London Landmarks

In all my years in London I haven’t gotten tired of seeing the city’s iconic sights. My heart still flutters when I catch a glimpse of Tower Bridge and my eyes grow wide when I pass the Houses of Parliament. If you’re like me, today I bring you A Lady in London’s guide to 17 London landmarks that are worth seeing.

The thing I love about these places is that they’re so varied. Some are a thousand years old, others were born with the turn of this millennium. Some are preserved in time, others sport the latest technology.

But what they all have in common is that they help make London the amazing city it is.

1. London Landmarks: Big Ben

Since Big Ben is my favorite, I’ll start here. The bell and its tower make up one of the most recognized symbols of London. This monument is a true London landmark.

The neo-Gothic Elizabeth Tower was designed by Augustus Pugin in the middle of the 19th century. It and its biggest bell (that’s Big Ben) have been wowing locals and visitors ever since.

2. London Landmarks: Houses of Parliament

Sitting alongside Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament are another of the best London landmarks. The Gothic Revival building sits on the Thames in all its spiky splendor, holding history in its walls.

My favorite view of the Houses of Parliament is from the London Eye, where the whole building looks spectacular.

3. London Landmarks: Buckingham Palace

Speaking of which, Buckingham Palace also looks lovely from the London Eye.

The monarch’s London residence, this building is important from a royal perspective and plays host to everything from the Changing the Guard ceremony to the annual summer opening when visitors can tour the interior.

4. London Landmarks: Trafalgar Square

Just down The Mall from Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square is another one of London’s most beloved landmarks.

The square itself is home to fountains, plinths, and Nelson’s Column, which commemorates Admiral Horatio Nelson. Around it lie other important sites, including the National Gallery and St Martin-in-the-Fields church.

5. London Landmarks: Piccadilly Circus

Not far from Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus is another London landmark. This junction features larger-than-life screens with advertisements from major brands, a statue of Anteros, and views up Regent Street.

It’s also the intersection of some of central London’s most important commercial streets, from Piccadilly to Shaftesbury Avenue.

6. London Landmarks: The London Eye

One of the most modern London landmarks is the London Eye. This giant Ferris wheel on the Thames is not only stunning to see, but also offers some of the most beautiful views of London.

Even my fear of heights can’t keep me from going on it every few years, and when I do I’m always awed by the city skyline.

7. London Landmarks: The Tower of London

Where the London Eye is cutting-edge, the Tower of London is all history. Dating back to 1078, the White Tower is one of the city’s oldest buildings. It’s also one of the most important London landmarks.

The layers of history here are amazing to discover, and the crown jewels are always a highlight. But the Tower of London impresses even from the outside. The views of it from across the river are some of my favorites in the city.

8. London Landmarks: Tate Modern

And once you’re across the river it’s a short walk to Tate Modern. This modern and contemporary art museum is housed in a former power station designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, who also designed the iconic red phone box.

The museum is one of the most visited in the world, and it has great views of London from the main building’s upper floors and the Blavatnik Building’s viewing terrace. It’s a London landmark for good reason.

9. London Landmarks: The Gherkin

Another modern addition to the London skyline, The Gherkin is a beloved city skyscraper. When it was built, it was one of the first steel-and-glass behemoths of its kind in London.

Now it’s harder to pick it out of the sea of skyscrapers that has swept over the City, but this pickle-shaped dome is still one of the most unique London landmarks in the UK capital.

10. London Landmarks: The Royal Observatory, Greenwich

Out in Greenwich, there are historic buildings and important maritime structures galore. But if one stands out as a London landmark, it’s The Royal Observatory.

This is the home of Greenwich Mean Time, and it’s a fun feeling to stand with one foot on either side of the Prime Meridian. The views down the hill and across the Thames are priceless, too.

11. London Landmarks: Tower Bridge

Back on the river, Tower Bridge is a stunning feat of Victorian engineering and a beautiful sight in its own right.

Inside, the bridge has a glass floor high above the water that offers great views up and down the Thames. But the view of the bridge itself is the real winner, and I love seeing it from the waterfront by Butler’s Wharf.

12. London Landmarks: The British Museum

If London has a lot of history outside, the British Museum has even more inside.

This treasure trove (or plunder room, depending how you look at it) is packed with antiquities from all over the world. Want to see the Rosetta Stone? It’s here. An ancient Egyptian sarcophagus? Check.

And while the collection is unbelievable, the contemporary architecture in the Great Court is equally impressive.

The curving lines bring the museum into the 21st century and add yet another feature to what is already one of the most important museums in the world.

13. London Landmarks: The South Kensington Museums

But the British Museum doesn’t have a monopoly on the city’s treasures (or the world’s, for that matter). The trio of museums in South Kensington make up another set of London landmarks that are worth taking in.

The Natural History Museum is a temple to science both inside and out, the V&A has a stunning decorative arts and design collection, and the Science Museum is a treat for the curious.

14. London Landmarks: Westminster Abbey

Back by the Thames, Westminster Abbey is one of the city’s most important religious sites and a historic London landmark in its own right.

Not only is the abbey the burial place of monarchs past, but also the site of coronations and royal weddings. Visiting is like stepping into a British history book.

15. London Landmarks: St Paul’s Cathedral

Across the city center, St Paul’s Cathedral is another of London’s most important religious sites.

This too is a London landmark in addition to being a place of worship. I love climbing the stairs to the top of the dome for panoramic views of London.

16. London Landmarks: The Shard

But perhaps the best views of London can be found at the top of The Shard. This striking skyscraper has dominated the city skyline since it was completed in 2013, and its towering height means it offers great views of the city below.

But the Shard is also worth seeing from a distance, which isn’t hard given it’s easily the tallest building in London.

17. London Landmarks: The Thames

Given all the London landmarks on the Thames, the river itself is one of the city’s chief icons.

Seeing the bridges, towers, skyscrapers, wheels, and museums from its banks and boats is a treat, and delving into its history and importance in London’s growth and commerce over thousands of years is enlightening.