This city is simply a dreamland for any tourist in the world. I don’t think that there would be anyone who is not willing to take a tour of this great British city. One can find all types of attractions and so people of all ages can find something to keep them engaging. Now, without taking much of your time, let me just share with you the London tourist attractions that I visited on my first trip.
Among all the London tourist attractions, I first visited the most popular Tower Bridge that is more than 100 years old. I could really see its dual drawbridges that are already raised over half a million times. In just 90 seconds, these bascules are raised with the electric motors. You can view the HMS Belfast from here, which is a heavy cruiser that has a historic past related to the bombardment of the Normandy coast.
Who doesn’t know about the Buckingham Palace? Known as the Buck House, it is the residence of Queen Victoria and the largest private house in London. There are over 660 rooms within. Architecturally, the palace is back-to-front.
The Houses of Parliament was the next choice on my list of London tourist attractions. The Houses of Parliament is responsible for enacting the laws governing the British land and life. Today, what you see is not the original one, but the Gothic style edifice that was built in 1840. In the second week of November, the Queen comes in her State coach to Westminster to open the new Parliament session. During summer, this area is very congested with tourists, but the summer recess is the best time to tour the Parliament.
The Big Ben is also seen here, which is a 13-tom bell in an ornate clock tower striking on the quarter hour. A light in the tower indicates the running of the House of Commons is in session.
The London Eye on the bank of the River Thames next to the Waterloo Station is a great ride of thrill. It is the biggest observation wheel not to be seen anywhere else in the world. Taking 30 minutes to make one round, it is the best way to have a spectacular view of London. On a clear day, a 25-mile panoramic view is also possible. Close by are the highlights of Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, and the bridges over the Thames River.
Do visit the legendary Trafalgar Square where the statue of Admiral Lord Nelson stands 167 feet above who built the square to mark his naval victory in 1805. Since 1830, the splendid area is a site of political rallies. It was also once a home of thousands of pigeons. Even today, many tourists feed pigeons here. Check out the four majestic bronze lions at the base of Nelson’s column and the church of St Martin-in-the-Fields with lunchtime concerts. On 31st December, people assemble to celebrate the New Year.
On the north of the square, do visit the famous National Gallery located besides the National Portrait Gallery. Founded in 1834, it boasts some greatest art collections by Titian, Monet, Leonardo da Vinci, Turner, and much more. The gallery is open from Monday to Saturday – 10 am to 6 pm and on Sunday from 12 pm to 6pm.
Then, I headed towards the Tower of London at the eastern rim of the ancient city walls. It is popular as a site of imprisonment and death sentence, but it has also been a royal residence, an armory, a mint, a menagerie, an observatory, and a safe-deposit venue for the Crown Jewels. Among these Crown Jewels on display, the oldest one is the 12th century Anointing Spoon and the most popular is the Imperial State Crown holding a 317-carat Indian diamond – the ‘Kohinoor’ along with other emeralds, rubies, and pearls.
Meet the draw of the millions – the British Museum situated on the Great Russell Street.
It houses the collections of Egypt, Greek and Roman art, China, old Mesopotamia, antiques, coins and medals, prints and drawings, Renaissance and Anglo-Saxon Britain, and much more. Because of the size of the museum, wear good walking shoes and be ready to spend much of the day. It is really worth it. The museum is opened from Monday to Saturday (10 am – 5 pm) and on Sundays (12 pm – 6 pm).
Lastly, I explored the Neasden Temple nestled off the North Circular Road in Neasden.
Although it is a Hindu temple, all are welcomed and that its exotic structure is worth a visit. In its honor, many awards were given to this wonderful monument. But, dress decently as no short skirts, shorts, and transparent wear is allowed.
