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Sightseeing in London: 17 must-see highlights

2023-05-12T13:18:14.384Z

Highlights: From Big Ben to Camden Market to Trafalgar Square, these are the sights not to be missed in London. Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster are all located on the River Thames at the level of Westminster Bridge. The London Eye has only been around since 2000, but it is still an integral part of the cityscape that has become an integral parts of the London skyline. Oxford Street is home to shops of luxury labels, but also Mango, H&M, Urban Outfitters or Zara.


From Big Ben to Camden Market to Trafalgar Square, these are the sights not to be missed in London.


From Big Ben to Camden Market to Trafalgar Square, these are the sights not to be missed in London.

London is a cosmopolitan city that is high on the bucket list of many travel enthusiasts. Whether for a long weekend or for several weeks - there is never a dull moment on holiday in London. These sights are a must-see when visiting the British capital. By the way: Getting from London to New York in just 90 minutes – sounds impossible? However, this should become a reality in just a few years thanks to hypersonic aircraft.

Top sights in London: 1. Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Palace of Westminster

Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster are all located on the River Thames at the level of Westminster Bridge. The well-known bell tower, whose bell bears the name Big Ben, is one of London's landmarks.

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Big Ben and Houses of Parliament in Westminster

© Imago

The same applies to the church, where many royal weddings, baptisms and even the coronations of Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III have taken place. Insider tip: If you want to see Westminster Abbey from the inside, you can either pay an entrance fee or attend a half-hour service and visit the church for free.

Sightseeing in London: 2. London Eye

The London Eye has only been around since 2000, but it is still an integral part of the cityscape that has become an integral part of the London skyline. The Eye is 135 meters high and has been the second largest Ferris wheel in Europe since 2022. It offers a beautiful view over the metropolis.

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London Eye

© Imago

London Holiday Highlights: 3. Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is also part of the London skyline. The 50-metre-long bascule and suspension bridge was opened in 1894 and is a landmark of the city. For an entrance fee, you can also visit the bridge from the inside.

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Tower Bridge

© Imago

4. Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus is both a street junction and a public square that has been featured in many films and series. The square has been around since 1819 and is still a tourist magnet today. Here you will find the large neon signs and numerous souvenir shops. It is a hub for London, where the central tube lines Bakerloo and Piccadilly also meet.

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Piccadilly Circus

© Imago

5. Hamleys Toy Store

From Piccadilly Circus you can easily walk towards Oxford Street. To do this, take the path via Regent Street, where the Hamleys toy store is located. Even without children, the business is a highlight. The costumed employees and flying toys in the air make the XXL toy store with seven floors a very special experience.

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Hamleys toy store on Regent Street

© Imago

6. Oxford Street

Even if you can't afford to shop there everywhere, even as a normal consumer you should have seen Oxford Street once. There are not only shops of luxury labels, but also Mango, H&M, Urban Outfitters or Zara are represented. There is also the busy Disney Store on Oxford Street, which you should definitely visit if you are a fan of Cinderella, Stitch and Simba.

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Oxford Street

© Imago

7. Camden Lock Market

The Camden Lock Market is a feast for the senses. The tiny cobblestone streets of Camden Market are home to numerous stalls selling food, drinks, souvenirs, art, clothing, jewelry, and more. Insider tip: You should have enough time for Camden Market, because there is a lot to discover in every corner. Here you can spend a whole day without any problems.

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Camden Market

© Imago

8. Covent Garden Market

The market in the Covent Garden district offers similar rarities and shopping opportunities as Camden Market, but in a market hall with many small boutiques. There are also some cozy cafes lined up here and it is one of the locations of the book "Bob the Stray".

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Covent Garden Market

© Imago

9. Leicester Square, M&M Shop and Chinatown

At Leicester Square there is a small park that invites you to rest. It is surrounded by numerous restaurants, cinemas and shops, including the large M&M shop. Definitely a must-see for chocolate fans. Here you can even have your own Smarties printed.

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M&M shop in Leicester Square

© Imago

Two streets away is also the area of China Town, if you want something savory or another souvenir after the chocolate.

10. Hyde Park

Hyde Park is not only the largest urban park in London, it is also one of the largest in the world with its 142 hectares and over 4,000 trees. Located in central London, it's the perfect place to unwind, take a deep breath and relax between busy tourist activities.

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Hyde Park

© Imago

You can even swim or go boating in the Serpentine Lake if the English weather permits, and there is also a horse riding track and bowling alley. Hyde Park also hosts numerous concerts every summer.

11. Trafalgar Square and National Gallery

Trafalgar Square is a square in the City of London, best known for the huge fountain and the four plinths at the corners of the square. Since 1840 it has been a meeting place and, if necessary, also a venue for concerts.

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Trafalgar Square

© Imago

Trafalgar Square is also home to The National Gallery, which presents art history from the 13th to the 19th century. Great for visitors: Museums in London are funded by the state and therefore do not cost admission.

Well cared for on the road: This belongs in the first-aid kit

Well cared for on the road: This belongs in the first-aid kit

12. Victoria and Albert Museum

The Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington, also free to visit, has been around since 1852. The largest collection of decorative arts in the world is now exhibited there. The Natural History Museum and the Science Museum are also nearby, if you want to fit a museum day into your vacation.

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Victoria and Albert Museum

© Imago

13. Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the royal family of Great Britain and is definitely worth a visit. If you like, you can also visit part of the palace with a pre-booked ticket.

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Buckingham Palace

© Imago

If it is enough for you to look at Buckingham Palace from the outside, you can choose a time when the changing of the guard takes place in the courtyard and on the street in front of the palace. This takes place every second day in winter and every day in summer. It starts at 10:30 am at St James's Palace and ends at 11 am at Buckingham Palace.

14. Millennium Bridge

The Millennium Bridge is the well-known pedestrian bridge over the River Thames that connects the northern district of City of London with the southern district of Southwark. The bridge was commissioned back in 1996 for the millennium and opened in 2000. Then, however, it was closed again after two days because it began to sway when it was entered by Londoners. It was renovated and only finally opened to pedestrians in 2002.

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Millennium Bridge

© Imago

The Millennium Bridge is also a sight for Harry Potter fans, as it is the bridge that is destroyed by the Death Eaters at the beginning of the film "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince". The bridge was closed for two days in 2008 for filming.

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15. Shakespeare's Globe Theater

Today's Shakespeare's Globe is a reconstruction of the original Globe Theater, built in 1599. There, plays by Shakespeare were performed in the open air. In 1613 the theatre was destroyed by fire, rebuilt in 1614 and finally demolished in 1644.

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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

© Imago

The current theatre has been open to the public since 1997 and you can watch the classic plays such as "Macbeth" and "Midsummer Night's Dream" or book a guided tour.

16. St Paul's Cathedral

St. Paul's Cathedral is located in the City of London and, along with Westminster Abbey, is the most important and famous church in London. The Baroque building has been around since 1666 and visitors can admire the round-dome cathedral, which is one of London's landmarks, both from the outside and from the inside for an entrance fee.

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St. Paul's Cathedral

© Imago

17. Free Walking Tours

If you don't know your way around London, but would like to have information about the sights, you can take part in a free walking tour. The tour guides from various providers walk with the tourists through districts of London and tell anecdotes on various topics such as "Harry Potter", "Jack the Ripper" or "Graffiti". At the end of the tour, each participant can pay the tour guide as much as they like.

Category list image: © Imago

Source: merkur

All news articles on 2023-05-12

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