Top 20 Tourist Attractions in London

“London is a roost for every bird,” says Benjamin Disraeli. The city is home to a variety of tourist attractions, and over 4.3 million people visit the city every year. Ever wondered why? It’s because London tourist attractions are one of the most spectacular places you will ever visit, leaving you in awe of the city as well as the people living there. We have a list of London tourist attractions so that you can start exploring the city as soon as you get there. You will find everything starting from the renowned London Eye to the not-so-niche yet extremely instagrammable places! So, let’s dive in and explore London in-depth!

Top 20 Tourist Attractions in London

London is known for many things, from the dazzling tapestry of history to the chic modernity that the city boasts, The ordinary intertwines with the extraordinary, making it an exceptional journey for tourists and locals alike. Here is a list of the top tourist attractions in London.

1. The London Eye

The London Eye was created as a London tourist spot to help bring in the new millennium and originally opened its doors in 2000. The famous Ferris wheel was built to commemorate the new year and to lend a touch of modernity to the historic regions of London where it is located. “This engineering marvel is spectacular. This is our first visit to London, and we’re shocked at how big and beautiful it is. I had to coax my wife to get on the Eye, but once aboard, she realised it is secure and brilliant. Don’t be shy. Try the Eye!”‍ Says one of the visitors! Which talks for itself. It is one of the top tourist attractions in London.

Closest Tube: Waterloo

Cost: From £32.50

Timings: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM

2. A View From The Shard  

The Shard was intended to be a multifunctional structure, a renowned London tourist place that served as a vertical city for people to live, work, and unwind. It includes top-notch offices, accolade-winning restaurants, the 5-star Shangri-La Hotel, opulent homes, and The View from The Shard, the UK's highest viewing gallery with 360-degree vistas. You can see farther since you are higher than the Eye, yet despite this, everything below you appears far distant and exceedingly little. Unlike the Eye, which has a set ride time, you can stay as long as you like, and it is a place where it is encouraged to go on a clear day. At one of the Shard's restaurants, you may also get food and beverages. What else would you want from a Top tourist attractions in London? 

Closest Tube: London Bridge

Cost: From £28.00

Timings: Available on the website

3. Sky Garden 

London's highest public garden, Sky Garden, is a bustling gathering place and an iconic London tourist spot with 360-degree views of the iconic skyline of the city. From this amazing vantage point, you can see London. Admire the luxuriant foliage, beautifully planted gardens, observation decks, and outdoor terraces. For sweeping views of London, head to the Sky Garden gallery on the Walkie-Talkie’s 43rd floor. This lush indoor garden has floor-to-ceiling glass windows that offer stunning views of the famous London skyline. Before heading to the observation decks and outdoor terrace of this London tourist attraction, take a stroll through the well-maintained planted gardens.

Closest Tube: Monument

Cost: Free

Timings: Weekdays - 10 AM to 6 PM; Weekends - 11 AM to 9 PM

4. The Monument 

One of the City's most popular London tourist places, The Monument, provides sweeping city vistas. The 202-foot column, created by Sir Christopher Wren and Dr. Robert Hooke, stands on the piazza between Fish Street Hill and Monument Street as a memorial to the Great Fire of 1666. Since it is just 200 feet tall, it is considerably lower than the skyscrapers above and requires 311 steps of leg effort to ascend. But compared to the above premium viewing alternatives or a gourmet meal, it’s considerably less expensive and makes for a great London tourist attraction. 

Closest Tube: Monument

Cost: £5.40 for adults

Timings: Monday to Sunday - 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM

5. Emirates Airline

Continually mocked as a proper component of public transportation infrastructure, the cable car makes for an excellent London tourist attraction. It provides views of Canary Wharf and the other side of the River Thames. You’ll probably get a fine view even on a gloomy day, but bright, dry days are preferable. Besides getting a coffee and visiting The Crystal, “the world’s largest exhibition on the future of cities,” there isn’t much to do at the Royal Victoria Dock end. 

Closest Tube: North Greenwich

Cost: £5 for adults

Timings: Monday to Thursday: 7 AM to 9 PM; Friday: 7 AM to 11 PM; Saturday/Bank holidays: 8 AM to 11 PM; Sunday: 9 AM to 9 PM

The Royal Experience 

6. Buckingham Palace

Since 1837, the UK's monarchs have maintained Buckingham Palace as their official residence in London. Today, this London tourist place serves as the Monarch's administrative centre. The State Rooms of Buckingham Palace are available to guests every summer, despite being used for The King's numerous official functions and celebrations. Home to legends like Princess Diana, Queen Elizabeth II and other monarchs, Buckingham Palace is undoubtedly one of the most significant London tourist attractions.

