The top activities in London highlight the city’s undeniable magnificence. The capital of England is at the forefront of innovation despite having a rich history to match any other city in the world. You can spend hours exploring museums, taking in the best live performances, going to bars and clubs, or just following in the great and the good of history. If you’re in town to shop, every market or mall caters to a specific interest. Pop-up festivals appear along the river every season.
It’s simple to sense that something significant is about to happen as you walk around the well-known streets. Here is our guide to what you should know to understand what we mean.
1. Buckingham Palace
Since 1837, Buckingham Palace has served as the UK royal family’s official home. Whether you consider fairy tales real or not, exploring one of the few still-in-use royal castles in the world will be a fantastic adventure. You must reserve tickets well in advance because the palace is only accessible to the general public for ten weeks each summer and on certain days in winter and spring.
On the guided tour, you can explore the stunning State Rooms, decorated with exquisite art, furniture, and antiques. The Grand Staircase, Throne Room, and Ballroom are highlights. A stroll around the luxuriant Palace Garden is also included in the tour. Alternatively, you can purchase tickets just for the garden or get free admission to see the famous changing of the guards.
2. Big Ben and The Houses of Parliament
The British Parliament is housed in this magnificent Gothic structure, and Big Ben, the building’s clock tower, has been keeping time for the rest of the world for more than a century. The sound of the chimes has been imitated worldwide and is almost as well-known as the clock tower. They have endured as London’s icons.
You can explore the statues in Parliament Square starting at Westminster Station before going across Westminster Bridge to take a timeless picture with the Parliament in the background. Continue across the bridge to the South Bank for a different breathtaking view of the city across the river.
3. Natural History Museum
The evolution of the natural world, from the time of the Tyrannosaurus Rex to the present, is the focus of the Natural History Museum, an entertaining and participatory experience. The museum highlights the wonder of life on this planet by combining real dinosaur skeletons with interactive exhibits. It’s easier to live here with more respect for the environment.
The museum, divided into four areas, provides many fun activities for the whole family, notably an earthquake simulator. There is a genuine moon rock in the geology area. The structure itself resembles a grand cathedral more than a museum. Many exhibits will excite and surprise you; best of all, they are free.
4. Covent Garden
This West End public space is a terrific area to take in the energy of London because it is pedestrian-friendly. Covent Garden is one of the prettiest places on a beautiful day, with street performers entertaining the masses and restaurants spilling out onto the area. Visit Covent Garden Market for a wide selection of antiques, handmade goods, and fresh produce.
The eateries in Covent Garden are a mixture of well-known businesses, pricey fine dining establishments, and tourist traps serving microwave meals. You’ll have a tonne of options. Still, it’s lovely to sip and take in Convent Garden’s street performers slowly. Get the desired table on the Punch & Judy pub’s terrace for the best viewing area.
5. Oxford Street
The best shopping area in England is Oxford Street. Along with upscale department stores like Selfridges and Debenhams, you can discover flagship locations for many of the top brands in Britain. It’s also a popular place to find street vendors selling cheap, flashy items.
Take the Tube to Tottenham Court Road station and shop down to Marble Arch, which is opposite Oxford Street, if you want to experience this shopping paradise’s scope fully. Use Oxford Circus station, about halfway down the street, as a point of reference. A quick detour to the renowned Carnaby Street is a must-do if you’re looking for young fashion. Oxford Street is lovely during the holiday season, thanks to the countless sparkling Christmas lights and creative window displays.
6. Borough Market
To enjoy the variety of handcrafted goodies, you should visit this excellent food market at mealtimes. All types of English cheese (as well as wide European varieties) are available here, along with sausages, roasted and cured meats, seafood, freshly baked bread, and more. It is simple to locate close to London Bridge station.
The pricing is excessive, given that this is a market. If you’re cunning enough, free samples alone could satisfy you. However, we do not advise it.
7. Take a river bus from Westminster to Tower Bridge.
The London Underground is undoubtedly the most well-known method of transportation. Still, a river bus is by far the most picturesque. Moreover, the air is cleaner. The public river buses, known as Thames Clippers, travel along the Thames on five different routes. Although they don’t have the discourse featured on tourist boats, the experience feels more genuine.
We advise boarding in Westminster and cruising down Tower Bridge to see the loveliest vistas along the riverbanks. You can take advantage of discounted trips if you have an Oyster travel card (you should obtain one).
Conclusion
So here are some things which will show you what makes London famous, like what all the items are in London that make London famous and you can enjoy it when you plan to visit there.