I just want to let you know that I’m speaking from my own experiences. I have lived in London before, and I’ve gone everywhere in the city, so here are my top 7 places!
7. Tower Bridge
Most people say London Bridge. I used to say that too, until my Year 4 teacher told me that the name is Tower Bridge, not London Bridge. I was shocked at first, but it is what it is. London Bridge is so plain, it moved to Arizona in 1968 and no one even noticed.
Why Tower Bridge is Special
Tower Bridge is an interesting bridge. It’s a bascule and suspension bridge, meaning it can open in the middle to allow large ships to pass through. The bascules (the moving parts of the bridge) are raised about 1,000 times a year, and it takes just 5 minutes for the bridge to fully open. I was very lucky I saw the bridge split in half! It was very cool, and it was worth watching it go up for 5 minutes just to open and another 5 minutes to close.
Pro tip: If you’re in a rush, don’t wait for the bridge to close—just jump across. I’m kidding, please don’t!
This is one of the places you have to visit if you’re in London. It simply wouldn’t make sense not to. I think London is mostly famous for Tower Bridge, but did you know that the bridge was completed in 1894 and took 8 years to build? Its iconic design combines Gothic-style architecture with modern engineering, making it one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world.
How Tower Bridge Works
Tower Bridge is powered by a combination of steam engines and, later, electricity. When it first opened in 1894, the bascules (the lifting parts) were operated by massive steam engines that burned coal to create the energy needed to lift the bridge. Today, the system has been modernised and uses hydraulics and electricity, but you can still see the original steam engines in the Tower Bridge Engine Rooms, which are now part of the museum.
Fun fact: The steam engines were so powerful, they could probably power a tea-making machine for the entire UK. Now that’s British engineering!
Ticket Prices for Tower Bridge
If you want to go inside the tower:
- For adults, it’s £34.80.
- For children aged 5-15, it’s £17.40.
- For children under five, it’s free.
- If you are a member, it’s also free.
During peak times, tickets may cost more, and during off-peak times, tickets may cost less. You can also donate to the Tower of London and purchase tickets that allow you to skip the lines. Because who has time to wait in line when fish and chips is waiting for you?
Tower Bridge Opening Times
- Monday: 10am to 4:30pm
- Chewsday: 9am to 4:30pm (Chewsday is the best day for chewing gum while sightseeing.)
- Wednesday: 9am to 4:30pm
- Thursday: 9am to 4:30pm
- Friday: 9am to 4:30pm
- Saturday: 9am to 4:30pm
- Sunday: 10am to 4:30pm
6. Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is basically the ultimate royal flex. It started in 1703 as a fancy townhouse for the Duke of Buckingham, but King George III was like, “I’ll take it!” and turned it into a royal crib. Fast forward to today, and it’s got 775 rooms because why stop at 774 when you can have a whole extra room for your crown collection?
What Makes Buckingham Palace Iconic
The palace is famous for the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which is just a bunch of very serious people in fluffy hats marching around. It’s like a TikTok dance challenge, but with more discipline and less chance of going viral.
And let’s not forget the garden—it’s the biggest private garden in London, complete with a lake, a tennis court, and probably a secret hedge maze for when the royals need to hide from paparazzi.
During WWII, the palace got bombed nine times. Even Hitler couldn’t resist a shot at royalty, but the palace stood strong because nothing says “British resilience” like a building that refuses to quit.
These days, it’s got all the modern comforts: electricity, Wi-Fi, and probably a Roomba for all those royal carpets.
Visiting Buckingham Palace
In the summer, you can tour the State Rooms and pretend you’re royalty until you remember you have to go back to your IKEA furniture. And let’s not forget the 800 staff members, including two people whose full-time job is winding 300 clocks. Because if there’s one thing the royals hate, it’s being late for tea.
So, if you ever visit, remember: it’s not just a palace—it’s a symbol of British tradition, luxury, and the fact that someone out there has the job title “Clock Winder to the Queen.”
Tours and Tickets for Buckingham Palace
If you want a tour to Buckingham Palace:
- The State Rooms open from late July to late September, showcasing royal treasures.
- Special East Wing tours in winter and spring reveal hidden areas like the famous balcony.
- The Royal Day Out in summer includes the State Rooms, Royal Mews (carriages and cars), and The Queen’s Gallery (art exhibitions).
- Garden tours in spring and summer explore the massive private garden.
