What is London Famous For?

London: Top 10 Most Popular Places in London

London is often called Europe's nerve centre- and for good reason! The city is steeped in rich history, brilliant architecture and world-class tourist attractions like museums, galleries, restaurants and more. The city is a popular destination among travellers, scholars, honeymooners and more as it has so much to offer. Here are some of the most iconic places to visit in London:

Tower of London

This place is protected as a World Heritage Site as it's a symbol of the country's varying history. The Tower of London is among the oldest constructions in the UK and it's significance lies in the fact that it has been used for multiple purposes across centuries. Now a public attraction, it has served as a treasury, an armoury, a public record office, and home of the Royal Mint.

Big Ben

Actually known as the Elizabeth Tower, this tower clock is perhaps the most recognizable landmark of the country. The name ‘Big Ben' is actually because of the huge bell behind the clock face, commonly known as Ben. The ‘Big' is because of the huge size of the machine!

The clock tower is known for its brilliant architecture and machinery, as well as being close to another prime London destination- the Houses of Parliament.

Buckingham Palace

The Buckingham Palace has been the London residence of the UK's sovereigns since 1937. Today, it serves as the administrative office of the monarchs. It is a famous tourist attraction thanks to the sheer opulence, the changing of the guards and the Royal Family.

Hyde Park

The largest among all the Royal Parks, Hyde Park is best known for its speaker corner, a popular protest and demonstration site. This stunning park has many lakes, sculptures, fountains and beautiful paths for visitors and walkers.

London Eye

For a panoramic view of the city, you must visit the London Eye. Situated at the South Bank, this giant wheel offers a spectacular view of the entire city. Visitors can truly experience London's beauty from this vantage point.

Westminster Abbey

From hosting weddings, burial ceremonies, and royal coronations, the Westminster Abbey has seen it all. It is also a very good example of Gothic architecture, perfect for history buffs who wish to explore this place. You can visit this place once you've visited Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.

Royal Botanic Gardens

Also called the Kew Gardens, Royal Botanic Gardens boast a large diversity of plant and fungi specimens and has the status of World Heritage Site. With more than 8.5 million preserved species, it is also the largest botanical and mycological garden in the world.

Baker Street

For fans of Sherlock Holmes, Baker Street holds special place in the fandom. This busy street is an undisputed pop culture landmark in the iconic West End area of London. Over 200 million tourists visit Baker Street every year, making it one of the busiest shopping areas in London.

Globe Theatre

William Shakespeare's Glove Theatre is perhaps the most cherished and important attraction among literature lovers. The place was reconstructed in 1997 and is a must-visit for any art enthusiast fond of Shakespeare. The Globe Theatre also hosts exhibitions.

The London Underground

The ‘Tube' connects the bustling city of London underground, making it possible for Londeners to commute seamlessly. It is a great example of early engineering acumen, and you should definitely use this mode of transport. The London Underground opened in 1863, setting the trend of subterranean train across the world.

What are some Interesting Facts about London?

What makes London so popular is a lot more than meets the eye. The city has some marvellous stories that locals or residents may be used to, however, tourists will surely find it fascinating. Here are some little known facts about London to make your trip a bit more fun:

• The London Underground or the ‘Tube' officially opened in January 1863, making it the oldest subterranean train.
• The Tower of London always has ravens living in it, as per a superstition dictated by King Charles II.
• London has approximately 3,000 parks covering around 47% of the city, making it the greenest city in Europe.
• London only covers 1.2 square miles, making it the smallest city in England.
• According to the Licensing Act of 1872, it is illegal to be drunk in a London Pub.
• London has over 10,000 Indian restaurants, perfect for Indians planning their London itinerary

These are just a few of the lesser known facts that can make your London trip more interesting. Make sure to buy travel insurance for London once you've booked your flight and hotel tickets. It will protect you from many financial emergencies in case of trip cancellation, medical emergencies and more.

Over to You,

London is a cultural melting pot perfect for globetrotters who wish to explore one of the most culturally, economically and historically significant cities of the world. As you book tickets, plan your London itinerary and other details, don't forget to buy UK travel insurance for your trip. It will ensure that you're financially safe in case of unexpected situations that may threaten your fun in London.