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Best Places to Visit in London <br> Landmarks, Musuems & More

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Best Places to Visit in London <br> Landmarks, Musuems & More
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London is the soul and heart of Great Britain and requires no introduction. London, one of the oldest cities in western civilization, has a rich history that has elevated it to the status of a global cultural hub. There are many attractions in London, including theme parks, palaces and castles, museums, and more. In this enormous metropolis, everyone will find something to like, whether they are families, couples, adults, or children. Here are the best places to visit in London:

30 Best Places to Visit in London

Best Places to Visit in London Kew Gardens

1. Kew Gardens

Leisure | Architecture

Experience the largest collection of plants and fungi in the world at the renowned Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew. The most biodiverse place on earth is Kew Garden in Richmond upon the Thames, southwest London, which has 50,000 live plants as inhabitants. Since 2003, the 300-acre botanical gardens have been included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Why Visit: If you want to experience the wealth of Kew Gardens deeply, opt for the walking tour tickets which also consist of a detailed audio guide.

Tip: Visiting the Kew Gardens in Spring is undoubtedly the most popular thing to do, and you must get your tickets sorted well in advance if you want to join the bandwagon.

Location: Richmond, United Kingdom ​Find on map

from £11
Best Places to Visit in London London Eye

2. London Eye

Sightseeing | Observation

Without the London Eye, the largest cantilever observation wheel in the world, which first began to rotate in 2000 to mark the millennium, it is difficult to imagine South Bank. It was planned to be a passing attraction that would be removed after five years, but due to its enduring popularity, it has continued to exist.

Why Visit: A flight in one of the wheel's 32 glass-enclosed eye-shaped pods takes 30 minutes and, weather allowing, you can view 25 miles in every direction from the top, as far as Windsor Castle.

Tip: The London Eye, which is outfitted with hundreds of fireworks on December 31, serves as the city's main New Year's Eve display.

Location: Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom ​Find on map

from £29.50
Best Places to Visit in London Madame Tussauds

3. Madame Tussauds

Family-Friendly | Sightseeing

Madame Tussauds, which is packed with waxwork similitudes of celebrities, is gaudy and extravagant, but it makes for a fun-filled day. The museum has a long and fascinating history that began when Marie Tussaud, a French artist and model maker, created death masks of persons who were guillotined during the French Revolution.

Why Visit: There are lots of celebrities to admire, including former and current politicians, athletes, actresses, singers, and movie characters. It's selfie heaven, so bring your selfie stick for that perfect shot with your favorite look-alike.

Tip: This is a very popular attraction among tourists and it will serve you well if you purchase the fast track tickets for Madame Tussauds.

Location: C. de la Princesa, 20, 28008 London, Spain ​Find on map

from £33.50
Best Places to Visit in London St. Paul's Cathedral

4. St. Paul's Cathedral

Sightseeing | Architecture

St Paul's Cathedral, designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed between 1675 and 1710, is Britain's most famous and respected structure. It is the fourth church to be built on the property. Explore the inside of the Cathedral and learn about its 1,400-year history through Oculus, an award-winning 270-degree cinematic experience.

Why Visit: The Cathedral Library houses a massive collection of over 21,000 books and manuscripts, some of which date back to 1690.

Tip: Visit the Whispering Gallery for its incredible acoustics and the Stone and Golden Galleries for breathtaking panoramic views of the London skyline.

Location: St. Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD, United Kingdom ​Find on map

from £18
Best Places to Visit in London The Shard

5. The Shard

Architecture | Sightseeing

The 309-meter "Shard," a technical and architectural masterpiece that overlooks the enduring River Thames, pierces the skyline of London. It was once known as The London Bridge Tower because of its proximity to the London Bridge in the Southwark neighborhood, where it is the highest structure in the United Kingdom and the sixth tallest in all of Europe.

Why Visit: The Shard has been planned in a way that the shadow of the gargantuan structure isn’t cast on the neighboring buildings, but on the river instead.

