Set on the River Thames, London is one of the most visited cities in the world. Are you staying in London for a short time? Or maybe you only want to see the best sites during your stay? Before You Explore has got you covered!
Tips: buying tickets online is cheaper than at the attraction; note that definitions for children's ages and for concessions vary per attraction
*Prices below are for buying tickets at the attraction1. Big Ben
Why visit? Because how can you visit London and not see one of it's most famous landmarks?!
Website: Big Ben - Parliament
Entrance fee: N/A - only UK residents sponsored by a Member of Parliament may tour Big Ben
Closest tube stop: Westminster (Circle, District & Jubilee lines)
GPS coordinates: 51.500719, -0.124625
2. Tower Bridge
Why visit? If not for incredible views of London from the high level walkway then for the fact that it's one of the most famous bridges in the world. Don't miss the bridge lifts!
Website: Tower Bridge
Entrance fee: Walking across the bridge base is free; accessing the high level walkway is £9 for adults, £6.30 concessions & £3.90 for children
Opening Times: April – September 10h00-17h30 & October – March 09h30-17h00
Closest tube stop: Tower Hill (Circle & District lines)
GPS coordinates: 51.505486, -0.075356
3. Buckingham Palace
Why visit? For the royal experience of course - the Queen still lives here, how cool! Don't miss the Changing of the Guards ceremony outside the palace everyday at 11h30.
Website: Royal Collection
Entrance fee: Varies; £20 - 35 for adults, £18.80 - 32 concessions & £11.80 - 20 for children
Opening Times: last week of July - last week of September 09h30-16h15
Closest tube stop: St. James's Park (Circle & District lines)
GPS coordinates: 51.501374, -0.141911
4. London Eye
Why visit? Because it's Europe's tallest ferris wheel! With impressive views of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and other famous landmarks, the London Eye is a must-visit!
Website: London Eye
Entrance fee: for a standard ticket; £23 for adults, £20 for seniors & £17 for children
Opening Times: September - March 10h00-20h30 & April - August 10h00-21h30
Closest tube stop: Waterloo (Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo & Waterloo & City lines)
GPS coordinates: 51.503461, -0.119318
5. Piccadilly Circus
Why visit? The "Times Square" of London, Piccadilly Circus acts as a main hub connecting to the lively areas of Soho, Leicester Square and Chinatown.
Entrance fee: free
Opening Times: all day, everyday
Closest tube stop: Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo & Piccadilly lines)
GPS coordinates: 51.510027, -0.135013
Closest tube stop: Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo & Piccadilly lines)
GPS coordinates: 51.510027, -0.135013
6. St. Paul's Cathedral
Why visit? St. Paul's is famous for royal celebrations, more specifically it's where the late Princess Diana married Prince Charles in 1981. Winston Churchill's funeral was also here.
Website: St. Pauls
Entrance fee: £18 for adults, £16 concessions & £8 for children
Opening Times: opening times may vary; generally Monday - Saturday 08h30-16h00
Closest tube stop: St. Paul's (Central line)
GPS coordinates: 51.513842, -0.098351
7. Harrods
Why visit? Harrods is one of largest and most famous department stores in the world. Beautiful, luxurious and a shopper's paradise. It has anything and everything!
Website: Harrods
Entrance fee: free
Opening Times: Monday - Saturday 10h00-21h00 & Sunday (browse until noon) 11h30-18h00
Closest tube stop: Knightsbridge (Piccadilly line)
GPS coordinates: 51.499375, -0.162934
8. Westminster Abbey
Why visit? Beautiful inside and out, Westminster Abbey is the traditional place for coronations and burials of British monarchs. Feel royal!
Website: Westminster Abbey
Entrance fee: £20 for adults, £17 concessions and £9 for children
Opening Times: varies per day, generally Weekdays 09h30-15h30, Saturdays 09h30-13h30 & closed Sundays except for services
Closest tube stop: Westminster (Circle, District & Jubilee lines)
GPS coordinates: 51.499447, -0.127429
9. Trafalgar Square
Why visit? There's so much to see here - the National Gallery, landmarks, cultural events and even shows. You'll also find the biggest Christmas tree in London here!
Website: Trafalgar Square
Entrance fee: free
Opening Times: all day, everyday
Closest tube stop: Charing Cross (Bakerloo & Northern lines)
GPS coordinates: 51.508109, -0.127565
Why visit? To see the impressive collection of Crown Jewels still used by the Queen today and of course, the Tower Ravens. Legend says that if the ravens leave the tower, the kingdom will fall.
Website: Tower of London
Opening Times: all day, everyday
Closest tube stop: Charing Cross (Bakerloo & Northern lines)
GPS coordinates: 51.508109, -0.127565
10. Tower of London
Why visit? To see the impressive collection of Crown Jewels still used by the Queen today and of course, the Tower Ravens. Legend says that if the ravens leave the tower, the kingdom will fall.
Website: Tower of London
Entrance fee: £24.50 for adults, £18.70 concessions & £11 for children
Opening Times: Tuesday - Saturday 09h00-17h30, Sunday - Monday 10h00-17h30 & last admission is 17h00
Closest tube stop: Tower Hill (Circle & District lines)
GPS coordinates: 51.508129, -0.075971
What would your Top 10 London be?
