Discover the most outstanding architecture in London, from gothic churches and Victorian bridges to brutalist structures and contemporary landmarks.
1. Westminster Abbey
Formerly called the Collegiate Church of St Peter at Westminster, Westminster Abbey is visited by more than one million people a year and it’s easy to see why. A marvellous gothic abbey, construction began on the present church under Henry III, who selected the site to be the place of his burial.
2. St Paul’s Cathedral
St Paul’s Cathedral, designed by the great Sir Christopher Wren, is one of London’s top attractions. Sitting atop Ludgate Hill, the cathedral is said to be at the highest point of the City of London. Its dome, framed by the spires of Wren’s city churches, is one of the most recognisable sights in the capital.
3. Houses of Parliament
Discover more than 1,000 years of history at London’s magnificent Houses of Parliament, stretching beautifully around the corners of Westminster and housing Big Ben. View it from the bank of the Thames and admire a building that continues to remain one of the capital’s biggest attractions and London architecture landmarks, or head inside to delve into its past and present on a Houses of Parliament audio tour. You can also learn more about Big Ben with a free Elizabeth Tower talk.
4. St Pancras Renaissance London Hotel
Formerly the St Pancras Chambers, the Renaissance London Hotel is a hub of magnificence, stretching widely across the back of St Pancras Railway Station and containing a clock tower more than 80 metres (260ft) high. It has more than 200 rooms and a grand staircase that will take your breath away.
5. National Theatre
The National Theatre building on the South Bank is one of London’s foremost brutalist structures. It was designed by architects Sir Denys Landun and Peter Softley and built in three stages, beginning in the 1970s. Its many interesting terraces and foyers surround four separate auditoria and have regularly been used for experimental outdoor theatre.
6. Drapers Hall
Dating back to the 1770s, Drapers Hall is home to the Worshipful Company of Drapers, one of London's 12 great historic livery companies formed in the Middle Ages. Twice burned down before surviving bombing during the Blitz, the current structure of the hall is grandiose, with a main function room fit for more than 260 guests bursting with chandeliers and tapestries.
7. Battersea Power Station
Located on the south bank of the River Thames in Battersea, south west London, this Grade-II listed coal-fired power station has cemented itself as one of London’s most popular landmarks. It is the largest brick building in Europe and is known for its lavish art deco fittings and interior.
8. The Gherkin
The Gherkin at 30 St Mary Axe is so named due to its strange vegetable-like shape. It is situated in the heart of London’s financial district and was designed by legendary architect Norman Foster. The Gherkin is often used as one of the best examples of brilliant contemporary architecture in London. Visit its restaurant Helix on level 39 for a 360-degree view of the London skyline.
9. The Barbican Centre
Another of London’s brutalist structures, the Barbican Centre hosts regular film screenings, art exhibitions and other events. It is surrounded by the Barbican Housing Estate, making it tricky to navigate round its multiple entrances but giving it a unique architectural feel.
10. The Shard
The Shard is another of London’s most famous skyscrapers. Renzo Piano, its designer, is said to have been inspired by London’s railway lines when building this 95-floor behemoth. Visit the viewing area at The Shard, The View from The Shard observatory, stay at the Shangri-La The Shard, London hotel or visit one of The Shard’s restaurants.
11. British Museum
The British Museum is London’s most popular attraction by visitor number. Full of exhibitions of artefacts from all over the world, it is housed by the magnificent Montagu House, Bloomsbury, and has been there for more than 250 years. It was designed in the Greek Revival style by famous British architect Sir Robert Smirke.
12. Tower Bridge
London has many bridges connecting the north with the south, each designed in a more unique and more interesting way than the last. Tower Bridge connects Southwark with Tower Hamlets and consists of two bridge towers tied together by two horizontal walkways. In 1977, the colour scheme was changed to red, white and blue to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee.
13. Union Chapel, Islington
In the north London suburb of Islington lies the Union Chapel, a Grade-I listed building formed in the Gothic Revival style in the late 19th century. The chapel looms dauntingly over London and is a regular host of charity events and concerts, as well as being a fully functioning church; its congregation meets for worship every Sunday.
14. Royal Exchange
Sitting snugly between Bank and Monument Tube stations, the Royal Exchange building used to be the centre of commerce for the City of London. It has twice been burnt down and rebuilt, most recently in the 1840s. Royal Proclamations were traditionally read out on its lavish steps by the town crier.
15. Southgate Tube Station
An unlikely figure on this list, Southgate Tube Station in north London is a circular art deco design and one of the best known station designs of architect Charles Holden. First opened in 1933, it is another Grade-II listed building and is topped by a circular illuminated feature.
16. Wellington Arch
Wellington Arch stands between Hyde Park and Green Park. Proclaiming Wellington's defeat over Napoleon, it was constructed between 1826 and 1830 with the intention of it being the original entrance to Buckingham Palace. In the early 1880s, it was dismantled and fully rebuilt in its current location by 1885.
What is the main architecture in London?
London has an abundance of architectural styles, but Georgian architecture dominates many of the city's iconic streets.
Find more of London’s most famous landmarks with our pick of the best London tours, or discover top places to visit in London for more inspiration.
