Big Ben – Tick-tock, this clock rocks! Contrary to popular belief, Big Ben is not the tower but the giant bell inside it. Officially named the Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to honor Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee, it was completed in 1859. The bell weighs a whopping 13.5 tons, and its chimes are broadcasted by the BBC. Fun fact: the tower leans about 0.04 degrees to the northwest, due to ground conditions and age.
Tower Bridge – Lift it up! An iconic symbol of London, Tower Bridge was completed in 1894. It’s a bascule bridge, meaning it can split in the middle and lift up to allow ships to pass. The high-level walkways were initially unpopular as they became a haunt for pickpockets, but today they offer stunning views and house a cool exhibition. Keep an eye out for the glass floors added in 2014 – perfect for a dizzying photo op.
St. Paul's Cathedral – Whisper a secret! Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, St. Paul's was completed in 1710 after the Great Fire of London destroyed the previous cathedral. Its Whispering Gallery is a marvel – a whisper against its walls can be heard clearly on the opposite side, 112 feet away! The Cathedral's dome is one of the largest in the world, standing at 365 feet – one for each day of the year.
The Shard – A modern marvel! Standing at 1,016 feet, The Shard is the tallest building in the UK, completed in 2012. Designed by Renzo Piano, it resembles a shard of glass and offers breathtaking 360-degree views of London from its observation deck. The building houses offices, restaurants, a hotel, and residential apartments. Fun fact: it's clad in 11,000 glass panels!
Buckingham Palace – Royal residence! Built in 1703 as Buckingham House, it became the official royal residence in 1837 with Queen Victoria's accession. The Palace has 775 rooms, including 19 State rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, and 78 bathrooms. The Changing of the Guard ceremony is a must-see – just don’t get too close, those bearskin hats are serious business!
The Gherkin – Pickled perfection! Officially called 30 St Mary Axe, this quirky skyscraper was completed in 2003 and designed by Norman Foster. Its unique shape reduces wind turbulence and maximizes natural light. The building has 41 floors and stands at 591 feet. And yes, it really does look like a gherkin!
The Houses of Parliament – Politics and Gothic Revival! Also known as the Palace of Westminster, this iconic Gothic Revival building was designed by Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin after a fire destroyed the old palace in 1834. It’s home to the UK Parliament, with the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The building has 1,100 rooms, 100 staircases, and 4.8 kilometers of passageways. Pro tip: look out for the hidden door in the Central Lobby!
The British Museum – A treasure trove! Founded in 1753, it’s one of the oldest museums in the world. The collection includes the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles, and the Egyptian mummies. The museum’s Great Court, designed by Foster and Partners, has the largest covered public square in Europe, with a breathtaking glass and steel roof. Fun fact: the museum was the first public national museum in the world!
The Globe Theatre – Shakespearean splendor! The original Globe Theatre, associated with William Shakespeare, was built in 1599 but destroyed by fire in 1613. The modern reconstruction, opened in 1997, is located near the original site and stays true to the 16th-century design. It’s an open-air theatre with a thatched roof, the only one in London. Don’t miss the chance to see a play performed as it would have been in Shakespeare’s time!
The Natural History Museum – Dino-mite! Opened in 1881, it’s renowned for its stunning Romanesque architecture and vast collection of specimens, including the iconic Diplodocus skeleton (nicknamed Dippy) that greeted visitors in the central hall until 2017. The museum's Hintze Hall is now dominated by a 25.2-meter blue whale skeleton named Hope. The museum also hosts an annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition.
The Victoria and Albert Museum – Arts and crafts galore! Established in 1852, the V&A is the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design. It houses over 2.27 million objects, including fashion, textiles, and ceramics. The museum's façade is an exquisite example of Victorian architecture. Fun fact: the museum has a 'Cast Courts' section where you can see plaster casts of famous sculptures, including Michelangelo's David.
The Royal Albert Hall – Musical majesty! Opened in 1871 by Queen Victoria, it’s one of London’s most treasured performance venues. The hall was built to fulfill Prince Albert's vision of a central hall to promote the arts and sciences. Its distinctive circular design and domed roof make it an architectural marvel. The Proms, an eight-week summer season of daily orchestral classical music concerts, have been held here since 1941.