60 Famous London Landmarks You Must See

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When people think of London, they imagine busy streets, crowded pubs, and the British monarchy. However, London offers so much more than that, and there are plenty of reasons to visit this vibrant city. London has something to offer everyone, no matter your interests!

London is not only one of the busiest cities in the world, but it is also home to some of the world's best contemporary architecture and historical buildings. You can also discover outstanding museums, unique marketplaces, and more.

Since there are many attractions and famous landmarks of London to explore, trying to figure out what to prioritise when visiting for a few days or spending a weekend in London can be difficult.

This is why this list of the most famous London landmarks was put together; to make sure you tick off the most important London bucket list locations. Continue reading to learn more!

• 60 London landmarks

60 Famous Landmarks in London

Big Ben

Big Ben is a historic landmark in London and is one of the most famous landmarks in the city. The name "Big Ben" is the name for the clock in Elizabeth's Tower - the tallest tower in the Palace of Westminster. The clock weighs an impressive 13 tons. It is a must-see on your four days in London itinerary.

This historical monument was completed in 1859 as an addition to the Palace of Westminster after the old building was destroyed by a fire in 1834. The idea to construct Big Ben was that of Charles Barry, but the design itself was created by the architect Augustus Pugin.

Even though Big Ben is not open to the public, you can still enjoy its architecture and design from a distance, especially at night when it is lit up.

The Monument to the Great Fire of London

The Monument to the Great Fire of London is a structure that commemorates one of the most famous events in London's history, the Great Fire of London. This monument serves as a way of remembering how the city survived the effects of the fire.

The 202-foot structure was completed in 1677, and it was designed by Christopher Wren and Dr. Robert Hooke. The impressive building draws in about 200,000 visitors every year. Many tourists climb to the top of the monument by using the 311 spiral steps inside. At the top of the monument, you can enjoy stunning views of the city.

If you want to learn about the Great Fire of London and enjoy some fantastic views over London, it is worth visiting this historic British landmark!

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Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the King of England and is one of many major landmarks in London. Construction of Buckingham Palace began in 1703 and was completed in 1853 in a neoclassical architectural style.

For a royal day out in London, you can't miss paying a visit to Buckingham Palace! It is one of the most historic royal palaces still open today with 775 rooms, including 19 State Rooms and 78 bathrooms.

The State Rooms are one of the main attractions of the Palace. These beautifully decorated rooms are where the King receives and entertains visiting dignitaries and subjects. Another fantastic feature at the Palace is The Grand Staircase, made with bronze.

When touring Buckingham Palace, you will also come across many unique paintings by famous artists like Johannes Vermeer and Nicolas Poussin. One thing you must take note of is that Buckingham Palace is only open to visitors during the summer.

The National Gallery

The National Gallery is one of the most famous art museums in the world. Constructed in 1937, it attracts more than four million tourists yearly. Unlike many other museums, this one is free to enter, so you don't have to worry about paying an admission fee.

Today, the National Gallery is home to some of the largest and most diverse painting collections globally, with over 2,300 works making up the collection. The museum also hosts several temporary exhibits throughout the year.

Since the museum is free, it is usually crowded. If you have no problem getting up earlier in the morning to explore, then this would be the best time to head to this attraction to skip the large groups.

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Westminster Abbey

Touring the mystical cathedrals and abbeys of London and the country is a can't-miss experience in England. The construction of the current Westminster Abbey began in 1245 by Henry III, and since then, it has become England's main religious building.

Westminster Abbey also receives more than a million visitors annually, making it one of the most famous landmarks in London. The Abbey is a World Heritage Site and has been the location for royal occasions since 1066, including 16 royal weddings. It is additionally where almost all of the British monarchs have been crowned since William the Conqueror.