Tip: Go for the top ticket variant that allows you to come back if the weather is bad on the day of your visit.

Location: 32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG, United Kingdom ​Find on map

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Best Places to Visit in London Tower Bridge

6. Tower Bridge

Architecture | Historic

The Tower Bridge, a well-known landmark in London, combines a bascule and a suspension bridge. To provide access to London's East End, it was constructed between 1886 and 1894. The Tower Bridge spans the Thames River and is roughly 800 feet long. There is a tower at each end of the bridge that is connected to the other on the top level by two walkways.

Why Visit: You will be able to travel across time during your visit as you learn about the Tower's significance and changes over time. It is an essential London landmark.

Tip: The Tower Bridge’s bascule system lifts the bridge quite often during the summer months and you can find the lift times online and visit during those hours.

Location: Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP, United Kingdom ​Find on map

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Best Places to Visit in London Tower of London

7. Tower of London

Museum | Historic

The Tower of London is one of the few landmarks that tell vivid, in-depth tales of the city's past. It gives a magnificent tribute to the British Monarchy and the influence of the Church on the politics and history of the nation. Every nook in this place tells a unique story from one end of the spectrum to the other, from tales of former English Kings and Queens to tales of captives and executions.

Why Visit: Get ready to be mesmerized by royal emblems like the stunning Crown Jewels when you visit the Tower of London. If you want to get to know the antiquity of the British heritage, this is the best place to come to.

Tip: Purchase combo tickets for the Tower of London so that you can visit other London landmarks at a reduced price and with a single ticket.

Location: London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom ​Find on map

from £29.90
Best Places to Visit in London Westminster Abbey

8. Westminster Abbey

Historic | Architecture

Westminster Abbey is regarded as the best instance of Early English Gothic and is a beautiful fusion of architectural styles. The Abbey is still a functioning church and the scene in which history is being played out, so it is more than just a lovely place of worship. Westminster Abbey is what is known as a "royal peculiar," run by the Crown, and was never a church.

Why Visit: Since 1066, the Abbey has served as the coronation church. Additionally, 17 kings' final resting places are there. The antiquity of the structure makes it worth visiting.

Tip: The busiest days at the Westminster Abbey are Monday, Saturday, and Sunday; visit in the middle of the week to avoid the crowds.

Location: Casa de Campo, s/n, 28011 London, Spain ​Find on map

from £29.40
Best Places to Visit in London HMS Belfast

9. HMS Belfast

Sightseeing | Museum

Children of all ages are drawn to HMS Belfast. Launched in 1938, this substantial light cruiser saw action in both the Korean War and World War II, where it helped sink the Nazi battleship Sand that had been bombarding the Normandy coast on D-Day. Its 6-inch guns were capable of bombarding targets 12 kilometers away.

Why Visit: In addition to the HMS Belfast, you can also tour the Churchill war rooms and walk the grounds where Hitler’s downfall began.

Tip: Excellent audio tours are offered as part of the admission price and include tales from previous crew members. It is an excellent place to visit for an educational experience.

Location: The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2JH, United Kingdom ​Find on map

from £23.60
Best Places to Visit in London Hampton Court Palace

10. Hampton Court Palace

Historical | Palace

Hampton Court Palace, the largest and most opulent Tudor building in England, was built in 1515 by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey but was wheedled from him by Henry VIII just before Wolsey (as chancellor) fell from favor. When Christopher Wren planned addition in the 17th century, it was already among the most opulent mansions in all of Europe.

Why Visit:  The palace's 24 hectares of riverbank grounds, which include a 300-year-old maze, are easily big enough for a day's worth of exploration and must make it to your London itinerary.

Tip: As the Hampton Court lockers are temporarily unavailable, avoid carrying any large bags or suitcases.

Location: Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU, United Kingdom ​Find on map

from £26.10
Best Places to Visit in London Kensington Palace

11. Kensington Palace London

Palace | Architecture

Constructed in 1605, Kensington Palace was William and Mary of Orange's preferred royal residence from 1689 until George III became king and moved to Buckingham Palace. High-ranking royals, such as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, continue to live there today.

