is a testament to baroque architecture and is home to an iconic dome, ornate decorations and intricate carvings.
5. The British Museum – Dedicated to human history, art and culture, the British Museum accurately paints a depiction of human history from past to present. Housing approximately eight million objects, at the British Museum you can get up close and personal with relics from the Ancient Egyptians, the Romans, the Greeks and many others.
6. Hampton Court Palace – Once the home of Henry VIII, Hampton Court Palace is a building simply teeming with historical happenings. Constructed in the 16th century, this lavish location plays host to world-renowned gardens, stately rooms and a haunted gallery. Now open to the public, this royal palace is truly one you can't miss.
7. Buckingham Palace – Showcasing the grandeur of the British monarchy, Buckingham Palace is one of the most iconic buildings in England. As the official residence of His Majesty the King and one of the few working royal palaces in the world, this location is truly unmissable for fans of the monarchy. During the summer, the palace opens its doors on select dates for visitors to see the lavish state rooms.
What part of London has the most attractions?
There are so many top London attractions and historical landmarks to discover and explore in the capital.
- Find exotic animals at London Zoo, the largest library in the world The British Library and celebrity waxworks at Madame Tussauds in north London.
- Climb The O2, take a ride on the IFS Cloud Cable Car and follow an expert guide on a Jack the Ripper walking tour in east London.
- Explore the largest collection of British art in the world at Tate Britain, book a guided tour and step back into 400 years of history at Shakespeare's Globe and step aboard Cutty Sark, the world's sole surviving tea clipper in south London.
- See more than 300 acres of botanical gardens at Kew Gardens, explore the royal residence of Kensington Palace and delve into the history of planet Earth at the Natural History Museum in west London.
What is the best month to go to London?
London has a relatively mild climate all year round, so it's a fantastic city to visit at any time of the year.
Enjoy longer daylight hours, milder weather and blossoming flowers during the spring from March to May; experience warm (maybe even hot!) weather during the summer from June to August and take advantage of the green spaces, alfresco dining and rooftop bars; take part in autumnal events in milder weather during September to November and prepare for the flurry of festive activities, lights and decorations in across the winter period from December to February.
How many days in London is enough?
You can easily spend anything from a day to a week exploring the city. Find the perfect itineraries to plan your trip to London; from major museums and top London attractions to popular theatre shows and foodie hotspots, there's so much to see and do in London.