What to See in London
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Overview

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Of the twenty or so World Heritage Sites in England, London (and its immediate outskirts) is home to five.

Abbaye de Westminster, Londres, Grande Bretagne
Westminster Abbey (1987)
Alongside the Palace of Westminster (adjacent), it is one of the most important—and significant—monuments in the British capital. The site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Greenwich, Londres, Grande Bretagne
Greenwich (1997)
This "borough" on the outskirts of London is known for "its" meridian, its museums, and various sites (observatory, docks, royal park, etc.) in its maritime district, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kew Gardens, Londres, Grande Bretagne
Kew Gardens (2003)
These are the Royal Botanic Gardens. Set in a typical Victorian landscape, they house one of the world’s most important plant collections.
Palais de Westminster, Londres, Grande Bretagne
Palace of Westminster (1987)
Alongside the neighbouring Westminster Abbey, this is one of the most significant landmarks in the British capital, inseparable from Parliament and the famous Big Ben bell atop the Elizabeth Tower of the palace. The entire complex is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and can be visited in late summer.
Tour de Londres, Londres, Grande Bretagne
Tower of London (1988)
It’s one of London’s symbols and a UNESCO World Heritage site. More than just a tower, the site is an 11th-century fortress where you can see the famous "Crown Jewels".

Neighbourhoods and Tourist Areas

South Bank, Londres, Grande Bretagne
Bankside and South Bank
Along the south bank of the Thames, there are several kilometres of promenade along well-developed quays roughly between Westminster Bridge and London Bridge. The area is very popular with visitors and Londoners alike for its lively atmosphere and the view of the opposite bank.
Camden Town
This London district is famous for its many flea markets, antique dealers, vintage shops, music and cultural scene, and its "alternative" vibe. The area is most lively on weekends.
Covent Garden
This district is known for its former fruit and vegetable market in the central square. Today, it’s a tourist hotspot for its lively atmosphere, shops, pubs, and restaurants scattered through streets that still house beautiful historic buildings.
Hampstead
A rather out-of-the-way spot, this chic and wooded area with its narrow streets is loved for its pubs, restaurants, and charming shops. Several small museums (including the Freud Museum and Fenton House) are also located in this neighbourhood.
La City, Londres, Grande Bretagne
The City
North of the Thames, London’s famous business district is notable for its historic and especially modern architectural achievements, including several skyscrapers that give it a "slightly American feel.".
Leicester Square
This pedestrian square, lined with cinemas, nightclubs, bars, and restaurants, is known for its lively nightlife.
Notting Hill, Londres, Grande Bretagne
Notting Hill
In addition to the Portobello Road Market, this stylish and trendy district, known for its beautiful Victorian houses, is also popular for its restaurants, pubs, galleries, and shops. It’s also where the Notting Hill Carnival takes place every year at the end of August.
Oxford Street
Europe’s longest shopping street, stretching 2.5 kilometres with hundreds of shops.
Portobello Road
One of London’s most famous flea markets, located in the iconic Notting Hill district and most lively on Saturdays.
Regent Street, Londres, Grande Bretagne
Regent Street
Leading onto Piccadilly Circus, this rather upscale street is known for its shops and major retail brands.
Soho
This small, lively district is the heart of the capital's nightlife, with its trendy spots, gay-friendly venues, bars, clubs, restaurants, and other nightlife hotspots. Soho is also home to London’s Chinatown.
South Kensington
Sometimes called "Little Paris" due to its large French expat community, this neighbourhood bordering Hyde Park is home to beautiful Victorian houses, several museums (V&A Museum, Natural History Museum, etc.), and plenty of bars and restaurants.

