Must-see attractions in London
Posted: June, 17 2014
The things to see and do in London can be overwhelming and while it would be nice to have time to see it all, that's usually not the case. However, to help pick and choose what to see and do, we've picked a few key attractions that any first-time London visitor should check out to get the full London experience.
For example, Buckingham Palace is home to Queen Elizabeth II and is open for tours during the summer and an audio guide is included in the price. The audio aspect of the tour is a great way to get a few history lessons to help you appreciate and experience the palace to its fullest. If you don't have time to take a tour, stopping by to at least witness the changing of the guard which happens daily at 11:30 AM May through late July and every other day the rest of the year.
The Houses of Parliament is also a must-see for London newbies. This government building is home to the clock famously known as "Big Ben" and provides for a cliche, but totally necessary photo opportunity for tourists. Tours are also available of the 1,000-room palace made up of the House of Lords and the House of Commons.
For a good photo opportunity and an amazing view of the city, check out Tower Bridge. A stroll across this bridge provides an expansive view of the city landscape and a great place to take amazing photos. Another great vantage point can be found on the London Eye, a giant Ferris wheel that provides one-of-a-kind views of downtown London from 400 feet in the air. Lines can be long, but the view is something you can't experience anywhere else and is one of those things you need to do at least once in your life.
If you're looking for a high quality free attraction in London, the British Museum is a great option. This free museum provides access to some of the world's most charished treasures like the Rosetta Stone. The building itself is also a sight to be seen with its harmonious blend of old and new architecture.
For those that love a good market, the Old Spitalfields Market is a great bohemian-esque market in East London that features a variety of eateries, retro clothing, arts, crafts and other market goods. Its a great place to pick up a souvenir that feels a little more authentic than the usual magnet, ornament, or t-shirt.
While we're on the topic of shopping, I don't think we can accurately provide advice on what to see and do in London without mentioning Harrods. This famed department store is much more than a shopping destination and is a tourist destination in itself with extravagant and regal architecture and decor as well as attractons like a shrine to Princess Diana.
If you've been to London, let us know what spots are on your must-see list in the comments of this post.
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