12 Most Famous London Landmarks To Visit - Hand Luggage Only

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12 Most Famous London Landmarks To Visit – Hand Luggage Only

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May 24, 2023

London is a totally epic city to visit! From all the incredible neighbourhoods to explore, stunning palaces and the most delicious Markets; there is literally something for everyone in London. Not only that, there is a heap of the most famous London landmarks dotted all around the capital.

With thousands of years of history, each London landmark has a story around its being in London. Some are thousands of years old, whilst others are shiny and new.

Whatever the case, visiting is a totally great way to get a feel for London. So, to help you find the most famous London landmarks, I wanted to share a list of some of the best, below.

Have an amazing time visiting London. It really is a great city.

1.) Tower of London

Nestled on the banks of the River Thames, the Tower of London is steeped in history that dates back hundreds of years. It’s one of the most famous London landmarks to visit, which also houses the crown jewels right inside.

In fact, it’s also got one of the biggest diamonds in the world, here. Best of all, you can head inside, via the secure safe room and see the crown jewels by booking these Tower of London tickets.

Not only will you get to go inside the Tower of London, but you’ll also be able to explore the grounds and all the buildings that make this place so special.

It’s so worth a visit, and easy to see after walking across Tower Bridge; which is right next to it.

2.) Buckingham Palace

Not only is Buckingham Palace one of the most famous London landmarks to visit, but this place is also the official residence of the crown. In this case, King Charles III.

Bearing a neoclassical style of architecture, the construction of the place lasted from 1703 to 1853 and is smack-bang in the centre of London. Easily reached by walking down The Mall, it’s a great place to visit in London after strolling through Trafalgar Square.

Your visit to London would not be complete without a visit to Buckingham Palace. Best of all, it’s open to the public during a few special months of the year.

Make sure to Book these Buckingham Palace tickets and head inside to explore the State Rooms. You’ll get to learn more about the history of the Royal Family and Buckingham Palace itself.

Inside, there are 775 rooms which include around 80 bathrooms and 20 State Rooms. It’s incredible to see.

3.) St. Paul’s Cathedral

Maybe one of the best examples of English baroque architecture, St. Paul’s Cathedral is another gem to see and one of the most famous London landmarks to visit when in the city.

All of which can be easily seen by booking these St. Paul’s Cathedral tickets.

St Pauls Cathedral London view

One thing to note, St. Paul’s Cathedral is an important religious site, so be sure to always be respectful when heading inside.

St Pauls Cathedral London

Oh, also, make sure to also climb the stairs to reach the dome’s top.

It might be a little bit of a trek but it’s well worth it for the panoramic views of London.

4.) Tower Bridge

Note that the bridge is still operational, and visitors can traverse the walkway, which is made of glass, to have an amazing view of the city. It’s a pretty cool experience and well worth booking these tickets to get right inside.

This is also a stunning feat of Victorian engineering and is a really magnificent area of London. Scared of heights? Admire the amazing structure and view of the bridge itself.

Also, you can easily walk from here and visit Borough Market for lunch. After all, London has incredible markets to explore.

5.) Westminster Abbey

Truly an iconic building, Westminster Abbey has seen and witnessed important, historic and spectacular events as it stands for more than 1000 years now.

It’s one of the most famous London landmarks t visit and serves as the coronation church of England and a burial site for several monarchs from the past.

In fact, some of the most notable people in all of England have been buried in the floors, crypt and walls here.

Honestly, Westminster Abbey is a beautiful place to visit considering its gothic architecture. It’s just stunning! Just be sure to book these tickets to get inside.

6.) Houses of Parliament

Another one of the famous London landmarks to visit. You can admire the views from Westminster Bridge or even book a tour inside (directly with the Houses of Parliament).

This is a Gothic Revival building which is rich in history and which sits on the Thames that honestly can’t be missed. Inside, you’ll be able to check out the House of Commons, see the history surrounding the Guy Fawkes plot and learn more about its use today.

For a great view, at sunset especially, book these fast-track tickets to board the London Eye. The views are great.

7.) The London Eye

Talking of the London Eye… It’s one of the most famous London landmarks to visit that’s actually quite new. Built to celebrate the Millennium, it’s become a permanent future right on the banks of the River Thames.

Best thought of as a giant Ferris wheel, you can ride on to have an amazing view of London which is so stunning. Just be sure to book these fast-track tickets to board quickly. This way you won’t be hanging around.

8.) Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower)

When you hear about London, you will probably think of Big Ben immediately. This is one of the most historic and famous London landmarks in London that’s known the world over!

Bearing the name of the clock in the Elizabeth Tower, almost everyone who visits London makes sure they get to see Big Ben.

Interestingly, this historical monument was an addition to the Westminster Palace after it was burnt in 1834. Architect Augustus Pugin designed Big Ben, but the idea of its addition to the tower was that of Charles Barry. So, in terms of London history, it’s actually quite new.

There are several stories associated with Big Ben. It has survived several challenges and disasters, and these stories will totally take you back in time.

9.) Hyde Park

You can never really say that Hyde Park is a hidden gem in London, it’s huge and in plain sight! This makes it one of the most famous London landmarks to visit if you want some time away from the hustle and bustle of the streets.

Straying away from the city’s busy streets, you can enjoy a peaceful time in Hyde Park with its wildlife and greenery. This is central London’s largest park. It’s totally gorgeous and there are loads of activities that happen year around within the grounds.

Also, Hyde Park was also known as King Henry VIII’s hunting grounds and is famous for the Serpentine Lake and Gallery along with the Speaker’s Corner which is so lush to see.

10.) Piccadilly Circus

Often compared to Times Square in New York, Piccadilly Circus is quite a bit smaller but actually significantly older than Times Square’s billboards you see today.

Found at the centre of Theatreland, and just off Regent Street, it’s the perfect place to see whilst walking around Soho for a little tipple or evening meal.

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Now, one thing to remember is that it can get busy!

Since Piccadilly Circus is a famous meeting spot and tourist area in general, you might want to avoid going here if you hate crowded places.

11.) Shard

London’s tallest building, the Shard is an amazing work of architecture that overlooks all of the city. It was designed as a vertical city, so there are numerous hotels, offices, residents and restaurants found inside. All of which (except the offices and homes) are easy to visit.

Although the Shard is still one of the newer, but still famous London landmarks to visit, it’s still totally worth a visit to its viewing deck by booking these tickets. The views are stunning at sunset.

Afterwards, take a gander down nearby Bermondsey Street which has heaps of lovely restaurants and bars.

12.) Gherkin

Probably one of London’s most iconic (but not the tallest) skyscrapers, the Gherkin is totally cool to see.

Although you can’t really go to any viewing platform in the Gherkin, you can head to Searcys at The Gherkin which has some yummy cocktails and is right at the top.

If that’s not your thing, you might be able to organise a visit during the yearly Open House.

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