Closest Tube: Green Park

Cost: £30.00 for adults; £19.50 for students

Timings: 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM (Stays open for longer in the summers)

7. Hampton Court palace 

In the 1530s, Hampton Court, the estate of Henry VIII, included a palace, a hotel, a theatre, and a sizable recreation area. The King used it to exhibit his majesty and power in every way possible, including through opulent dinners, an elaborate court lifestyle, and extravagantly expensive art. A few costumed performers are also present, waiting to engross you in historical intrigue and drama. Although it is situated right on the edge of London, Waterloo is the closest train station. Alternatively, you can depart from Richmond or Kingston and take a leisurely river cruise.

Closest Tube: Hampton Court

Cost: From £25.30 for adults

Timings: Wednesday to Sunday - 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM

8. Windsor Castle

During the reign of Queen Victoria, Windsor Castle held the position of the British monarchy's main residence and the centre of the British Empire, as well as practically all of royal Europe, many of whose families were linked to the Queen.

Windsor Castle has existed for almost a thousand years and is the oldest occupied castle globally. Its other London tourist attractions are the stately Queen Mary’s dollhouse and the luxurious State Apartments.

Closest Tube: London Victoria station

Cost: £26.50 to £28.50 for adults

Timings: Monday, Thursday to Sunday - 10:00 AM to 4:15 PM (Open for longer in summers)

9. The Houses of Parliament 

With millennia of history under its belt, Westminster Palace is one of the best London tourist attractions. Home to the famous Elizabeth Tower, better known by its famous bell, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament lets visitors watch debates and committee hearings. Audio or guided tours of the premises are available on most Saturdays and weekdays throughout the year. You’re welcome to admire the tower in all its beauty. However, entry is prohibited for overseas visitors. 

Closest Tube: Westminster 

Cost: Adult - £22.50 per ticket

Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays

For the movie maniacs 

10. Warner Bros Studios tour “The making of Harry Potter”

The best of London tourist attractions, explore the Harry Potter film series’ backstage secrets, step onto real sets, and learn the mysteries of the stunning visual effects. Before boarding the original Hogwarts Express at Platform 9 3/4 and exploring Diagon Alley, see the famous Hogwarts Great Hall and the Forbidden Forest. The Studio Tour, located at the studios where all eight movies were made, highlights the British creativity, artistry, and ability that turned the impossibly impossible into a reality on screen. Visitors can relive the magic through the eyes of the filmmakers who created the Harry Potter film series.

Closest Tube: Watford Junction 

Cost: £49.95

Timings: 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM

11. Sherlock Holmes Museum (221B Baker St.)

In Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s tales, Sherlock Holmes and his devoted companion Dr Watson resided at this address from 1881 to 1904. To provide a window into the private life of the investigator, Holmes’ flat has been repurposed into a museum. Discover Holmes’ personal artefacts in this London tourist attraction. As you make your way around the Victorian homes lighted by gas lamps, you may even come across some of Watson’s items. Additionally, the museum includes a display of life-size wax figures from Sherlock Holmes’ most well-known adventures. The museum’s gift shop is stocked with unusual trinkets and souvenirs, like deerstalker hats.

Closest Tube: Baker Street

Cost: £16.00 for adults

Timings: Daily - 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM

12. The Blue Door

The Blue Door is among the best London tourist attractions, as any fan of rom-coms is aware. This is due to the door’s appearance in the classic Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant movie Notting Hill. The blue door in the movie serves as the entryway of William Thacker’s apartment, played by Hugh Grant. You should take a picture in front of this door if you’re a fan of the movie! You can find this renowned blue door at 280 Westbourne Park Road.

Closest Tube: Westbourne Park

Cost: Free

Timings: Open 24/7

13. Abbey Road

“It maybe just a street crossing for some people, but it is a must if you are a Beatle fan! This is Abbey Road, so you must take a picture crossing the street. It was super cool and you have to visit here and take some pictures as you walk through.”‍ says a Beatle fan! North West London’s Abbey Road is home to one of the most well-known recording studios in the world, as well as the iconic Beatles zebra crossing. Because other tourists and Beatles enthusiasts frequently populate the area, it is also reasonably simple to spot. You’ll also discover that Abbey Road is still worthwhile to visit and is a top London tourist attraction. Even if you’re not a major Beatles fan. After all, it’s situated in a lovely part of London and provides a beautiful opportunity to spice your gram!

