London attractions

The former London City Hall is a glass-fronted, space-age structure that once housed the offices of the Mayor of London. But, with soaring rents causing the Mayor to relocate to East London, the riverside building was abandoned to developers. The love-it-or-hate-it landmark—designed by architect Norman Foster, the man behind the Gherkin—is now being transformed into a multi-use retail, restaurant, and office complex complete with urban gardens.

Board the Golden Hinde for a chance to step into naval history. Moored at the edge of the River Thames, this replica ship brings to life the wooden galleon that took Sir Francis Drake around the world between 1577 and 1580—sails, rigging, and all. Stride a gun deck lined with cannons, learn about life on board a 16th-century ship, and hear about the age of exploration.

Officially the provider of road transport for the King, the Royal Mews by Buckingham Palace in London is better known for its horses. And, it’s one of the most elegant working stables that you’ll ever see, complete with smartly attired horse grooms, immaculate Windsor Greys and Cleveland Bays, and the golden royal carriages that the horses are trained to pull.

The Clink gets its name from a prison that operated there from the 12th to the 18th century. During its 600 years of operation, the prison gained a reputation for its poor conditions, notorious inmates, and frequent rebellions. Today, the museum offers interactive exhibits that reveal the harsh realities of crime and punishment in medieval London, including archaeological artefacts, torture devices, and tales of former inmates.

Made up of Camden Lock, Stables Market, and Hawley Wharf, the area known as Camden Market is undoubtedly the UK’s most famous collection of street vendors. In continuous operation since the 1970s, the market draws crowds of visitors who come to shop the huge variety of stalls, eat, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. A life-sized statue of Amy Winehouse celebrates the market’s musical heritage.

Named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, the Victoria and Albert Museum (better known as the V&A) houses more than 2.8 million cultural artifacts spanning more than 5,000 years of history. As a museum of art and design, it features treasures from the Victorian era, including the famous Ardabil Carpet, one of the world’s oldest and most celebrated Persian carpets. You can also admire the Raphael Cartoons, a series of large-scale designs for tapestries commissioned by Pope Leo X.

You’ll find the Diana Memorial Fountain in London’s leafy Hyde Park. It’s dedicated to Diana, Princess of Wales and is meant to reflect the openness that earned her the nickname “the people’s princess.” The understated, oval-shaped fountain was constructed from Cornish granite and designed to be accessible to the public, inviting peaceful contemplation and reflection.

Just steps from the world-famous Centre Court, this attraction is one of the world’s largest museums devoted to tennis, with a collection of more than 20,000 ace objects. The exhibitions delve into the history and glory of the sport, with items ranging from trophies and outfits worn by former Grand Slam champions to Olympic memorabilia and other historical mementos.

Ship models, maps, and memorabilia await at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, a huge institution that covers Britain’s naval history. Set in what was once the Greenwich Royal Hospital School, the museum caters for all ages and levels of nautical nerdiness, from toddler-friendly fun in the AHOY! Children’s Gallery to an exhibition dedicated to the story of Admiral Lord Nelson.

Butchers, chefs, and restaurateurs converge on the historic Smithfield Market between 2am and breakfast time, when most of London is sound asleep. It’s not a tourist market, nor a treat-for-the-senses food market, but it is a real working part of the capital’s history, where meat has been traded for more than a century. Visits here offer a glimpse of a bustling world that most Londoners and tourists simply sleep through, without knowing much about it.

Since it opened in 1707, Fortnum & Mason has been one of London’s best-known department stores. Set on Piccadilly Street, it’s a must-see for visitors who want to peruse luxury goods, enjoy a traditional English afternoon tea, and buy British souvenirs. Another claim to fame is that Fortnum invented the Scotch egg, a classic snack featuring a boiled egg encased in sausage meat and breadcrumbs, so it’s the best place to try this local favorite.

London’s Spitalfields neighborhood has been drawing crowds since the 15th century, and today, it attracts locals and travelers alike with its culturally diverse and hip atmosphere. The area is home to an array of places to eat, drink, and shop, including the historic Spitalfields Market, making it a top spot in which to experience local London life.

Perched on the banks of the Avon River, the 11th-century Warwick Castle is considered to be one of England’s most magnificent castles. Founded by William the Conqueror, the ancestral palace is a stunning testament to British medieval architecture. But while its exterior might suggest a serious historical attraction, this castle boasts fun exhibits and live-action entertainment that make for an immersive, family-friendly experience.

An undisputed highlight of the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old Royal Naval College is both a historical heavyweight and an architectural marvel, located in a scenic spot overlooking the Thames. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren—the architect who created St. Paul’s Cathedral—though only completed after his death, the neoclassical monument’s chapels and grounds make a truly grand impression.

With its stone lions, intricate gateways, and bilingual street signs, London Chinatown showcases the diversity of England’s capital. Located at the heart of the city between culture-rich Soho and the theaters of the West End, this area is one of the capital’s most interesting dining destinations, thanks to its tempting selection of dim sum eateries, traditional teahouses, and hand-pulled noodle specialists. You’ll also find Asian supermarkets, reflexology and massage parlors, and practitioners of Chinese medicine.

