When you think of London, the capital’s iconic monuments spring immediately to mind. Famous London landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and The Tower of London are recognized throughout the world.
The imposing Houses of Parliament is a Gothic masterpiece that has witnessed pivotal moments in British history. The soaring spire of St. Paul’s Cathedral is an architectural marvel that has graced the London skyline for centuries. We’re fortunate to live nearby, and never get bored of it!
Traversing the iconic River Thames, Tower Bridge, with its distinctive blue and white steel suspension structure, offers a breathtaking view of the city’s modern and historic marvels.
List of the Top Landmarks in London
London is a large city and these attractions are dotted throughout the capital. If you’d like to see these London attractions, allow several days and focus on one area like the City or Westminster.
These iconic landmarks attract millions of visitors each year, captivating them with their grandeur and embodying the spirit of one of the world’s most celebrated cities. We’ve lived in London for many years and are pleased to share some facts that you may not know about these top London sights. This London landmarks list doesn’t include markets or neighbourhoods, as we have focused specifically on monuments.
25.Cleopatra’s Needle, Victoria Embankment
Standing majestically on the Victoria Embankment beside the River Thames, Cleopatra’s Needle is one of London’s most intriguing ancient monuments. Despite its name, this 3,500-year-old granite obelisk has no connection to the famous Egyptian queen Cleopatra.
Originally erected in the ancient Egyptian city of Heliopolis around 1450 BC during the reign of Thutmose III, the obelisk was later moved to Alexandria. The British acquired it in 1819, but transportation proved challenging – it wasn’t erected in London until 1878.
Standing 21 meters tall and weighing 224 tonnes, the obelisk is covered in hieroglyphics celebrating the pharaohs Thutmose III and Ramesses II. Beneath the monument lies a fascinating time capsule containing Victorian artifacts including photographs, a railway guide, children’s toys, and copies of 12 daily newspapers.
Two bronze sphinxes guard the obelisk, though they were damaged during World War I air raids – you can still see shrapnel marks on them today.
24.al Albert Hall, South Kensington
This magnificent Victorian concert hall was opened in 1871 by Queen Victoria in memory of her late husband Prince Albert. The Royal Albert Hall was designed by Captain Francis Fowke and Major-General Henry Y.D. Scott.
The distinctive circular building with its famous red brick and terracotta facade can seat 5,272 people, making it one of the largest venues of its kind in the world. The iconic glass and wrought-iron dome spans 135 feet and weighs 400 tonnes.
Famous for hosting the BBC Proms since 1941, the hall has welcomed legendary performers from The Beatles and Led Zeppelin to Luciano Pavarotti and Adele. Winston Churchill delivered some of his most important speeches here, and the venue continues to host over 390 events annually, from classical concerts to contemporary performances and award ceremonies.
23.The Cenotaph, Whitehall
Standing solemnly on Whitehall, The Cenotaph is Britain’s principal war memorial and one of London’s most significant monuments. Designed by the renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, this elegant limestone monument was originally erected as a temporary structure for the Peace Day parade in 1919.
The permanent version, unveiled on Armistice Day 1920, stands 35 feet high and commemorates all British and Commonwealth servicemen and women who died in the two World Wars and subsequent conflicts. The word “cenotaph” comes from the Greek meaning “empty tomb.”
The monument’s deceptively simple design features subtle architectural curves – there are no straight lines in the entire structure. If extended, all the horizontal lines would meet at a point 900 feet above the monument, while the vertical elements would converge 900 feet below ground.
Every year on Remembrance Sunday in November, The Cenotaph becomes the focal point for the National Service of Remembrance, attended by the Royal Family, political leaders, and representatives of the armed forces. Wreaths of poppies are laid at its base, and the ceremony is watched by millions around the world.
22.Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey
One of only two remaining London buildings that belonged to King Henry VIII, Hampton Court Palace is located 12 miles from central London in the Borough of Richmond upon Thames. This royal palace is known for its lavish state rooms, hedge maze and extensive gardens.
Hampton Court Palace Flower Show is a popular annual event. Work on this beautiful building began in 1514.
21.Millennium Bridge, City of London
This steel suspension bridge which links St Paul’s Cathedral to Tate Modern is officially known as the London Millennium Footbridge. Opened in 2000, this is one of the most famous modern London landmarks.
Or should we say infamous, as it was nicknamed the Wobbly Bridge due to unforeseen lateral vibrations. The Millennium Bridge had to close 2 days after opening and didn’t reopen again for two years.
We live nearby and experienced the bridge when it was wobbly. It actually wasn’t all that bad!
20.Kew Gardens Palm House, Kew
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew have over 50,000 types of plants. This is one of the largest botanical collections in the world.
The Palm House at Kew is considered to be the world’s most important Victorian glass and iron structure. This beautiful structure was built by Decimus Burton and Richard Turner between 1844 and 1848.
