London Travel Guide – Iconic Locations, Sightseeing, and More

Welcome to London, a city full of history, culture, and breathtaking landmarks! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this guide will take you through some of the most iconic spots in the capital, with a little surprise at the end. Let’s dive in!

The Nitty Gritty

Tower Bridge, one of London’s most famous landmarks. Experience this Victorian masterpiece by walking across the glass floor walkway. You can visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition, and watch the bridge lift for passing boats.

Notes: Midday and early evening for stunning views. Check the bridge lift schedule online to catch it in action. The bridge still uses its original 1800s technology to raise and lower.

Name: Tower Bridge
Location: London, U.K. (Google Maps)
Hours: 9:30am - 6pm

The Shard is the tallest building in the UK! At 310 meters high, it offers unbeatable views of the city. Visit The View from The Shard, dine at one of its luxury restaurants, or stay at the Shangri-La Hotel.

Notes: Visit during sunset for magical views of the city. Book tickets in advance for the best prices. The Shard’s glass panels reflect the sky, making it look different every day.

Name: The Shard
Location: London, U.K. (Google Maps)
Hours: 10am - 10pm

The official residence of the British monarch! Buckingham Palace is a must-see for royal fans. You can watch the Changing of the Guard, tour the State Rooms (which happens during the summer only), and explore the royal gardens.

Notes: Visit in the morning for the Changing of the Guard. Arrive early for a good viewing spot. The palace has 775 rooms, including 78 bathrooms.

Name: Buckingham Palace
Location: London, UK (Google Maps)
Hours: 11am - 3pm

Art lovers, this one’s for you. The National Gallery houses masterpieces from Van Gogh, Da Vinci, and Monet and more. Explore over 2,300 paintings, join a guided tour, and visit the café for a relaxing break.

Note: Visit during weekday mornings for a quieter experience. Entry is free, but special exhibitions may require tickets. The gallery’s collection started with just 38 paintings.

Name: The National Gallery
Location: London, UK (Google Maps)
Time: 10am - 6pm

Trafalgar Square – the heart of London! A place for celebrations, protests, and stunning architecture. Here you can visit the National Gallery, take photos with the lion statues, and enjoy street performances.

Notes: Come in the afternoons for lively atmosphere. Visit during Christmas to see the giant Norwegian tree. The square is named after Britain’s naval victory at the Battle of Trafalgar.

Name: Trafalgar Square
Location: London, UK (Google Maps)
Time: 24 hours

We’re now in London’s financial hub. The Gherkin is one of the city’s most striking skyscrapers. Walk through the district, visit rooftop bars, and explore Leadenhall Market.

Notes: Weekdays for business buzz, weekends for quieter streets. Book a table at a rooftop restaurant for epic city views. The Gherkin’s design reduces wind resistance, making it energy-efficient. You’ll also see it featured in many movies and TV shows that take place in London.

Name: The Gherkin
Location: London, UK (Google Maps)
Time: 24 hours

Big Ben, London’s most famous clock. Technically, ‘Big Ben’ refers to the bell inside the tower, but everyone calls the whole thing Big Ben. Here you can admire the tower from Westminster Bridge, take a guided tour of Parliament, and snap a classic London photo. It draws a lot of crowds so keep your eyes peeled, stay safe, and have fun while you’re out here.

Notes: Visit early morning or late evening for fewer crowds. At night the tower is beautifully illuminated. Big Ben has survived bombings during WWII and still rings every hour.

Name: Big Ben
Location: London, UK (Google Maps)
Time: 24 hours

The London Eye – Europe’s tallest observation wheel. A must-do for panoramic city views. Here you can ride the wheel, take a Thames river cruise, and explore the South Bank.

Notes: Visit during sunset for breathtaking views. Book Fast Track tickets to skip long queues. The London Eye was originally meant to be temporary, but it became a permanent attraction!

Name: London Eye
Location: London, UK (Google Maps)
Time: 11am - 6pm

The Thames has shaped the city’s history for centuries. Take a boat tour, walk along the Thames Path, and visit riverside pubs.

Fun Fact: The Thames is 215 miles long and was once home to whales and dolphins.

This is the other side of Prince Albert Royal Concert Hall, a world-famous venue for concerts, ballet, and opera. You can attend a show, take a guided tour, and enjoy afternoon tea here.

Notes: Book tickets early for popular events and know that it gets busy in the evening for performances. The hall was opened by Queen Victoria in 1871.

Name: Royal Albert Hall
Location: London, UK (Google Maps)
Time: Depends on shows

We popped by to see Victoria Palace Theatre, home to some of London’s best theatre productions. It’s the perfect place to watch a West End show, explore nearby restaurants, and visit Buckingham Palace.

Fun Fact: The theatre dates back to 1911.

Name: Victoria Palace Theatre
Location: London, UK (Google Maps)
Time: Depends on shows

Food

We made our way to Seafresh for traditional fish and chips. As you can see they have a full restaurant, but we opted for the takeout option. I got my order of cod with salt and vinegar, and a fanta. Giorgia also got some mushy peas and curry for me to try. The mushy peas were exactly that, honestly, I enjoyed them as a dip and the curry was flavorful. It paired well with the beautifully flaky fish and crisp chips. As you can see there’s quite a lot on the menu here. I would go for more but we’re both getting full from our meals. Seafresh gives you the traditional experience with quality fish and chips.

RATING

Name: Seafresh
Location: London, UK (Google Maps)
Time: 11:30am - 10:30pm

It’s been a day of city-filled adventure but we’re not done yet. We’re getting on the tube toward our next destination so stay tuned for the next video to see where end up. For now, that’s a wrap on some of London’s most iconic spots! Which one is your favorite?

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