Beyond Wimbledon- Your Complete Guide to London’s Top 10 Must-Sees
As a global traveler, London has to be at the very top of your bucket list- We completely understand that. However, this journey begins much earlier, even before you board your flight. For most of you, one of the first steps is to apply for your UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Your electronic travel authorization makes it also hassle-free to enter the UK, allowing you to experience the thrill of your journey.
Ready to discover? Below are our top 10 must-visit places in London, each with a personalized activity, restaurant, and dish suggestion to make your holiday a holiday to remember!
1. The Tower of London
Many have described this beautiful fortress as nothing short of evocative. This was once serving as the royal family’s palace. But some of its lesser-known roles involve it having been a prison and an execution site- dark, right? You can happily spend half a day here, following its sinister and fascinating history.
Activity
Go on a Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) tour. So, it is safe to say that this place has both a warm and delightful yet dark at times kind of past. It’s best if you explore it for yourself!
Restaurant Nearby
The Hung, Drawn & Quartered (City of London) is a very famous pub in the area that you can also visit and spend some nice time relaxing and tasting the local liquor.
Best Dish to Order
Please try the rich Steak & Ale Pie. Warming and comforting. Therefore, it’s just right for the Tower’s historic majesty.
2. The British Museum
Did you even doubt that the British Museum was not going to make our list, here? If you want to get a good look at human history throughout the world, then this place is the only one that you simply cannot miss.
Let’s name some of the famous artifacts here so that you can see for yourself. You can also begin at the Elgin Marbles and move up to the Rosetta Stone. However, its most interesting entry has to be the Egyptian mummies! Also, did you know that there is literally no entry fee for this place?
Activity
Museum Tavern (Bloomsbury) is a charming Victorian pub literally opposite the museum, a local favourite and haunt of visitors since the 1800s.
Best Food to Try
A Full English Breakfast (if you wake up early!). Refuel for a day of discovery with sausages, bacon, eggs, beans, mushrooms, and toast – a classic British breakfast.
3. Buckingham Palace
We all visit the UK with a small corner of our heart wanting to see the Buckingham Palace, for whatever reason be it. After all, you didn’t just binge-watch all seasons of The Crown for nothing. The British monarchy has always fascinated us. All tourists look up to seeing the Changing of the Guard ceremony, on top of a glimpse of the beautiful palace.
Activity
If you want to see the Changing of the Guard, then go to the official website and check the exact timings. If you don’t want to miss it, also please be there early.
Restaurant Nearby
The Goring Dining Room (Belgravia) will give you the most authentic taste of British cuisine.
Best Dish to Order
While most things on the menu here are an absolute treat, don’t miss out on the Afternoon Tea. Delicate finger sandwiches, warm, freshly baked scones served with jam and clotted cream, and delicious pastries await, all to be paired with a selection of quality teas.
4. The London Eye
Take a flyover of the River Thames for a bird’s eye view of London’s skyline. So, look out from your large glass pod and see Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral, and loads more. It’s also a great way of having your bearings confused and seeing the city from an entirely new perspective.
Activity
Combine your ride with a Thames River Cruise. Some of the operators offer packages for both, so you can view the sights from below and then from above.
Dining Spot Nearby
Southbank Centre Market (Southbank) is a bustling outdoor food market (open at weekends and weekdays) with an extensive range of international street food stalls. Ideal for informal, good-value food.
Best Meal to Have
Something that floats your boat among the many street food stalls – maybe some authentic Indian street food or an upmarket burger, a real indication of multicultural cuisine in London.
5. Westminster Abbey & Houses of Parliament (Big Ben)
If you want a quick glimpse into British democracy and history, then these two towers are the perfect example. Westminster Abbey is also known for the famous coronations and other special occasions, like weddings, for the past few hundred years. The Houses of Parliament, Elizabeth Tower, the Big Ben are all within the vicinity of these towers.
Activity
Westminster Abbey has a grand audio tour. If you are a history buff, then prepare to be amazed at the beautiful tour discussing Abbey’s history, famous residents, and breathtaking architecture.
Local Café
The Red Lion (Whitehall) is a historic pub with politicians as clientele, just arm’s length away from Parliament Square. Serves typical pub grub and active atmosphere.
Best Dish to Try
A hot Shepherd’s Pie (ground lamb topped by a mashed potato crust) or Cottage Pie (ground beef). Excellent comfort food after an evening of historical learning.
6. Covent Garden
A lively, brightly colored district, Covent Garden is famous for street performers, specialist shops, craft shops, and quaint dining establishments. The piazza in the middle of it all is the hub of activity. So, always being entertained by magicians, musicians, and acrobats. It’s also wonderful just to stroll around, shop, and observe the world pass by.
