Iconic Places In The City of London

Big Ben, Westminster Bridge
Big Ben, Westminster Bridge / Photocreo/Depositphotos.com

London is a hub of profound culture and historical arts. It's no surprise that visitors from all over the world are drawn to the numerous landmarks, several of which hold a special place in the lives of pop culture fans. Here's our list of a couple of iconic London monuments you must visit the next time you're in the city.

The Palace of Westminster

The British House of Parliament, also referred to as The Palace of Westminster, is the most photographed London landmark. With its neo-gothic feel, the building used to be a royal residence but was eventually converted into a government center. The location has legendary structures like Westminster Abbey, which is known to host the British royal family on special events.

Do you recall the scene in the 1953 Peter Pan animation where Peter flew past the clock, or do you remember Mary Poppins cruising past the tower? Elizabeth tower has been in many movies, and it houses the famous 13.7-ton bell, Big Ben.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the most recognized landmark in London, as it's the official home of the new King. The palace hosts royal and national functions, including late Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Take a grand tour of the running State Room if you come when it's open for all. These usually occur for 20 weeks every summer and on particular dates in winter and spring. The Changing of the Guard ceremony also takes place at Buckingham palace and happens almost every day, except when the weather is very wet; their schedule can be accessed online. You should always come before the ceremony so you'll be able to get a good spot. If you don't want any stress, you can tour the palace and see the best spots to witness the ceremony.

Shakespeare’s Globe

Enjoy the epic plays of William Shakespeare at the iconic Shakespeare's Globe. The open-air thatched and half-timbered is a copy of the original Globe theatre which burned down in 1613 while a performance of Henry VIII was going on. Numerous Shakespeare plays have served as inspiration for many songs and movies, and these plays were first performed at the Globe. Now you're able to catch those live performances during summertime (April - October).

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge, which spans the Thames River, is London's most famous bridge. The multi-purpose Victorian-era bridge, completed in 1894, serves as an easy way for pedestrians and vehicles to pass over the river. The bridge is so well-known that it was featured in the opening ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympics. It has also served as the setting for many blockbusters, Spider-Man: Far from Home inclusive.

The bridge's most inventive feature is its versatile drawbridge, which can be lifted so ships can go through. Buy a ticket to ascend the bridge's towers and stroll on the suspended glass walkway above the ground. The bridge can also be crossed for free, but you must keep the bridge-lifting schedule in mind. You can take a speedboat tour or river cruise to view the bridge from a different perspective.

Abbey Road

Visit Abbey Road so you can replicate the black-and-white crosswalk shot The Beatles had for their most popular music cover. This London street serves as a home for music lovers, as the legendary Abbey Road Studios is where artists like Pink Floyd and The Beatles recorded their amazing hot songs. Take a picture in front of the building, and get your souvenir from the Abbey Road Shop. If you'd like to continue your music pilgrimage, you join a rock music tour, and you'd be able to visit famous rock n roll sites.

Tate Modern

Tate Modern is a world-class museum in London that should not be overlooked. The museum, located on the South Bank of the Thames across from St. Paul's Cathedral draws you in with its astonishing architecture. It's a renovated power station that sports a prominent chimney. At the museum, you can view the redefining contemporary art of Salvador Dal, Andy Warhol, and Pablo Picasso.

Begin your exploration at the enormous Turbine Hall, which once housed electricity generators but is now home to major art installations by well-known artists. Explore unusual spaces not found in other museums, such as underground tanks, a switch house (the Blavatnik Building), and even boiler rooms. Entry is free; however, for special exhibitions, you'll need to get tickets. The museum is usually choked up on weekends, so weekdays are the best time to visit.

Tower of London

One of London's most breathtaking buildings with commanding architecture and rich history is The Tower of London. The tower is one of the most booked sites in London. The tower complex used to be a royal palace, a castle, and at some point, a prison that held Guy Fawkes and Anne Boleyn at some point.

Join the delightful tours of Yeoman Warders, also known as "beefeaters," who perform the Ceremony of the Keys every night to lock up the tower—this special tour must be booked in advance. To avoid long lines, buy your tickets online, get there early, and go straight to the Crown Jewels. To gain early access, you can join a tour.