Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the United Kingdom's monarchy. Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony or take a tour of the palace's state rooms. Just opposite the palace, St. James's Park is a beautiful green space perfect for picnics and family photos.
The Tower of London has a long, fascinating history as a palace, fortress, and prison. Today, it houses the Crown Jewels and the famous Beefeaters. Across the River Thames stands Tower Bridge, one of London's most recognizable landmarks offering great views of the city.
The British Museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts from around the world, including the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles. There are also plenty of interactive exhibits for children and families to enjoy.
The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel on the Southbank that provides stunning views of the city. Afterward, take a walk down Southbank and enjoy the street performers or visit the SEA LIFE London Aquarium, which features over 600 species of marine life.
The Science Museum and the Natural History Museum are both located in South Kensington and are great for families. In the Science Museum, explore space travel and technology while the Natural History Museum showcases dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals.
Regents Park is a beautiful green oasis in the heart of the city with playgrounds and gardens. Within the park, visit the London Zoo, which houses over 19,000 animals and features a children's zoo and live animal shows.
Trafalgar Square is a popular gathering place that features the National Gallery, home to one of the world's finest collections of Western European paintings. The gallery offers free admission to its permanent collections.
Visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum and step back into Victorian England to see the famous detective's study and bedroom. Afterward, take a visit to Madame Tussauds to see life-like wax figures of famous celebrities and historical figures.
The Shard is one of London's most iconic modern structures that offers breathtaking views of the city from its viewing gallery. Afterwards, visit Borough Market, London's oldest food market, and sample a variety of delicious local cuisine.
Head to Greenwich to see the famous Prime Meridian and stand on the line that divides the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. Visit the Royal Observatory to explore astronomy and the history of timekeeping.
Take a day trip to the Harry Potter Studio Tour just outside of London to explore sets from the movies and learn about the making of the wizarding world. Get sorted into your Hogwarts house and sip a butterbeer in the Great Hall.
Kew Gardens is a beautiful botanical garden that's perfect for families. Take a guided tour or explore the gardens on your own. Visit the treetop walkway for a unique view of the park.
Learn about London's seafaring history at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. Right outside, visit the Cutty Sark, one of the last nineteenth-century tea clippers.
Take a stroll through Hyde Park, one of London's largest parks, and visit the Diana Memorial Fountain. Visit Kensington Palace, the birthplace of Queen Victoria, to see the State Rooms and the royal wardrobe exhibit.
Finish your trip at Platform 9 ¾ at King's Cross Station and snap a photo with the disappearing trolley. Then head to Camden Market, where you can find unique shops, vintage clothing, and delicious street food.
To get around London, you'll want to take advantage of the city's public transportation. The London Underground or "the Tube" is a fast and efficient way to get around the city. You can purchase an Oyster card, which allows you to load money for your travels and save money on fares. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available. Consider using a hop-on-hop-off bus tour for a fun and easy way to see the city's major attractions. Estimated cost for 15 days on public transportation: £50 per person.
If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to Stonehenge or Brighton Beach. For a less crowded experience at Buckingham Palace, visit in the morning on weekdays. Some museums and attractions require advance booking, so plan accordingly. If you have less time, consider skipping some of the museums or parks and focusing on the major landmarks and attractions.
London has six airports, but the two main ones are Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW). Heathrow is located 14 miles west of London and is the busiest airport in Europe. The Heathrow Express train takes 15 minutes to get to London Paddington Station with a one-way fare of £22. Gatwick is located 30 miles south of London and is the second-busiest airport. The Gatwick Express train takes 30 minutes to get to London Victoria Station with a one-way fare of £19.