Closest Tube: St. John’s Wood

Cost: Free

Timings: Open 24/7

14. King's Cross station 

Kings Cross Station, most frequently linked to the Harry Potter books, is next on our list of top London tourist attractions. Young wizards and witches take the Hogwarts Express to Kings Cross to travel to school. In the movies, you’ll see a particular platform (9 ¾) that only magical people can use. Despite being a functioning train station, King’s Cross has a spot where you may capture pictures of a trolley moving through the platform, just like in the movies. The station also hosts a Back to Hogwarts event every September 1st. Additionally, there is a Harry Potter store nearby where you can buy various magical stuff. Just be aware that the station can get very congested, especially during rush hour. 

Closest Tube: King’s Cross

Cost: Free

Timings: Open 24/7

15. David bowie's house

The Brixton residence of David Bowie serves as a tribute to the late musician. The house is decorated with murals and graffiti that fans worldwide have painted. Any Bowie lover will want to visit this top tourist attraction in London because it is so rich in history. You might even see a painting or piece of recent graffiti if you’re lucky!

Closest Tube: Loughborough

Cost: Free 

Timings: Open 24/7

16. Westminter Abbey

Westminster Abbey, a place where the history is crowned. Being a celebrated place over decades in London, this masterpiece of art and architecture has hosted the most watched royal weddings of the royal family in the UK. The place has also witnessed coronations over the years. It is straight out of a disney movies and sure has numerous stories to tell. It can be said that this is one of the top tourist attractions in London. 

Closest Tube: Westminster

Cost: £23-£26 (varying based on age and whether you gift aid)

Timings: 9:30AM - 3:30PM

17. Hampton Court Palace

Another top tourist attractions in London is the Hampton Court Palace. This place is truly built in a way that every nook and corner within it speaks a different story. The moment you step through the gates of the enormous Hampton Court Palace, you will just feel the time travel around you to a completely different era. From Henry VIII’s sprawling kitchens the palace also contains the world famous maze which is a meticulously crafted puzzle. 

Closest Tube: Hampton Court

Cost: £24.50 for adults

Timings: 10AM - 6PM

18. ArcelorMittal Orbit

If you are a person who loves thrills that you get by being on a twisty turny ride, then Arcelor Mittal orbit is a top place to visit in London for you. This place can give you the exact adrenaline rush that you need. The place boasts of modern art along with very exciting rides including roller coasters. You will be left amazed by how twisty these rides are. If you need to have fun and feel the thrills, this is the best London tourist spot for you.

Closest Tube: Stratford

Cost: £12-£16

Timings: 11 AM - 5 PM

19. Up at The O2

This London tourist attraction is known to be the conqueror of heights as it is the iconic O2 arena that you can scale. This London tourist spot can give you a view that can make your heart skip a beat. With a harness over you, you can talk to the London wind. Are you an adventurous person but don’t wish to leave the city? Then this is the place where you can feel like a true urban mountaineer. 

Closest Tube: North Greenwich

Cost: £30-£40

Timings: They usually have slots from morning to evening; booking in advance is wise.

20. Shrek’s Adventure London

Are you a Shrek fan? Then this London tourist attraction is for you. This is the exact place where a fairy tale aficionados would want to be once they are in London. Dive right into the adventures Shrek has to offer with the help of a very interactive style of storytelling. Experience 4D or a real-life experience with all the fun characters and vibe with your favourite of all!

Closest Tube: Waterloo

Cost: £27-£30 for online bookings

Timings: 10 AM - 3 PM

To make your tour planning more accessible and save on entry costs, you can obtain a sightseeing pass for visitors visiting London tourist attractions, the capital of the United Kingdom, called London Pass. It comprises a smart card that allows its owner to pay a predetermined sum in advance and gain entry to several tourist destinations in and around the London area. The rate for a London pass ranges from €71 to €162, depending on the validity duration you opt for. Maybe you’ll find yourself enticed by London’s charm and plan to shift to England’s buzzing capital. In that case, we have the ultimate student life guide in London to help you get a glimpse of what you can expect as a student living in the big city!