- London is legally classified as a forest under ancient regulations because more than 20% of its land area is covered by trees.
- The city's 'Square Mile', the City of London, maintains its own police force, unique voting rights for businesses, and a ceremonial head known as the Lord Mayor.
- Archaeological regulations require significant construction projects in the city center to fund excavations, leading to constant new discoveries of Roman Londinium.
- The London Underground was the world's first subterranean railway, opening its first line between Paddington and Farringdon in 1863.
- London houses over 170 museums, many of which remain free to the public due to long-standing government funding mandates.
About London
London serves as a global hub of finance, culture, and political history, defined by its blend of Roman foundations and contemporary architecture. The city spans both sides of the River Thames, home to iconic landmarks like Big Ben and the historic Tower of London. Visitors can explore deep academic collections at The British Museum or enjoy expansive city views from the Sky Garden. It functions as one of the world's most significant cultural capitals, anchored by centuries of royal tradition and diverse modern neighborhoods.
Highlights of London
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
Explore the medieval fortress that has served as a royal palace, prison, and the secure vault for the Crown Jewels.
Places of interest
View the world-famous Great Clock and the Elizabeth Tower, the seat of the British Parliament.
Places of interest
Walk across this Victorian bascule bridge to witness the high-level walkways that offer panoramic views of the Thames.
Museums
Browse a collection of millions of human history artifacts, including the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles.
Places of interest
Access an observation deck set within a lush, tiered indoor garden located at the top of a distinctive skyscraper.
Museums
Visit a former power station that now houses one of the world's largest collections of international modern and contemporary art.
Places of interest
Observe the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the official residence of the British monarch.
Places of interest
Ride a giant cantilevered observation wheel for a 360-degree perspective of the city's skyline.
Top things to do in London
The 2,660 highest-rated places in London, ranked by travellers.
1
Places of interest
Tower Bridge is a combined bascule and suspension bridge spanning the River Thames, constructed between 1886 and 1894. T...
2
Museums
The British Museum houses a collection of approximately eight million works documenting human history, art, and culture...
3
Places of interest
The London Eye is a 135-meter tall cantilevered observation wheel situated on the South Bank of the River Thames. It con...
4
Places of interest
Buckingham Palace serves as the administrative headquarters of the British monarch and the site of official state occasi...
5
Parks
Hyde Park is a 350-acre Grade I-listed Royal Park located in the heart of London. It serves as a significant lung for th...
6
Historical places
The Tower of London is a historic castle and fortress founded by William the Conqueror in 1066. It serves as the officia...
7
Places of interest
Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of the Great Clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London. T...
8
Places of interest
Sky Garden is London's highest public garden, occupying the top three levels of the 20 Fenchurch Street skyscraper, coll...
9
Museums
Madame Tussauds London is the flagship wax museum of the global franchise, situated on Marylebone Road. The collection f...
10
Museums
The Science Museum in South Kensington is a world-leading institution dedicated to the history and future of science, te...
11
Museums
Tate Modern is the United Kingdom's national gallery of international modern and contemporary art, housed in the former...
12
Museums
The National Gallery houses over 2,300 paintings spanning the mid-13th to the early 20th century. Located in Trafalgar S...
13
Museums
The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) is the world's leading institution dedicated to art, design, and performance, housi...
14
Places of interest
London Bridge is a pre-stressed concrete and steel box girder bridge completed in 1973 to replace the 19th-century John...
15
Parks
Greenwich Park is the oldest enclosed Royal Park in London, dating back to 1433. It spans 183 acres and is designated as...
16
Temples
St. Paul's Cathedral is an 17th-century Anglican cathedral designed by Sir Christopher Wren following the Great Fire of...
17
Parks
The Regent's Park is a 395-acre Royal Park in London featuring extensive sports facilities and the Regent's Park Hub caf...
18
Temples
Westminster Abbey is a royal church serving as the site of every British coronation since 1066. The current Gothic struc...
19
Museums
The Natural History Museum in South Kensington houses a vast collection of over 80 million natural history specimens spa...
20
Venues
Emirates Stadium is the home ground of Arsenal Football Club, featuring a seating capacity of 60,704 spectators. Complet...
21
Museums
The Imperial War Museum in London is housed in the former Bethlem Royal Hospital building, a historic site transformed i...
22
Parks
The Green Park is one of London's eight Royal Parks, covering 40 acres between St. James's Park and Hyde Park. It is dis...
23
Historical places
Battersea Power Station is a decommissioned coal-fired power station repurposed into a major retail and leisure complex....
24
Venues
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is a multi-purpose venue in London featuring the world's first dividing, retractable pitch. Be...
25
Zoos
London Zoo is the world's oldest scientific zoo, founded in 1826 by the Zoological Society of London. Located in the nor...
26
Parks
Battersea Park is a 200-acre Victorian-era public park located on the south bank of the River Thames. The grounds featur...
27
Museums
Tate Britain serves as the national gallery of British art, housing the world's largest collection of works by J.M.W. Tu...
28
Venues
The Lyceum Theatre is a historic Grade II listed venue located in the City of Westminster, featuring a distinct portico...
29
Museums
The Cutty Sark is the world's sole remaining tea clipper, launched in 1869 to transport tea from China to London. Now su...
30
Parks
Hampstead Heath is a 790-acre ancient parkland known for its diverse topography, including extensive woodland, meadows,...
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London on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to London
May to September offers the most temperate weather and the longest daylight hours for outdoor sightseeing.
4-5 days to balance major museum visits with exploring diverse neighborhoods and central historical sites.
The city is best navigated using the extensive London Underground network, supplemented by iconic red buses and the river-based Uber Boat services.
Stay in Westminster or South Bank for immediate proximity to major landmarks, or choose Bloomsbury for a quieter atmosphere near central cultural institutions.
London is an expensive destination, particularly regarding accommodation and dining, though many major museums offer free general admission.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 2,660 curated attractions in and around London, ranked by traveller ratings.
Tower Bridge is the highest-rated place to visit in London right now.
The largest category is temples, with 1,167 places to explore.
Travellers also explore North Kensington, Manchester, Birmingham.
Explore more of United Kingdom
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
