London is a huge metropolitan city with lots of attractions for tourists. There are so many things to do that you possibly can’t do it all when you go visit and that is totally okay! This blog post is going to allow you to narrow down what you want to do based off the interests you love!
For the History Lover:
Being one of the most historical cities that has influenced many other nations world wide, London has so much rich and diverse history that you must see. Here are my best stops:
Amazing world war aircrafts at the Imperial War Museum
Imperial War Museum:
This museum mainly focuses on world war one, but also hits world war two as well. The main floor takes you step by step through the war and you learn so many things and hidden gems that you wouldn’t have seen before. I am not a big history buff but this museum highly impressed me.
Cost: Free (but they do accept donations)
Churchill War Rooms:
This museum/historical building is the exact location where English officials game planned during world war two. It is a huge museum not only documenting the war and England’s role in it but also documented Winston Churchill’s life and things you might have not known about it.
Cost: 19 pounds
The used to be moat around the Tower of London
Tower of London:
This palace/fortress/prison is one of the most iconic places in London and has so much history to it because of the change in power over the time. I’ve been here 3 different times now and each time I feel like I learn something new about it. The best part for me as a girl is seeing the crown jewels, the line is a little bit of a wait but they are so pretty!
Cost: 21.50 pounds if you buy online. I also discovered that there is a kiosk in the train station for you to buy tickets and it’s actually cheaper as well. You just have to go to the ticket line to redeem the ticket but I saved about 5 pounds.
Beautiful ruins at The British Museum
British Museum:
This museum not only talks about British history but takes you on a trip around the world. There are exhibits on Africa, South America and some special topic ones as well. It is a huge museum and you can walk around for hours seeing all the amazing artifacts.
Cost: Free (but they do accept donations)
For the Royal Family Lover:
A huge draw for many people to come to London is their love of The Queen. If you have been like me and have binge watched on Netflix the television show “The Crown” these places are for you!
The magnificent Buckingham Palace in downtown London
Buckingham Palace:
The famous home of Queen Elizabeth and her family. This beautiful home is very important to British history an there are many different ways you can visit it. You can do a free walking tour through Sandemans that gives you lots of details about English history and you can walk by it. You can also see it on your own and watch the changing of the guards 3 times a week! The best thing at certain times of year you can actually go inside Buckingham Palace when the Queen isn’t in residence. Looks like you can visit from now until Feb 4th or from July 21st to September 20th. Get tickets ahead of time and here!
Cost: 24 pounds
The beautiful facade at Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey:
This beautiful church has held some of the most monumental ceremonies in the history of England. From weddings, to coronations and christenings, it is one of the best attractions to visit in the city. I think it is worth the money for this place. It is right in the heart of the city and the self guided audio tour comes with the price and gives you tons of information.
Cost: Online 20 pounds or you can go on Wednesday nights for half price at 10 pounds
The beautiful home of William and Kate at Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace:
A place that many of those who come to London forget about is the royal residence of William and Kate and other famous members of the royal family. It also used to be the residence of Princess Diana back in the 90s. They have an amazing exhibit about her right now as well. Right outside the heart of the city with beautiful gardens as well, this palace is a little piece of paradise.
Cost: 15.50 pounds
The charming entrance to the Queen’s Gallery
Queen’s Gallery:
If you love the royal family and you also love art this is the perfect place to visit. It has beautiful paintings, artifacts and other amazing pieces. Not many people know about this place but it perfect way to sort of see back into British history.
Cost: 11 pounds
Royal Day Out combines the Buckingham palace state rooms, the Queen’s Gallery and the Royal Mews for 43 pounds.
For the Harry Potter Lover:
The Harry Potter series were filmed mainly in London and inspired by all the sights an spots around. A true fan can feel like they are a part of the cast and headed to Hogwarts by visiting these places.
Iconic Tower Bridge on the edge of the Thames River
Tower Bridge:
One of the most iconic sights to London and many confuse as the London Bridge but The Tower Bridge is beautiful and featured in The Order of Phoenix movie. You can walk across the bridge and see the beautiful London skyline but what many don’t know is that inside the bridge to see how it was made and step on a glass floor to see a new part of the city. Make sure you plan your visit around when the bridge goes up and down, you can check that out on their website here!
Cost: 9 pounds
The entrance to Dumbledore’s office at the Warner Brother’s Studio Tour
Warner Bros Studio Tour:
A 100% must see for those fans of the books and films in London. This is the exact studios where they created the films. It is located a little outside the city but it is worth the hike. When I went we were able to see everything an get there in back in about a half day, but you can 100% spend almost a full day there especially by eating at the studios.