Monuments and Architectural Landmarks

Horse Guards, Londres, Grande Bretagne
Horse Guards
In addition to being a mounted military regiment with "smart uniforms", Horse Guards is also the name of their barracks. It is an 18th-century building overlooking a large square where, like at Buckingham, guard-changing ceremonies take place and are popular with tourists.
Millennium Bridge, Londres, Grande Bretagne
Millennium Bridge
This pedestrian metal bridge is an architectural and technical success. It also offers a beautiful view of part of the Thames riverside.
Palais de Buckingham, Londres, Grande Bretagne
Buckingham Palace
The palace, the Queen, the Changing of the Guard—even if it’s a bit of a cliché, Buckingham is one of the top "attractions" for tourists visiting London. Note that only part of the palace is open to visitors in summer.
Palais de Westminster, Londres, Grande Bretagne
Palace of Westminster
Alongside the neighbouring Westminster Abbey, this is one of the most significant landmarks in the British capital, inseparable from Parliament and the famous Big Ben bell atop the Elizabeth Tower of the palace. The entire complex is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and can be visited in late summer.
Piccadilly Circus, Londres, Grande Bretagne
Piccadilly Circus
This square, with its fountain, is surrounded by some beautiful buildings (including the Criterion Theatre) but is above all a landmark of the city, known for its giant illuminated signs, which are best "appreciated" in the evening.
The Shard, Londres, Grande Bretagne
The Shard
What was the tallest skyscraper in the European Union at its inauguration in 2012, standing at 310 metres, is also an excellent spot for enjoying a stunning panoramic view of London from its observation deck on the 69th floor.
Tour de Londres, Londres, Grande Bretagne
Tower of London
It’s one of London’s symbols and a UNESCO World Heritage site. More than just a tower, the site is an 11th-century fortress where you can see the famous "Crown Jewels".
Tower Bridge, Londres, Grande Bretagne
Tower Bridge
Built over the Thames in the late 19th century, it is one of London's iconic sights, with its two massive neo-Gothic towers that occasionally host temporary exhibitions.
Trafalgar Square, Londres, Grande Bretagne
Trafalgar Square
The square is world-famous for its Nelson’s Column, its lion fountain, and the National Gallery in the background with its beautiful façade.

Religious Buildings

Abbaye de Westminster, Londres, Grande Bretagne
Westminster Abbey
Alongside the Palace of Westminster (adjacent), it is one of the most important—and significant—monuments in the British capital. The site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Cathédrale Saint-Paul, Londres, Grande Bretagne
St. Paul's Cathedral
Recognisable by its vast dome, the building is a blend of classical and Baroque architecture. Its crypt is the resting place of several notable figures in British history, such as Nelson and Wellington.
Southwark Cathedral
It is Gothic in style and was begun in the early 12th century.
Cimetière de Highgate, Londres, Grande Bretagne
Highgate Cemetery
Much like Père Lachaise in Paris, Highgate Cemetery is home to several graves of famous figures, most notably Karl Marx, who is buried there.
Temple Church
This is a 12th-century Romanesque church built by and for the Knights Templar. It is particularly known for its recumbent tombs of knights.

Museums

Among London's 250 museums, here are the main ones or those that typically attract visitors:

British Museum, Londres, Grande Bretagne
British Museum
The site is the most visited tourist attraction in Great Britain (over 6 million visitors per year). It is the museum of human history and culture, from its origins to the present day, with seven million objects from all continents and all eras.
Churchill War Rooms
What was Churchill’s wartime headquarters during the Second World War is now a dedicated museum.
Wallace Collection
A vast panorama of art from the 14th to the 19th century (paintings, furniture, arms, etc.). All these collections are housed in a beautiful townhouse.
Courtauld Gallery
This museum is particularly renowned for its collection of French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. In total, the venue houses over 500 canvases and 26,000 drawings and prints.
Cutty Sark, Londres, Grande Bretagne
Cutty Sark
This sailing ship ("clipper"), which was used in the tea trade in the late 19th century, has been turned into a museum ship on a quay in Greenwich. Severely damaged by a fire in 2007, it was restored before reopening to the public.
Madame Tussauds London
This is the London version of the famous wax museums found in various cities around the world.
Charles Dickens Museum
A house-museum dedicated to the author of *Oliver Twist*, featuring manuscripts, paintings, furniture, and personal items that belonged to the writer, who lived here for several years.
Museum of London Docklands
Located on the Isle of Dogs in a former warehouse of the West India Docks, the museum traces the port activity of the Docklands from Roman times to the present day through various exhibitions, collections, and reconstructions.
Natural History Museum, London
Like many natural history museums, this one houses millions of specimens related to life and earth sciences. It features collections brought back by explorer James Cook and naturalist Charles Darwin.
Musée impérial de la guerre, Londres, Grande Bretagne
Imperial War Museum
Comprehensive in its field, the Imperial War Museum covers the armed conflicts in which Britain and the Commonwealth have participated since 1914.
Museum of London
The Museum of London is a free museum dedicated to the history of the British capital, from the Paleolithic era to the present day. A great way to understand the city.
National Maritime Museum
One of the most important museums in the world in its category. Located in Greenwich, it traces the rich history of the British Navy over several centuries.
Sherlock Holmes Museum
For fans of Conan Doyle’s famous detective. The house, decorated accordingly, is of course located at 221 Baker Street, the very street where Sherlock Holmes "lived.".
London Transport Museum
Two centuries of transport history and technology of all kinds are traced in this museum.
National Gallery, Londres, Grande Bretagne
National Gallery
On Trafalgar Square, this popular museum (free except for temporary exhibitions) houses one of the world’s richest collections of European paintings from the 13th century to 1900.
National Portrait Gallery
Next to the National Gallery, the venue houses 12,000 portraits (paintings, drawings, photographs, etc.) of famous Britons from Henry VII to the present day.
London Science Museum
This free museum displays over 300,000 objects, instruments, or machines that bear witness to science (in the broadest sense) throughout history.
Tate Britain
Not to be confused with Tate Modern (modern art only), even though both museums are part of the same network. The "Britain" is dedicated to British art, featuring works from 1500 to the present day.
Tate Modern
This modern and contemporary art museum is housed in a former power station. Opened in 2000, it has since earned a world-class reputation.
Victoria and Albert Museum, Londres, Grande Bretagne
Victoria and Albert Museum
This is the world's largest museum of applied and decorative arts. Over two million objects are displayed across 145 galleries.

