10 Must-See Attractions for Your London Trip: A Travel Bucket List
Whenever I talk to friends or clients planning a trip to London, the first question they always ask is, “Did I miss any London attrractions?” It’s easy to feel that way about London. The city is packed with so much history and so many incredible sights that it can feel impossible to see it all. But trust me, you can have an amazing, unforgettable first trip without seeing every single thing.
The secret? It’s all about having a good plan. This guide is your starting point, a curated list of ten of the most essential London sights. But remember, a great trip isn’t just about checking off a list. It’s about creating a personalised journey that fits your travel style and interests, which is exactly why my custom London travel planners exist!
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1. The Tower of London
Whether or not you’re a history buff, the Tower of London is a can’t-miss. It’s been everything from a royal palace to a notorious prison and the history here is incredible. It’s huge, so you’ll want to set aside at least three hours to explore properly.
My best tip? Take one of the free tours led by a Beefeater. Their stories are hilarious, insightful and make the history come to life in a way a guidebook never could. To be honest, the script hasn’t changed much over the six times I have visited. But, if you want the ultimate Tower of London experience, take a Private Tower of London Tour with a Beefeater.
2. Buckingham Palace
You can’t come to London and not see the King’s official home! Seeing Buckingham Palace from the outside is impressive. But for a real insider’s look, try to tour the State Rooms. Just know that these tours are only open to the public during the summer and they get booked up super quickly. They are also very, very crowded.
A lot of people plan their visit around the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony. However, be warned. It doesn’t happen every day and it can be canceled due to bad weather. Sometimes, it’s best to just pop over for a quick photo and see Buckingham Palace from the outside. So, unless you are a devout royalist this can be a fast experience.
3. Westminster Abbey
Stepping into Westminster Abbey is like walking through a thousand years of British history. This is where coronations and royal weddings happen and where countless famous people are buried.
I suggest starting a day here because there’s so much to do nearby, no matter what your interests are. My London bucket list planners are built around different travel styles. For example, ‘luxury’, ‘royal fans’, ‘foodies’ and even ‘pub lovers’. So, one day’s itinerary begins at Westminster Abbey and gives you 9 options for itineraries for what to do after based on your interests.
For example, the Arts & History lovers would want to visit the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery after a morning at Westminster Abbey.
London Bucket List Travel Planner
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4. The British Museum
The British Museum one of the London attractions where you could easily spend a few hours. I’ve had relatives spend the whole day at it! General admission is free and the collection is mind-blowing.
Most popular to see is in the ancient Egypt section. And, you’d save the most time by going to view the Rosetta Stone first because it does attract the most crowds.
My first flat in London was located on Great Russell Street, the same as the museum. So, it’s an area I know the best in London. Adding an afternoon exploring Covent Garden and catching a show in the evening would be a perfect day to me!
5. Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
You’ve seen it in a million movies and seeing it in person is just as magical. Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are a must-see. And the best view is from Westminster Bridge. However, the absolute best picture is often taken opposite Big Ben on the other side of the Bridge by going just below it.
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6. The Tower Bridge
A lot of people mix this up with London Bridge, but Tower Bridge is the real star! It’s one of London’s most famous landmarks and London attractions for a reason.
You can walk across it for beautiful views of the city. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, walk across the glass floor inside the bridge’s upper walkways for a truly unique perspective.
7. St Paul’s Cathedral
The dome of St. Paul’s is an absolute icon of the London skyline. The cathedral is stunning inside and out, but the real highlight for most people is climbing to the top. The climb to the Whispering Gallery and the Stone and Golden Galleries is a bit of a workout. In my recent trips to St Paul’s Cathedral, I’ve had to skip it. The narrow stairs are just too dizzying for me.
But if you don’t mind the climb, the views of the city are more than worth it. Fun fact: to preserve the view of the dome, there are rules that no other building is allowed to block it.
8. Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is one of London’s most famous public squares. Because it’s such a busy and central location, with so many sights nearby, I’d suggest booking a hotel as close to it as possible to make getting around much easier. It’s a great central meeting point and a perfect place to start a day of exploring (or shopping) on foot.
Hotels
If you haven’t booked your hotel yet for your London trip, here’s an interactive map to get you started! It’s based on the most central location in town.
9. Borough Market
Foodies, this one’s for you! Borough Market is an incredible place to find everything from gourmet street food to fresh produce and delicious treats. My advice? Get there early to avoid the crowds. And always check the website for the specific days and hours it is open. Pro tip- it’s usually not open on Mondays!
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10. The London Eye vs Sky Garden
This is a hot debate! The London Eye is a classic for a first trip and the views are great.
But if you’re looking for a better, and free, experience, I have to recommend the Sky Garden. The views are just as stunning and it’s a beautiful indoor garden that’s very tranquil.
The only catch is that tickets get released on a rolling basis up to three weeks out and they get snapped up quickly. My pro tip: try to get a ticket for after the Tower of London. They’re a short walk apart, making for a perfect, iconic London attraction day. There’s also a few hidden gems along the way that I suggest in my London Travel Planners and Trip Consultations.
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Final Thoughts: Your Perfect London Trip
This list of London attractions is just the beginning. The biggest challenge in London is the logistics: how to group sights to save time, how to get around without feeling overwhelmed and how to make sure your trip fits you.
That’s exactly what my London Travel Planners are for. They take all the guesswork out of trip planning, with optimised itineraries, tips for navigating the city and even curated suggestions for meals and entertainment. If you want a plan that’s perfectly tailored to your unique interests and pace, I also offer bespoke itinerary consultations.
What London attraction on this list would you most like to see?
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