If you’re visiting London for the first time and are not sure where to start, we have the perfect guide for London Tourist Spots.
St Paul’s Cathedral
If you’re into history, there’s no better place in London to visit than St Paul’s Cathedral. Dating back to 604AD, it has unfortunately been destroyed numerous times by fire, and was last rebuilt and restored after the Great Fire of London in 1666.
Standing at 111m tall, with stunning architecture and rich history and artwork, you can walk the Crypt, the resting place of St Paul’s architect, Christopher Wren. Climb the 528 stairs to the Golden Gallery, and witness 360 degree uninterrupted views of London Tourist Spots.
The Shard
The Shard is a must-visit for any visitor to London. This 72 storey skyscraper stands at 309.6m, and is the tallest building in the United Kingdom.
Book a stay at the Shard’s hotel, the five star Shangri-La, or try one of the skyscraper’s restaurants, such as Oblix or Aqua Shard with dishes featuring on many instagrammable restaurants lists.
The lift takes you up at a speed of 6 meters per second to enjoy the breathtaking views of the London skyline from one of London’s most iconic buildings; the viewing platform actually spans three floors! Floor 68 is Cloudscape, showing you the different types of clouds you will see at this dizzying height.
Floor 69 features the viewing telescopes to really zero in on those London Tourist Spots. Floor 72 is the highest floor open to the public, and you are a little at the mercy of the elements and the British weather, yet if you’re lucky, on a bright clear day you can see as far as 40 miles away.
Harrods
Located in Knightsbridge, enjoy the ultimate in luxury shopping and restaurants in Harrods, with seven floors of fashion, beauty, jewellery, food halls and technology spread across 90,000 square meters and 330 departments.
Established in 1849 by Charles Henry Harrod, its motto is ‘Omnia Omnibus Ubique’ – ‘All Things For All People, Everywhere’, it also has captivating architecture, including Egyptian designs and Art Nouveau windows. Don’t forget to check out the Crystal Rooms and Egyptian Halls, as well as the impressive escalators.
Buckingham Palace
Home of Her Majesty the Queen, some State Rooms and the gardens of this iconic Palace are open to the public for select weeks in the year. Take the guided walking tour of the grounds including a three acre lake, the Rose Garden, the Waterloo Vase and the Palace tennis court.
Visit the State Rooms used for ceremonial occasions and entertaining, including the White Drawing Room, and of course the Throne Room. The Ballroom is used for State Banquets, and the Music Room is where royal babies have sometimes been christened.
Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
Arguably London Tourist Spots are most recognisable landmark, Big Ben towers over the Houses of Parliament at 96 meters in height. With fascinating architecture including the largest hammer-beamed room in the world, during a visit here.
You can see plaques commemorating the trial of Guy Fawkes, who plotted to blow up the Houses of Parliament in the early 1600s. The plot was discovered and foiled, and was the start of the Great British ‘Guy Fawkes Night’ or ‘Bonfire Night’ where people burn bonfires and launch fireworks.
Tower of London
Explore gruesome tales of the history of prisoners locked in the Tower over the centuries. Previous ‘residents’ include the Kray Twins, notorious underworld criminals of the last century, Guy Fawkes, whose plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament was foiled at the last minute.
Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII before he had her beheaded. Anne Boleyn reportedly still haunts the Tower of London carrying her head.
The Tower of London is a dark but fascinating slice of London Tourist Spots, and those interested in the history of its prisoners may also be pleased to know that this is where the Crown Jewels are held. You can briefly (very briefly!) catch a glimpse of them on a tour.
The Globe
Situated right on the bank of the River Thames, a visit to Shakespeare’s Globe Theater feels like taking a trip in a time machine.
Take in a Shakespeare play at the Globe or the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, or enjoy a meal at the Swan Bar & Restaurant, the Globe is truly a piece of British history that must not be missed.
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