The Top 6 Must See Attractions For A First Timer Visiting London

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The Top 6 Must See Attractions For A First Timer Visiting London

London draws people from all over the world with its culture, history, architecture, institutions, pubs, parks, performing arts, music- the list keeps on going.

It is almost 2,000 years old and is home to nearly 9 million people, so it should come as no surprise that you can find pretty much anything you want here.

It’s a great place for people to begin a European trip, as it is a travel hub for basically anywhere on the planet and you can access the entirety of Europe at a very low cost.

This leads to there being lots of people visiting London for the first time for a couple of days, and having absolutely no idea of where to begin exploring this extraordinary city.

Let’s say you’ve booked at the Park Grand London Heathrow and have a limited amount of time to explore before you have to utilise the best meeting rooms west London offers. How on earth are you supposed to tick off all the major attractions?

Well hopefully this list gives you a good idea of the things you simply cannot miss then next time you are in London. Let’s take a look.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is one of the key symbols of London. It is an iconic building that inspires millions of people around the world, and attracts them to London.

Now home to King Charles III, this Neo-classical building has actually been an official residence of the British Royals since 1937. You can tour the interior of the buildings and enjoy the stunning state rooms and even some of the Royal apartments.

You’ll also find the ever popular members of the Royal Guard here. They are specially trained military personnel who guard the palace day and night, and wear rather sporting fluffy hats!

The Changing of the Guard ceremony is extremely popular with tourists, and is free to watch.

The Palace of Westminster & Big Ben

The Palace of Westminster & Big Ben

The Palace of Westminster is yet another stunning building in the city’s centre. This gothic structure looms over the northern bank of the Thames, and is lit in incredible fashion once the sun sets.

It is the home of the British Government and has been since 1295 after the Royals offered the building to the public. You can tour the building’s interior and even visit the houses of Commons and Lords where actual law making takes place!

On the northern end of the building you’ll find the incredibly famous Big Ben- although the tower is not actually called Big Ben at all.

The tower itself is actually Elizabeth Tower, ‘Big Ben’ is the massive bell contained inside. This collection of buildings is truly a sight to behold, and should not be missed.

The London Eye

The London Eye

The London Eye was actually constructed as a temporary addition to London’s attractions in the year 2,000, to celebrate the millennium.

It was immediately much more popular than anyone could have imagined, and was granted permanent status in 2005- it is now one of the most iconic structures that makes up London’s famous skyline.

Ride in a pod 135 metres above the city, and stare in awe at the amazing sights below you. You’ll notice Buckingham Palace, Westminster, St. Pauls and many more of London’s most well known locations.

It really is one of the best attractions in the city.

The Tower of London & Tower Bridge

The Tower of London is one of the city’s most important and historic structures. It was originally built by William the Conqueror after his victory over England in 1066 as a way to strike fear into the hearts of Londoners who may have been considering a revolution.

The White Tower was the tallest building in the country for a good while, and the torture chambers and prisons contained within the tower were the stuff of legends.

Now you can meet the Beefeaters who guard the Crown Jewels and offer tours of the stunning castle. You’ll find the ghosts of Guy Fawkes and Anne Boelynn, the resident ravens who ensure the survival of the city and the many years of history contained within the sturdy walls.

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is one of the city’s most visited destinations, and is loved by shoppers, foodies, performers, artists and, well, pretty much everyone.

The Victorian fruit and veg marketplace has been beautifully converted into a modern covered shopping destination. You’ll find boutique shops sitting right next to some of the biggest international fashion brands on the planet, handmade artisan goods, gifts, locally made jewellery and incredible food- all under one beautiful glass roof.

Just outside is the famous Piazza, where the best street performers from all over the world gather to show their skills and wow crowds of people. There is also a weekly market hosted here, and there is pretty much always live music.

This is a place of culture and relaxation- and good food. It sounds pretty perfect, right?

The British Museum

The British Museum

The British Museum is the most comprehensive and complete collection of artefacts that span the entirety of humankind, and it was actually the first ever museum of its kind to open.

Home to over 8 million artefacts and displays, this stunning institution takes you on a full tour through the history of human culture- from the homo-sapiens and neanderthals, to ancient Egypt, to modern day man.

No where on earth has a collection to rival this one, and it is truly one of London’s brightest jewels in an already dazzling crown.

And best of all? It’s totally free to enter! From your room at The Park Grand London Paddington you’ll be perfectly situated to spend the day exploring the past.

First Timers in the City

So there you have it; the absolute best that the city of London has to offer.

Make sure you don’t miss out on any of these incredible attractions and locations during your stay.

Remember, it does not matter how short your trip is; London’s public transport system is excellent. Even if you need to be back in the best meeting rooms Paddington has to offer, at the Park Grand, you’ll be able to see at least some of the beauty that this city offers.

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