Visiting London  is an experience like no other. From the famous Big Ben clock tower and Houses of Parliament to Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge and the London Eye, there's so much to see and do in this historic city. Walking down the bustling streets and taking in the sights and sounds of this iconic city will leave you feeling like you're in a movie. Whether it's exploring the world-famous museums or shopping at Covent Garden market, there's fun to be had around every corner.

London Tower Bridge is one of the most iconic attractions in the city of London. This magnificent structure spans the River Thames, connecting the boroughs of Tower Hamlets and Southwark. The bridge's design was innovative, combining the practical with the ornate. It is actually a combination of a suspension bridge and a drawbridge, which allows large ships to pass through. It’s been featured in countless movies, and TV shows including James Bond, where it splinters into the river to allow a boat chase scene to unfold. At night, the bridge is lit up in spectacular fashion, making for the perfect photo opportunity. It's especially lovely during the holiday season when it is illuminated with festive lights.

By 1870, the east of London had become a busy commercial area, and the shipping industry had grown rapidly, making it essential to build a local bridge over the River Thames. The existing bridges, London Bridge and Southwark Bridge, were located further upstream and caused significant problems for shipping. In response to this need, construction of tower bridge began in 1886, and it took eight years to complete. The bridge construction was as extravagant as it was innovative, with a Victorian Gothic design consisting of two massive stone towers that hold up the powerful bascule mechanism. The bridge was built to allow river traffic to pass while still allowing access to pedestrians and vehicles crossing the river. The hydraulic mechanism was considered state-of-the-art, raising and lowering the bridge in roughly one minute to allow the passage of ships and boats. The bridge was officially opened on June 30, 1894, by Edward Prince of Wales and has been a striking landmark ever since with its iconic bridge design. In 1977, the bridge was painted in its current iconic color scheme of blue and white for the Queen’s Jubilee.

As an enduring symbol of London, Tower Bridge remains a significant attraction of London.

Navigating the city's intricate public transportation system can be daunting at first, but with a little practice, you'll be a pro in no time.

The city is also home to some of the best food in the world, with a diverse range of cuisines and flavors to choose from. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite from a food truck or treating yourself to a five-course meal at a fancy restaurant, London's food scene is sure to impress.

The Tower of London is one of England's most famous historical landmarks. It has been an integral part of British history since its construction in 1078 and continues to be a major tourist attraction today.

The Tower of London was originally built by William the Conqueror as a fortress to protect London from invaders. Throughout its long history, it has served various purposes, including being a prison housing high-profile prisoners such as Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas More. Today, it is home to both the Crown Jewels and a group of costumed "Beefeaters" who patrol the grounds. The Tower is also home to six ravens which are believed to bring good luck if they remain in residence - they wear metal tags on their legs equipped with GPS trackers in order to ensure they don't wander too far away!

The architecture of the Tower is highly impressive and varied; there are several turrets, walls, and moats surrounding the complex. Inside are several buildings, including St John's Chapel, where King Richard II was coronated in 1377; Bloody Tower, which houses the most infamous prison at the Tower of London & White Tower, which has the Royal armories collections. The grounds are also dotted with statues dedicated to past monarchs. The highlight for many visitors is seeing the Crown Jewels - these contain various jewels that have belonged to generations of British Royal Family members over centuries.

The tower can become quite crowded throughout the day, so I suggest timing your visit wisely. One of the best times to explore is a few hours before it closes, allowing for a more intimate experience. Remember, closing times vary depending on the day and month, so it's advisable to double-check online before your visit.

Westminster Abbey is one of the most iconic landmarks in London and is considered one of the most important religious buildings in the United Kingdom. The abbey stands as a testament to British history, architecture, and culture, with its impressive Gothic architecture and rich legacy of royal coronations, weddings, and funerals.

