From Big Ben to Buckingham Palace, there’s no shortage of amazing sights to see when visiting the United Kingdom’s colossal capital. Many would say that one visit isn’t even enough to cover everything. However, London is one of our most popular destinations for travel, so we’re pros at navigating this expansive city and covering a lot of ground in a short amount of time. Here are some of our must-see places in London.
Things to do:
National Gallery
Located in an impressive domed building right in the picturesque Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery houses a rich collection of over 2,000 works of art dating from the mid 13th century to 1900. Explore the beautiful marble hallways to see famous paintings by Van Eyck, Turner and Van Gogh.
Windsor Castle
Break away from the hustle and bustle of the city and see how the Queen relaxes on a guided tour of the royal weekend estate. Originally built as a fortress in the 11th century under William the Conqueror, this impressive castle has plenty to explore. You can tiptoe through the tulips (and other flowers) in the East Terrace Gardens, marvel at the Gothic St. George’s Chapel, or contemplate the fine works of art housed in the State Apartments.
Catch a show at a West End theatre
See a play in the West End, London’s answer to Broadway. With the city’s 40-or-so professional theaters, as well as restaurants, shops and cafés, the West End is a perfect spot to see an old classic or a trendy new favorite.
Camden Market
An old favorite, Camden Market, is back in fashion with grunge alongside modern and amusing trends in design. Mixing with London’s punks and hipsters, you can relax over a coffee or smoothie with a view of the canal. Camden lock was a busy place for the shipping business until it died out. When the 1970s rolled around, the huge warehouses which were left empty after the boats left became the original Camden Market, which was a spot for arts and crafts. Since then, it has blossomed and grown to attract crowds of tourists from all over the world and Londoners alike looking for quirky goods and tasty treats.
What to eat:
Fish and chips
Perfectly British, this dish is a stereotypical representation of English cuisine all over the world. However, nothing compares to trying this combination of battered fish and thickly cut fries in a traditional UK Public House setting. The locals enjoy their fish and chips with plenty of malt vinegar.
Curry
Although not representative of traditional English fare, curry has definitely woven its way into the fabric of London’s food scene. The United Kingdom’s long history of imperial rule over India and extensive cultural exchange has added even more international flavor to London’s vibrant and varied food scene.
Places to see
On a guided bus or walking tour make sure to see these essential London attractions:
- Trafalgar Square
- Piccadilly Circus
- Covent Garden
- Leicester Square
- Buckingham Palace
- Big Ben
- Houses of Parliament
- Tower Bridge
- Hyde Park
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
Wanna go? Explorica can help with that! Check out our London itinerary or contact us to get started with a personal program consultant.
P.S. check out our London tour video on YouTube!