A historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames, The Tower of London is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has served as both a royal palace and a prison. Along with the neighboring Tower Bridge, it is a must-visit destination in London.
The London Eye, located in Jubilee Gardens, is a giant Ferris wheel that provides spectacular views of the city. You can then visit Big Ben, the nickname for the Great Bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster, which is also one of London's most recognizable landmarks.
The British Museum houses a vast collection of artifacts from around the world. From here, head to Covent Garden, a lively district with street performers, boutique shops, and a wide range of restaurants.
Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the monarch and is open to the public for tours during specific times of the year. After watching the Changing of the Guard, head over to the National Gallery, which is home to more than 2,000 paintings from the 13th century to the 1900s.
St. Paul's Cathedral, with its iconic dome, is an Anglican cathedral that has been a prominent landmark in London for over 300 years. Finally, head to the Tate Modern, located in the former Bankside Power Station, which houses modern and contemporary art from around the world.
If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to nearby attractions like Stonehenge or Windsor Castle. If you have less time, consider skipping either the British Museum or the Tate Modern. Also, keep in mind that many attractions, especially Buckingham Palace and St. Paul's Cathedral, have timed entry and may require advance tickets.