Must-see 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.
London attractions are among the most iconic in the world, and this page is your starting point for exploring them all!
Uncover centuries of royal history and see the Crown Jewels at Tower of London, or glimpse into the ceremonial life of the monarchy at Buckingham Palace. Enjoy panoramic city views and a unique perspective on the capital’s skyline from the London Eye, or delve into the city’s historic architecture and royal heritage at Westminster Abbey.
Looking for curated picks? See our guide to the Top 10 London attractions or browse London's major sights by category. Many attractions require timed entry or advanced booking, so be sure to check ticket options before your visit.
Must-see sights in London
Discover London's must-see attractions and famous sights that make London a captivating city to explore. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace and the historic Tower of London to iconic landmarks such as Big Ben and the London Eye.
London attraction tickets and passes
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Unmissable London tours and river cruises
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London sightseeing ideas
Find London attractions and sightseeing experiences to book, including guided walking tours of fascinating spots across the capital and itinerary guides to help plan your visit.
Best London attractions for kids and families
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London's historic landmarks and cultural sites
London’s must-see museums and art galleries
Embark on enriching cultural experiences and learn about the city's vibrant heritage at London's museums and art galleries, showcasing world-class collections, historic artifacts and stunning artworks.
Plan a day seeing London's best attractions
Plan your next day out in London using the London attractions map. Visit an exciting range of iconic attractions and unmissable London sights. Compare sightseeing passes with fantastic deals, and build your own sightseeing map and itineraries on the Visit London app.
Free London attractions
FAQs
What seven places are a must-visit in London?
1. The Tower of London – Step back in time to discover London's castle, once a secure fortress, royal palace and infamous prison, now housing the priceless Crown Jewels.
2. London Eye – Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the city skyline and iconic landmarks on the London Eye, Europe's tallest cantilevered observation wheel.
3. St Paul's Cathedral – Visit St Paul's Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece with a magnificent dome that dominates the city skyline. Enjoy panoramic views of London from its high-level galleries.
4. The British Museum – Immerse yourself in world history, art and culture by exploring its impressive collections of more than eight million objects of art and artefacts from the Ancient Egyptians, Romans, Greeks and many other civilisations.
5. Hampton Court Palace – Explore the historical Hampton Court Palace, once the home of Henry VIII. Admire the world-renowned gardens, stately rooms and even a haunted gallery!
6. Buckingham Palace – Witness the famous Changing the Guard ceremony at the official London residence of the King, see changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection at the King's Gallery or explore the lavish State Rooms during select dates in the summer months.
7. Big Ben – Visit Big Ben, next to the Houses of Parliament, for its historic significance, striking architecture and cultural status. Visits can be arranged on select days each year.
What part of London has the most attractions?
- North London: Find exotic animals at London Zoo, the largest library in the world The British Library and celebrity wax figures at Madame Tussauds.
- East London: Climb The O2, take a ride on the London Cable Car and follow an expert guide on a Jack the Ripper walking tour.
- South 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.
- West 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.
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. May is often considered the best month to visit London due to the comfortably warm temperatures for walking and sightseeing, fewer crowds and longer daylight hours.
- 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
- Prepare for the flurry of festive activities, lights and decorations 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 or more exploring the city. Find the perfect itineraries to plan your trip to London; from museums and London attractions to theatre shows and foodie hotspots . There's so much to see and do in London!
What is the most-visited attraction in London?
According to ALVA's* latest visitor figures of visits made in 2024 to visitor attractions, the most visited attraction in London in was The British Museum, with more than 6.4 million visits in 2024.
*https://www.alva.org.uk/details.cfm?p=423