While Knightsbridge is the name of the main road, most people know it as a loosely defined neighborhood between Hyde Park and Belgravia. Swanky shops, elegant Victorian townhouses, and supercars are its signature sights, although Knightsbridge also boasts a famous museum trio: the Victoria and Albert Museum (aka the V&A), Natural History Museum, and Science Museum. All are on Cromwell Road.

The most exclusive shopping street in London, Bond Street is where you’ll find flagship stores for brands such as Burberry, Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton. Running through the heart of Mayfair, the famous street dates back to around 1700 and is split into two sections—Old Bond Street in the south and New Bond Street in the north. Even if you’re not shopping for a designer handbag, it’s a great place to stroll.

Concerts from a wide spectrum of genres take place at the Royal Festival Hall, but it’s perhaps best known as a classical music venue. This is the official home of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, so among the music you’re likely to hear inside its huge auditorium are the works of Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, and Tchaikovsky. The wider venue is open to the public and features a large foyer that’s always full of life, plus eateries, bars, and the National Poetry Library.

Built in the early 18th century, Blenheim Palace is one of Britain’s grandest historical estates and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The English nation gave the site to the Duke of Marlborough, General John Churchill, to thank him for his role in defeating a French and Bavarian army at the 1704 Battle of Blenheim. Britain’s famed wartime leader, Sir Winston Churchill, was born here in 1874.

The Albert Memorial was inaugurated in 1872, dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, who passed away at the age of 42 following a battle with typhoid fever. Located in Kensington Gardens, the structure is renowned for its gilded statue of the prince and its ornate Gothic Revival design. It’s one of the city’s most impressive monuments, which is saying something.

While Whitechapel may be famed for its dark ties to the Jack the Ripper murders, there’s much more to this London district than its infamous past. Today, it’s a thriving hub of art and culture, home to the renowned Whitechapel Gallery, and boasts a diverse food scene. Visitors come here to enjoy its art galleries, restaurants, and street markets, or join one of its many dark history tours.

Fans of Harry Potter will be familiar with Platform 9 3/4. The fictional platform is located at the real King’s Cross train station in London, between platforms 9 and 10. In the books and movies, it’s where characters board the Hogwarts Express by running directly at what appears to be a solid wall barrier. The exact spot is commemorated by half a luggage trolley and a sign, which makes it a popular photo stop.

Strolling the halls of the National Portrait Gallery is like taking a walk through British history, as you pass images of royals, politicians, and pop culture icons. When it opened in 1856, the gallery was the first of its kind. Now, it houses the world’s biggest portrait collection, featuring more than 215,000 works. Some of the most famous faces inside include William Shakespeare, Queen Elizabeth II, and Dame Judi Dench.

Nowhere captures the spirit of London’s Notting Hill better than Portobello Road and its historic street market. Known as the place for antiques and vintage wares in the 1940s and 1950s, the market today offers an ever-evolving array of merchandise, including street food, fashion shops, and souvenir trinket stalls. While its vibe is becoming more touristy, Portobello Road is always fun, with colorful houses, lively crowds, and an eclectic mix of whatever you want to buy.

Built in 1622, London’s Banqueting House was once part of the Palace of Whitehall, which was home to the English monarch for 168 years. The building is the last structure standing of the former complex, and it exemplifies the beginnings of neoclassical architecture. It also boasts a tumultuous history, including the execution of Charles I in 1649, which is interesting, considering that banquet houses are designed for entertaining.

The 12th-century Leeds Castle is among Europe’s best-preserved medieval landmarks. Sitting in the heart of Kent—confusingly, nowhere near Leeds in Yorkshire—the castle and its grounds span 500 acres (202 hectares), and feature a regal moat and green parkland. Dating back to Norman times, the castle is thought to have been built as a look-at-me home, to flaunt the wealth of its owner, but its elegance captured the eyes of British royalty, who successively owned it until around the 16th century.

A neo-Gothic masterpiece, Highclere Castle is best known for doubling as Downton Abbey in the TV series of the same name. The turreted, sandstone mansion was created by Sir Charles Barry, the architect behind London's Houses of Parliament. The current owners of the castle welcome the public to explore the lavishly decorated interior and the sprawling grounds at certain times of year—prebooking is essential.

For more than 250 years, the Royal Academy of Arts has championed Britain’s visual art scene. The Mayfair mansion is home to a world-renowned permanent collection and features works by artists such as John Constable, J.M.W. Turner, and Dame Tracey Emin. Its summer exhibitions also draw critical acclaim, showcasing contemporary art from around the world available for anyone to purchase.

The London Zoo has been housing a variety of animals since 1828, making it the world’s oldest scientific zoo. These days, it’s still one of the city’s most popular family attractions and beloved by visitors of all ages. A visit to the zoo offers the chance to come face to face with myriad critters representing more than 750 species, from mighty lions and tigers to tiny reptiles and creepy crawlies.

The home ground of one of England’s most renowned football (soccer) teams, Emirates Stadium is a must-visit for sports fans and followers of Arsenal FC. With a capacity of more than 60,000, the football stadium is the country’s third-largest. Its size and fandom create an electric atmosphere for watching soccer games. It’s also home to a museum that traces the history of the team affectionately known to fans as the "Gunners."