10 Iconic Places To Visit In London For First-Timers

10 Iconic Places To Visit In London For First-Timers
Eunise
Eunise 
Updated
| 4 min read

London is one of the most iconic cities to visit in the world. This diverse capital of England is a favorite destination for many, but those planning a trip to London for the first time may feel overwhelmed by the vast amount of options available. With that in mind, we’ve set out to help new visitors plan their trip with this list of the 10 most iconic places to visit in London. You deserve to enjoy an ultimate London experience at least once in your life!

1. London Eye

London-Eye-2009
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Khamtran used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Known as the Millennium Wheel, the London Eye is a gigantic Ferris wheel located on the South Bank of the River Thames. This remarkable tourist spot in London is open daily from 11:00 am until 6:00 pm. You can pay a visit at only 22.45 GBP and have fun enjoying the best views of the city.

Address: Lambeth, London SE1 7PB, UK

Price: from 24.16 USD

Opening Hours: 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

Website: London Eye

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2. Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace from gardens, London, UK - Diliff
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Diliff used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Situated in Westminster, the Buckingham Palace is the most exceptional royal building in the entire country. It is where the administrative headquarters of the royal family is located and Queen Elizabeth sometimes resides here, too. The entrance fee for the Buckingham Palace starts at 23 GBP for adults. This majestic palace is absolutely worth a visit.

Address: London SW1A 1AA, UK

Price: from 28.79 USD

Opening Hours: 9:30 am - 7:30 pm

Duration: around 2 hours required.

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3. St. Paul's Cathedral

St Paul's Cathedral, London, England - Jan 2010
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Diliff used under CC BY-SA 3.0

One of the marvelous spots in London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, is an Anglican cathedral that you should not miss. More so, it is a Grade I listed building and the mother church of the Diocese of London. You can enter this religious building for 18 GBP, which includes the admission to the cathedral floor, three galleries in the dome, crypt, and multimedia guides.

Address: St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD, UK

Price: from 19.37 USD

Opening Hours: 8.30 am - 4:00 pm, Monday - Saturday

Website: St. Paul’s Cathedral

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4. Big Ben

Big Ben, London (30977153027)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Pedro Szekely used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Undoubtedly, one of the most popular landmarks in London is the Big Ben. It can be found in Elizabeth Tower at The Houses of Parliament in central London. Apparently, the name Big Ben usually refers to the giant clock inside the clock tower. It weighs over 13 tons (11.79 tonnes) and looks more magnificent at nightfall. So, check it out at only 12 GBP and you will surely be amazed by its beauty.

Address: Westminster, London SW1A 0AA, UK

Price: from 15.02 USD

Contact: +44 20 7219 4272

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London Tour Guide

Robert Woolf

Robert Woolf

I am a London tour guide and my tours include talking about people who have shaped the city plus the many connected places such as Hampton Court Palace, The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the commercial centre of the city: the City of London, and London’s world class museums and galleries. I have been guiding for 12 years. I am a licenced London Blue Badge Tour Guide, a City of London Guide, and a Westminster Guide. The reviews I receive from clients speak of their enjoyment from the local knowledge and the humour I bring to my tours. Born within sight of Hampton Court Palace, I am a Londoner and apart from 2 years in the Middle East, I have worked in this capital city all my business and tour guiding careers. I have travelled widely and I appreciate what appeals to visitors coming to London. I can tailor my tours to interest children. I guide couples, families and larger tour groups. I particularly enjoy visits to Westminster Abbey, where I also volunteer guiding students and children through its wonderful interior – on my tours you will hear about monarchs, why scientists and poets are remembered, the architecture and religious history. The Abbey is the story of England. Come on an engaging and fun tour with me. There is so much to show you !

Tours by Robert

5. Hyde Park

Hyde Park, London, England
Source: Photo by Flickr user cattan2011 used under CC BY 2.0

Another top attraction you have to include to your itinerary when in London is Hyde Park. It is one of the largest of the eight royal parks in the city. This lovely park covers 350 acres (141.64 hectares), which features some of the famous landmarks in London, such as the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain and Serpentine Lake. In addition, you can do some recreational activities, such as cycling, swimming, horse riding, and boating, while here.

