To make the most of your London visit, head to the city’s famous landmarks. You just cannot go to London without meeting Big Ben, or take a peek at the Palace. Although the city offers an inexhaustible array of popular tourist attractions, here are six famous monuments that should be on your London bucket list:
Big Ben
The city’s most iconic landmark is Elizabeth’s Tower – more popularly known as Big Ben. The moniker refers to the massive bell inside the tower. The origin of the name, however, is not known although there are two theories about who it was named after. First that it was named after Benjamin Hall, the First Commissioner of Works. Second, that it was named after Benjamin Caunt, a British heavyweight boxing champion.
Houses of Parliament
The Houses of Parliament is the seat of the two parliamentary houses of the United Kingdom: the House of Lords and the House of Commons. It houses the famous Big Ben. There are also tours available inside this architectural wonder.
London Eye
The London Eye is one of the most popular and modern attractions of the city. The Eye is a massive observation wheel and offers the highest public viewing point in London. It was designed to be a landmark for the new millennium. It is located in the Jubilee Gardens on the South Banks of the River Thames.
The Shard
The Shard is another modern monument of London. It is a glass skyscraper and is considered one of the tallest buildings in Europe. While tickets to get up the building is a little expensive, the view from the Shard is one of the most panoramic and impressive vistas of London.
Tower Bridge
Probably the most famous bridge in the world, the Tower Bridge is a combination of the old and new. It was built in the 1800s but has been revamped into a modern marvel, thanks to its new high-level glass walkways over the River Thames. Its Victorian Gothic designs has become one of London’s most famous landmarks.
Buckingham Palace
London would not be complete without the Buckingham Palace. Part of the palace is still being used by the Royal Family. The Queen’s Gallery is open to visitors and houses the royal art collection. My favorite is the changing of the guards. It takes place in front of the palace everyday at 11 am.
London has endless wealth of attractions, from the city’s architecture to its pop culture, it is certain to provide you an amazing experience. It is still one of my favorite cities in the world.
What is your favorite London landmark? Is London on your bucket list?
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Jen is a Chicago-based traveler and creative. She is a full-time development & communications executive specializing in non-profit organizations. Originally from the East Coast, she created The Jetsetter as a place to share her travel stories and photos with friends and family. Now, it is a place for adventurers and dreamers. Its purpose is to inspire and encourage busy professionals to see the world and achieve a better work-life balance.