London attractions

Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence and administrative office of the British royal family since the 19th century and is one of the few remaining working royal palaces in the world. Access for the public is limited and exclusive but worthwhile for those who arrange a visit.

With 326 acres (121 hectares) of exotic plants, woodland trails, and lily ponds, plus 30,000-plus plant species, the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew offer an idyllic escape for Londoners. As well as being one of London’s most visited outdoor attractions, the gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and house one of the oldest and most significant botanical collections in the world.

Flowing right through the heart of central London, the Thames River offers a dramatic backdrop to the city's famous skyline with landmarks lining its shores. Walk along the riverfront from Westminster to Tower Bridge and you'll pass London icons such as the London Eye, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral, Southbank, Shakespeare's Globe, and the London Bridge.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, with a legacy dating back more than 1,000 years, Westminster Abbey is among London’s most historic landmarks. The Gothic church is best known for hosting headline-grabbing events involving the British royal family, such as the Queen’s coronation, Princess Diana's funeral, and Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding.

The World War II warshipHMS Belfast, moored on the south bank of the Thames, is an iconic symbol of British history. Discover interactive displays and preserved spaces across the vessel’s nine decks and learn about life on the naval ship, as well as its role in D-Day, the Arctic Convoys, and the Battle of North Cape.

At the heart of London’s historic Docklands, the waterfront district of Canary Wharf has transformed itself into a financial powerhouse in recent years. This area has become—along with the nearby City of London—one of the capital’s most important business centers.

Interactive galleries, science demonstrations, and an IMAX 3D theater help make London’s Science Museum one of the city’s most engaging attractions for all ages. Use virtual reality to experience space travel, do experiments in the Wonder Lab, and see how math and science connect to everyday activities.

Enjoy a magical journey into one of the most successful film series of all time at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. Explore memorable sets such as Diagon Alley, Dumbledore's office, and the Great Hall; discover behind-the-scenes secrets and special effects used in the Harry Potter movies; and admire a huge collection of costumes, iconic props, and interactive exhibitions.

Affectionately nicknamed “The Gherkin” for its unusual shape, the dazzling glass-fronted skyscraper at 30 St. Mary Axe is among London's most distinctive landmarks, looming 590 feet (180 meters) over the City of London financial district.

Meticulously constructed using period-appropriate materials to resemble the original Elizabethan Globe Theatre, which stood at a site just 656 feet (200 meters) away, Shakespeare’s Globe brings the theatergoing experience of yore to life. Plays—not exclusively Shakespeare’s, though the bard’s works do dominate the schedule—are staged in the atmospheric, circular, open-air auditorium.