Touring the Glorious sights of Great Britain
London has world famous landmarks that have become synonymous with the traditional sightseeing tourist. Finally being able to experience this iconic city with my own eyes gave me a sense of euphoria. If you visit during the summer months, You may be fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of the sun and the energetic Notting Hill Carnival. Unfortunately the most emblematic symbol of the UK, Big Ben, is shrouded under scaffolding and will be under construction until 2021. For anyone visiting before that, here’s the top 10 sights of London and some tips to help adjust your expectations of them.
10. Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is London’s most significant church and an active place of worship. Countless coronations and ceremonies have been held for many historical figures within its walls. The price is a bit expensive for a church, but Free if you attend a Sunday service (although it’s frowned upon for beating the system). While you’re in the area, take the obligatory red telephone booth photo and be THAT tourist. There are a few nice booths that are free of rubbish and don’t smell like hobo near by.
9. London Brick Lane
This art deco district is filled with an energetic crowd and vibrant wall art at every corner. Stop by the Brick Lane Market for tons of eccentric goods and food. As the center of Bangladeshi culture, you are bound to find amazing curry dishes all over. We got a guided tour through the district which I would highly recommend. There were even some historic insights such as Jack the Ripper incidents by the white chapel.
8. London museums
London is known for its plethora of extravagant museums. With so many interesting displays, I chose some of the coolest ones. The British Museum is one of the largest in the world and hosts an endless number of artifacts and exhibitions. The National Gallery boasts thousands of portraits and other master pieces so it’s easy to lose track of time. The Victoria and Albert Museum is a glamorous architectural beauty and the Tate Modern is a modern and contemporary art museum within a skyward monolith. All of them are free to visit so enjoy as many as you can!
7. Tower of London
Right across the iconic Tower Bridge protrudes a medieval fortress. The Tower of London is a unique heritage site with a thousand years of history held within. Embrace the gruesome history of the palace on a tour for added insights. Some royal ceremonies are still performed inside and even the famous crown jewels can be seen guarded by a garrison of soldiers. Tickets are a bit pricey but you can save 10% from buying online.
6. London Eye
Another behemoth in the UK skyline is the London Eye. Actually owned by Coca-Cola, This massive observation wheel takes you on a 30 minute rotation to the top of the city. With a ton of various ticket packages on their website, it’s best to reserve it online and save a few pounds. Time slots range from 11:30am to 5:15pm on weekdays and a bit later on weekends. It’s a little pricey and there’s pretty long lines so brace yourself.
5. Piccadilly Circus
Despite the ridiculous name, Piccadilly Circus is analogous to New York City’s Time Square. This business district is one of the busiest junctions in London. The Piccadilly Lights are the enormous screens with advertisements that illuminate the nighttime streets. After you’ve had enough of getting blasted by commercialized ads, head over to the theater district for a world class musical. Although my soul rejects the rampant consumerism, check out some of the luxury shopping stores and restaurants in the area. Piccadilly Circus is centrally located, so many famous landmarks are a short distance away.
4. Trafalgar Square
This grand plaza was named in honor of the famous naval battle that ensued at Cape Trafalgar. Trafalgar Square is filled with two immense fountains and a soaring column dedicated to Admiral Nelson (the rum guy!?). It’s a great area for people watching. Behind the square lies the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery, both which are free to enter.
3. Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the primary residence and administrative headquarters for the Queen of Britain. This royal promenade has an extravagant architecture, beautiful gardens, and is usually the focal point for many ceremonies. It is possible to get a tour inside although only for a few months of the summer (July – September). You can get access to the state rooms or a special royal day out here. Arrive at the palace at 11:00am to witness the prodigious changing of the guard ceremony. There are a ton of crowds so good luck finding the best view spots.
2. Tower Bridge
Resting right on the Thames River is the engineering masterpiece, Tower Bridge. Its free to walk across this wonderful architecture, and relatively cheap to go up the tower. Walk across the two towers high bridge and look down at the glass floor below for some exhilarating perspectives. The museum within the tower is full of tons of historical insights. Stop by the engine rooms after your descent for a peek at the machinery that operates the bridge.
1.The Shard
Just a short walk from Tower Bridge lies The Shard; an enigmatic spire that pierces the sky. The observation deck holds some of the best views of London (if you’re fortunate enough to get some sun of course). This open-air garden also has a bar so you can sip on some drinks as you admire the London skyline. There are a wide variety of events held throughout the year so be sure to check them out! It’s a bit expensive but those killer views are worth it.
London is a diverse city filled with an abundance of history and art. The various cultural influences grant a wide selection of eclectic food and styles to a modern city. The signature British meals may leave something to be desired from foodies however. But you come to the UK for the iconic sightseeing, the historic landmarks, the rowdy pub crawls, and the astounding theatrics (Looking at you Harry Potter fans). There’s a lot more to do in the city, so next time I’ll be sure to capture even more of what England has to offer. If you have the pleasure of going during the Notting Hill Carnival, you’re in for a wild party. Thanks for reading and keep leveling up!
Here’s the travel vlog for our London Bucket List Tour! Enjoy!