Resembling an upturned ship, the Palm House was constructed using techniques from the shipbuilding industry. Besides plants, you can spot robins, wrens and even a Chinese water dragon inside.
Inside the Palm House, you’ll find the oldest potted plant in the world. Brought to Kew in 1775, this Jurassic cycad plant was collected by Francis Masson from the Eastern Cape of South Africa.
19.Somerset House, Strand
This imposing building was designed by the architect Sir William Chambers in 1775. Built on the site of the former palace of the Duke of Somerset, these days it’s a cultural hub.
Originally, boats could access Somerset House directly from the Thames via the Great Arch. In fact there’s a royal barge displayed under the Great Arch Hall in the King’s Barge House.
There’s a beautiful art museum as well as artist studios and 5 cafes and restaurants. One of the most famous buildings in London, over 3 million people visit Somerset House annually.
18.The Gherkin, City of London
Also known more mundanely as 30 St Mary Axe, The Gherkin is located in the City of London. More than 35 kilometers of steel were used in the construction and 7,429 panes of glass.
Standing 180 meters tall, this famous London landmark has 18 lifts. Despite its curved shape, the building has only one piece of curved glass.
The Gherkin has featured in several films including Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, Basic Instinct 2, A Good Yearand Match Point.
17.The Sky Garden, City of London
Nicknamed The Walkie Talkie Tower, The Sky Garden is the highest public garden in London. One of the most striking London landmarks, its name comes from its top heavy shape.
Also known by its address, 20 Fenchurch Street, this London skyscraper was designed by architect Rafael Vinoly. It was originally intended to be around 200 meters tall but the height was reduced to 160 meters to preserve the skyline near St Paul’s Cathedral.
During construction, it was found that the building acted as a concave mirror, melting objects in the sun’s glare. A reporter even managed to fry an egg here until this was corrected by installing a permanent awning.
Access to the public is free but must be booked in advance. Once inside, you’ll be wowed by the views and the planted terraces.
Some of the plant species include African lilies, Birds of Paradise and Red Hot Pokers. There are several restaurants and a bar as well as an outdoor viewing platform.
16.Lloyd’s Building, City of London
Designed by London architect Richard Rogers, the Lloyd’s Building was completed in 1986. Nicknamed the Inside Out Building, its lifts and ducts are located on the outside to maximize space inside.
The home of insurance institution Lloyd’s of London, it has 14 floors. On the ground floor there’s the huge Underwriting Room which houses the famous Lutine Bell.
Salvaged from the wreck of the Lutine British warship, the bell tolls for ships that are overdue or lost at sea.
On the 11th floor, the ornate Committee Room dates from the 18th century. It was designed by Robert Adam in 1763 and transferred from the former Lloyd’s building over the road at 51 Lime Street.
15.The British Museum, Bloomsbury
Located in Bloomsbury, The British Museum was designed by Sir Robert Smurke in the Greek Revival style.
The building was based on the temple of Athena Polias at the city of Priene in Asia Minor. It is the world’s oldest national public museum, founded in 1753 and inaugurated in 1759.
The Queen Elizabeth II Great Court was designed by Foster and Partners. This is the largest covered public square in Europe, at 8,000 square meters.
The British Museum permanent collection is free to visit. In fact it was the first museum in the world to open its doors to everyone for free. There are also some great paying temporary exhibitions.
There are over 8 million objects in the British Museum collections. However, only 1% of them are on display at any given time.
Some of the most famous exhibits are the Rosetta Stone, the Egyptian mummies and Sutton Hoo artefacts. In 2005, street artist Banksy managed to display a spoof painting of a prehistoric man with a shopping cart in the Roman Britain gallery, before staff spotted it 😉
14.Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Bankside
This reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre has a great location overlooking the River Thames on Southbank. Constructed from 1,000 English oak trees and 17,000 Norfolk reeds, it was completed in 1997.
The project was instigated by American actor Sam Wanamaker in 1970. Sadly he died in 1993 before the project was finished.
Thatched roofs are banned in the capital since the Great Fire of London in 1666. The Globe has a special licence to have one.
The stewards at the Globe are all volunteers. As well as seated tickets, you can buy a groundling ticket.
Groundlings were historically too poor to pay for a seat and bought standing only tickets. These days, the groundling tickets cost £5 and you must stand or walk during the entire performance.
13.Kensington Palace, Kensington
The official residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge is more than 400 years old. The home of many British monarchs, this was the birthplace of Queen Victoria, Kensington Palace was also where she first met Prince Albert.
Princess Margaret used to throw parties here, inviting the Beatles, Margot Fonteyn and Elizabeth Taylor amongst other celebrities. The palace is rumored to be haunted by King George II and his granddaughter.
