It’s time for an adventure, pack your bags, grab your camera, and let your inner explorer out! You’re headed to London, one of the greatest cities in the world, filled with history, culture, food, nightlife, and natural beauty.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or the fiftieth time, London will capture your heart with its charm.

There’s no shortage of iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and memorable experiences in this sprawling metropolis. We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 must-see places in London to add to your bucket list.

From world-famous attractions to secret hideaways, you’ll be delighted at every turn in this city of eternal inspiration. London is calling you – answer the call and get ready for the trip of a lifetime in one of the greatest cities on earth! The adventure begins now.

Visit the Iconic Tower of London

A trip to London isn’t complete without visiting the Tower of London! This historic royal fortress is one of the city’s most popular attractions.

Originally built in 1078, the Tower of London has served as a royal residence, prison, armory, and more over its long history. You’ll be captivated by exploring the towers and ramparts, getting lost in medieval architecture.

The Tower is home to the Crown Jewels, the ceremonial regalia of the British monarchy. Marvel at the glittering crowns, orbs, and scepters, including the 530-carat Cullinan II diamond!

The Tower is also home to the iconic Beefeaters. Officially known as Yeoman Warders, these distinctive guards have been guarding the Tower since Tudor times. Catch one of their entertaining tours to learn all about the Tower’s fascinating history.

Of course, no trip to the Tower is complete without spotting the ravens! Legend says the Tower and the monarchy will fall if the ravens ever leave the fortress. So rest assured, the raven master takes excellent care of these magnificent birds.

With so much history and intrigue, the Tower of London should be at the top of your London bucket list. Go early, as the Tower gets very busy, especially in the summer. A visit here is a must for anyone interested in British history.

You’ll leave with a sense of awe at walking through the same halls as figures from William the Conqueror to Elizabeth I! What an incredible experience.

Check Out the Magnificent Buckingham Palace

No trip to London is complete without visiting the iconic Buckingham Palace! As the official royal residence, this magnificent palace will fill you with wonder and delight.

Once inside, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. Lavish furnishings, priceless artworks, and glittering chandeliers at every turn.

The State Rooms are open for tours during summer, so you can experience the royal lifestyle firsthand. Walking through the grand corridors and chambers, It’s easy to imagine hosting extravagant balls and banquets.

Don’t miss the Changing of the Guard ceremony, where the stoic guards maintain their watch. It’s a quintessential London experience. Find a spot on the Victoria Memorial for the best view of the pomp and circumstance.

The palace is also home to Her Majesty’s Gallery, which houses many of the royal art collections. Masterpiece paintings from Rembrandt, Rubens, Canaletto, and more are on display. The entry includes an audio tour to learn about history and art.

Stroll through the extensive palace gardens, a peaceful oasis in central London. Have a picnic on the lawn or just sit and watch people. The blooms and greenery make it easy to forget you’re in the heart of the city.

A trip to London would not be complete without visiting this royal landmark. The pageantry, grandeur, and history of Buckingham Palace will leave you in awe and give you a glimpse into the life of British royalty. Put it at the top of your London bucket list!

Stroll Through Beautiful Hyde Park

Hyde Park is one of London’s most iconic and beautiful open green spaces. Covering a whopping 350 acres, this urban oasis offers endless opportunities for enjoyment and adventure.

Stroll Through the Park’s Many Paths

Lace up your walking shoes and spend an afternoon meandering through Hyde Park’s many tree-lined paths and trails. The Diana Memorial Walk and The Serpentine are two of the most popular routes, taking you past beautiful gardens, fountains, and the Serpentine Lake.

Relax on the Grass

On a sunny day, the open expanses of lush green grass are filled with locals and visitors alike relaxing, picnicking, and soaking in the weather. Join in on the fun – bring a blanket, snacks, friends, and a Frisbee or ball and claim your little slice of this urban paradise.

Rent a Rowboat on The Serpentine

For a fun recreational activity, rent a rowboat or pedal boat and take to the waters of The Serpentine, a lovely lake that cuts through the middle of Hyde Park. Glide along, taking in picturesque views of waterfowl, gardens, and the park’s natural scenery.

Check Out the Famous Speakers’ Corner

Every Sunday, speakers, politicians, activists, and individuals stand on their soapboxes at the northeastern corner of Hyde Park to give speeches and share their opinions on various topics.

This quirky British tradition has been around for over a century and continues to draw crowds. Head over on a Sunday afternoon to listen in and soak in this iconic part of British culture.

Hyde Park has so much natural beauty, culture, and recreation to offer. Whether you want to go for a jog, have a picnic in the sun, visit a gallery, or just sit back and people-watch, this sprawling urban park should be at the top of your London bucket list. Discover all the amazing things it has to offer!