Cost: 41 pounds
Directions: To get there you have to take a train and a bus. You need to take the train to the station Waterford Junction. The train leaves from London Euston (easy inside the city) and costs 11 pounds each way so a total of 22 pounds. The trains run about every 10 minutes. Then when you get off the train head down the stairs and you’ll find the bus stop for the Warner Brothers studio. The bus costs 2.50 pounds round trip and the only take cash! I would say in total give yourself about an hour/hour and a half to get there.
Overall it’s expensive but in my opinion is is worth every penny you spend.
Stunning outside of the King’s Cross Station
Kings Cross Station:
On the outside it seems like a regular train station but on the inside is where platform 9 3/4 should have been. Featured in almost every film this beautiful train station captures the heart of the Hogwarts express. There many even be a place you can “pretend” to go through the wall.
Cost: Free
Stunning sunset views from Millenium Bridge
Millenium Bridge:
This bridge is a fully functioning pedestrian bridge during the day that connects you across the Thames river in the heart of London, but also got “destroyed” in the Half Blood Prince movie. This bridge has great architecture and gets you across to other historical places in the city.
Cost: Free
London Zoo (Reptile House):
When you think London and Harry Potter you don’t automatically think of the zoo, but the scene filmed here was probably was of the most pivotal one’s in the first book. You can visit the infamous reptile room where Harry first uses parseltongue. I don’t think visiting here for just one scene and paying the price is 100% worth it economically, but if you are an animal lover than it’s a win win.
Cost: 21 pounds
Piccadilly Circus:
This famous London attraction is where Harry, Ron and Hermonie try to escape Voldemort in the Dealthly Hallows Part 1 movie. There is a certain cafe there that might look familar, but if not there are tons of other shops, restaurants and souvenirs to buy.
Cost: Free
For the General London Lover:
Many people know that London has a ton of things to offer but they just want to hit the big ticket items since they might only be there for a short time or can’t quite figure out what they want to do. These items are a must- do in my opinion!
All smiles from atop a Double Decker Bus Tour in London
Double Decker Bus Tour:
What is more London than a giant two story red bus. These iconic buses are symbolic of the city so it is necessary to try one out. What I love about these tours is that you can see majority of the city and not feel pressured to stop and walk by everything. A must do is take a tour with a live commentator! They are way better than putting in headphones and they usually give you more detailed facts about the city. I don’t think you need to get more than a 24 hour tour because public transportation is so good in the city. I recommended the The Original Tour and take the Yellow Route with the live commentary. It hits all the popular spots and it takes you through the old city.
Cost: 29 pounds (if you buy online and includes a free Thames River Cruise!)
Hyde Park:
This park I would consider just as famous as Central Park in New York. Located right next to the royal palace, this beautiful park is a great way to break up your day and perfect spot for a picnic lunch (a great way to save money on your trip). There are lots of historical memories and fountains inside it, but to me the best thing to see is rose garden.
Cost: Free
Saint Pauls Cathedral:
This beautiful church in the heart of old London dates back to 1675. What used to be part of the Catholic church and then split to be the Church of England during the reformation, this historical building was and is a part of many important events in English history. A must do is climb the different levels of the church to the very top that has spectacular views of the city. (Even though you have to walk more I think this view is better than the London Eye)
Cost: 18 pounds
Marvelous views of The Parliament building in downtown London
Big Ben/House of Parliament:
Another iconic part of this city is of course Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Sadly right now they are doing construction on them to conserve them so the views are obstructed a little bit. But during normal times you can take a iconic picture of the phone booth and the tower together. You can tour inside both of these things but I don’t think it is necessarily worth the money in my opinion. There is an amazing restaurant right next to it called The Red Lion that has amazing traditional pies.
For the Lover of the Theatre:
Fascinating views inside the famous Globe Theatre
Globe Theatre:
Shakespeare was and is still is a huge part of English history and this theatre is where even today his beautiful plays are performed. You can tour the facility to know all about the history of the place and how the show goes on, but you can also see shows! Live actors and actresses perform shows written by Shakespeare himself on a weekly basis. Tickets range from 75-200 pounds but if you love the arts and want a once and a life time experience this is it.
Cost: 17 pounds but right now in the winter they have a 10 pound special for tours!
The ending of the hysterical show The Commitments I saw in a London theatre
Broadway Like Show:
London is the NYC equivalent for amazing shows. Downtown London offers all the amazing shows that you would get to see on Broadway but for an even better price! The theatre district in London has many different places and shows to see from Les Miserables to Lion King and Wicked. If you jump on tickets way early you can get good prices and see amazing casts. I had a friend find tickets for Hamilton for half of what they are in the US. So as long as you are proactive you can find a good deal!
Theatre.com or Londontheatre.co.uk are great websites to start.