Kensington Gardens inspired the book Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie. As for Queen Victoria, she was a keen artist when she lived here.
Several members of the Royal Family live in Kensington Palace, including Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.
12.The Monument, City of London
One of the most famous London landmarks, The Monument is the tallest isolated stone column in the world. It was built as a memorial to the Great Fire of 1666.
This started in Pudding Lane nearby at Thomas Farriner’s bakery. It quickly spread and destroyed much of the medieval city.
The Monument is 202 feet high as it is 202 feet from there to Pudding Lane. To get to the top, you’ll need to climb 311 steps. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of London and a certificate!
Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, The Monument is made from Portland stone and topped with a gold orb. Underneath The Monument, there’s a tiny laboratory, as the site was originally going to be used as a telescope. Because the surrounding area was too busy, that plan was abandoned.
We climbed up The Monument recently and recommend that you wear flat shoes for the winding staircase. There’s a pleasant surprise when you come back down – you’re awarded a certificate!
11.Nelson’s Column, Trafalgar Square
Standing proud on Trafalgar Square, this iconic London landmark was built to commemorate Admiral Horatio Nelson. A competition was held to choose the most suitable tribute.
Designed by William Railton in the Corinthian style, Nelson’s Column was completed in 1843. The cost was £47,000 – the equivalent of around £4 million today.
Four bronze lions were added in 1867. If you happen to visit, look carefully and you’ll see that they’re not identical.
Not only that, the artist Sir Edwin Landseer based their posture on that of a dog! The column was struck by lightning in 1896 and Admiral Nelson’s shoulder was dented.
10.Tate Modern, Bankside
The former Bankside Power Station has a fantastic location on the South bank of the River Thames. Originally designed by Giles Gilbert Scott, it was converted into a contemporary art museum in 2000.
This famous London museum takes its name from Sir Henry Tate, a British sugar merchant who establishing Tate Britain in Pimlico. Some of the well known artworks include The Three Dancers by Picasso and Fountain by Duchamp.
The central chimney is 99 meters tall. The Turbine Hall was where the power station turbines were housed.
Tate Modern frequently pays host to temporary art installations. A time capsule is buried underneath the Turbine Hall.
Head to the top floor of the Switch House extension for panoramic views from the terrace. Entrance to the permanent exhibitions is free. There are also temporary paying exhibitions.
The museum has featured in several films including Judge Dredd and Bridget Jones’s Diar
9.The Shard, Southwark
At 306 meters high, The Shard is the tallest building in Western Europe. It’s also one of the most popular tourist attractions in London.
Made from 11,000 glass panels, it has 44 lifts and can be seen for 40 miles in any direction. Designed by Renzo Piano, it was inaugurated in 2010. The unusual structure located at London Bridge was inspired by the shape of a shard of glass.
During construction, builders discovered an urban fox on the 72nd floor whom they christened Romeo. He became the mascot of The Shard, and visitors can buy a plush Romeo toy from the shop.
There are three restaurants on floors 31-33 and an amazing view from the restrooms. The View From The Shard on floors 68, 69 and 72 boasts panoramic lookout points.
8.Natural History Museum, South Kensington
Housing the most important natural history collection in the world, this ornate building was designed by Alfred Waterhouse. Completed in 1881, it features a central hallway decorated with 78 monkey statues and 162 botanical tiles.
The area of South Kensington where the Natual History Museum is located is nicknamed Albertopolis. Prince Albert suggested that land should be bought to build museums with the profits from the
The Hintze Hall is also home to the skeleton of a blue whale, suspended from the ceiling. In the Darwin Centre, the museum’s entomology and botanical collections are stored.
Over 5 million people visit the Natural History Museum each year. On the last Friday of each month, the museum is open until 10.30 pm and features live music and a bar.
7.St Paul’s Cathedral, City of London
One of the most famous monuments in London, St Paul’s Cathedral was designed by famous British architect Sir Christopher Wren. Standing on the highest point of the City of London on Ludgate Hill, it has the second biggest cathedral dome in the world after St Peter’s in Rome.
There was previously a Norman cathedral on the site. That was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666 and St Paul’s was completed in 1711,
Visitors to the Whispering Gallery can hear whispered words from 112 feet away, thanks to the unique acoustics. Sir Christopher Wren is one of many notable people buried here, including Admiral Lord Nelson and the sculptor Henry Moore.
St Paul’s Cathedral has featured in several famous films including Sherlock Holmes, Mary Poppins and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
6.Tower Bridge, City of London
432 workers helped build Tower Bridge, which was opened in 1894 by the Prince of Wales. Over 40,000 people pass over the bridge each day.
The only bridge over The Thames that can be raised, it is both a bascule and suspension bridge. In 1912, pilot Frank McClean flew between the bascules and the upper walkways as a stunt.