The free Changing of the Guard ceremony outside the palace usually happens on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Book tickets early online, with audio guides and accessibility options available for visitors.
Ticket Prices
- Adults: £32 for standard admission, £90 for East Wing Tour, £61.20 for Royal Day Out
- Age 18-24: £20.50 for standard admission, £78.50 for East Wing Tour, £39.10 for Royal Day Out
- Age 5-17: £16 for standard admission, £74 for East Wing Tour, £30.60 for Royal Day Out
- Disabled people: £16 for standard admission, £74 for East Wing Tour, £30.60 for Royal Day Out
- For children under 5: Free
5. Big Ben
Did you know Big Ben isn’t actually called Big Ben? Nope, it’s officially the Elizabeth Tower (because apparently, even clock towers get rebranded). The name changed in 2012 to honour Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. The name “Big Ben” refers to the Great Bell inside, not the tower. That bell weighs a jaw-dropping 13.7 tons (13,760 kg). Deadlifting it? That’s my new life goal.
Fun Facts About Big Ben
The tower itself is 316 feet tall, and if you’re crazy enough to climb it, good luck tackling 334 stairs. No elevators here—just pure leg day. Oh, and this thing survived World War II bombings. Yeah, it’s not just a pretty clock face; it’s a tank in disguise.
How to Visit Big Ben
Want to visit?
- Adults pay £35 to climb those stairs (basically paying to cry),
- Kids aged 11–17 pay £20,
- Kids under 11: Free, because no one expects a 10-year-old to make it to the top without being carried.
Big Ben isn’t just a clock tower—it’s a symbol of British resilience, precision, and the fact that someone out there thought, “Let’s put a giant bell in a tower and make it chime every hour.” Genius.
So, if you’re in London, go see it. Just don’t forget your inhaler for the stairs.
Have I climbed this thing… ok maybe, alright! My friend dared me to for 20 bucks and he said he would pay for the ticket too so yeah…. It’s worth going trust me (for 20 bucks).
4. British Museum
I don’t know about you, but I’m a huge fan of museums. The first museum I ever visited was the British Museum. I went on a school trip in Year 4. It was a day to remember, mostly because I lost my Spider-Man bag with my packed lunch inside. My teacher shouted at me for being “irresponsible,” but then she gave me her lunch (I guess she felt bad for yelling at a kid over a sandwich). She was a great teacher, though—shoutout to her for not letting me starve.
Fun Facts About the British Museum
Did you know the British Museum was founded in 1753? Yeah, it’s been around longer than your grandma’s secret fruitcake recipe. It’s also the first-ever public museum, so you can thank it for all those times you dragged your friends to look at old rocks and broken pottery.
If you’re into ancient history, mummies, or art, this place is a must-visit. Where else can you see a 2,000-year-old mummy and think, “Wow, they really nailed the whole ‘wrapping people up like burritos’ thing”? Or stare at the Rosetta Stone and pretend you understand hieroglyphics? Spoiler: you won’t.
Why Visit the British Museum?
The best part? It’s free to enter. That’s right, you can spend hours wandering around, pretending to be cultured, without spending a single pound. Just don’t lose your bag like I did—trust me, it’s not a fun way to learn about responsibility.
So, if you’re in London, skip the overpriced tourist traps and head to the British Museum. It’s history, art, and a lesson in keeping track of your stuff, all in one place. And yes, I put this on number 2 because it’s free.
Opening Times
- Monday: 10 AM–5 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM–5 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM–5 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM–5 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–8:30 PM (late-night vibes!)
- Saturday: 10 AM–5 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–5 PM
3. London Eye: The Giant Spinner of Doom (and Views)
The London Eye is basically London’s way of saying, “Hey, want to see the whole city without climbing a single hill?” It’s the best place to get a killer view of London—you can spot the Elizabeth Tower (aka Big Ben’s fancy cousin) and pretend you’re a giant surveying your kingdom. And yes, it’s totally worth it, even if you’re scared of heights. Just remember: the glass pods are sturdy, so your existential crisis won’t end in disaster.
Fun Facts About the London Eye
Here’s the kicker: the London Eye wasn’t even supposed to stick around. It was built in 1999 as a temporary attraction to celebrate the new millennium—like a giant party decoration. But Londoners loved it so much that they were like, “Nah, let’s keep this bad boy.” Now it’s a permanent fixture, and at 443 feet tall, it was the tallest Ferris wheel in the world until 2006, when China showed up with the Star of Nanchang and said, “Hold my tea.”
