London is a truly unique city. With the perfect blend of the old and new, it’s become a must-visit destination for even the casual traveler. The only problem is, there are so many attractions in London and the surrounding area that it is impossible to see everything the area has to offer. But if you’re lucky enough to go for a visit, here’s a list of the must-see places and activities you should make time for.
1. Westminster Abbey
London is jam-packed with historical sites, that make it the ideal destination for any history buff. Among the most popular sites is Westminster Abbey. The church was built in the 10th century and has been an important venue for the British Monarchies since. It has hosted at least 16 royal weddings, and is the final resting place for 18 former monarchs. The gothic masterpiece is reasonably priced for individuals to tour, but it is free to attend services. Other top-ranked historical sites for travelors include the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Big Ben/House of Parliament
2. The London Eye
Located on the South Bank of the River Thames, the London Eye is the ultimate touristy must stop. The massive 443 ft tall Ferris wheel gives an unmatched view of the city, in air-conditioned capsules designed to hold up to 25 people. The ride lasts 30 minutes and costs a varying amount per individual depending on the experience. Make sure to walk around the South Bank area after your ride—it’s surrounded by numerous significant statues and charming shops.
3. The British Museum
The British Museum sees over six million travelers a year, which makes it the second most visited museum in the world behind the Louvre in Paris. Holding over eight million unique works the British Museum is known for its impressive collections from Ancient Egypt, Rome, Greece, Middle East, and Asia. The museum is free to enter, but they occasionally host some special exhibits that costs associated with them. Just be sure to keep up with the schedule, as it changes seasonally.
Other top museums include the V&A, Natural History Museum, and Imperial War Museum; all of which are also free.
4. Horse Racing
National Hunt racing is the most popular group of horse races, which includes the horses racing while jumping over objects such as hurdles or fences. Its two most popular races take place a short train ride away from London. The Cheltenham Festival is a two hour train ride from London, and is four days long. The most popular National Hunt race, Grand National, takes place in Liverpool, which is about a four-hour train ride through the English countryside and took place this past weekend Aintree racecourse.
If you were keeping tabs on the Grand National’s racing news, the favorite this year was Shutthefrontdoor. His placement at the top of the projections wasn’t surprising considering he won last year, of course. However, in true Grand National fashion, it was an exciting turn this year as Many Clouds won the top prize with somewhat-unlikely odds at 35/1, according to the experts on Betfair’s Grand National page. If you’d like to visit either race in the future however, buy your tickets in advance—they tend to sell quickly!
5. Trafalgar Square
Once the King’s Mews, Trafalgar Square was opened to the public in 1844 and has been a focal point for the city’s activities since. The Square holds a Christmas ceremony, Victory in Europe Day celebrations, and viewing parties for major sporting events and royal weddings. It is also a site that is popular for political protesting. The statues, architecture of the surrounding buildings, and fountains give the site an unmatchable beauty.
London is an incredible city that everyone should visit at least once. If you have the opportunity to go, don’t pass it up!