Westminster Abbey today also serves as a historical museum. It includes attractions like The Lady Chapel, the Poet's Corner, and the Royal Tombs as well. The Poet's Corner and the Royal Tombs are probably the most-visited attractions at Westminster Abbey. The Abbey still works as a church, so it is closed on Sundays and during religious events. It is open to visitors throughout the rest of the year.

Madame Tussauds London

Madame Tussauds London attracts an average of two and a half million visitors annually, making it one of the most famous attractions in London. Madame Tussaud was a French artist known for her wax sculptures.

Madame Tussauds London is a wax museum that was founded by the popular artist in 1835 on Baker Street, one of the most famous streets in London. She later moved the museum to its current location in 1894.

During a visit, you can see wax sculptures of notable people like Justin Bieber, The Beatles, and even Queen Elizabeth II. This is the place to be if you want to take pictures with the wax version of your favourite personalities!

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge was built between 1886 and 1894. The Bridge is one of the most-visited landmarks globally, with more than 40,000 people using it each day. During a visit, tourists enjoy walking across Tower Bridge, taking pictures along the way. As you cross the bridge, you will be spoiled with fantastic views of the River Thames.

If you are lucky enough, you might even get the opportunity to witness the lifting of the drawbridge when a large ship passes through it. For one of the best views of the Tower Bridge, consider staying at one of London's quirky hotels that offer riverside views, such as the ME London.

Sky Garden

Sky Garden is one of the more modern famous attractions in London. Since its opening in 2015 on the 43rd floor of the "Walkie-Talkie" building, the Sky Garden has gained a lot of popularity and has become one of London's best gardens to visit.

This attraction serves as a public park for visitors on top of a commercial building. Since the Garden is located on the 43rd floor, you will get a fantastic view of London from the top. You can pass by the Darwin Brasserie on the 36th floor if you want to grab a quick bite to eat before or after visiting the Sky Garden.

Before you plan your visit to the Sky Garden, you need to book a ticket on their website, which is free. The ticket gives you a pass from the ground floor of the Walkie-Talkie building up to the top floor. Booking three weeks in advance is the recommended time frame to ensure you get a slot and don't end up disappointed.

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The British Museum

The first thing you need to know about the British Museum is that it is the largest museum in England and also one of the oldest public museums in the world. It was established in 1753 and opened to the public in 1759.

Today, the museum boasts art collections from various parts of the world, including collections of Roman, European, Etruscan, Middle Eastern, and European art and artefacts.

When you visit the British Museum for the first time, you will realise that the museum itself is a work of art. With its Greek Revival architectural style, even the exterior has a way of impressing its visitors. Additionally, no entry fee is required before you enter, which makes it even more worth a visit!

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Hyde Park

Hyde Park opened to the general public in 1637. However, it was acquired in 1536 by Henry VIII. Hyde Park covers a ground area of about 350 acres, serving as the habitat for over 4,000 animals alongside ornamental flower gardens and a large lake.

When you travel to London for the first time, you will probably notice that the city is highly developed with not that many green spaces. The park is a nice contrast to this and provides the most outdoor space in London, a great break from the concrete structures of the rest of the city. This is the perfect place to be in London if you want to relax and enjoy nature after a stressful day.

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Tower of London

The Tower of London is definitely one of the must-see historical landmarks in London. It was constructed almost 1,000 years ago, in 1097. Since its construction, it has had many uses, including as an execution site, prison, and royal residence.

The walls of the Tower of London are rich in history, making it one of the most-visited English landmarks. During a visit, you can explore the tower and learn more about the history of the building.

Another reason to visit the tower is to observe the "Beefeaters." These guards, also known as Yeoman guards, are ceremonial guards residing in the building. Previously, they were in charge of watching the prisoners, but today, they give tourists a guided tour of the historic tower. If you love history, visiting this famous European landmark has to be on your to-do list!

Science Museum

The Science Museum of London was founded in 1857. It is the most-visited science and technology-related museum in Europe, with more than three million people coming through it annually.

