The British Museum has an extensive collection of more than 8 million items. You can see artifacts from all around the world including Egypt, Greece, Rome, India, China, and many more. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures, and the Easter Island statues.
The Tower of London is a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames. It has been a royal palace, a fortress, and a prison. Highlights include the Crown Jewels, the White Tower, and the ravens.
Westminster Abbey is one of the most famous religious buildings in the world. It has been the site of 38 coronations, including that of Queen Elizabeth II. Highlights include the Poets’ Corner, the Royal Tombs, and the Lady Chapel.
The Shard is the tallest building in the United Kingdom with an observation deck on the 72nd floor. From there, you can see panoramic views of London including the Thames, Tower Bridge, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
The National Gallery is an art museum with paintings from the 13th to the 20th century. It has works by famous artists such as Van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli.
Buckingham Palace is the working place of the British monarch and the royal family. You can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony and visit the State Rooms during the summer months.
London has an extensive public transportation system including the Tube (subway), buses, and trains. It is recommended to buy an Oyster card in advance which can be used on all modes of transportation. The cost for a 7-Day Travelcard is £35.10 which includes unlimited travel within Zones 1-2. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are widely available but can be expensive during peak hours.
If you have more time, you may want to consider visiting other museums such as the Tate Modern or the Victoria and Albert Museum. For a unique perspective of London, you can take a Thames River cruise or visit the Camden Markets. If you have less time, you may want to skip a museum or two and focus on the outdoor attractions like Hyde Park or the London Eye.
London has six major airports but two of them are the main hubs: Heathrow Airport (LHR) located 17 miles west of London and Gatwick Airport (LGW) located 30 miles south of London. Both airports have extensive transportation options including trains, buses, and taxis.