Why Visit: Queen Victoria's apartments, where she was born and resided before becoming queen, are also open to visitors. Here she learned that her uncle, William IV, had passed away and that she had now become the monarch.

Tip: After lunch, between 2 and 3 PM, is the ideal time to visit Kensington Palace because most large tourist groups have finished their tours by then.

Location: Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX, United Kingdom ​Find on map

from £20
Best Places to Visit in London Windsor Castle

12. Windsor Castle

Castle | Architecture

Some of the best sights and experiences in the nation may be found in London. However, there is more to see than only Buckingham Palace for those who are interested in the royal family. The royal residence of Windsor Castle is only 40 kilometers from London. This monument is simple to see as part of a brief day trip from London and will provide you with information on 1000 years of British history.

Why Visit: Make a day out of your visit to Windsor Castle and set out early in the day to have enough time to explore the entire complex.

Tip: One of the best things to witness in London is the changing of guards at Windsor Castle. The pomp and fanfare of this event must not be missed.

Location: Windsor SL4 1NJ, United Kingdom ​Find on map

from £26.50
Best Places to Visit in London Alton Towers

13. Alton Towers

Amusement Park

Located 4 miles east of Cheadle off the B5032, the wildly popular Alton Towers delivers the most G-force for your money. The Wickerman, Nemesis, Oblivion, Galactica, and Th13teen roller coasters are among the wild rides. Gentler thrills include a pirate-themed aquarium, a splash-filled water park, and carousels and stage performances.

Why Visit: The Theme Park is still thrilling after dark. You get the opportunity to confront your anxieties as some Scarefest attractions come to life.

Tip: To avoid ticket lines and take advantage of discounted entry offers, check seasonal schedules online and buy tickets in advance. An hour early park access is one of the benefits offered by the five on-site hotels.

Location: Farley Ln, Alton, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 4DB, United Kingdom ​Find on map

from £42
Best Places to Visit in London Buckingham Palace

14. Buckingham Palace

Palace | Architecture

Constructed in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham, Buckingham Palace became the monarch's official London residence in 1837, taking the place of St. James's Palace. Queen Elizabeth II splits her time between this location, Windsor Castle, and the Scottish castle Balmoral during the summer.

Why Visit:  When Her Majesty is on vacation from mid-July through September, the 19 opulently decorated State Rooms are accessible to guests. If you are visiting London, this is one palace you should witness during your stay.

Tip: This attraction is quite busy and popular, so if you want to visit Buckingham Palace, try to reach the venue at 9 AM.

Location: London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom ​Find on map

from £14
Best Places to Visit in London Stonehenge

15. Stonehenge

Historic

Stonehenge, one of the ancient structures in the world, has been cloaked in mystique for countless years. The ring of standing stones, each weighing around 25 tons, is the centerpiece of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thought to be an old burial site, it is also a marvel of architecture because there is so little documentation of the building methods employed to make the structure.

Why Visit: Stonehenge receives over a million visitors annually and is particularly busy around the summer and winter solstices due to the way the stone circle is put up, it marks the winter solstice sunset and the summer solstice sunrise.

Tip: The sun rises behind the Heel Stone on the summer solstice, casting its first rays into the center of Stonehenge. Don't miss this phenomenon.

Location: Salisbury SP4 7DE, United Kingdom ​Find on map

from £20
Best Places to Visit in London Shakespeare's Globe

16. Shakespeare's Globe

Entertainment | Museum

In 1599, the Globe Theater was constructed. Sadly, an unintentional fire in 1613 destroyed it completely. Sam Wanamaker, an American director, restored the theater to its original design in 1970. Materials from William Shakespeare's day were used to build the theater. The thatched roof, lime plaster walls, and wooden bays were used to construct the circular building.

Why Visit: This landmark is a must-visit for anyone who has read the works of Shakespeare and wants a glimpse of the venue where his works came to life.