The museum has more than 15,000 science-related objects on display, including the famous Apollo 10 command capsule and Stephenson's Rocket.

No matter how interested in science you are, the Science Museum is a must-see tourist attraction in London. You don't even need to know much about physics, chemistry, or biology to be impressed with the collections housed by the museum.

St. Paul's Cathedral

The construction of St. Paul's Cathedral started in 1675. The cathedral was completed in 1710 by Sir Christopher Wren and was designed in a baroque-architectural style.

St. Paul's has been used as the location for many important events. For example, the wedding between Prince Charles and Diana in 1981 was held here, as were the funerals of Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher.

When you enter the cathedral, you can see the eight scenes of the life of St. Paul, as painted by Thornhill. Another interesting feature is the set of 257 steps that lead to the Whispering Gallery.

Visiting St. Paul's Cathedral without climbing these stairs makes your visit incomplete. If you want to explore more of the church, you also have the option of walking an extra 121 steps to the Stone Gallery or 150 steps to the Golden Gallery. Another famous attraction of the cathedral is the Crypt. The Crypt is the final resting place of important figures like the Duke of Wellington.

Tate Modern

Ever since the Tate Modern opened in 2000, it has quickly risen to be one of the most famous places in London to visit. The building that the museum is housed in was previously the Bankside Power Station. It was converted into an art gallery in 1994 by Swiss architects Herzog & De Meuron.

The art exhibited in the Tate Modern is quite different from the art displayed at the Tate Britain. The Tate Britain displays historical art, whereas the Tate Modern showcases modern art collections. At the Tate Modern, you can also find a room called The Tanks consisting of three oil tanks that have been converted to show video and performance art.

Palace of Westminster

The Palace of Westminster is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the heart of British Politics. The Houses of Parliament, or Westminster Palace, is designed in a Gothic architectural style. It is the meeting place for the two Houses of Parliament, the House of Lords, and the House of Commons.

The initial palace was constructed around 1016. However, the current palace was built in 1847 after a fire destroyed the original building. Attractions like Westminster Hall, the Central Lobby, The Lords Chamber, and The Commons Chamber are just a few of the things to see when visiting.

Notably, Westminster Hall is the oldest hall you can find in the palace, and the Central Lobby is the official meeting area for the Members of Parliament. The Palace of Westminster is an excellent place to visit if you are interested in politics. Do note that you need to book a tour in advance.

Borough Market

Borough Market is London's oldest food market. The market, as seen today, opened in 1851. However, the site the market sits on has been a marketplace since the 12th century. This market is not only popular in the UK, but it is also one of the most famous markets in the world!

When you are in London and looking for markets that offer a wide range of food products, Borough Market is your best bet. From fishmongers to butchers and grocers and much more, the market has everything you might need.

If you are looking for takeaway or gourmet food, you can also find street vendors selling tasty dishes here. Every time you visit the Borough Market, you get the opportunity to experience something new!

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Regent's Park

Just like Hyde Park, Regent's Park was also acquired by King Henry VIII and was used as a hunting area until 1649. In 1811, John Nash was hired by King George IV to redesign the park for the royal family, which led to the building of infrastructure and design features found in the park today.

Regent's Park was not opened to the public until around the 1930s, and it has been popular ever since. The beauty of the 395-acre park is enough for you to visit it. In addition, it is home to an array of wildlife, boasting over 200 species of birds and more than 650 waterfowl. This is the place to be if you want to escape urban city life and enjoy nature.

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Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum in London is one of the most impressive buildings in the city. It is home to more than 70 million objects, with thousands of items added each year. This means that the museum houses one of the largest collections of natural history items in the world.

The museum was founded in 1754, with the collections provided by Sir Hans Sloane. Sir Hans Sloane was the same man responsible for establishing the British Museum. He later realised that the natural history collection at the British Museum was not impressive enough, so he decided to fund a second one. The Natural History Museum was moved to its current location in 1881.