Parks and Gardens

Hyde Park, Londres, Grande Bretagne
Hyde Park
This is the largest park in central London, spanning 140 hectares, plus the 110 hectares of Kensington Gardens that extend it. Known for its concerts, the park is famous for its iconic "Speakers' Corner" and, secondarily, its lake, "the Serpentine," and the Serpentine Galleries, two small contemporary art museums.
Kew Gardens, Londres, Grande Bretagne
Kew Gardens
These are the Royal Botanic Gardens. Set in a typical Victorian landscape, they house one of the world’s most important plant collections.
London Eye, Londres, Grande Bretagne
London Eye
This is the giant Ferris wheel (135 m tall) installed in 2000 on the banks of the Thames. On a clear day, it offers a beautiful panoramic view of the entire city.
Regent's Park, Londres, Grande Bretagne
Regent's Park
This is arguably London’s most beautiful urban park, with its lake, flowerbeds, rose garden, eight elegant historic villas, and its zoo.
St James's Park
This is the oldest of London's royal parks. It's a rather tranquil park facing the Horse Guards barracks.

Nearby Attractions

Greenwich, Londres, Grande Bretagne
Greenwich
This "borough" on the outskirts of London is known for "its" meridian, its museums, and various sites (observatory, docks, royal park, etc.) in its maritime district, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Studio Harry Potter, Londres, Grande Bretagne
Harry Potter Studio Tour
Though quite far from central London (and with a daily entry limit of around 6,000), these 14,000 m² where the Harry Potter films were shot have become a near-essential addition to a visit to the British capital for many.

Further Reading

Must-see & highly recommended

Westminster Abbey
★★★★ Alongside the Palace of Westminster (adjacent), it is one of the most important—and significant—monuments in the British…
British Museum
★★★★ The site is the most visited tourist attraction in Great Britain (over 6 million visitors per year). It is the museum of human history and…

Recommended

Bankside and South Bank
★★★ Along the south bank of the Thames, there are several kilometres of promenade along well-developed quays roughly between Westminster Bridge…
Camden Town
★★★ This London district is famous for its many flea markets, antique dealers, vintage shops, music and cultural scene, and its "alternative"…
Buckingham Palace
★★★ The palace, the Queen, the Changing of the Guard—even if it’s a bit of a cliché, Buckingham is one of the top "attractions" for…
Tower of London
★★★ It’s one of London’s symbols and a UNESCO World Heritage site. More than just a tower, the site is an 11th-century fortress…