Tip: Plan to visit the Globe when there is a show or event so that you can witness the venue in its full glory.

Location: 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT, United Kingdom ​Find on map

from £23.60
Best Places to Visit in London Kid-Friendly

17. SEA LIFE London

Kid-Friendly

The Shark Tunnel, Ray Lagoon, and Gentoo Penguin Enclosures of the Sea Life London Aquarium, which are primarily designed for children, will hold their attention for hours. There are regular meals and lectures throughout the day, and you can even go swimming with sharks.

Why Visit: Sharks, octopuses, jellyfish, coral reefs, turtles, and many more aquatic animals are currently housed in the Sea Life London Aquarium.

Tip: Pre-book your Sea Life London tickets if you have a plan in place to visit with your kids. The attraction is quite popular and often entry capacity is limited.

Location: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom ​Find on map

from £31
Best Places to Visit in London Tate Modern

18. Tate Modern

Family-Friendly | Museum

The exceptional modern and contemporary art gallery Tate Modern is housed in the imaginatively renovated Bankside Power Station, one of London's most stunning sights. This gallery has been incredibly successful in delivering difficult work to the audience through both its free permanent collection and fee-charged prestigious special shows.

Why Visit: It is a captivating blend of modern art and roomy industrial brick design. The original gallery is located inside what was previously the power plant's boiler house and is now known as the Natalie Bell Building in honor of a prominent local activist.

Tip: Head to the 10th-floor viewing deck to get an amazing view of the London skyline on a clear day.

Location: Bankside, London SE1 9TG, United Kingdom ​Find on map

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Best Places to Visit in London Natural History Museum

19. Natural History Museum

Museum | Family-Friendly

The Natural History Museum is astounding with its roaring animatronic dinosaur, fascinating exhibitions about planet Earth, amazing Darwin Center, and building right out of a Gothic fairy tale. Although children are the intended audience, adults will also find it captivating. Hintze Hall, a sizable space that resembles a cathedral nave, is located in the center of the museum.

Why Visit: The stunning Wildlife Garden, which is open in summer and features a variety of British lowland habitats, is one of the seasonal pleasures.

Tip: It is free to visit the museum. However, you can always donate to the museum.

Location: Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom ​Find on map

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Best Places to Visit in London Hyde Park

20. Hyde Park

Park | Leisure

Hyde Park, one of London's best parks, spans 142 hectares of orderly gardens, unruly stretches of overgrown grass, and magnificent trees. Along with being a wonderful green space in the center of the city, it is also the location of a few intriguing sights and holds live concerts and activities all year long.

Why Visit: Speakers' Corner at the northeastern corner of Hyde Park is known for its oratorical flourishes and soapbox rants and was frequented by Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin, George Orwell, and William Morris.

Tip: Swimmers can use the fenced-off swimming area at the Serpentine Lido between June and September in Hyde Park. Additionally, there is a kiddie pool as well.

Location: London, United Kingdom ​Find on map

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Best Places to Visit in London British Museum

21. British Museum

City Landmark | Museum

The British Museum in Bloomsbury, one of the greatest and oldest museums in the world, receives approximately six million visitors each year, making it the most popular attraction in the country. You could spend your whole life exploring this enormous and revered collection of artifacts, works of art, and relics of antiquity and still learn something new every day.

Why Visit: You'll have the opportunity to see some of the finest treasures in the world and gain a better understanding of how England views the modern world through the diverse (and occasionally contentious) collection.

Tip: The British Museum's main collections are free to view, but special exhibitions are not.

Location: Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG, United Kingdom ​Find on map

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Best Places to Visit in London Science Museum

22. Science Museum

Museum

With its engaging and instructive exhibitions spanning everything from early technology to space flight, the Science Museum will enthrall visitors. Bring the family along to foster a keen interest in the intricacies of the natural world and the cosmos. The Science Museum's Garden is a fantastic sensory play area for young children that is located in the basement.