The abbey was originally founded in the 10th century as a Benedictine monastery but has since evolved into a place of worship and national significance. Today, Westminster Abbey is both an active church and a tourist attraction, welcoming millions of visitors each year who come to admire its stunning architecture and historical treasures. One of the most striking features of Westminster Abbey is its intricate Gothic architecture, which is characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and ornate carvings. Inside the abbey, visitors can explore a wealth of historical artifacts and monuments, including the tombs of British monarchs such as Queen Elizabeth I, King Henry III, and King Edward the Confessor. The abbey is also home to famous philosophers and scientists, such as Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin. Westminster Abbey has played a significant role in British history, serving as the site of numerous royal weddings, coronations, and state funerals. In recent years, it has hosted the weddings of Prince William and Catherine Middleton. The abbey is also the traditional site of the coronation of British monarchs, with the first recorded coronation taking place there in 1066. Such royal legacy make it a must-see destination for anyone visiting London or interested in British history and culture.

The London Parliament Building, also known as the Palace of Westminster, is another iconic building of London. It is home to the Houses of Parliament, where the British government holds its meetings and debates, making it a symbol of British democracy and politics.

Construction on the Parliament Building began in the mid-19th century after a fire destroyed much of the previous palace. The building was designed in the Gothic Revival style by architect Charles Barry, who sought to create a structure that would be both grand and imposing. Today, it is one of the most recognizable landmarks in London, with its ornate towers, gargoyles, and intricate carvings. The interior of the Parliament Building is just as impressive as the exterior, with numerous halls, chambers, and corridors that are rich in history and art. Visitors can explore the House of Commons, where the elected representatives of the people debate and pass laws, and the House of Lords, where the appointed members of the upper house convene. These chambers are adorned with artwork and sculptures that celebrate British history and culture.

One of the most famous features of the Parliament Building is the clock tower housing Big Ben, which chimes the hour to this day. The clock tower is an icon of London and is often used as a symbol of the city in popular culture.

The National Gallery in London is one of the most important art museums in the world. Located in Trafalgar Square, the museum houses a vast collection of artwork that spans over 700 years of European art history.

The National Gallery was founded in 1824 and has since grown into one of the most significant cultural institutions in the United Kingdom. Its collection includes works by some of the most famous artists in history, including Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, and Rembrandt. The National Gallery's collection is diverse, featuring works from various artistic movements and periods. Visitors can explore paintings from the Italian Renaissance, French Impressionism, and the Dutch Golden Age, among others. Don’t miss some of the famous paintings such as “The entombment” by Michelangelo and “Sunflowers” by Vincent Van Gogh!

In addition to its permanent collection, the National Gallery hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions offer visitors the opportunity to explore specific themes or art movements, and to discover new perspectives on familiar works.

The British Museum is one of the most famous museums in the world, and for good reason. Located in the heart of London, the museum houses a huge collection of artifacts and artwork that spans over two million years of human history and culture.

The British Museum was founded in 1753, making it one of the oldest museums in the world. Its collection includes a vast array of objects from all corners of the globe, including ancient Egyptian mummies, Greek sculptures, and Chinese ceramics. The museum's collection is so extensive that only a fraction of its holdings can be displayed at a given time. The British Museum is home to some of the most iconic objects in world history, including the Rosetta Stone, which helped unlock the mysteries of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, and the Elgin Marbles, a collection of classical Greek sculptures that have been the subject of much controversy over the years.

With its massive size, it's no surprise that seeing everything in one visit is impossible. We booked an incredible Airbnb experience tour, a 3-hour guided walk, that took us on a journey through the museum's most iconic collections. 

The iconic London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel, is an impressive cantilevered observation wheel situated on the South Bank of the River Thames. As Europe's tallest cantilevered observation wheel, it offers birds eye view of the city.

However, I must admit that my personal experience was less than awe-inspiring. Despite purchasing a ticket in advance, we still had to endure a one-hour wait in line. Additionally, while the view was decent, it didn't quite live up to our expectations. If you're short on time, this may be one attraction you can skip without missing out.

We have been to so many incredible cities, but London really blew our minds with its greenery! I mean, you'd expect a big city to be all concrete jungle, right? Well, not here! Everywhere you look, there are little pockets of nature. From charming spots like Whitehall Gardens to massive parks like St James Park. The lush green and the fresh air are an absolute oasis amidst the chaos of the streets.

