England
February 23, 2023

London’s 5 Most Iconic Things to Do

London reminds me a lot of New York City but with a British twist on it. If you are planning a trip to London there is so much to do and see that will truly make your trip such a fun time. This blog post goes over London’s 5 most iconic things to do. If this is your first trip ever to London, you definitely don’t want to miss any of these. 

The London Eye

Before you see Big Ben, before crossing Westminster bridge,  on the other side of the River Thames will be the London eye. It is a covered Ferris wheel that allows you to get a bird’s eye view of the city. I am a sucker for rooftop or high-up views of cities so the London Eye was my favorite part of London. Plus it is a great way to start your trip as it gives an introduction to the city as a whole. Pro tip: it is London’s top tourist attraction so I would suggest going right when it opens or just before it closes to avoid as many crowds as possible. The London Eye is open from 11 am to 6 pm. I would suggest buying tickets in advance online because they are a lot cheaper than when you get there. Plus you can also pair the London Eye tickets with a river cruise.

The Big Ben 

Big Ben was under construction when I first went but now it is completely done a definitely a sight to see. I would suggest approaching Big Ben (or Elizabeth Tower) via Westminster Bridge. That way you can see the Houses of Parliament against the River Thames. It is a beautiful sight and one to bring your camera for! Pro tip: There is an infamous telephone booth across the street from Big Ben. From Westminster station, you will take a left on Bridge street. This means that the Elizabeth Tower aka Big Ben will still be on your left. You will reach the phone booth at the intersections of Parliament St and Square. Once you get to it, you have to take an amazing picturesque selfie. The picture is so beautiful because it has the telephone booth and Big Ben in the back.

London's 5 Most Iconic things to do
London's 5 Most Iconic things to do

The Buckingham Palace.

This palace is the most beautiful building I have ever seen. Although I would have loved to tour the entire inside of it, that is impossible. The view from the outside is gorgeous enough to suffice. We went when there was a changing of the guards and it was an incredible experience. It was also so interesting that this antique palace is right in the middle of a city that has a lot of modern buildings. I also went another time right after Queen Elizabeth’s death. I’ve never seen so many people and flowers paying their respects to the wonderful Queen. Pro tip: You can walk to Buckingham Palace from Big Ben. It is just under a mile and only takes 16 minutes to do so. 

London's 5 Most Iconic things to do

Buckingham Palace after the queens passing

London's 5 Most Iconic things to do

Piccadilly Circus

This is the Time Square in London. It boasts the same liveliness, neon billboards, and a lot of entertainment. Plus at Piccadilly Circus, you Eros fountain right in the middle of it. This fountain is now one of the city’s top landmarks. Piccadilly Circus is the best place for entertainment, shopping, and restaurants. You can walk here from Buckingham Palace through Green Park. Pro tip: this is a great place for a night out as it holds famous traditional English pubs.

Tower Bridge 

Maybe I am the only one who thought this but I thought London Bridge was what Tower Bridge is. Don’t go to the London Bridge because it is just a regular (not-so-fun) bridge. The Tower Bridge is probably the iconic bridge that you are thinking of. The Tower Bridge is the most iconic in London and is a gateway over River Thames. It is famous for its sticking neo-gothic architecture. Pro tip: The Queens Walk is an incredible walk along the river that will give you the best views and photos of the Tower Bridge. You can also go to Potter’s Field Park to relax in the park, have some coffee, or even have a picnic, all while enjoying the view of the Tower Bridge. 

London's 5 Most Iconic things to do
London's 5 Most Iconic things to do

So yes, There is so much more that makes London truly special but these are just London’s 5 most iconic things to do. Other places to visit are The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Kensington Palace, Leicester Square, Covent Garden, and Hyde Park. When I first when to London, I was there for a music festival, Wireless Festival, so we only had one day to tour around. These five must-see destinations are perfectly fine to fit into a one-day excursion.

 

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