Whether this is your first time visiting or are a frequent visitor, the tours at the museum always have something unique to offer. Do note that tours take about two hours to complete.

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London Eye

The London Eye, initially called the Millennium Wheel, opened in December 1999, with official rides beginning in 2000. You can locate the famous landmark in the heart of London, opposite the Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey.

Looking at the London Eye for the first time, you might think it is just one large Ferris Wheel, but it is actually an Observation Wheel. During a ride on the London Eye, you can view the city at a continuously changing 360-degree angle. In addition, since the wheel is above the River Thames, you can view this famous river from above.

Princess Diana Memorial Fountain

The Princess Diana Memorial Fountain was built with 545 pieces of Cornish granite, with each piece shaped by a computer-controlled object but pieced together using traditional methods. The fountain was built as a memorial for Princess Diana, as the name suggests, and was opened in 2004.

Princess Diana was an open person, so the fountain gives a detailed representation of her character. You can view the fountain in the southwest corner of Hyde Park.

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Barbican Centre

The Barbican Centre is the largest arts centre in Europe and is home to the London Symphony Orchestra. It was opened to the public in 1982 after a decade of construction work.

The Barbican Centre has two theatres, two art galleries, five conference rooms, three cinemas, two trade exhibition halls, a conservatory, and shops. When visiting the famous arts centre, you can see a variety of entertainment ranging from musicals to dance shows and many genres of film.

The Wallace Collection

The Wallace Collection is a national museum with art exhibits. These art collections were compiled by the first four Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace.

In 1897, Lady Wallace, the widow of the late Sir Richard Wallace, handed the museum to the British Nation. The museum is housed in the historic Hertford House located in Manchester Square, Westminster.

The museum officially opened in 1900, showcasing fine and decorative arts collected from the 15th to the 19th century. It has over 5,000 pieces that have been collected over the years by the four generations of the Hertford family.

London Transport Museum

The famous transportation system in London is something that cannot be seen in every city in the world, and this is one way London stands out. The London Transport Museum offers more information on the city's transportation history.

The museum opened in the 1920s and contains 450,000 items collected over 200 years relating to the transport history of the city. Notably, this is a fun, family-friendly attraction. Kids can easily enjoy the museum as there are many interactive exhibits to enjoy.

Chinatown Gate

The main gate opening up into Chinatown in London is grand and consistent in architectural style to the facades of the buildings along Wardour Street - the main street of London's Chinatown. London's Chinatown is filled with Chinese bakeries, restaurants, grocery stores, and souvenir shops.

After visiting Chinatown Gate, stay a bit longer and explore Chinatown itself. The small town in London has beautiful buildings and streets which have been decorated with Chinese symbols like dragons and lanterns. Once you enter Chinatown through the gate, you enter a new world different from that of the rest of London.

HMS Belfast

HMS Belfast is definitely one of the famous monuments in London. This structure is actually a floating museum. HMS Belfast was initially built as a Royal Navy light cruiser in 1936 and was launched for its first operation in 1938.

It was used as an important vessel from 1939 to 1963. For example, Britain used the HMS Belfast during their naval blockade against Germany in 1939. After being used for all the historical battles, the vessel was finally retired in 1963, and in 1978, it eventually became a branch of the Imperial War Museum.

The historic warship is full of war stories. Visitors are allowed to explore all nine decks of the ship.

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30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)

30 St Mary Axe, popularly known by locals as "The Gherkin," is one of the must-see famous buildings in London. The Gherkin is a skyscraper that was completed in December 2003 but was not opened until April 2004. It was designed by Sir Norman Foster.

Interestingly, the building is covered with 24,000 square metres of glass. It measures a height of 180 metres, with 41 floors containing offices, a restaurant, and a cocktail bar.

The Gherkin is an architectural masterpiece that attracts many visitors, and it has been included in the "1001 Buildings You Must See Before You Die" book. While tourists can explore much of the building, you can go to the Iris bar or the Helix restaurant located on the top floors. On these floors, you also get a fantastic view of the city!