Address: London W2 2UH, UK

Opening Hours: 5:00 am - 12:00 am

Contact: +44 300 061 2000

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6. Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace, London 03
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Edwardx used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Access the astounding Kensington Palace for 15 GBP and experience a wonderful life set in the 18th century. The Kensington Palace is a royal home in the Kensington Gardens, which has been greatly influenced by generations of royal women. You will be able to see the extraordinary paintings from the Royal Collection as well as the various exhibitions inside the palace.

Address: Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX, UK

Price: from 18 USD

Opening Hours: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Contact: +44 20 3166 6000

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7. Tower of London

Tower of London viewed from the River Thames
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bob Collowan used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The historic castle situated on the North Bank of the River Thames is called the Tower of London. Officially, it is named as Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London. It is also one of the greatest symbols of royalty in the country. You can enter the castle for 25 GBP, which includes the Yeoman Warder guided tour, Tower and Crown Jewels display, live historical reenactments, children’s activity trail, and White Tower tour.

Address: St Katharine’s & Wapping, London EC3N 4AB, UK

Price: from 26.89 USD

Opening Hours: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

Contact: +44 844 482 7777

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8. London Dungeon

London - The London Dungeon - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user giggel used under CC BY 3.0

A one-of-a-kind tourist attraction in London, the London Dungeon recreates different horrible and gory historical events of the city. It utilizes special effects, rides, and live actors to make you feel that you are really taken back in London’s darkest past. Additionally, the thrilling London Dungeon will let you come face-to-face with terrifying yet funny characters that will totally scare you. The admission fee starts at 23 GBP, so try this out for an exciting and unforgettable experience in London.

Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, Lambeth, London SE1 7PB, UK

Price: from 24.75 USD

Opening Hours: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

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9. SEA LIFE London Aquarium

Sea Life London Aquarium, England
Source: Photo by Flickr user dconvertini used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Opened in March 1997, the SEA LIFE London Aquarium has been one of the most visited attractions in the city. For 19.50 GBP, you can enjoy a magical underwater journey. There is a wide range of awesome sea creatures you will see once you set foot in this interactive attraction. Not only will the kids enjoy a trip to this attraction, as there is so much for everyone to see. Furthermore, this attraction fosters conservation and management of marine life through awareness.

Address: County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, Lambeth, London SE1 7PB, UK

Price: from 20.98 USD

Opening Hours: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Contact: +44 871 663 1678

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10. British Museum

British Museum Great Court, London, UK - Diliff
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Diliff used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The British Museum was founded in 1753, and since its opening has been dedicated to displaying and studying human history, culture, and art. It is situated in the Bloomsbury area of the city and most London travelers visit this remarkable attraction, for it offers noteworthy collections, events, displays, and special exhibitions. There is no reason to miss out on this tourist spot in London because it is free of charge. Thus, make it a point to visit it along with the other must-see attractions in the city.

Address: Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG, UK

Price: Free Admission

Opening Hours: 10:00 am - 8:30 pm

Contact: +44 20 7323 8299

Website: British Museum

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Have your best trip ever in London

With all the notable tourist attractions mentioned above, there is no reason for you not to include London to your travel bucket list. London might have been one of the most-visited cities in the world these days, yet it still preserves its beauty for all visitors from across the globe. New and exhilarating things are definitely present here, so you will always have something to do with your family or friends no matter how many times you visit. In addition to attractions, there are also hotels overlooking the New Year’s Eve fireworks in London. Thus, plan your next trip to this spectacular city ahead of time and enjoy every moment you’ve got. Nothing beats an amazing journey with the people you love the most, so make it a point to head to London for the most cherished travel of your life. Spending your break in the city will totally be one for the books.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Eunise is a Filipino writer who curates articles for a living. It is her passion to share her own pieces of writing to everyone and inspire people from across the globe. She loves sipping hot...Read more

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