Cross the Tower Bridge

Crossing the iconic Tower Bridge is an absolute must on your London bucket list! Spanning the River Thames, this impressive Victorian-era bascule bridge offers stunning views of the city.

Raise a Glass

Head to the Tower Bridge’s walkways, 42 meters above the river, for panoramic vistas. While gazing at the picturesque cityscape, enjoy a glass of bubbly at the Tower Bridge’s champagne bar.

Nothing quite beats sipping champagne at sunset with the golden glow of the city all around you. Pure bliss!

Admire the Architecture

The Tower Bridge is a marvel of Victorian Gothic architecture. Gaze in awe at its twin towers, walkways, and granite stonework. When it opened in 1894, the Tower Bridge was the largest bascule bridge in the world.

Today, its neo-Gothic styling and giant steel “bascules” that raise the bridge are icons of London.

See the Bascules in Action

For an exciting treat, catch one of the bridge lifts! The bascules still raise the bridge an average of 1000 times per year to allow large ships to pass through.

Check the lift times on the Tower Bridge website and head to the glass floor walkways to watch the bascules spectacularly raise the bridge sections. It’s a thrill like no other!

Snap Selfies Galore

With its scenic setting and magnificent architecture, the Tower Bridge is extremely Instagram-worthy. Strike a pose on the walkways, gaze up at the dramatic twin towers, or get a shot with a passing ship. This scenic spot will make all your friends envious of your London adventures!

A visit to the Tower Bridge, one of the world’s most famous bridges, is a joyful must-do on your London bucket list.

Take in the panoramas, learn about its history, see its inner workings in action, and capture lots of Instagram-worthy moments. You’ll cross it off your list, but the memories will last forever!

Take in the Views From the Shard

The Shard is an iconic London landmark and Western Europe’s tallest building. At nearly 310 meters high, the Shard offers jaw-dropping views of the city from its viewing platforms on floors 68, 69, and 72.

On a clear day, you can see up to 40 miles in every direction, from the skyscrapers of the City of London to the historic dome of St Paul’s Cathedral.

Take a Lift to the Sky

Zoom up to the top of the Shard in high-speed lifts that travel at six meters per second. As the ground shrinks away beneath you, get ready for a bird’s eye view of London like no other.

On level 72, the open-air Skydeck offers 360-degree vistas where you can pick out all of London’s famous landmarks. If it’s a special occasion, book a table at the luxury Oblix restaurant on the 32nd floor and enjoy a delicious meal with a side of panoramic views.

A Thrilling Experience

Visiting the Shard is a thrill for people of all ages. Gaze out at the busy River Thames winding through the city, the historic Tower of London and Tower Bridge, the massive green expanse of Hyde Park, and the twists and turns of London’s ancient streets.

At nearly twice the height of any other viewing platform in London, the Shard provides a unique vantage point to understand the city’s sprawling scope and take stunning photos.

A Cultural Icon

Since opening in 2012, the Shard has become an important part of London’s culture and skyline. Its dramatic glass spire can be seen from miles away and has appeared in numerous films, TV shows, music videos, and more.

Renowned architect Renzo Piano designed the Shard to resemble a shard of glass, with its façade covered in 11,000 glass panels. By day, the sun’s rays reflect and refract off the multi-coloured panes.

By night, it is illuminated with changing colours and patterns.

Visiting the Shard is a must for your London bucket list. Zoom up to its dizzying heights for a thrilling experience and breathtaking views you’ll never forget. This cultural icon offers a glimpse of London life from a very unique vantage point.

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is one of the most lively and entertaining areas of London. This popular West End destination is a must-see on your London bucket list!

Once a fruit and vegetable market, Covent Garden is now a bustling hub of shops, restaurants, bars, and street performers. Walk around the cobbled streets, do some shopping at the boutiques, grab a drink at one of the pubs, and watch the entertainers in the Piazza.

• Shop at the boutiques for unique gifts, accessories, and clothes.

• Dine al fresco at one of the many restaurants.

• Catch a show at the Royal Opera House or one of the many theatres.

• Gaze at the grand architecture of St. Paul’s Church and the Royal Opera House.

There’s always something going on in this lively square from morning through night. Make a day of exploring all Covent Garden has to offer, you’ll love the upbeat vibe and spirited atmosphere of this popular London spot.

Discover why Covent Garden should be at the top of your list to experience the excitement of London!

Soho

Soho is a lively area packed with independent shops, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. This eclectic neighborhood has something for everyone. Shop for unique records at Sister Ray or vintage fashion at Beyond Retro.

