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There is certainly no shortage of things to do and see in London; after all, it is one of the most famous and historic cities in the world! Chances are, though, you won’t have unlimited time to spend there, so we’ve put together this handy list of the top five attractions you definitely need to see while you’re in this fantastic city:
#1 – Buckingham Palace – Buckingham Palace is considered by many to represent the heart and soul of the British monarchy, largely because it is the most visible and famous monument associated with the Royal Family. Keep an eye on the flag that flies over the palace; if it is the royal standard, then the queen herself resides in the palace. As the official London residence of the Queen, the Palace sees a huge amount of activity every day and it’s great fun to be a part of it in any way you can. Don’t miss the changing of the guard ceremony at 11:30 am every morning from May to July; from August to April it happens every two days at this same time.
#2 – Tate Modern Museum – Some of the best modern art in the world resides at the Tate Modern, which is another ‘must see’ for any visitor to London. This museum is part of a larger group called the Tate, and as the national museum for international modern art, it is the one that most visitors find most interesting. The galleries are spread over various levels of what used to be Bankside Power Station; look for Tate’s permanent collection on levels three and five, while levels two and four showcase temporary and special featured exhibits.
#3 – National Gallery – If you’re interested in historical art, look no further than the National Gallery located just off Trafalgar Square. The collection here focuses on art dating from the 1200s to 1900s, so you’ll find an extremely rich collection of paintings within its walls. Many of the best paintings were evacuated during World War II when London was heavily bombed by the Germans, but luckily they all survived and are easily accessible to everyone today. Admission to the National Gallery is free; occasionally, however, there is a nominal fee for special exhibits of various kinds.
#4 – Natural History Museum – Located on Exhibition Road in South Kensington, the Natural History Museum is one of the best in the world in this thematic area. Its focus on life sciences and earth sciences means you’ll find a wide variety of items and specimens, some dating back hundreds of years. Within these walls you’ll find specimens originally collected by Charles Darwin, for example, as well as some impressive displays of dinosaur skeletons. It is well worth taking time to explore this exceptional museum, both for the scientific and historical value of the exhibits and to enjoy the spectacular architecture of the building itself.
#5 – Victoria and Albert Museum – Also located along Exhibition Road in South Kensington, you’ll sometimes see the Victoria & Albert Museum, abbreviated simply as the V&A. It is the largest museum of design and decorative arts in the world, and its collection is impressive. From glass, ceramics, and textiles to medieval sculptures, drawings, furniture, and items, this wonderful museum is beautiful and full of historical value. Browse the galleries, each focusing on a different world culture, but also set aside plenty of time to explore the John Madejski Garden. This refreshingly charming garden is a mix of modern and traditional design elements, and is especially beautiful at night when the fountain, planters and building facades are lit up with subtle lighting effects.