In 1952, a double decker bus was crossing over when the bridge started opening. The bus driver accelerated and managed to get over a 3 foot gap!
Visitors can walk along the bridge for free or pay to walk along the glass bottomed upper walkways and to visit The Engine Room. There’s also a permanent exhibition called The Tower Bridge Experience.
5.Westminster Abbey, Westminster
Despite its name, this famous London monument is not actually an abbey. Its official name is The Collegiate Church of St Peter, Westminster.
Commissioned by Henry III to honor Edward the Confessor, it was completed in 1272. The new Gothic style building houses the highest Gothic vault in England, at 102 feet.
One of the most important landmarks in London, this was once the home of Benedictine monks. It then became a popular place for royal weddings and the final resting place of many royalty and historical figures. The 17th century poet Ben Jonson was buried standing up as he could only afford 2 square feet of space.
In the Abbey sanctuary, the medieval tiled mosaic floor was created in 1268. Known as the Cosmati pavement, it predicts that the world will end in 19,683 years.
Westminster Abbey also boasts the only remaining Anglo-Saxon door in England. It dates from between 1032 AD and 1064 AD.
4.The London Eye, Southbank
At 135 meters, The London Eye is one of the tallest buildings in London. You can see up to 25 miles away from the viewing cabins.
There are 32 carriages, numbered 1-33. Number 13 has been left out, as it’s considered to be unlucky. This is to represent the 32 London boroughs.
The most popular UK paid tourist attraction, with almost 4 million annual visitors, it was originally planned to be temporary. However, a permanent licence was granted for the Southbank site in 2002.
Among celebrities who have been on the London Eye, Kate Moss has visited 25 times while Jessica Alba has been on 31 times. Over 5,000 people have got engaged on the London Eye.
3.Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, Westminster
Also known as the Palace of Westminster, this imposing riverside building was the scene of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605. Among the conspirators to assassinate King James I was Guy Fawkes. His effigy is burned every year on Bonfire Day, November 5.
One of the most historic London landmarks, there are over 100 stairs in the Houses of Parliament and more than 1000 rooms. Both the House of Commons and the House of Lords regularly convene here.
Big Ben is actually the nickname, not the actual name of the Great Bell in Elizabeth Tower. This famous clock tower nickname comes from Sir Benjamin Hall, who supervised the rebuilding of the Houses of Parliament which were destroyed in the Great Fire of 1834.
Another reason for the Big Ben name is the weight of the bell – 16 tons! Inaugurated in 1859, the tower was designed by famous architect Augustus Pugin.
2.Tower of London, City of London
Over the years, this iconic London building has been a palace, defence fortress and prison. The Kray twins were the last prisoners held here. Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard, two of Henry VIII’s wives, were imprisoned in the central White Tower and executed here.
Dating from 1066, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important part of British history. The Jewel House is where the crown jewels worth over $32 billion are displayed.
According to legend, if the ravens of the Tower of London ever leave, the monarchy will fall. They’re taken care of by a Ravenmaster who is also a Beefeater.
These Beefeaters were personal bodyguards to Henry VII in the 1400s. They tasted his beef to make sure that it wasn’t poisoned. Nowadays, they lock up the Tower of London every night at 9.53 pm in the Ceremony of the Keys.
The Tower of London is said to be haunted by the ghosts of Anne Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey, Henry VI, the Princes in the Tower and even a grizzly bear that once lived there. The Royal Menagerie was a collection of exotic animals including tigers, lions and a polar bear that hunted for fish in the Thames.
1.Buckingham Palace, St James’s
The official residence of the Queen, Buckingham Palace is one of the most famous European landmarks. The palace has 78 bathrooms, a post office, police station, swimming pool, doctor’s surgery, helipad and a movie theater.
There are over 350 clocks and watches, and 800 staff members. The largest room is the Grand Ballroom, at 36.6 m long. Underneath Buckingham Palace, there are secret tunnels leading to the streets of St James nearby.
The Queen Mother and George VI explored them on several occasions and once met a squatter living there. In 1838, a teenager named Edward Jones broke into the palace and stole some of Queen Victoria’s underwear.
You can tell when the Queen is in residence, as the Royal Standard flies when that is the case. When she’s not there, the Union Jack flag flies.
Final Thoughts on the Most Famous London Landmarks
London’s appeal extends far beyond its historic landmarks. The city offers an abundance of cultural attractions and experiences that cater to every interest.
From world-class museums like the British Museum and the National Gallery, to vibrant West End theaters, London provides an unparalleled array of famous sights. Visitors to London can enjoy ceremonies like the Changing of the Guard or explore trendy neighborhoods like Shoreditch and Soho.
There are so many things to do in London that you’ll never be bored! When you’re planning your next trip to the UK, be sure to add some of these famous landmarks in London to your itinerary.
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