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If you’re anything like me, you’re probably going to head straight for the city highlights. Yes, because I want to see what makes this city classic and experience everything I have seen on TV. Isn’t that really why we all go places? Although currently its more “as seen on Instagram”. Anyways, I’m being honest here, I wanted to go straight to Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, walk along the River Thames and more. I would get to the hidden gems eventually but right now I wanted a full classic London experience.
My angle is always to visit the historical sites, the places that made the city what it is today. So here are some of the things I did in London that you can also do. This is really tailored to a classic tourist visit, but the thing is most of these are a one and done. Once you’ve been visited you really don’t need to go again and your next trip to London will be focused on getting to know other spots.
The Tower of London & Tower Bridge
Outside the Tower of London, layers of history protecting this Medieval fortress.
A rare place where almost a thousand years of English history still feels alive. The Tower was built by William the Conqueror, starting in 1066 and later expanded into a royal palace, a prison, an armoury, a treasury and even a zoo. It became a medieval village within its walls. Walking through, you’ll see the White Tower built between 1078-1100, within you can visit the Royal Armouries Collection and the Chapel of St. John the Evangelist. I always take a moment to reflect on the people that passed through these spaces.
The legend is: Should the ravens that dwell within the Tower walls ever leave, the crown will fall.
The Battlements walk gives you a full scope of the grounds as you climb up and down each tower, the graffiti of prisoners once held in Bloody Tower still visible. You’ll pass Traitors’ Gate where political rivals entered by boat. Moving on to the crown jewels that are held here and kept under tight security. You cannot film inside the building, but the sight of the Cullinan diamond (largest gemstone ever found – over 3000 carats) and St. Edward’s crown are unforgettable. Much can be learned by taking a tour from the Yeomen Guard, their storytelling is very engaging, and their raven companions add a hint of mystic. Layers of English power that shaped their country, the Tower of London is truly one of the best spots for a genuine medieval experience, with a special nod to the Roman wall remains that support it.
I purchased tickets from their official site and toured at my own pace. This will take about 3 hours for the full scope. You can easily spend the entire day here. Skip the Battlements walk if walking is difficult, the towers are narrow and you will be going up and down tight stairscases.
Tower Bridge view from inside the Tower of London.
The Tower Bridge is close by and very hard to miss. A monument to London’s Victorian era, you really must see it. There is a small museum at the top with a glass bottom bridge where you can see the cars crossing underneath. I stayed away from that though, I simply wanted to walk on the bridge and take it in.
Westminster: Big Ben & the Abbey
The Palace of Westminster, Elizabeth Tower with the famous clock – Big Ben. Standing over the River Thames.
Ugh, politics. Listen, I’m just here for a good time. Westminster palace is the political heart of London. While you can buy tickets to visit the inside and I’m sure it’s beautiful, I decided to skip this and instead just see the buildings exterior and all its Gothic drama. Big Ben, the famous clock at the top of the tower stands over the River Thames looking like a statement. It’s a scene that feels very familiar as its one of the most photographed places in the world. I spend some time here just staring and enjoying the scene. Boats passing under Westminster Bridge, the London eye in the background turning, red double decker busses that really do exist here just passing by. Take some deep breaths, stand still and take in the scene, core memories created.
Westminster Abbey
Just down the street is Westminster Abbey where you’ll experience a nice bit of royal history. Coronations, weddings, burials and stunning cloisters that feel quiet compared to the noisy streets just beyond. Simply walking through Westminster will ensure you experience a classic London atmosphere. Its actually perfect if you only have the one day.
Buckingham Palace & St. James Park
Buckingham Palace
I first walked through St. James Park for a much needed break. London is loud, so finding this surprisingly quiet area was welcomed. The oldest of royal parks dating back to the 1600s, the winding paths and lake shape stunning views of Buckingham Palace in the background. You can really slow down and enjoy the nature in the center of a busy city. I was so relaxed, I completely forgot to take a picture. After my charming walk through the park, I headed towards Buckingham Palace for my tour of the state rooms. This tour is only offered during the summer months as Buckingham is a working palace and has been the official residence of the monarch since 1837. Visiting the staterooms provides access to parts of the palace used for receptions, ceremonies and diplomatic events. You enter the same way all visitors enter, up the grand staircase. Again, no filming allowed inside, but it’s a nice break from using your camera, so I enjoyed my free audio guide and let the beauty of each room wash over me. The gilded ceilings, chandeliers, picture gallery, mouldings, and tapestries were simply too much for words. A very regal experience. Explore more
The front gates at Buckingham Palace.
When you exist though, it will be through the back and into the gardens where you will walk the full length of a city block to get to the exit. So make sure you get all your picture of the front of the palace before going in or you’ll need to wrap back around. Buckingham Palace is beautiful and the royal history is fun to be a part of for the day, but once you do the tour you really don’t need to go back next time you’re in London. You can now explore other palaces!
British Museum & National Gallery
Inside the British Museum, one of the six original Caryatids that once stood at the top of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece.
These two museums are probably London’s most important museums. Visiting them is a must, there is no argument, it is literally free to go. The British Museum, found in 1753, holds a vast collection of human history from all over the globe. Some of the most important discoveries, such as the Rosetta Stone, sculptures from the Parthenon in Athens, Greece and Assyrian palace piece. There are entire rooms dedicated to Ancient Egypt and Rome. You can literally walk through Ancient Greece from the Minoan and Mycenaean era through to the Classical era, featuring pottery from Sparta, Athens and Corinth. You will fill up the day so really don’t t bother planning anything else. There’s so much more I haven’t mentioned.
The National Gallery
The National Gallery is calmer and slower, filled with paintings from some of the most famous artists and even if you don’t know much about art like me, you will still recognize some famous works from Van Gogh and Monet. Its right in Trafalgar square, and in the distance, you get a nice glimpse of Big Ben looking very tall. Since 1824, the National Gallery has continued to be one of the most popular museums in the world with a beautifully curated collection of European paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries.
St. Paul’s Cathedral and a View
St. Paul’s Cathedral
This is one I don’t see on many lists and I’m not sure why. Its actually one of the most striking landmarks in London and very closely resembles St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. It was rebuilt after the Great Fire of London 1666, and its massive dome is one of the largest in the world. St. Paul’s Cathedral is an active church, so they are closed to tourists on Sunday as they hold mass that day. However, any other day of the week its surprisingly busy with people, some have the courage to climb up to the Whisper Gallery (the dome). I had no idea what I was really in for and did end up climbing to the top. There is no lift, so think to yourself, “can I climb 528 steps?”, and then decide. It was an experience, let’s say that.
Inside St. Paul’s Cathedral
But I really enjoyed seeing the artwork on the dome up close at the Whisper Gallery and the panoramic view at the very top of the Golden Gallery were some of the best in the city. This was another one and done, I can’t do that again. If I go back, I will stick the ground floor and the crypt below. Who doesn’t love a crypt?
Panoramic views of London from the top of the Golden Gallery
There you have it, a few iconic things to do in London that you really shouldn’t miss. Spread over a few days would be ideal since we don’t like the rush here. London was a city I had been dreaming about for years, and I was a bit hesitant to visit at first. I thought Is London Really Worth Visiting? If you don’t know where to start, scroll up. These are the best places to add to your list when visiting London. And remember to look right and then look left when you cross the street.