Activity
Visit a West End Show. Covent Garden is at the heart of Theatreland in London. Therefore, experiencing a top-of-the-range play or musical is not to be missed.
Restaurants Nearby
Dishoom Covent Garden is a brilliantly trendy Indian restaurant with excellent Bombay comfort food in hip, lively surroundings. Expect a queue, but it’s worth it!
Best Dish to Order
Their legendary Bacon Naan Roll (breakfast/brunch) or Black House Daal (lunch/dinner). Decadent homage to London’s romance with Indian food.
7. Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens
Escape from city traffic in one of London’s largest and most famous Royal Parks. Hyde Park and the nearby Kensington Gardens are enormous green oases. It is also ideal for walking, picnicking, boating on the Serpentine, or relaxing simply. On the other hand you can go to Kensington Palace in Kensington Gardens.
Activity
Take a rowboat or a paddleboat out onto the Serpentine Lake. So, it’s a great, easy way to experience the beauty of the park from a unique perspective.
Restaurant Close By
The Folly (by Monument/Bank) – While not directly adjacent to Hyde Park, the restaurant has a beautiful, botanical-like setting and tasty, freshly cooked food, which is suitable for the green surroundings of the park. If slightly further away is an option, purchase a picnic from a local deli.
Best Food to Order
Classic Sandwich or Salad for a Picnic. However, purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at a neighborhood supermarket or deli and dine outdoors in the lovely park environment.
8. Borough Market
For gastronomes, a trip to Borough Market is delectable. London’s largest and most historic market. It’s also an edible firework of gourmet products, artisan cheeses, fresh-baked bread, street foods from the four corners of the globe, and beautiful, colorful fruit and vegetable stalls. Go in hungry, leave smiling!
Activity
Taste food on an independent food tasting tour. Therefore, stroll through the stalls, sampling cheeses, charcuterie, freshly baked bread, and street food snacks.
Nearby Eats
With so many wonderful stalls on site, you’ll be spoiled for choice within the market itself!
Must-Order Dish
A Gourmet Cheese Toastie from “Kappacasein Dairy.” Lovely and cheesy, satisfying, and also a complete Borough Market institution. Alternatively, pick up a tasty Artisan Sausage Roll from one of the numerous bakeries.
9. Tate Modern
Near the Tate Modern, on the south bank of the Thames, is the UK’s national collection of modern and contemporary international art. It has also an enormous collection featuring works by Picasso, Warhol, Matisse, and countless other art treasures of the 20th and 21st centuries. However, access to its permanent collection is free of charge.
Activity
Go to the Tenth Floor Viewing Level of the Blavatnik Building for 360-degree panoramic city views over London and river views of the River Thames.
Restaurant Nearby
Barrafina Coal Drops Yard (King’s Cross) is a tapas bar with a great gastronomic experience of vibrant, fresh Spanish food.
Best to Order
Spanish Tapas platter. Get into the bohemian vibe of sharing with patatas bravas, croquettes, and pan con tomate.
10. Camden Market
Explore the vibrant, bohemian, and occasionally bizarre Camden Market. Spread across acres of land, the market has everything from second-hand clothing and one-of-a-kind handmade items to global street food and alternative style. It’s also a cultural melting pot that mirrors the diversity of London’s quirky personality.
Activity
Take a walk around the market’s various sections, including the stables, for quirky buys and a great insight into London’s alternative culture. People-watching is an art form here!
Restaurant Nearby
You’re so spoiled for choice right within the market itself! Kerb Camden Market is also a specialist street food territory within the larger market, with a regularly changing cast of traders.
Best Dish to Order
A massive Pad Thai platter or a colorful Caribbean Curry from one of the numerous authentic street food vendors. Choice is half the fun, so indulge!
Your Unforgettable London Adventure Awaits!
London is the ultimate something for everyone, a city that happily combines old history with high-end contemporaneity. Whether the destination is to enjoy royal excess, catch world-class museums, or merely soak up the frantic pace of its market and parks, a visit to the UK capital city is a once-in-a-lifetime affair.
To make your visit to this beautiful city convenient and trouble-free, never for a moment underestimate the significance of travel planning, particularly regarding entry procedures. For most global tourists, a request for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a required procedure before you even start getting into your packing bag.
Here at eVisaPrime.com, we also make this mandatory process easy for you, with a user-friendly website and professional assistance to enable you to apply for your UK ETA. So, don’t let administrative processes delay your much-awaited vacation. Let us assist you in getting your authorization to enable you to concentrate on making life-long memories in London’s heart!
READ MORE:
London blends history, tech, food, and greenery, drawing tourists worldwide. This guide also offers a well-planned day to explore the city’s top landmarks and sights. Learn more at One Day in London: Top Five Must See Sights to Explore.