There is much that can be said about the appeal of London, a city that has formed the backdrop for some of history’s greatest tales. The fabled city that nestles the Thames River has an aesthetic appeal that will resonate with lovers of architecture as well as nature. Its distinctive skyline has adorned everything from postcards to calendars and its cultural diversity is comparable to and often surpasses many large metropolitan areas around the world. London tourist attractions have for decades captured the imaginations of visitors, who pump billions into the city’s coffers each year.
Traveling Around London
There are many ways to move around and make the most of London tourist attractions. Many visitors choose to walk around as much as possible to take in all the sights. There are outlets where bicycles can be rented for short trips or all day tours. There are also numerous taxis waiting to take you to all the famous spots.
If you prefer to travel by rail you can choose between standard rail services or the London Tube, an underground railway. These will provide access to just about every area in London. Naturally there are guided tours available to you as well. The double-decker bus is one of the images most associated with London and a few other parts of Europe. They are used in the public transportation system, but tour companies use them as well. Moving around London is easy, which is essential to the enjoyment of all that the city has to offer.
Popular London Tourist Attractions
It’s difficult to say which attractions are the best, as each offers something unique. There are also a few that have won the hearts of visitors but are not as well known worldwide.
The Tower of London
This attraction is managed by the Historic Royal Palaces and tours are offered by the Yeoman Warders. The structure is 900 years old and its rich history offers up tales of royal intrigue. You can make things easy for yourself by ordering your tour tickets online. Groups are welcome, and there are special activities for children.
The British Museum
This museum has a collection that surpasses many of those offered by similar entities around the world. It is open every day and admission is free. It provides an in-depth look into various cultures and explores significant events in human history. Its doors were first opened to the public in 1759.
The London Eye
This Ferris wheel has the distinction of being one of the tallest observation structures in the world. It offers amazing views of the city, including its most popular attractions. It is also called the Millennium Wheel and it boasts over 3 million visitors each year. Tickets can be booked online and the operating company’s website offers helpful information on renting private capsules.
The National Gallery
Founded in 1824, this world renowned gallery is located in Trafalgar Square. The vast collection is owned by the public and entry is usually free. A fee is charged for some exhibitions, so it is best to call ahead for information.
Kew Gardens
This park while widely known as Kew Gardens official name is the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew. It is known worldwide for its beauty as much as for the variety of plants to be found there. Nestled on the bank of the River Thames, Kew Gardens possibly has the largest collection of exotic plants to be found anywhere in the world. Just the mere fact that it is over 250 years old makes it a not to be missed sight on any tour of London.
Within the Gardens themselves are sights that any visitor should try to see. These include the Alpine House and the Chokushi-Mon. These structures serve different purposes with the Alpine built all help to protect the plants it houses. The Chokushi-Mon was built in 1910 for the Japan-British Exhibit.
These are just a few of the wondrous London attractions that visitors travel each year to see. There are many more attractions that visitors to London should try to see. It is for this reason why it is necessary to plan the trip. If planned, it may be possible to fit in many of the city’s extraordinary sights.