If you're planning your first visit to London, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer number of attractions and things to see and do in this massive, vibrant city. Between all of the museums and historical sites that dot the landscape here, it can be difficult to make a definite plan about which places to prioritize during your visit.
However, there are a handful of quintessential London landmarks, attractions and sites that you absolutely can't miss during your first exploration of this unforgettable city. Find out a little bit about them and plan on making them the backbone of your sojourn in London. Tower Bridge This impressive bridge has captured the imaginations of visitors and residents alike for years.
Watching its two drawbridges raise and lower is one of the most indelible experiences of any trip to London, and you should make a point of stopping by here for that point alone.
Snapping a picture of you and your travelling party with this iconic landmark in the background is a wonderful way to bookend any photo album of your visit here. Buckingham Palace It seems as if virtually everyone is aware of Buckingham Palace, and you can't "do" London without experiencing the changing of the guards here at least once.
Whether you choose to simply take in that experience or if you opt to take an actual tour of portions of the palace - you are sure to have a delightful time. It has been a prime London location since it was built back in 1702 and continues to draw in thousands and thousands of tourists each and every year.
The London Eye Although London is the home to several towers, none affords quite the view that the London Eye does. This massive observation wheel will take your breath away as it hoists you impossibly high over the city of London. A round trip journey takes approximately thirty minutes, and the admission fee is most definitely worth it.
There's no other way to get a true bird's eye view of the city; on a clear day, you can take in a 25-mile panoramic view. It is an exceptional way to introduce yourself with the city of London.
Trafalgar Square In many ways, Trafalgar Square is the Times Square of London; in fact, the annual New Year's Eve celebrations are held here, just as they are in New York City. Beyond those festivities, Trafalgar Square is, in many ways, the nucleus of life in London; a visit here allows you to take in hordes of people while checking out many sculptures and monuments.
Four massive bronze lions - each which stands over 20 feet high - make for fantastic photo opportunities, and Trafalgar Square is a prime location for people watching as well. The British Museum There are so many fine museums in the city of London that it's difficult to choose only one or two to enjoy while here. If you can only afford the time to visit one, though, it has to be the British Museum. With 2.5 miles of galleries, this is a massive complex that houses millions of artifacts, exhibits and other things.
So much history and culture can be found within the walls of the British Museum that you will feel as if you've been whisked into a time machine as you roam its venerable halls. Madame Tussaud's There are several Madame Tussaud's branches around the world now, but the London branch was the original one and is well worth a visit. The lifelike wax sculptures that make this place so famous offer a welcome break from all of the historical and educational attractions that typically make up a visit to London. At Tussaud's, you can have your picture taken with any number of realistic looking historical and pop culture figures; be prepared for some laughs.
The Tower Of London As the home of the Crown Jewels, the Tower of London is a natural stop for many tourists visiting the city. With a history steeped in executions, imprisonments and any number of other historical events, the Tower of London is bound to capture your imagination and remind you that this city has a long, fascinating story to tell.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/things-to-do-in-london-1825677.html About the AuthorDerek Rogers is a freelance writer who writes for a number of UK businesses. For mor information on Englands capital he recommends the online travel guide London.