Worth a look / Other

St. Paul's Cathedral, London
★★ Recognisable by its vast dome, the building is a blend of classical and Baroque architecture. Its crypt is the resting place of several…
Greenwich
★★ This "borough" on the outskirts of London is known for "its" meridian, its museums, and various sites (observatory, docks, royal park…
Horse Guards
★★ In addition to being a mounted military regiment with "smart uniforms", Horse Guards is also the name of their barracks. It is an…
Hyde Park
★★ This is the largest park in central London, spanning 140 hectares, plus the 110 hectares of Kensington Gardens that extend it. Known for…
Kew Gardens
★★ These are the Royal Botanic Gardens. Set in a typical Victorian landscape, they house one of the world’s most important plant…
Natural History Museum, London
★★ Like many natural history museums, this one houses millions of specimens related to life and earth sciences. It features collections…
National Maritime Museum (London)
★★ One of the most important museums in the world in its category. Located in Greenwich, it traces the rich history of the British Navy over…
Museum of London
★★ The Museum of London is a free museum dedicated to the history of the British capital, from the Paleolithic era to the present day. A great…
Imperial War Museum
★★ Comprehensive in its field, the Imperial War Museum covers the armed conflicts in which Britain and the Commonwealth have participated…
National Gallery
★★ On Trafalgar Square, this popular museum (free except for temporary exhibitions) houses one of the world’s richest collections of…
Notting Hill
★★ In addition to the Portobello Road Market, this stylish and trendy district, known for its beautiful Victorian houses, is also popular for…
Oxford Street
★★ Europe’s longest shopping street, stretching 2.5 kilometres with hundreds of shops.
Palace of Westminster
★★ Alongside the neighbouring Westminster Abbey, this is one of the most significant landmarks in the British capital, inseparable from…
Piccadilly Circus
★★ This square, with its fountain, is surrounded by some beautiful buildings (including the Criterion Theatre) but is above all a landmark of…
Portobello Road
★★ One of London’s most famous flea markets, located in the iconic Notting Hill district and most lively on Saturdays.
Regent's Park
★★ This is arguably London’s most beautiful urban park, with its lake, flowerbeds, rose garden, eight elegant historic villas, and its…
London Science Museum
★★ This free museum displays over 300,000 objects, instruments, or machines that bear witness to science (in the broadest sense) throughout…
Soho (London)
★★ This small, lively district is the heart of the capital's nightlife, with its trendy spots, gay-friendly venues, bars, clubs, restaurants…
Harry Potter Studio Tour
★★ Though quite far from central London (and with a daily entry limit of around 6,000), these 14,000 m² where the Harry Potter films were shot…
Tate Modern
★★ This modern and contemporary art museum is housed in a former power station. Opened in 2000, it has since earned a world-class reputation.
The Shard
★★ What was the tallest skyscraper in the European Union at its inauguration in 2012, standing at 310 metres, is also an excellent spot for…
Tower Bridge
★★ Built over the Thames in the late 19th century, it is one of London's iconic sights, with its two massive neo-Gothic towers that…
Trafalgar Square
★★ The square is world-famous for its Nelson’s Column, its lion fountain, and the National Gallery in the background with its beautiful…
Victoria and Albert Museum
★★ This is the world's largest museum of applied and decorative arts. Over two million objects are displayed across 145 galleries.
Southwark Cathedral
★ It is Gothic in style and was begun in the early 12th century.
Churchill War Rooms
★ What was Churchill’s wartime headquarters during the Second World War is now a dedicated museum.
Highgate Cemetery
★ Much like Père Lachaise in Paris, Highgate Cemetery is home to several graves of famous figures, most notably Karl Marx, who is buried…
Wallace Collection
★ A vast panorama of art from the 14th to the 19th century (paintings, furniture, arms, etc.). All these collections are housed in a…
Courtauld Gallery
★ This museum is particularly renowned for its collection of French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. In total, the venue…
Covent Garden
★ This district is known for its former fruit and vegetable market in the central square. Today, it’s a tourist hotspot for its lively…
Cutty Sark
★ This sailing ship ("clipper"), which was used in the tea trade in the late 19th century, has been turned into a museum ship on a quay in…
Hampstead
★ A rather out-of-the-way spot, this chic and wooded area with its narrow streets is loved for its pubs, restaurants, and charming shops…
The City
★ North of the Thames, London’s famous business district is notable for its historic and especially modern architectural achievements…
Leicester Square
★ This pedestrian square, lined with cinemas, nightclubs, bars, and restaurants, is known for its lively nightlife.
London Eye
★ This is the giant Ferris wheel (135 m tall) installed in 2000 on the banks of the Thames. On a clear day, it offers a beautiful panoramic…
Madame Tussauds London
★ This is the London version of the famous wax museums found in various cities around the world.
Millennium Bridge
★ This pedestrian metal bridge is an architectural and technical success. It also offers a beautiful view of part of the Thames riverside.
Charles Dickens Museum
★ A house-museum dedicated to the author of *Oliver Twist*, featuring manuscripts, paintings, furniture, and personal items that belonged to…
Museum of London Docklands
★ Located on the Isle of Dogs in a former warehouse of the West India Docks, the museum traces the port activity of the Docklands from Roman…
London Transport Museum
★ Two centuries of transport history and technology of all kinds are traced in this museum.
Sherlock Holmes Museum
★ For fans of Conan Doyle’s famous detective. The house, decorated accordingly, is of course located at 221 Baker Street, the very…
National Portrait Gallery
★ Next to the National Gallery, the venue houses 12,000 portraits (paintings, drawings, photographs, etc.) of famous Britons from Henry VII…
Regent Street
★ Leading onto Piccadilly Circus, this rather upscale street is known for its shops and major retail brands.
South Kensington
★ Sometimes called "Little Paris" due to its large French expat community, this neighbourhood bordering Hyde Park is home to beautiful…
St James's Park
★ This is the oldest of London's royal parks. It's a rather tranquil park facing the Horse Guards barracks.
Tate Britain
★ Not to be confused with Tate Modern (modern art only), even though both museums are part of the same network. The "Britain" is dedicated to…
Temple Church
★ This is a 12th-century Romanesque church built by and for the Knights Templar. It is particularly known for its recumbent tombs of knights.
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