London is one of the financial and cultural epicenters of the world. It long has been, and it achieved this status of centuries and centuries of historical relevance. The history of London extends over thousands of years, and is hard to summarize in just a few paragraphs. However, as a big city, London attracts millions of tourists each year. This is still the case even after the impact of COVID-19 which drastically damaged the international tourism market in general.
Even so, London still manages to attract millions of tourists each year. This is partially because of how much there is to do in London. Whether you’re a history-buff or a theatre-nerd, there’s something for everyone in the city of London.
The London Eye
When it comes to the top tourist attractions in London, the London Eye has to be mentioned. Not only is the London Eye a top tourist attraction in London, it’s actually the number one tourist attraction in the entire UK. It is the tallest cantilevered observation wheel in all of Europe, and commands the attraction of over 3 million tourists every year by itself.
The London Eye was previously titled the Millenium Wheel, and is an impressive 433 feet tall. It sits on the South Bank of the River Thames, and offers visitors an unbeatable view of the city of London. The Eye was originally constructed in 1999 and reigned as the tallest ferris wheel in the world until the Star of Nanchang was constructed in 2006.
Even so, it remains a top tourist attraction in the UK, and brings many tourists to the streets of London year after year.
Houses of Parliament
The houses of parliament are another historical and world-recognized tourist attraction that calls London home. These buildings are on the other side of the River Thames, just opposite the London Eye.
These buildings act as a meeting place for the two houses of Parliament, the House of Commons and the House of Lords. There are public tours that are available, and these buildings carry rich histories with them. Perhaps it is the connection to royal history that makes the houses of parliament such an attractive tourist destination.
Churchill War Rooms
The Churchill War Rooms are another top tourist destination in London. This is specifically because of their historical significance. The Churchill War Rooms is an exhibit attached to the Imperial War Museum, and is the bunker that Winston Churchill and other State officials used during World War II. Attached to this same exhibit is a biographical museum that walks visitors through the life of Winston Churchill himself.
It doesn’t take a World War II expert to feel the power and historical significance in the very atmosphere of the Imperial War Museum, and the Churchill War Rooms themselves. Even if military-history isn’t necessarily your favorite thing in the world, the Imperial War Museum is well-worth the visit. You may even leave with a whole different understanding of how society has gotten to where it is today.
All of the Theatre
This would never be a complete list of tourist attractions in London without mentioning the world class theatre available around nearly every corner. There are a plethora of world renowned playhouses that all call London home. From dramas to comedies, classics to moderns, musicals, and everything in between, London is a city of live-theatre.
Even if you’re just going to be in London for a day, it’s highly suggested that you take advantage of luggage storage in London and find yourself a ticket to a matinee. The theatre really is unlike any other and will surely have you jumping out of your seat with applause.
The Crown Jewels
The crown jewels are another top tourist attraction in London. A collection of precious gems and treasures that have been compiled since around 1660. This collection is invaluable and one of the most prized possessions of the whole state of England.
The crown jewels include a collection of over 100 priceless, historical, and culturally valuable pieces. Within those 100 pieces are over 23,000 gemstones. This is by far one of the most valuable collections in the world, and is truly awe-inspiring when seen in person.
Wrapping Up
The five tourist attractions on this list are only a short sample of all the things that London has to offer. It truly is a massive city with something for everyone. With plenty of pubs, museums, playhouses, and street markets, there’s something for everyone whether you’re an art-lover, a history-buff, or a die hard Harry Potter fan. Surely, you’ll find something in London that pulls on your heart strings. You may even decide that you want to extend your stay.
Don’t wait too long, and start planning your London itinerary today.