London is the perfect city for any person, of any age, no matter their interest. With 2,000 years of history under its belt, world-class culture, incredible institutions, world-renowned architecture, stunning green spaces, glorious shopping districts, fantastic food, and iconic nightlife; it really is a city anyone can enjoy.
Home to nearly 9 million people from every corner of the globe it’s a cultural melting pot that is packed with a seemingly endless list of activities, attractions, and iconic sights to enjoy. It’s the ideal location for travellers on a round the world trip, a weekend city break, people exploring as a group, or those looking for solo exploration of a new city.
The Greater London area is a sprawling network of streets that covers an area around 15 times the size of Paris, and contains 32 incredible boroughs; each as different as the last. Make the most of every opportunity to explore, and the city will reward you with hidden treasures and wonderful local spots. The eclectic demographic of the city gives it an incredible feel; the buzz of the city streets are intoxicating enough to have enticed more than a few visiting for a short period to extend their stay indefinitely.
But there is one problem; how is one supposed to know where to stay and what the absolutely unmissable sights are? Follow this guide to exploring London and seeing the must-see sights, and make the most of your time in one of the world’s very finest cities.
Perfect Places to Stay
London is home to quite literally thousands of hotels, Airbnbs, bedsits, rooms for rent, hostels, and much more; so choosing your place in the city can be an intimidating prospect. To make things easier, check out the awesome hostels below that suit any budget and will ensure you have an amazing stay in ‘The Big Smoke’.
St. Christopher’s Village | London Bridge
This hostel embraces the idea of the modern city centre hostel and offers capsule pods instead of dorms. Whilst not to everyone’s taste, it is easy to see the appeal; you get a cosy and private sleeping pod, a place to store your things, and a fair bit more protection from the normal noise of a dorm. The hotel’s location could not be better as it’s just a short walk from the Tower of London; one of the city’s most visited and historic buildings.
St. Christopher’s Village is home to some excellent community spaces that really are the star attraction; the kitchens and bathrooms are large and clean, and the pub downstairs is the perfect example of a quintessential English establishment. The activities run throughout the week and you’ll have no trouble whatsoever meeting new people.
Astor Hyde Park Hostel | Hyde Park
The Astor is something pretty special; housed in a gorgeous Victorian stately home on the perimeter of Hyde Park, this hostel is as unique as it is comfortable. The common rooms are filled with antique furniture, old books and have wood panelled walls. The maze of corridors and grand staircases guide you through the building, and the dorms are comfortable and modern.
Live right in the heart of the city, meet like minded people, and experience some of the greatest attractions right on your doorstep. Hyde Park itself is one of 8 Royal Parks in the city and is a gorgeous location to explore nature right across the street, you’re also not far from Buckingham Palace, the iconic Oxford Street, and the Palace of Westminster.
Unmissable Sights
London is home to some of the world’s most iconic structures and landmarks that make it one of the most visited cities in the world, with pre-COVID numbers surpassing 20 million tourists per year.
There are quite literally thousands of wonderful things to see and do here, whether you embark on a treasure hunt around the city or an open-top bus tour. The landmarks listed below are the absolute essential must-sees; no trip to the city would be complete without at least seeing these glorious landmarks.
La Torre di Londra & Tower Bridge
The Tower of London has been a key structure in the city, and a feature in its skyline since its construction nearly 1,000 years ago. Built by William the Conqueror after the successful Norman invasion of England, this castle has stood the test of time and remains one of the most famous and important icons of Britain.
Take a tour of the battlements, the living quarters, the White Tower, the armoury, and pretty much everywhere else within the walls; visit the priceless Crown Jewels and learn about the stunning and gruesome history of this incredible building. It has acted as a prison, torture chamber, execution grounds, royal accommodation, and bizarrely, a King’s menagerie featuring polar bears, elephants and lions!
When you’re finished all you need to do is walk out the main gate and you’ll be presented with the breathtaking Tower Bridge, one of the most iconic bridges in the world and the best example of a bascule bridge on the planet. These two icons sit shoulder to shoulder with each other to make one of the most special places in the country.
Big Ben and The Palace of Westminster
The Palace of Westminster is the seat of power in the UK, home to the Government and the location of all their meetings and lawmaking procedures; but the structure itself has become more than just the most important building in the country. It’s an incredibly historic structure that dates back to the 11th century and began life as a Royal palace. It’s a gothic work of art and one of the most beautiful buildings in Europe.
It is of course also home to the internationally renowned ‘Big Ben’ bell tower, although this is actually a common misnomer. The tower on the north end of the Parliament buildings is actually called The Elizabeth Tower, which is home to the historic ‘Big Ben’ bell that you can hear chiming throughout the city. Whatever you want to call it, the tower stands resplendently beautiful above the city, and is an absolute must see for all.
The British Museum
There is a saying in London that you are never too far away from a museum, and with nearly 200 hundred museums spread across the city, it’s probably quite accurate. But there is one that stands head and shoulders above the rest, and is arguably the greatest museum on the face of the earth.
The British Museum is home to over 8 million objects collected from all over the world and dating back 2 million years in time. It is truly the most comprehensive telling of the human story from its very inception to the modern day, and the museum boasts some of the most stunning artefacts in existence.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic buildings in the world and draws in millions of tourists every year. It is the administrative centre for the British Monarchy and an absolute architectural gem.
First used by the Royal family in 1837, it has remained as the iconic family’s hub ever since. It’s one of the grandest and most opulent examples of neoclassical architecture in the world, with over 700 rooms, countless pieces of priceless art, its own post office, and even a cash machine! If you’re visiting the palace then check the flag atop the palace; if it’s the Union Jack then King is elsewhere, but if it’s the Royal Standard (4 tiles 2 of which are three lions, the Scottish golden lion emblem, and the Irish golden harp on a blue background) then the King himself is in residence; lucky you!
Explore London
So there you have it, the things you simply cannot afford to miss on a trip to the UK’s capital city. Seeing all of the sights listed above can be achieved in one day thanks to the city’s amazing public transport network, so you’ll have plenty of time to see the many other iconic and wonderful sights that London holds; not to mention a comfortable and affordable place to stay when the day is done!
Any exploration will be rewarded twofold by this magnificent city, so get out there and walk the streets, feel the electric buzz that permeates the centre, and enjoy some of the most diverse and encapsulating culture anywhere in the world.
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Writen by Kate Sheppard. A mum of two who enjoys writing about the latest hot spots for families to visit. She’s passionate about all things travel, countryside, children’s education and women’s rights. Connect with Kate on Twitter: @KateSheppard90
