Which places in London should I visit? Help !?

Question

Hi all! I'm going to London tonight for 3 days, but I have never been there before! So, I really don't know which places I must visit and famous places as well! Anyone knows where I shouldn't miss? :P

Answer 1

Well, there's so much to see here that you'll only scratch the surface in three days... but you'll have a lot of fun doing it, and you'll probably leave with a list longer than this of things to come back and see/do another time. =D

A lot depends on your interests, but here are some perennial favourites:

The Tower of London

Nearly a thousand years old, full of history and all its bloodthirsty drama -- famous prisoners, royal beheadings, Traitor's Gate... plus it's the home of the Crown Jewels.

St Paul's Cathedral

The greatest building to emerge in London after the Great Fire of 1666. It's the masterpiece of its architect, Christopher Wren, and also home to Admiral Nelson's tomb, in the crypt, directly under the centre of the wonderful dome. Fantastic views from the gallery at the very top of the dome, too -- right across London.

London's theatres

You'll find every kind of show and staging. Musicals, classics, tiny fringe productions and everything in between. If you don'd feel like seeing a show, you can still take a tour of the wonderful replica of Shakespeare's Globe. Oh, and if you're coming to London soon, you can enjoy performances at the magical Open Air theatre in Regent's Park.

The British Museum

For overseas visitors this is probably the most must-see museum in London: its range is so huge and its exhibits so spectacular -- it has collections from every age of human civilisation and every part of the world. It's only "British" in the sense that it stands in London -- in every other respect, it's a museum of the world. And -- like just about all London's museums now -- it's free to visit.

There are many more brilliant museums in London -- the Natural History Museum and the V&A would be my second and third recommendations to you.

The Houses of Parliament

Westminster Hall, the oldest part, dates from 1097 and is the most beautiful hall: just restored, too. But the whole H of P is worth visiting -- overseas visitors can tour during the summer recess of Parliament, and get to see the House of Commons and House of Lords, which is pretty cool!

London's parks

St James's for its flowers, and for the amazing view of turrets and towers looking towards Whitehall... Hyde Park for people-watching and for early walks when the Queen's horseguards are exercising their horses... Regent's Park for its theatre and the zoo... Kensington Gardens at dusk, when it's full of echoes of Peter Pan. Take a picnic and join everyone!

The National Gallery and Trafalgar Square (and strolls from there)...

The National Gallery is must-see for the coverage it gives of European masters. And you have the great open space of Trafalgar Square outside, too, with the iconic landmark of Nelson's column and Landseer's gorgeous lions (which we all love sitting on!)

From Trafalgar Square you can stroll...

Up into the heart of the West End (theatres and shops)...

Or down Whitehall to Horseguards Parade (where the Queen's cavalry can be seen) 10 Downing Street (home of the British Prime Minister) and the Houses of Parliament...

Or off down the Mall, by way of St James's Park, to Buckingham Palace -- there are tours of the State Rooms every summer.

The Thames and Greenwich

Take a tour boat or river-bus down the Thames for the best views of London from ground level: the Houses of Parliament, St Paul's, Tower Bridge, the Thames Barrier and much more...

Take the river-bus to Greenwich for the best impression. There's a fantastic gathering of things to visit here: the Royal Observatory and London's only planetarium; the Maritime Museum and the beautiful buildings of the Royal Naval College.

London Eye

Put London into context: the views across the city are breathtaking if the weather's right, and it's particularly magical at dusk.

Well, you've got about a fortnight's worth to choose from here, and I could find more stuff without even blinking. I hope you have a wonderful visit.

Love from a Londoner born and bred.

=D

Answer 2

There are many great places to visit and lots to do! Try the following here please :)

The Big Ben, Buckingham palace, Hyde Park and the Speaker's Corner, Oxford street for the shopping minded and money spending types, London and Tower bridges, Trafalgar square and much more. London is one of the most beautiful places in Europe. Cheers!

PS my friend's travel blog might help you greatly, cheers!

Answer 3

Have a look below, and pick *what interests you*

The Diana Memorial  fountain (by the south edge of the Serpentine in Hyde Park) might be a must for some, and a complete waste of time for others: similarly St Pauls Cathedral, or Madame Tussaud's or the Imperial War Museum, or...

I'd recommend, early on, a river trip from Embankment pier (near the Houses of Parliament) out to The Thames Barrier, or at least to Tower Bridge.  You'll see lots of the central London sights, from the London eye, St Pauls, Tate modeern and the millennium bridge, the new Globe Theatre London Bridge, HMS Belfast, the tower of London, tower bridge...  It might help you decide which you want to see more of, and it puts a lot of central London in context.

Answer 4

Benjamin, London can be very expensive, but if you're looking to spend as little as possible, do visit "Is London Expensive", (link below) which has loads of tips for cheap travel, things to do and see cheaply in London.

If you have any questions on specific places or you have specific interests, do ask me please and I'll do all I can to help.

Does this help, please?

Alun Hill MCIJ, London Travel Journalist

Answer 5

It all depends on what you like!

If Art is your thing there are many galleries that are free from the tate modern to the national gallery.

There's shopping, Bond Street, Regents Street, Oxford Street, Knightsbridge (harrods)

If cars are your seen then you'll see many that will tickle your taste buds. There are many showrooms down Park Lane, Rolls Royce in berkley square and some flash cars everywhere around harrods!

If you haven't been to london before then the sights are a must see! There's Big Ben, London Eye, Trafalgar square,  Marble Arch, Piccadily Circus and many many more!

Hope You Enjoy Your Stay In This Magical City!!