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The Shard

The Shard is one of the masterpieces of the architect Renzo Piano. Since the Shard opened in February 2013, the beautiful skyscraper has been a site that many visitors travelling to London want to see.

The Shard stands at 309.6 metres, making it one of the tallest buildings in the United Kingdom and the sixth-tallest building in all of Europe. The 72-floor building comprises wall-to-wall glass and gives you a 360-degree view of London.

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Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace is another of many historical landmarks of London, England. The palace was built in 1605 by Sir George Coppin.

Many notable events have occurred at the palace since it was built. For example, the Palace was the birthplace of Queen Victoria. Kensington Palace is a representation of over 400 years of royal history. Visitors to the palace can tour some parts of the building and wander around the gardens. You can also see royal artefacts, like jewelry, letters, and clothes.

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Royal Albert Hall

The iconic Royal Albert Hall is one of the historic buildings opened by Queen Victoria. The Queen dedicated the building to her late husband, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg. It was opened in 1871, and since then, it has hosted many outstanding performances.

Royal Albert Hall is still active today, hosting more than 300 events annually. These events range from comedy shows and charity events to live orchestra performances. If you happen to be in London during the summer, you can catch the annual BBC Proms, a series of classical music concerts.

Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is a popular public square located in the City of Westminster, Central London. John Nash was the architect in charge of the square's design during the 1820s, and it was constructed in the 1830s. The public square has even been featured in award-winning movies like Children of Men, Casino Royale, and The Avengers.

Trafalgar Square is also home to other famous attractions, such as the National Gallery, Nelson's Column, and St. Martin-in-the-Fields. The public square hosts a range of events annually as well.

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Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus is a highly recognisable London landmark known for its bright neon displays. The electronic boards that cover nearby buildings flash a range of advertisements 24/7. To enjoy them the most, head to Piccadilly Circus in the evening.

You'll also find the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain here, also known as the Eros statue. The fountain, with a statue of a winged archer, is a great London photo-op spot.

Having enjoyed the advertisements and displays, you can easily access many other popular areas from Piccadilly Circus. These areas include Leicester Square, Regent Street, and the rest of Piccadilly.

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Royal Observatory

The Royal Observatory is located in Greenwich and is significant as this is where Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) is measured from. The Prime Meridian runs through this landmark, and when the sun is at its highest point above the line, it is noon.

Along with viewing the Prime Meridian line, there is a museum where you can learn more about the history of GMT. There is also a planetarium here to explore with exhibits and shows.

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Cutty Sark

Cutty Sark is another of the iconic London landmarks found in Greenwich. At this attraction, you can board and explore the Cutty Sark, a historic British clipper ship.

The ship has been restored to the way it was in the mid-1800s. You can wander around a range of areas, including the main deck, the captain's cabin, and the hold, which has cargo, including crates of tea and spices. Every section of the boat also has museum-like exhibits which offer more information on the Cutty Sark and its role in British history.

London Zoo

The ZSL London Zoo is in Regent's Park and is a fun attraction to check out. The zoo is the oldest in England and is also a conservation zoo. This means that all sales proceeds go towards protecting the creatures of our planet.

Animals to visit here include tigers, meerkats, giraffes, and penguins, among many more. There are various experiences to try, too, such as meeting penguins or meerkats and being a zookeeper for the day. The London Zoo is a much loved and important London attraction that is well worth a visit no matter what your age.

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Covent Garden

When visiting London, a trip to Covent Garden is a must! In fact, you'll probably find yourself returning to this bustling area a few times during your stay. Found in London's West End, Covent Garden is a predominantly pedestrian-only area full of great shops, fun bars, and incredible dining.

You're also likely to spot a few interesting street performers as you wander around. Having explored the many luxury and independent shops, you can also catch a performance at the nearby Royal Opera House.

