Things for a Tourist to Do in London
With a rich history coexisting with modern attractions, London, England, is an exciting place to visit. Whether sightseeing by foot, London bus, the Tube, or train, the city is easy and safe to navigate. London has a host of things to see and do, with national landmarks a must. No matter what time of year you visit, London is a global destination that appeals to people of all ages from around the world.
Visit Famous Landmarks
London is famous for its landmarks, and tourists should experience them all. The most recognized is Big Ben, the renowned clock tower at the Palace of Westminster. Although the clock tower is not accessible to the public, it is worth a visit to see this massive clock and tour the Palace of Westminster. Commonly called the Houses of Parliament, the palace is where the House of Lords and House of Commons hold their sessions.
Other famous landmarks to tour are Westminster Abbey, which is the coronation church of England; the Tower of London, which houses the crown jewels; and Buckingham Palace to watch the traditional changing of the guards. Buckingham Palace, the London home and office of the Queen of England, is open for tours during summer months.
Trafalgar Square, with its renowned stone lions, and Hyde Park, one of four royal parks in the city, give tourists a chance to enjoy London's open spaces and outdoor events.
Tour Historical Structures
A visit to London would not be complete without a guided tour of the Tower of London. Over the centuries, the world famous fortified building served as a prison, mint, jewel house, arsenal and royal palace.
For a great view of London, enter the historic Tower Bridge. Visitors can also view the bridge's operating mechanisms, which lifts the middle of the bridge to allow large boats to pass.
Another historical structure to tour is St. Paul's Cathedral, whose dome is the second largest in the world after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, Italy.
Plan Some Family Fun
London has plenty of things to do for families visiting the city. Take time out from sightseeing to have fun at the Sea Life London Aquarium with its glass tunnel walkway, or enjoy thrills on the 443-foot-tall London Eye. The world's highest observation wheel offers incredible views of the London skyline.
Another popular family attraction is the London Zoo in Regent's Park. The park also has a boating lake with paddleboat and rowboat rentals available.
Appreciate European Art
For art lovers and collectors, London is home to several art museums and galleries. The Tate Modern displays modern and contemporary works. The National Gallery is known for its collection of European paintings from 1250 to 1900.
The Victoria and Albert Museum combines art and design with artifacts from cultures around the world. Exhibits feature collections of paintings, sculpture, ceramics, photographs, glass, textiles, furniture, jewelry and fashion.
To buy some London art, the streets of the city are home to a number of art galleries.
Step Back in Time
Museums in London offer a glimpse of history and culture. The Natural History Museum is known for its dinosaur exhibit, life-sized Blue Whale model and an earthquake simulator. It also houses exhibits that feature the tallest, biggest and rarest animals in the world.
In the British Museum, visitors can view works created by man during prehistoric times to the modern era. Among the exhibits are the Parthenon and Rosetta Stone. Other museums worthy of a tourist stop are the Science Museum, which is noted as an interactive museum showcasing key scientific advances over the last 300 years; the National Maritime Museum containing models, paintings, displays and trophies from around the world; and the Charles Dickens Museum, home of the famous novelist and containing displays of first editions, letters and other memorabilia.
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