Why Visit: On floor 2, there is a fascinating Information Age Gallery that shows how, since the 19th century, information and communication technology, such as the telegraph and cellphones, have changed our lives.

Tip: Check whether tickets must be purchased in advance for any galleries you're interested in visiting and be aware that your visit may be subject to rigid time constraints.

Location: Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD, United Kingdom ​Find on map

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Best Places to Visit in London Camden Market

23. Camden Market

Market

One of London's biggest tourist destinations, Camden Market is eclectic and unconventional and draws millions of visitors every year. What began as a cluster of charming artisan booths next to Camden Lock on the Regent's Canal in 1974 has since grown to cover the majority of the distance between Camden Town and Chalk Farm tube stations.

Why Visit: With the people snaking along and the more mainstream stores lining the streets, the two main market areas—Camden Lock Market on Regent's Canal and Stables Market farther west—seem to mix together.

Tip: If you don't want to have to crawl through the market on the weekends, come on a Thursday or Friday.

Location: 54-56 Camden Lock Pl, London NW1 8AF, United Kingdom ​Find on map

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Best Places to Visit in London National Gallery

24. National Gallery

This is one of the world's major galleries, housing more than 2300 European masterpieces, with important items from the 13th to the mid-20th century, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Titian, Vincent van Gogh, and Auguste Renoir. The earliest paintings, which date from 1200 to 1500, are located in rooms 51 to 66 in the contemporary Sainsbury Wing on the gallery's western side.

Why Visit: Here, you can primarily find religious works that were ordered for personal adoration.

Tip: The free one-hour excursions that depart from the Sainsbury Wing lobby are also highly recommended, as are the in-depth audio guides.

Location: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN, United Kingdom ​Find on map

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Best Places to Visit in London British Library

25. British Library

Library

Colin St. John Wilson's British Library building is an architectural marvel. It is made up of low-slung red-brick terraces and is fronted by a sizable piazza with an enormous statue of Sir Isaac Newton. It was finished in 1998 and now houses some of the most priceless manuscripts, including the Codex Sinaiticus.

Why Visit: The Sir John Ritblat Treasures Gallery is home to the most priceless manuscripts, including exquisitely decorated religious writings, Shakespeare's First Folio, a 1455 Gutenberg Bible, and an 868 Chinese translation of The Diamond Sutra.

Tip: For an insightful look into the library's operations and its treasures, schedule a one-hour guided tour.

Location: 96 Euston Rd, London NW1 2DB, United Kingdom ​Find on map

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Best Places to Visit in London Trafalgar Square

26. Trafalgar Square

Square

Since it was first made available to the public in 1844, Trafalgar Square has served as the true heart of London. Here, marches and rallies are held, tens of thousands of people ring in the New Year, and locals gather for everything from Christmas celebrations and open-air movies to political protests.

Why Visit: General Sir Charles James Napier, Major General Sir Henry Havelock, and King George IV on horseback are shown on three of the four plinths at the corners of Trafalgar Square.

Tip: This square remains quite busy throughout the year, so beware of your belongings when you head here and expect to be overwhelmed by the number of people here.

Location: Trafalgar Sq, London WC2N 5DN, United Kingdom ​Find on map

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Best Places to Visit in London Royal Academy of Arts

27. Royal Academy of Arts

Sightseeing | Gallery

The oldest fine arts society in Britain was established in 1768 and relocated to Burlington House a century later. In 2018, the RA got itself a £56 million renovation in honor of its 250th birthday. Its collection of works by former and current Royal Academicians, includes sculptures, paintings, sketches, and architectural designs.

Why Visit: The temporary exhibitions featuring Sir Joshua Reynolds, John Constable, Thomas Gainsborough, JMW Turner, and David Hockney generally steal the show, despite the fact that more portions are accessible to the public for free.

Tip: The largest annual event for the RA is the renowned Summer Exhibition, which debuted modern artwork for sale by up-and-coming and established artists since 1769.

