| 
London is a truly immense city, with many attractions, museums and monuments.
So vast that a single week would not be enough to appreciate all the beauties
We have tried to bring together the main activities on what to do and what to see in London.
WHAT TO SEE IN LONDON
01
LONDON EYE AND SOUTH BANK
There is nothing more exciting than admiring the capital’s skyline from one of the most iconic places in London.
You climb the most famous Ferris wheel in the world, aboard capsules entirely covered in glass. 360 degree view of all of London and the main attractions: Big Ben, Saint Paul, Westminster…
The South Bank is the scenic riverfront that you can walk along from the London Eye. A splendid walk on the banks of the Thames among trees, pubs and iconic places. Among the top activities on what to see in London.
02
BUCKINGHAM PALACE AND THE CHANGE OF THE GUARD
Every year, thousands of visitors watch the traditional changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace.
The changing of the guard takes place every day at 11:30, from April until the end of July, and every other day for the rest of the year. Weather permitting. The new guards arrive on the palace forecourt at 11:30 from Wellington Barracks. The journey takes about 5 minutes and the soldiers are accompanied by a brass band. The ceremony is conducted in the square, and lasts about 40 minutes. The calendar is compiled by the British Army and is subject to change.
At certain times of the year (generally in the summer) it is possible to visit the evocative royal rooms of the Palace (entrance fee).
03
WESTMINSTER AND BIG BEN
Westminster Abbey, a UNESCO heritage site, is among the most important places in English history and culture. It is an absolute masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The central nave, with its 34 meters in length, is the largest in all of Great Britain.
The entrance ticket costs £23, and also includes the Museum, the Cloister, the College and the Church of Santa Margherita.
Hours: Mon – Tue – Thu – Fri from 9:30 to 16:30 (last admission 15:30) Wed from 09:30 to 19:00 (last admission 18:00) Sat from 09:30 to 14:30 ( last admission 1.30pm) Sun open only for religious services.
Big Ben is the symbol of England, synonymous with London throughout the world, endlessly photographed, painted and reproduced as a souvenir. The most famous element of the Parliament is undoubtedly the St Stephen’s Tower or Clock Tower, better known as Big Ben, the most famous clock in the world. Big Ben is, in reality, the name of the main bell (13 tons) of the clock and not, as many think, of the entire tower, over 96 meters high and illuminated at night by 112 light bulbs that are turned off at midnight to turn on again at sunset the next day.
04
THE ROYAL PARKS
A holiday in London cannot do without a visit to one of its beautiful royal parks among the activities not to be missed on what to see in London.
Extraordinary green lungs in which to take pleasant walks, relax and escape from the chaos and crowds of the city.
The whole capital is full of splendid parks. From the center to the periphery you will be spoiled for choice.
Richmond, Primrose Hill and Greenwich are among our favourites. Hyde Park is probably among the most famous. Kensington with the Diana Memorial Playground is one of the most loved parks in London by children.
From here, the guide to the best parks in London.
05
CAMDEN
Visiting Camden Town and the market of the same name is, from personal experience, one of the top activities on what to see in London.
Beautiful, lively, curious and colorful, it is a truly magical place, despite the fact that many consider it purely touristic.
Here you can buy souvenirs at the best price in London and stop for a quick meal at its traditional market.
06
BRITISH MUSEUM AND NATIONAL GALLERY
The offer of museums in the capital is immense and it would be decidedly difficult to give up a visit to one of its most important museums. British and National Gallery are two of the most important museums in London.
The British Museum houses the largest collection of antiquities and objects of historical interest in the world. Here, you will find artifacts from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Pacific. Highlights include the Reading Room, one of Karl Marx’s favorite haunts, the Great Court, designed by Norman Foster, and the mummies exhibited in the Ancient Egypt collection.
The National Gallery houses an absolutely unique collection of paintings, making it one of the most beautiful art galleries in the world! Here, you can admire masterpieces by Botticelli, Titian, Raphael, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Cezanne, Van Gogh and many more.
In both cases these are two unmissable museums on what to see in London. And best of all, they’re both free! More info from here.
