Fast-paced, fabulous and fun, London is packed with world-class things to see and experience. You probably already have a checklist of London sights to visit, but don’t forget to pause and soak up the vibe of a city that has been at the forefront of world culture for at least two millennia.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or coming back for more, London serves up so many options that it can be hard to know where to start. It’s easy to fill days or even weeks taking advantage of free entry at the city’s top art galleries and museums, learning about the rich and complex history, and seeing live bands and captivating West End shows.
If you have the time – and budget – almost anything is possible in London. To help you whittle down the options, here are the top experiences in London that you won’t want to miss.
1. Stroll the sights of the South Bank
A great way to get your bearings and take in a slew of sights at the same time is to take a west-to-east walk along the Thames, through the cultural quarter known as the South Bank. Getting off the Tube at Westminster will deposit you right by Big Ben, the legendary bell atop the clocktower of the Houses of Parliament. From there, cross Westminster Bridge for stellar views back toward the seat of British democracy.
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Once on the Queen’s Walk, as this pathway is known, stroll east with the river to your left. Although it’s inescapably touristy, a rotation on the London Eye is a must for any first-time visitor to the capital. This futuristic Ferris wheel takes 30 minutes to complete a full turn, reaching 135m (443ft) at its highest point, and providing spectacular views of iconic landmarks from its glass capsules. Book tickets in advance to avoid the lines.
The Southbank Centre offers up a roll call of top-draw icons and entertainment; it’s a great place to go if you’re traveling with kids, with lots of free activities and events in summer. Once you leave the Brutalist concrete architecture of the Southbank Centre behind, you’ll find other eclectic London sights, including Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the Tate Modern art gallery (with views across the river to St Paul’s Cathedral), and the Shard, Britain’s tallest building. As you walk, look across the river towards the City of London, and try to pick out its curiously nicknamed skyscrapers – such as the Gherkin, the Cheesegrater and the Walkie-Talkie. When…
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