Location: Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD, United Kingdom ​Find on map

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Best Places to Visit in London Royal Observatory

28. Royal Observatory

City Landmark

The prime meridian is located at the Royal Observatory, which towers over Greenwich Park like a timeless light. Charles II gave the order to erect the Royal Observatory in 1675 in an effort to help with the longitude conundrum. Greenwich was named the world's primary meridian in 1884.

Why Visit: The amazing camera obscura, housed in a small brick building close to the Meridian Courtyard, presents a live image of Queen's House as well as the people moving about it.

Tip: Tickets give you admission to the Flamsteed House, which Christopher Wren constructed, and the Meridian Courtyard, where you can cross your foot over the equator.

Location: Blackheath Ave, London SE10 8XJ, United Kingdom ​Find on map

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Best Places to Visit in London Imperial War Museum

29. Imperial War Museum

Museum

The Bethlem Royal Hospital, a psychiatric facility also known as Bedlam, is where this fascinating museum is located. It is fronted by a terrifying pair of 15-inch naval guns and a portion of the Berlin Wall. The museum covers the war in a broad sense even though its main concentration is on military operations involving British or Commonwealth forces, mostly in the 20th century.

Why Visit: The cutting-edge Witnesses to War exhibits in the atrium and forecourt are among the highlights. Huge military artifacts may be found in Witnesses to War, including a Battle of Britain Spitfire, a German V-2 missile, and a 2006 Reuters Land Rover that was damaged by rocket fire in Gaza.

Tip: The long and terrifying Holocaust exhibition, which is located on the fourth floor and is not advised for minors under the age of 14, is one of the most difficult aspects.

Location: Lambeth Rd, London SE1 6HZ, United Kingdom ​Find on map

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Best Places to Visit in London Wimbledon Tennis Museum

30. Wimbledon Tennis Museum

Museum

The history of tennis is covered in this museum, from its French forerunner jeu de paume (which used an open hand) through the supersonic serves of modern champions. A projection of John McEnroe in the Wimbledon locker room and numerous video clips make up this cutting-edge display.

Why Visit: The museum has more than 20,000 items that trace the lengthy history of lawn tennis. There will be an abundance of trophies, medals, and player mementos, as well as fascinating exhibits on vintage tennis gear and clothing trends.

Tip: The museum also has a cafe and a store with a variety of tennis-related merchandise.

Location: Church Rd, London SW19 5AE, United Kingdom ​Find on map

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Frequently Asked Questions about The Best Places to Visit in London

What are the best places to visit in London?

The best places to visit in London are St. Paul's Cathedral, London Eye, Tower of London, and Madame Tussauds.

Where can I buy tickets to visit the best places in London?

You can purchase tickets to visit the best places in London ​online. You can also get tickets from the box offices of the attractions, but in that case, you run the risk of missing out on the popular attractions that get booked out in advance.

What are the best places to visit in London with kids?

The best places to visit in London with kids are Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, and Madame Tussauds.

What are the best places to visit in London for architecture?

The best places to visit in London for architecture are Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and St. Paul's Cathedral.

What are the best places to visit in London to unwind and relax?

The best places to visit in London to unwind and relax are Hyde Park, Kew Gardens, and Buckingham Palace.

What are the best places in London to eat?

The best places in London to eat are Bermondsey, Notting Hill, and Islington.

What are the best places in London to stay?

The best places in London to stay are Kensington, Shoreditch, Soho, Marylebone, and Mayfair.

What is London known for?

London is known for its cultural diversity, heritage architecture, and abundance of tourist attractions.

What are the top attractions in London?

The top attractions in London are the St. Paul's Cathedral, London Eye, Tower of London, and Madame Tussauds.

Is it expensive in London?

Yes, London is a bit expensive. The average daily cost of visiting London is US$180 for one person. For two people, the weekly cost can be US$2100.

What should you not miss while visiting London?

When visiting London, you shouldn’t miss a laidback evening at Hyde Park, getting a view of the city from The Shard, and a visit to St. Paul's Cathedral.

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