The sunset gives the London skyline a fiery orange glow.
As a popular destination appearing on many travel bucket lists, London offers many sightseeing opportunities. With a rich history and a vibrant culture, London is a huge city to explore. There's a good chance you won't be able to see absolutely everything—even a trip as long as two weeks might not give you enough time. However, if it's your first time visiting and you'd rather check off the touristy spots on your list, then these are the famous landmarks you can't miss. Follow this guide in order, and you'll complete a journey from west to east across London.
Kensington Palace & Gardens
Start your journey on the west side of London. Kensington Palace has been the official home to generations of royal families, including Queen Victoria in the 1820s and the late Princess Diana. Currently, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge reside here. Want to go inside? Parts of the palace are open to the public with an advanced ticket of £15.50 for adults while children under 16 are free. The recently opened White Garden honors Princess Diana, and visitors can access it for free from a public walkway. The rest of Kensington Gardens stretches out for 265 acres.
Hyde Park
Kensington Gardens merges with Hyde Park, so you'll just have to head east to get there. The Serpentine Bridge divides these two parks by running north and south. While at Hyde Park, you can simply stroll around, rent a bicycle, have a picnic or go out on the lake in a paddle boat. Beforehand, check out the Royal Parks website to find out if any events are happening during your visit.
Buckingham Palace
This next royal destination isn't far away from Hyde Park's southeast corner. Buckingham Palace is the official residence and administrative headquarters of the reigning monarch, currently Queen Elizabeth II. You can go inside and visit the State Rooms, but public admission is only open during the summer months of July through October. This spot is also where you can witness the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony outside. Dates vary throughout the year, so be sure to check the calendar beforehand.
Westminster Abbey
From Buckingham Palace, continue east through the City of Westminster borough until you get to Westminster Abbey.
The grand Gothic church has a long history. It has been the setting of royal coronations since the 11th century. The original church was rebuilt (as the current church) under King Henry III's orders in the 13th century. Since then, not only do coronations take place there, but also royal weddings, funeral services and memorial services. It's the burial place of over 3,300 people, including 17 monarchs.
For £20 adults, £17 seniors & students and £9 children, you can enter the Abbey. Before your visit, download a free audio tour guide.
The outside of Westminster Abbey.
Big Ben & the Houses of Parliament
Only steps away from Westminster Abbey, the iconic clock tower stands tall next to the Palace of Westminster, which is where England's House of Commons and House of Lords meet. The Elizabeth Tower, commonly known as Big Ben, is a prominent symbol and landmark of the United Kingdom. You can tour the Houses of Parliament, but tours for Big Ben are currently suspended due to refurbishment until 2020.
London Eye
You'll find the London Eye across the River Thames from Big Ben—it's hard not to miss. The 135-meter (443-foot) tall Ferris wheel is another famous landmark in the city. The wheel consists of 32 passenger capsules that hold up to 28 people each and takes about 30 minutes to go completely around. A piece of advice: buy tickets online in advance, which is a few pounds cheaper. Because it's an extremely popular attraction, it can easily sell out by the time you stop by and try to buy a ticket the day of.
London Bridge
To get to the London Bridge area from the London Eye, take the Underground from the Waterloo station, which isn't too far. Get on the Jubilee line, and ride until the London Bridge station.
The London Bridge itself may not be as impressive or visually appealing as some of the other bridges. The current one is relatively "new," as it was built in the 1970s. But the history behind the former London Bridges is what makes it interesting. The ancient Romans built the first version, and it has since been replaced several times. Part of the previous London Bridge was rebuilt in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
Also in this area, you can go to the nearby Borough Market. The Shard, the tallest building in the United Kingdom, is close as well.
The present-day London Bridge.
Tower Bridge & the Tower of London
Take the south side pedestrian walkway that hugs the River Thames to the Tower Bridge. Tower Bridge is the most recognizable bridge in London; however, tourists commonly mix up names, thinking it's the London Bridge. For a fee, visitors can take a lift up to the high-level, glass-floor walkways, as part of the Tower Bridge Exhibition. Then, cross the River Thames, and you'll be on the outside of the historic Tower of London, home of the Crown Jewels. Keep in mind that tickets bought online in advance are cheaper.
