London’s Tourist Essentials

 

A tourist in London England has so many choices that deciding where to go first is sometimes confusing.

Here are some suggestions…

…our “must see” tourist spots.

…otherwise known as the essentials for any tourist.

Hint: Click on any photo to enlarge it.

1. Buckingham Palace

 

There are so many places to see right around the palace.

Click here to see some of them.

2. Parliament Buildings. Big Ben. Westminster Abbey.

(These are combined these as they are all within steps of each other.)

Parliament Buildings (Palace of Westminster) with Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower)

Click here to see more photos and learn about guided tours.

Westminster Abbey

There is a fee to take a guided tour of the Abbey but it is well worth it.

However, if you love music, consider attending a service there or attend one of their free concerts. Imagine being in this beautiful church where several royal weddings have taken place, and sit in the same seats that famous people have sat in, and listen to heavenly music (choral and/or organ) as it soars into the rafters. Check out times and performances at

http://www.westminster-abbey.org/music

3. London Eye

( We were standing on the bridge next to Big Ben when we took this photo.) 

 To go for a ride on the London Eye with us, click here.

 

4. Globe Theatre

 

Check the theatre’s official website to see what plays may be on during your visit.

http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/

If you are going to attend a play (they are excellent!) be aware that if you buy the cheaper tickets you will be standing in the center courtyard in front of the stage for the whole performance.

Wooden benches are the seats on the upper levels…hard, but much better than standing (in my opinion.) Optional seat cushions can be rented.  

When plays are not being performed, tours of the theatre are possible.

 

5. St Paul’s Cathedral

(from the Globe Theatre take the Millennium pedestrian bridge across to St.Paul’s)

You can visit the cathedral as a tourist (for a fee) and take a guided tour…well worth it to see this beautiful, historic building. However, again I strongly suggest you consider attending a concert or a service there. Especially an Evensong . Check out the times on their official website

www.stpauls.co.uk/worship-music/music

6. Tower of London

 

Learn more (such as where to see the Crown Jewels)… click here.

7. Tower Bridge 

Tower Bridge is one of several bridges crossing the River Thames…but I suspect it the one most people picture in their minds when thinking of London bridges.

The Tower of London is on the north side of the bridge…and this helmet shaped building on the south side of the bridge is City Hall.

London was developed along the Thames River so of course there are a lot of bridges. Learn more about Tower Bridge… click here.

8. Visit a museum

London has many, many museums…large ones, small ones, and in-between sized ones.

Go to Google and type in “London Museums”.

(see what I mean by many museums…and they all are wonderful)

My favourite…that is very difficult to answer. Guess it would be the British Museum, for numerous reasons.  Number One reason…like all publicly funded museums in London, it is free. (So that is a huge plus over New York’s excellent Metropolitan Museum of Art, isn’t it!)

Reason Number Two…the free guided tours. In the photo above we have joined a tour that includes a replica of the Rosetta Stone. (The real Rosetta Stone is here too , but in a secure glass case.)

For more suggestions re museums, click here.

9.Visit an art gallery

Again many, many choices…both public and private galleries.

If you could only go to one, I would suggest the National Portrait Gallery.

10. Take in a live theatre production.

Live theatre is in, and of itself, a valid reason to visit London.

and that is fact, not opinion…in my humble opinion!

Most theatres are in the West End but always check the venue’s location as theatres also are scattered throughout Central London.

Leicester Square is the centre of the theatre district and is where you can buy same day discounted tickets for many shows. Check out the TKTS official website. There are several private sellers nearby…but compare the prices. You will quickly discover some are over charging.

Can you tell which show we have just come from?

 

Aside: West End is a term that has always perplexed me as it really is not in the west if you think in terms of directions.

Thought I could do it in Top 10 style, but no …there is more!

 continue on to Part Two.

Just click here.