The British Museum houses one of the world's greatest collections of human history and culture. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles. Entrance is free, and the museum stays open late on Fridays for special events.
The Tower of London is a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames. It has served as a royal palace, a prison, an armory, and a zoo. Highlights include the Crown Jewels Exhibition and the Yeoman Warder guided tours.
The Tate Modern is a modern and contemporary art museum located in the Bankside area of the London Borough of Southwark. Exhibits include works of international art from 1900 to the present day, including works by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Andy Warhol.
The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames. The views from the top are stunning, and on a clear day, you can see up to 25 miles away. Book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues.
The Houses of Parliament is the meeting place of the UK's two parliamentary houses, the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. Tours of the Houses of Parliament are available for visitors.
The National Gallery is an art museum in Trafalgar Square in the City of Westminster. It houses a collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900. Highlights include works by Van Gogh, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci.
Covent Garden is a district in London known for its shopping, restaurants, bars, and street performers. The Covent Garden Market is a covered market hall offering a variety of shops selling everything from designer clothes to handmade crafts.
London has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, the underground (Tube), and trains. The Tube is the cheapest and fastest way to get around the city, with a single journey costing £2.40. Consider purchasing an Oyster card or a Travelcard to save money on transport costs. Taxis and Ubers are also available but can be expensive.
If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to the nearby cities of Cambridge or Oxford. Both cities are famous for their universities and historic architecture. If you have less time, prioritize the top attractions and book tickets in advance to avoid queues.
London has six major airports, including Heathrow Airport (LHR), Gatwick Airport (LGW), and London City Airport (LCY). Heathrow Airport is the largest and busiest airport in London, located 14 miles west of the city centre. Gatwick Airport is the second-largest airport, located 28 miles south of London. London City Airport is the closest airport to the city centre, located 6 miles east of London.