London is an absolute walker's paradise! Before our visit, we thought New York was the ultimate city for strolling around. But, London easily surpasses it in every way. All of London's incredible attractions are within walking distance. We had the most delightful time exploring iconic statues, charming side streets, beautiful gardens, and impressive monuments. The city is steeped in history, and it was mind-blowing to witness so many fascinating sights on our walk. If you're planning a trip, be sure to stay close to the heart of London, like Trafalgar Square or Piccadilly, so you can freely wander around this captivating city. Trust me, it's an experience you won't want to miss!

The telephone booth is one of the most iconic symbols of London. These distinctive red boxes have become synonymous with British culture, and they are recognized around the world as a symbol of London and the United Kingdom.

The first red telephone booths were introduced in London in the 1920s, and they quickly became a common sight on the city's streets. Designed by architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, the booths were made of cast iron and featured a domed roof and small panes of glass.Despite the rise of mobile phones and digital communication, the red telephone booth remains a beloved and enduring symbol of London. Many of the original booths have been preserved and restored, and they continue to serve as a functional part of the city's telecommunications network.

London's museum scene is packed with options, but missing out on Churchill's war room would be a huge mistake! This place is beyond fascinating. It's home to the Cabinet War Rooms, an underground complex where the British government commanded operations during World War II. There's also the Churchill Museum, which takes you on a personal journey through the life of Winston Churchill. This place has an incredible history. Construction started in 1938, right below the Treasury building in Westminster. By August 1939, they were fully operational, just a week before Britain declared war on Germany. The War Rooms played a vital role throughout the entire Second World War until they were eventually abandoned after Japan surrendered in August 1945.

Buckingham Palace is one of the most iconic landmarks in London and the official residence of the British monarch. Located in the City of Westminster, the palace has served as the official residence of the UK's sovereign since 1837 and today is the administrative headquarters of the Monarch.

Designed by architect John Nash in the Neoclassical style, Buckingham Palace boasts 775 rooms, including 19 state rooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, and 92 offices. The palace grounds are also home to the largest private garden in London, which covers 39 acres. One of the most famous features of Buckingham Palace is the balcony, which overlooks the palace courtyard and has been the site of many historic moments, including the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton and the balcony appearance of the Royal Family during major events. The palace serves as a focal point for many important national events, including state visits, royal weddings, and ceremonial occasions.

During our visit to Buckingham Palace, we experienced the true essence of the British Monarchy. Just a week before King Charles's coronation, the atmosphere was electric with excitement. The entire area was abuzz with people preparing for the grand event. Union Jacks fluttered along the Mall, alongside flags representing the Commonwealth nations. It was a captivating and memorable travel experience.

If you can time it well, do not miss the Change of guards! It was quite a spectacle! Changing of the Guard ceremony  takes place every day during the summer months and on alternate days during the winter months.

The rich history that envelops the entire area is quite amazing! As we strolled along the mall, we stumbled upon remarkable old monuments like Admiralty Arch and iconic statues that left us in awe. We also explored the Hyde Park stable, located nearby.

St. James's Palace is one of the oldest and most important royal residences in London. The palace was originally built by King Henry VIII in the early 1530s on the site of the Hospital of St. James. Over the centuries, St. James's Palace has been an important residence for many members of the British royal family, including King Charles II, who was born and raised there, and Queen Victoria, who spent much of her childhood at the palace.Today, St. James's Palace serves as the official residence of several members of the royal family, including the Princess Royal and her husband. The palace is also the site of many important royal events, such as the announcement of the birth of a royal baby, and the investiture of new knights and dames.

Despite its historical significance, St. James's Palace is not open to the public and can only be visited by special invitation or for certain ceremonial events. However, visitors to London can still get a glimpse of the palace from the outside, and enjoy a walk around the surrounding neighborhoods which are filled with historic architecture and charming streets.

Visiting London for the first time is an amazing experience that will stay with you forever. Make sure to bring comfortable shoes, a camera and an open mind, and get ready to explore everything that this incredible city has to offer!