07
SHOPPING
It would be impossible not to take a shopping break. You are still in London and, here, there are so many temptations. For adults and for children.
Between large shopping centres, themed shops, endless shopping streets and markets, you will be spoiled for choice.
Harrod’s is probably the most evocative name when it comes to shopping. Hamleys is a children’s paradise.
And then there are Oxford Street, Regents Street and Carnaby Street. Not to mention the numerous markets.
More info from here
08
NOTTING HILL AND PORTOBELLO
The homonymous film starring Hugh Grant has done nothing but expand the name in the collective imagination. Today, Notting Hill is a real attraction. Including its busy market which, especially on Saturdays, is literally invaded by hordes of tourists.
If you were to find yourself in these parts towards the end of August, you could admire one of the most beautiful Carnivals in all of Europe.
Half a day to spend here is almost a must on what to see in London. A long walk of approximately 30 minutes will take you to Kensington Palace and the beautiful gardens.
09
TOWER OF LONDON
The Tower of London is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful medieval fortresses in Europe and, at the same time, one of the best preserved. It embodies the power of the Monarchy and it is here that the Crown Jewels have been kept since the reign of Henry III in the 13th century. Today, in addition to having the opportunity to visit the splendid fortress and the jewels, you can experience the thrill of letting yourself be guided by a real Yeomen.
The visit to the Tower of London takes at least 3 hours but it is undoubtedly one of the must-see places on what to see in London.
Info, timetables and tickets from this link.
10
TOWER BRIDGE
Another iconic place in London (adjective which we have clearly abused by now), Tower Bridge is a historic drawbridge that unites the two opposite banks of the Thames.
Perpetually immortalized in photos, paintings and images, it is to be admired during the day, at sunset (really suggestive) and at nightfall when everything is lit up.
During the week, it is possible to admire the opening of the drawbridge. On the official website you will find precise dates and times.
By purchasing the ticket, moreover, you will be able to access an interesting museum space and, above all, climb the catwalks to enjoy a spectacular view of the city.
11
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
In our opinion it is one of the most beautiful and interesting museums in London. A must on what to see in London especially with children who will literally adore this place.
A structure that in some ways brings to mind Harry Potter!
Already starting from the entrance, with the majestic skeleton of the blue whale that can be admired with its nose up!!
More info from this link.
12
SAINT PAUL
The dome of St.Paul’s Cathedral, second only to that of Rome, towers over the whole city. A must see place on what to see in London.
The dome can be reached by climbing a set of stairs which lead to three galleries. The most famous of the three is the Whispering Gallery; the name resides in the very particularity of the place, where the words whispered near the wall resound from any point of the gallery. Continuing on the steps you reach the Golden Gallery, the highest of the three. From here, you can admire a fantastic panorama over the City and the Thames.
The greatest religious events in the English capital have always been celebrated in St Paul: from the funeral of Lord Nelson to that of Winston Churchill, to the Queen Mother’s 100th birthday, to the wedding of Lady Diana with Prince Charles. Furthermore, the church houses graves and memorials of famous British personalities.
St Paul’s Cathedral is easily accessible by public transport. The homonymous stop of the Central line of the metro is just a few minutes away. St Paul’s is open for visits Monday to Saturday, 08.30 to 16.00. Every Sunday the Cathedral is open exclusively for religious services.
Do not miss the long walkway on the Millennium Bridge, the famous pedestrian bridge that connects the two banks of the Thames. Here, too, beautiful views of the city await you!
13
SKYGARDEN AND THAMES CRUISE
A perfect way to end a holiday in London would be to admire it from two literally opposite points of view: from above and from the water. Two observation points for an alternative but incredibly suggestive view of London.
Skygarden is a majestic building in the shape of a walkie talkie which houses a panoramic garden on the top floor, the highest in London. From here the view is truly incomparable. But, above all, you enter for free (with reservation). More info from here.
Cruising is the perfect way to unwind. Numerous tour operators operate hour-long cruises along the Thames.
If you have time, you can use the ferry from Tower Bridge to reach the charming district of Greenwich.
If, on the other hand, you are on holiday with children, from this link you could find valid alternatives for the whole family.