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The Churchill War Rooms

The Churchill War Rooms are one of the famous buildings of London that show what life was like during World War II. This landmark is part of the imperial war museum and is found under the streets of London.

These war rooms were a secret during the war and were where Churchill and his cabinet planned their strategy against the Axis powers. There were meetings here during both the Blitz and the German V-Weapon Offensive. When visiting, you can explore the war rooms and learn more about their significance in winning the war.

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Portobello Road Market

Portobello Road Market is a well-known street market found in Notting Hill. This pretty area of the city is filled with pastel-coloured houses and tree-lined streets.

Having taken lots of pictures of this cute part of town, you can check out the market. The main market days are Friday and Saturday, and stalls cover one kilometre of the street. You'll find everything here, from books and antiques to unique clothes and accessories. There are many excellent shops along the market route, plus multiple food stalls selling various tasty goods.

The Victoria and Albert Museum

The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) is one of the world's most iconic art and design museums. It was named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and was founded in 1852.

At the museum, you can discover a range of design-based collections. These include exhibits on fashion, photography, paintings, and architecture. What's great is that general admission is free to all! Only select exhibitions have a small entrance fee.

The Imperial War Museum London

The Imperial War Museum has five branches. These include the previously mentioned HMS Belfast and the Churchill War Rooms. The third of these five branches in London is the Imperial War Museum of London.

Since its opening, the museum has offered visitors access to exhibitions on England's military history. Exhibits to check out include those on World Wars I and II, plus the military efforts like covert and espionage operations. A few of the many fascinating items to see here include a Supermarine Spitfire and a T-34-85 tank.

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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

William Shakespeare is one of England's most-loved playwrights, and this London landmark is a homage to the original playhouse for which Shakespeare wrote plays.

The Globe is a near-perfect reconstruction of the former Elizabethan Globe playhouse. Those who visit can explore the theatre and participate in guided tours.

Of course, you can also watch a range of Shakespeare's plays here, including Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night's Dream. If you're a lover of the arts, then catching a performance here while in London is an absolute must!

Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace sits on the outskirts of central London and was most notably home to King Henry VIII. The palace has not been a royal residence for over 100 years, but it is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the regal building and learn more about the royalty that has lived within its walls.

Nelson's Column

Nelson's Column is a famous landmark in London that is located in Trafalgar Square. The column was opened in 1843 and commemorates Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson. Nelson led his army to victory at the Battle of Trafalgar but lost his life in the process. Visitors to London today can't miss going past this iconic landmark to take some pictures!

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Camden Market

Camden Market is a renowned market that was founded in 1791. Visitors can explore many stalls, selling all types of items, from jewelry and clothing to books. Many shops line the market as well, like bakeries and antique stores. In the evening, you can also check out some unique independent pubs and a jazz bar.

Carnaby Street

Another of the famous streets in London to check out is Carnaby Street. This bustling pedestrian shopping street has many stores, including independent fashion boutiques, home decor stores, and some chains.

You can also find many great restaurants in the area. While visiting, don't forget to snap some pictures of the scenic brick buildings that line the cobblestone streets.

Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath is a famous place in London that lets you enjoy the outdoors. The heath is located in North London and covers 320 hectares. It features grassy meadows, ponds, and lots of wildlife. Interestingly, the heath is one of the highest points in London, and events related to the heath can be found all the way back to 986.

Holland Park

Another outdoor attraction in London that's worth mentioning is Holland Park. Located in Kensington, the park sits on what were the grounds of Cope Castle. Today, visitors can enjoy 22.5 hectares of gardens, sports facilities like football pitches and tennis courts, and scenic walking paths.

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Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens, also known as the Royal Botanic Gardens, are stunning botanical gardens located next to the River Thames. It features gardens with plants and flowers from across the globe.

You can see some of the gardens for free by following paths that run between the gardens and the river. To see the gardens in full, you must pay an admission fee, but it is well worth it!