The ride takes 30 minutes to fully rotate, which is just enough time to take 100 photos, wave awkwardly at strangers in other pods, and question why you didn’t bring a snack.
Visiting Tips for the London Eye
- Pro tip: go at sunset or night for maximum Instagram glory. The city lights make it look like someone spilled glitter everywhere.
- If you’re planning to visit, book your tickets online unless you enjoy standing in lines longer than the queue for the last slice of pizza.
- It’s located on the South Bank of the Thames, near Waterloo Station, so you can get there by tube, bus, or train—or just follow the crowd of tourists with selfie sticks.
- Arrive early to avoid the crowds, and don’t forget to smile for the security check. They’re not judging you (probably).
So, hop on the London Eye, spin around like a boss, and enjoy the view. Just don’t look down if you’re scared of heights—or do, and scream dramatically. Either way, it’s a ride you won’t forget!
2. Hyde Park: London’s Backyard Paradise
Hyde Park is basically London’s way of saying, “Hey, we know the city is crowded and noisy, so here’s 350 acres of grass to chill on.” It’s one of the biggest parks in London, and it’s got everything: lush lawns for picnics, serene lakes for pretending you’re in a Jane Austen novel, and tree-lined paths for dramatic strolls. If you’re looking to escape the chaos of the city, Hyde Park is your green sanctuary.
Things to Do at Hyde Park
The star of the show is the Serpentine, a massive lake where you can rent paddleboats or rowboats in the summer. It’s like being in a romantic movie, except you’ll probably just argue with your friends about who’s rowing wrong. There’s also the Serpentine Lido, a swimming spot for those brave enough to dive into London’s “refreshing” waters. Spoiler: it’s cold, but hey, it’s an experience.
Hyde Park is also a wildlife hotspot. Swans, ducks, and even parakeets (yes, tropical birds in London—don’t ask) call this place home. It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise, or just a great place to point at animals and say, “Look, a duck!” like you’ve never seen one before.
Why Families Love Hyde Park
For families, Hyde Park is a dream. There’s plenty of space for kids to run around, playgrounds to exhaust them, and wide-open lawns for picnics. It’s basically a giant outdoor babysitter. Plus, if you’re lucky, you might stumble upon a puppet show or an ice cream truck, because Hyde Park knows how to keep everyone happy.
But let’s be real—Hyde Park is also the ultimate people-watching spot. You’ve got joggers, cyclists, yoga enthusiasts, and that one guy feeding pigeons like he’s in a Disney movie. It’s a microcosm of London life, and it’s glorious.
So, whether you’re rowing on the Serpentine, chasing parakeets, or just lying on the grass pretending you’re not thinking about work, Hyde Park is the place to be. It’s like London’s backyard, but with fewer lawnmowers and more swans.
1. Watch the Changing of the Guard
Let’s be real—this is easily the best free show in London. I spent the whole time waiting for one of the guards to mess up their acting. I mean, how do they keep such a straight face? They all move like NPCs from a video game, and it’s oddly satisfying to watch. It’s like they’ve mastered the art of being human statues, but with more marching.
Best Time to Watch the Ceremony
If you’re in London, you have to watch it. It’s a must. The ceremony happens every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, and it usually kicks off at 11 AM.
Pro tip: get there early unless you want to watch the whole thing through someone’s selfie stick.
The main event takes place at Buckingham Palace Forecourt, where the guards swap places like they’re in a very serious game of musical chairs. But the fun starts earlier at Wellington Barracks, where you can watch the guards prepare. It’s like the behind-the-scenes footage of a really disciplined flash mob.
Fun Fact About the Guards
And let’s talk about those hats—the bearskin ones. They weigh about 1.5 pounds each! Imagine balancing a small watermelon on your head while marching in perfect formation. No wonder they never smile; they’re probably just trying not to topple over.
So, if you’re in London, grab a spot for the Changing of the Guard. It’s history, tradition, and a masterclass in keeping a straight face, all rolled into one. Just don’t try to make them laugh—trust me, it won’t work.
These places are definitely worth going. You will definitely like it, especially watching the guards. And by the way, if you even see the guard mess up their NPC acting, trust me you’re a lucky guy—probably 1 in a million.