Stop for delicious dim sum at Yauatcha or authentic Italian pizza at Princi. Catch a West End show at one of Soho’s historic theatres like Prince Edward or Palace Theatre. With its buzzing streets, flashing neon signs, and air of counterculture, Soho encapsulates the excitement and energy of London.

Discover secret alleyways, hidden courtyards, and charming squares as you explore. Check out the colorful Berwick Street Market, a popular fruit and vegetable market open since the 1770s.

Head to vibrant Old Compton Street, the heart of Soho’s LGBTQ+ nightlife scene. For watching around and cocktails, grab an outdoor table at The French House, a legendary pub frequented by famous artists and writers.

Art lovers can view contemporary works at the Photographers’ Gallery or see where famous musicians once recorded at the former Trident Studios. Cinephiles will appreciate catching a cult classic at the Prince Charles Cinema, an iconic indie theatre open since 1962.

There’s truly something for every taste in this dazzling district. Lively, eccentric, and endlessly entertaining, Soho should be at the top of your London bucket list! Experience the heartbeat of the city and discover why Soho has been captivating visitors for centuries.

Madame Tussauds

Madame Tussauds is the ultimate celebrity encounter in London! This world-famous wax museum is home to incredibly lifelike wax figures of the biggest stars, past and present.

When you enter, you’ll immediately spot the stunning replicas of major royals like Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Harry. Strike a pose with the Beatles or see if you measure up next to the athletes like David Beckham. The film stars are not to be missed, wave to Audrey Hepburn, and gawk at the uncanny likeness of Johnny Depp.

The museum is highly interactive; you can hug your favorite celebs, take a selfie, or just stare in amazement at how realistic they seem. Some figures even move and talk!

The sets and backgrounds are also stunningly detailed, recreating iconic red carpet moments, music videos, and movie scenes. You’ll truly feel transported to another time and place.

Madame Tussauds is an absolute blast and a must-do for any first-time visitor to London. Release your inner fangirl or fanboy and enjoy a few hours of silly, lighthearted fun with the stars.

The wax figures may not be real, but the memories you make definitely will be! This whimsical, one-of-a-kind experience is perfect for all ages.

London Eye

The London Eye is one of the city’s most popular attractions for good reason. This gigantic Ferris wheel situated on the South Bank of the River Thames offers unparalleled views of the capital.

Climb aboard one of the 32 high-tech glass capsules and soar up to 135 meters high, seeing the whole of London unfold before your eyes!

On a clear day, you can see up to 40 kilometers in every direction. Spot the tower of Big Ben, the dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and so much more.

The slow, gentle rotation of the London Eye means you have plenty of time to take in the views and snap lots of photos. It’s the perfect way to get acquainted with London’s layout and pick out places you want to explore next.

The capsules are fully accessible, so the London Eye experience can be enjoyed by visitors of all abilities. And at night, the Eye is beautifully lit up in different colors to create a magical spectacle on the skyline.

A ride on the London Eye is truly an unmissable experience and one of the best ways to see the city.

London Museum

The London Museum is an absolute must-see on your London adventure! This massive museum is home to some of the world’s most famous ancient artifacts, mummies, and treasures.

You’ll feel like Indiana Jones exploring the wonders of ancient Egypt, Greece, and beyond.

Discover world-famous ancient artifacts like the Rosetta Stone, deciphered by Jean-François Champollion, and marvel at the Egyptian mummies that have survived for thousands of years.

Gaze in awe at the Elgin Marbles, ancient Greek marble sculptures that once decorated the Parthenon in Athens. The London Museum’s collection spans over two million years of human history, so you’re sure to discover ancient treasures you’ve never seen before!

A trip to London isn’t complete without visiting this iconic museum. The grand historic building alone is worth seeing, even without its priceless collections. Entry to the museum is free, so you have no excuse not to visit on your London adventure!

Lose yourself in the wonders of ancient history at one of the world’s greatest museums. The London Museum should be at the very top of your bucket list for an unforgettable London experience.

Conclusion

You’ve just glimpsed a few of the wonders that await you in this incredible city. Now it’s time to go out and explore them for yourself! Pack your bags, hop on a flight, and dive headfirst into the bustling streets of London.

Climb the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral and take in the sweeping views of the city below. Lose yourself in the grandeur of the British Museum and unearth treasures from around the world.

Meander through Hyde Park on a sunny afternoon and enjoy a peaceful moment in the heart of the city. However long your trip, London will capture your heart and leave you longing to return. The adventures are endless, so start planning your bucket list trip now – London is calling and you simply must go!