“London is a roost for every bird,” says Benjamin Disraeli. The city is home to a variety of tourist attractions, and over 4.3 million people visit the city every year. Ever wondered why?
It’s because London tourist attractions are one of the most spectacular places you will ever visit, leaving you in awe of the city as well as the people living there. We have a list of London tourist attractions so that you can start exploring the city as soon as you get there.
Sights to remember!

The London Eye
The London Eye was created as a London tourist spot to help bring in the new millennium and originally opened its doors in 2000. The famous Ferris wheel was built to commemorate the new year and to lend a touch of modernity to the historic regions of London where it is located.
“This engineering marvel is spectacular. This is our first visit to London, and we’re shocked at how big and beautiful it is. I had to coax my wife to get on the Eye, but once aboard, she realised it is secure and brilliant. I recommend the fast track option, as we were whisked to the front of the queue like royalty. Don’t be shy. Try the Eye!” Says one of the visitors! Which talks for itself. The London Eye is a highly spectacular and perfect example of engineering masterpieces, making it a must-visit London tourist attraction.
Closest Tube: Waterloo
Cost: From £32.50
Timings: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
A view from the Shard
The Shard was intended to be a multifunctional structure, a renowned London tourist place that served as a vertical city for people to live, work, and unwind. It includes top-notch offices, accolade-winning restaurants, the 5-star Shangri-La Hotel, opulent homes, and The View from The Shard, the UK's highest viewing gallery with 360-degree vistas.
You can see farther since you are higher than the Eye, yet despite this, everything below you appears far distant and exceedingly little. Unlike the Eye, which has a set ride time, you can stay as long as you like, and it is a place where it is encouraged to go on a clear day. You can come back for free within the next three months if the weather prevents you from seeing the London Eye, St. Paul's Cathedral, The Gherkin, Tower Bridge, or One Canada Square. At one of the Shard's restaurants, you may also get food and beverages. What else would you want from a London tourist attraction?
Closest Tube: London Bridge
Cost: From £28.00
Timings: Available on the website
Sky Garden
London's highest public garden, Sky Garden, is a bustling gathering place and an iconic London tourist spot with 360-degree views of the iconic skyline of the city.
From this amazing vantage point, you can see London. Admire the luxuriant foliage, beautifully planted gardens, observation decks, and outdoor terraces.
A visitor says, “The views take your breath away! They have lovely tropical plants around the cafe and stairs. The lift is super fast! I recommend you book your free entry tickets online, as you get priority entry to the walk-ins. And don’t forget a form of ID! Passport or driving license.”
For sweeping views of London, head to the Sky Garden gallery on the Walkie-Talkie’s 43rd floor. This lush indoor garden has floor-to-ceiling glass windows that offer stunning views of the famous London skyline. Before heading to the observation decks and outdoor terrace of this London tourist attraction, take a stroll through the well-maintained planted gardens.
Closest Tube: Monument
Cost: Free
Timings: Weekdays - 10 AM to 6 PM; Weekends - 11 AM to 9 PM
The Monument
One of the City's most popular London tourist place, The Monument, provides sweeping city vistas. The 202-foot column, created by Sir Christopher Wren and Dr. Robert Hooke, stands on the piazza between Fish Street Hill and Monument Street as a memorial to the Great Fire of 1666.
The Monument was built between 1671 and 1677 to pay tribute to the victims of the Great Fire of London and to mark the completion of the City of London’s reconstruction. It was built where St. Margaret’s, Fish Street, the first church to perish in the Great Fire, once stood. Since it is just 200 feet tall, it is considerably lower than the skyscrapers above and requires 311 steps of leg effort to ascend. But compared to the above premium viewing alternatives or a gourmet meal, it’s considerably less expensive and makes for a great London tourist attraction.
Closest Tube: Monument
Cost: £5.40 for adults
Timings: Monday to Sunday - 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Emirates airline
Continually mocked as a proper component of public transportation infrastructure, the cable car makes for an excellent London tourist attraction. It provides views of Canary Wharf and the other side of the River Thames. You’ll probably get a fine view even on a gloomy day, but bright, dry days are preferable. Besides getting a coffee and visiting The Crystal, “the world’s largest exhibition on the future of cities,” there isn’t much to do at the Royal Victoria Dock end.
Closest Tube: North Greenwich
Cost: £5 for adults
Timings: Monday to Thursday: 7 AM to 9 PM; Friday: 7 AM to 11 PM; Saturday/Bank holidays: 8 AM to 11 PM; Sunday: 9 AM to 9 PM
The royal experience

