Attractions in London
Planning to visit London this summer? Here is the Mapsofworld.com's pick of the major places to see.
Buckingham Palace: The Queen's residence and office, the Buckingham Palace is perhaps London's biggest attraction.
Big Ben: This iconic 316 feet tall clock tower is a global symbol of London. The accuracy of the Big Ben is relied upon by most official timekeepers including the BBC. It is believed that the Big Ben is named after Sir Benjamin Hall. Big Ben miniatures are favorite souvenirs with tourists in London.
Trafalgar Square: The Trafalgar Square was built in honor of Lord Nelson's victory in the Battle of Trafalgar, 1805. It is the seat of many cultural performances and is located at the heart of London. The cobbled streets of the square are the favorite place for Londoners to take a stroll and for tourists to meet the locals.
Tower Bridge: The Tower Bridge of London was built in 1894. The bascules are drawn by firing an electric motor and the bridge takes about a minute and half to be drawn. The towers host some very exciting exhibitions and the Tower Bridge is a favorite with most tourists.
Houses of Parliament: The Palace of Westminster houses the two houses of the British Parliament. Tourists are allowed entrance into the Visitor's Gallery and into the House of Commons (by prior arrangement). The House of Lords is not open to tourists, though. The British Parliament is one of the oldest the world over.
British Museum: Over five million visitors head to the British Museum each year. And not surprisingly, since it is among the oldest in the world. The historic displays are now complemented by multimedia aids and guided tours. The section dedicated to Ancient Rome and Greece remains particularly popular.
National Gallery: An art lover entering National Gallery may mistake the place for heaven on earth. With an astounding collection of over 2,300 paintings including masterpieces from Monet, Rembrandt, Van Gough, Rubens, Turner, and Da Vinci, the National Gallery is certainly among the top ten attractions of London.
Tower of London: Have you wondered where the royal jewelry collection is housed in London? Head to the Tower of London and catch a glimpse of the famous Koh-i-noor diamond, the crown jewels, and the royal armory. The Tower of London also served as the residence of the monarch in the seventeenth century.
Madame Tussauds: You've certainly heard of the celebrated Madame Tussauds Wax Museum's and their lifelike wax figures. But did you know that the original museum is the one in London? David Beckham, Elvis Presley, Princess Diana, Barack Obama, and Justin Bieber are among the celebrities featured in this museum. Definitely a favorite with families.
Victoria and Albert Museum: The Victoria and Albert Museum is home to an extensive collection of artwork from many parts of the world. Besides a stunning collection of Renaissance and Baroque sculptures, the museum houses exemplary Indian handicrafts and Chinese pottery collections. The Victoria and Albert Museum is a must visit destination for anyone interested in art and design.
Last updated on : 02/09/2012
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