Telephone booths, red double decker buses, cloudy skies … Ah, the charms of London. Want to put together an amazing script for the English capital? So come with us!
Totally cosmopolitan, global and always with open arms: these are the key features of London, the capital of England and one of the most important cities in the United Kingdom. During winter, when its streets are snowbound, or in summer, when locals even risk sunbathing, the metropolis never stops welcoming visitors. This is no wonder, let’s face it.
London is full of tourist attractions full of culture, history and leisure. The city mixes past and present like no other – while preserving cathedrals, monuments and the royal palace, there are numerous pubs (tradition for any good British!), Bars, restaurants, night clubs, street festivals and shopping malls, with options for all tastes.
Since there is so much going on at the same time (after all, London never stops ), it is even common for visitors to get lost when they set up a road map for the city. Thinking about it, we have prepared a list of the main attractions that are worth your visit. Keep up!
1. Meet Big Ben
One of the most famous landmarks in the city and in the world, Big Ben is truly amazing. It is a tower of the Palace of Westminster, seat of the two chambers of the British Parliament, where the great clock is located – plus a bell of no less than 14 tons!
The clock buzzed in 1859 and to this day they are broadcast on time (including a British symbol) by one of the BBC’s radio stations. Fully reliable, Big Ben already withstood heavy snowfall and German bombing during World War II.
Some adjustments to the tower have been underway since 2017. But even if you are visiting it during a renovation period, you will be able to appreciate the architectural and historical beauty of the monument. An interesting tip is to walk around and check out more attractions, as Big Ben is located in the heart of London.
2. Visit Westminster Abbey Monastery
The Westminster Abbey (or Westminster Abbey) is an Anglican cathedral that serves as a venue for weddings and other royal ceremonies for over a thousand years. It was there that Prince William married Kate Middleton in 2011.
It is noteworthy that the place is not only a tourist attraction: it is also a functioning church, which offers masses and other religious services daily. Enjoying Westminster Abbey and its surroundings already guarantees an incredible feeling in itself, especially for those who like Gothic architecture and history.
It is also possible to take a tour of its interiors, for a paid ticket, and to know the various curiosities of the place. Unfortunately, shooting inside is prohibited. The cathedral is open for visitation from Monday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm – opening hours until 6 pm on Wednesdays and ends early on Saturdays (1:30 pm).
Note that the calendar may change, so it is always good to check in advance on the official site.
3. Go to Buckingham Palace
Who doesn’t want to sneak a peek at Queen Elisabeth II’s official residence? The Buckingham Palace, as well as symbol of the British monarchy, is a must – see tourist spot and attracts thousands of visitors every day of the year. A curiosity is that, in practice, the queen does not spend every day in the place, because she prefers Windsor Castle and takes refuge in Scotland whenever she can.
Even so, this is where she gets the heads of state, big names in world politics, and other special guests. So getting into Buckingham Palace is not that simple.
Generally, visitation is very restricted and occurs at specific times, by scheduling well in advance. However, you can check for something equally interesting: the famous change of guard.
This traditional ceremony lasts approximately one hour and takes place daily from April to July at 11:30 am. For the rest of the year, it occurs every two days, except when there is heavy rain. But go prepared: there are many tourists gathered wanting to photograph, especially during the summer.
4. Enjoy the View of the London Eye
It’s impossible to talk about London without quoting it, right? Located on the banks of the River Thames, right in front of Big Ben, the London Eye is a unique tourist attraction, after all we are talking about one of the largest (and most romantic, by the way) giant wheels in the world.
Its numbers are impressive: 135 meters high, 360 degrees panoramic view and 3.5 million visitors per year. The structure consists of 32 capsules, which represent the districts of the English capital.
Each has a capacity of 25 people (but you can also rent a private one ) and brings interactive tablets with photos and information. A full lap at the London Eye takes about 30 minutes and is a separate show.
Tickets can be purchased locally or online, and prices vary by season. In general, the minimum amount you will pay for an adult ticket is 27 GBP – approximately 125 reais.
5. Walk the Streets of Camden Town
Camden Town is simply London’s alternative paradise. If you are looking for a less traditional or even exotic ride, this is the ideal option. This is where the hippest people in the English capital come together to shop, get piercings and tattoos, hang out at pubs, bars or nightclubs, and even stroll along its sidewalks to enjoy the atmosphere or the performances of street performers.
Situated in the northeastern part of the city, in the Camden district, the place is famous for its markets that sell absolutely everything from novelties to antique items and collector’s items. The good news is that prices are often affordable. So if shopping is in your plans, be sure to check it out.
These are the five attractions you need to know in London. When you are visiting, be sure to include a space in the script for them, combined?