London's Main Attractions
The Essential Must See Places When TIme is Limited
London is vast and has many interesting sights. This article will focus on the more important ones enabling the first time visitor to prioritize what to see.
London, as with other big cities, has many attractions for the first time sightseer. The problem lies in what to see if time is limited. This article will predominantly discuss places and things to see within the city of London.
The tower and bridge
No trip to London would be complete without a visit to the Tower of London. This famous historical site has been the living quarters of monarchs. It has been a site of imprisonment and execution of many traitors, clergymen, nobles and framed members of the royal court and was also an armory, treasury, zoo and mint. Today it houses the crown jewels and has a museum filled with armor, weapons and implements of torture. Depictions of life in medieval England are also provided. London Tower Bridge, next to London Tower, is a marvelous architectural feat for the time it was built. A suspension bridge, still in operation, has an interesting exhibit showing its history.
The eye
Another popular tourist sight is the London eye. Constructed by British Airways, it towers 135 meters above the banks of the Thames River. It is located near Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, on the opposite bank, adjacent to London’s county hall. Views from the eye are spectacular and on a clear day most of London can be seen.
Museum
If there’s only one museum that can be seen, the British Museum is the one to visit. This museum has some of the largest collections on human culture and history. It is the home of the Rosetta Stone and has one of the most comprehensive ancient coin collections on exhibit. In fact the British Museum estimates that it has over thirteen million objects cataloged. Admission is free, except for special exhibits.
Guard yourself
The changing of the guard takes place in numerous spots, namely all the royal palaces. Buckingham Palace, however, is the main viewing spot for most tourists. The best show of course is when there is a ceremony involving the regimental band and the marching out of the guards. This doesn’t happen daily, so it’s a good idea to check with your concierge as to the place and times of these events.
World Famous Stores
Harrods is an upscale department store and one of the biggest in the world. It is a store with a substantial history and is famous for catering to any customer’s whims and fancies. Located in Knightsbridge, it can be easily accessed by the London Underground. While visiting, take time to see the memorial for the owner’s son, Dodi Fayed and Princess Diana. For children, Hamley’s, London’s largest toy store may be an alternative. It’s located on Regent’s Street, near Oxford Circus.
Honorable mention
There are many other attractions as well. Other sights include St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the Parliament building, the London Zoo, Windsor and Kensington Castle, Kew Gardens, Hyde Park, Piccadilly Circus and the theater district, plus numerous other art museums of interest. Any of these can be substituted for the above. An attraction of some fame, Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, is also a good place to visit, especially if you haven’t been to a wax museum or if you have children. Due to the number of Madame Tussaud's opening up, in some of the bigger cities throughout the world, it may be best to visit the one closest to you. London's Madame Tussauds is very crowded and lines are long, so plan accordingly, if you decide to visit.
Regardless of what you decide to see, it would be prudent that you purchase a travel book on London, to get more specific details or information on any of the sights that you’re interested in. Planning and organization are the keys to having a quick, productive and enjoyable visit to London.