Buckingham Palace
Since 1837, the UK's monarchs have maintained Buckingham Palace as their official residence in London. Today, this London tourist place serves as the Monarch's administrative centre. The State Rooms of Buckingham Palace are available to guests every summer, despite being used for The King's numerous official functions and celebrations.
Home to legends like Princess Diana, Queen Elizabeth II and other monarchs, Buckingham Palace is undoubtedly one of the most significant London tourist attractions. A visitor says, “Lucked out getting there at the time of changing of the guard. I was so glad to witness this event! Not easy to see everything standing shoulder to shoulder, but a must-see!”
Closest Tube: Green Park
Cost: £30.00 for adults; £19.50 for students
Timings: 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM (Stays open for longer in the summers)
Hampton Court palace
In 1530s, Hampton Court, the estate of Henry VIII, included a palace, a hotel, a theatre, and a sizable recreation area. The King used it to exhibit his majesty and power in every way possible, including through opulent dinners, an elaborate court lifestyle, and extravagantly expensive art.
Given that you can almost wholly visit the Palace and its related parks and gardens as a paid London tourist attraction, this is unquestionably a better value-for-money option. Part Tudor, part Wren makes it more notable from an architectural standpoint. A few costumed performers are also present, waiting to engross you in historical intrigue and drama. Although it is situated right on the edge of London, Waterloo is the closest train station. Alternatively, you can depart from Richmond or Kingston and take a leisurely river cruise.
Closest Tube: Hampton Court
Cost: From £25.30 for adults
Timings: Wednesday to Sunday - 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Windsor Castle
During the reign of Queen Victoria, Windsor Castle held the position of the British monarchy's main residence and the centre of the British Empire, as well as practically all of royal Europe, many of whose families were linked to the Queen.
Windsor Castle has existed for almost a thousand years and is the oldest occupied castle globally. It has been the site of numerous historical occurrences, and it now stands tall as a revered national icon and one of the top London tourist attractions. The castle is a must-see for tourists, especially those who want a day excursion from London. Its other attractions are the stately Queen Mary’s dollhouse and the luxurious State Apartments.
Closest Tube: London Victoria station
Cost: £26.50 to £28.50 for adults
Timings: Monday, Thursday to Sunday - 10:00 AM to 4:15 PM (Open for longer in summers)
The houses of parliament
With millennia of history under its belt, Westminster Palace is one of the best London tourist attractions. Home to the famous Elizabeth tower, better known by its famous bell Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament lets visitors watch debates and committee hearings. Audio or guided tours of the premises are available on most Saturdays and weekdays throughout the year. You’re welcome to admire the tower in all its beauty. However, entry is prohibited for overseas visitors.
Closest Tube: Westminster
Cost: Adult - £22.50 per ticket
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays
For the movie maniacs

Warner bros studios tour “The making of Harry Potter”
The best of London tourist attractions, explore the Harry Potter film series’ backstage secrets, step onto real sets, and learn the mysteries of the stunning visual effects. Before boarding the original Hogwarts Express at Platform 9 34 and exploring Diagon Alley, see the famous Hogwarts Great Hall and the Forbidden Forest. The Studio Tour, located at the studios where all eight movies were made, highlights the British creativity, artistry, and ability that turned the impossibly impossible into a reality on screen. Visitors can relive the magic through the eyes of the filmmakers who created the Harry Potter film series.
Closest Tube: Watford Junction
Cost: £49.95
Timings: 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM
Sherlock Holmes museum (221B Baker St.)
In Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s tales, Sherlock Holmes and his devoted companion Dr Watson resided at this address from 1881 to 1904. To provide a window into the private life of the investigator, Holmes’ flat has been repurposed into a museum. Discover Holmes’ personal artefacts in this London tourist attraction. As you make your way around the Victorian homes lighted by gas lamps, you may even come across some of Watson’s items. Additionally, the museum includes a display of life-size wax figures from Sherlock Holmes’ most well-known adventures. The museum’s gift shop is stocked with unusual trinkets and souvenirs, like deerstalker hats.
Closest Tube: Baker Street
Cost: £16.00 for adults
Timings: Daily - 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
The blue door
The Blue Door is among the best London tourist attractions, as any fan of rom-coms is aware. This is due to the door’s appearance in the classic Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant movie Notting Hill. The blue door in the movie serves as the entryway of William Thacker’s apartment, played by Hugh Grant. You should take a picture in front of this door if you’re a fan of the movie! You can find this renowned blue door at 280 Westbourne Park Road.
Closest Tube: Westbourne Park
Cost: Free
Timings: Open 24/7
Abbey road
“It maybe just a street crossing for some people, but it is a must if you are a Beatle fan! This is Abbey Road, so you must take a picture crossing the street. It was super cool and you have to visit here and take some pictures as you walk through.” says a Beatle fan!
North West London’s Abbey Road is home to one of the most well-known recording studios in the world, as well as the iconic Beatles zebra crossing. Because other tourists and Beatles enthusiasts frequently populate the area, it is also reasonably simple to spot. You’ll also discover that Abbey Road is still worthwhile to visit and is a top London tourist attraction. Even if you’re not a major Beatles fan. After all, it’s situated in a lovely part of London and provides a beautiful opportunity to spice your gram!
Closest Tube: St. John’s Wood
Cost: Free
Timings: Open 24/7
King's Cross station
Kings Cross Station, most frequently linked to the Harry Potter books, is next on our list of top London tourist attractions. Young wizards and witches take the Hogwarts Express to Kings Cross to travel to school. In the movies, you’ll see a particular platform (9 ¾) that only magical people can use. Despite being a functioning train station, King’s Cross has a spot where you may capture pictures of a trolley moving through the platform, just like in the movies. The station also hosts a Back to Hogwarts event every September 1st. Additionally, there is a Harry Potter store nearby where you can buy various magical stuff. Just be aware that the station can get very congested, especially during rush hour.
Closest Tube: King’s Cross
Cost: Free
Timings: Open 24/7
David bowie's house
The Brixton residence of David Bowie serves as a tribute to the late musician. The house is decorated with murals and graffiti that fans worldwide have painted. Any Bowie lover will want to visit this London tourist attraction because it is so rich in history. You might even see a painting or piece of recent graffiti if you’re lucky!
Closest Tube: Loughborough
Cost: Free
Timings: Open 24/7
To make your tour planning more accessible and save on entry costs, you can obtain a sightseeing pass for visitors visiting London tourist attractions, the capital of the United Kingdom, called London Pass. It comprises a smart card that allows its owner to pay a predetermined sum in advance and gain entry to several tourist destinations in and around the London area. The rate for a London pass ranges from €71 to €162, depending on the validity duration you opt for.
Maybe you’ll find yourself enticed by London’s charm and plan to shift to England’s buzzing capital. In that case, we have the perfect guide to help you get a glimpse of what you can expect as a student living in the big city!