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King's Cross Railway Station

Opened in 1852, King's Cross Railway Station is one of the most well-known stations in London. It is also one of the busiest stations in the United Kingdom. If traveling through this station, you can also stop at a famous Harry Potter souvenir shop at "Platform 9 ¾."

Millennium Bridge

As the name suggests, London's Millennium Bridge opened in 2000. The steel pedestrian bridge crosses the River Thames to link Bankside with central London. Interestingly, it was the first bridge to be constructed over the Thames in over 100 years.

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National Maritime Museum

Located in Greenwich, the National Maritime Museum was founded in 1937 and remains a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can learn about maritime history as they explore and will see a range of artifacts, from paintings to items recovered from shipwrecks. There are also some attractions for kids and the famous ship in a bottle sculpture.

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National Portrait Gallery

There are many art attractions in the city, and the National Portrait Gallery is another major landmark in London related to the arts. The gallery opened in 1856 and was one of the first galleries dedicated to portraits in the world. The museum today has a collection of around 250,000 pieces.

Somerset House

Somerset House was constructed in 1796 and is designed in a Victorian and Neoclassical style. The building has had a range of uses over the last hundreds of years, including being government and naval offices. In the present day, Somerset House hosts exhibits on a range of topics and has some other attractions, like an ice rink in the winter.

Southwark Cathedral

Southwark Cathedral sits next to London Bridge and was constructed in 1839 and opened in 1897. The cathedral features gothic, gothic revival, and romanesque design elements. Visitors can admire the architecture of the iconic cathedral, and services are hosted frequently.

Abbey Road Studios

Music enthusiasts won't want to miss seeing Abbey Road Studios. The recording studios opened in 1931 and have hosted an array of artists. Musicians that have used the studios include The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Oasis, among many others.

Westminster Cathedral

Westminster Cathedral was completed in 1903 and is the largest Catholic church in the United Kingdom. It is also the seat of the Archbishop of Westminster. The Byzantine-style church features a unique red-striped exterior and is equally impressive inside, with marble, mosaics, and other design elements. You can visit the cathedral if a service is not in progress, and guided tours can be booked.

The River Thames

The River Thames is probably the most well-known river in the United Kingdom. It stretches for 215 miles, making it the second longest river in the UK, after the River Severn. The river runs through much of London and also goes into Windsor, Oxford, Reading, and Henley-on-Thames. Many famous bridges also cross the river, including Tower Bridge and London Bridge.

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Tate Britain

Another renowned art gallery in London is Tate Britain. The gallery is a sister gallery to the Tate Modern and was founded in 1897. Before being named Tate Britain in 2000, the gallery was called the National Gallery of British Art and then the Tate Gallery. The gallery welcomes around six million visitors annually and showcases a range of art mediums.

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O2 Arena

The O2 Arena is a popular entertainment venue in London. In addition, the building's unique dome design with spikes has become an iconic sight on the London skyline. The arena opened in 2000 and was initially called the Millennium Dome.

The current arena was completed in 2007. Today, you can see many events at the O2 or just snap some pictures of the arena as you pass by.

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Wembley Stadium

Wembley Stadium is an iconic football stadium in London with a capacity of 90,000 fans. The current stadium was constructed in 2007 on the site of the old Wembley Stadium, which opened in 1923. The arena hosts many football events, including England national team home matches and FA Cup finals.

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Harrods

London has many iconic stores, with the most famous arguably being Harrods. The luxury department store was founded in 1849 in London and is located in the high-end area of Kensington.

Visitors can browse fashion and home items from world-renowned designers. There's also an impressive food hall, and if visiting this landmark of London around the holidays, you'll get to see the stunning Christmas window displays!

Conclusion

London is a busy city with many things to do during the day and at night. Having read this London travel guide, you should have found many world-renowned landmarks to add to your London itinerary!

This article was edited by Alli Sewell.

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