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Europe Travel Advisory: The Top-Rated Tourist Attractions In London
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With over 15 million visitors annually, it is no wonder London is rated as one of the top tourist destinations in the world. It is Britain’s capital city and boasts of the biggest and diverse cultural attractions in the world. The people’s parliament, Cathedrals, Royal Palaces, and Castles are some of the architecture that bear physical testaments to the city’s and the nation’s history. The other elements that make London such a huge attraction its vibrant way of life thanks to its diversity of people that create a scene of different experiences and new discoveries for visitors. Below are some of the things of interest that first-time visitors can do or see when in London.
Change Of The Guard
Held at Britain’s iconic building, the Buckingham Palace, the change of the guard is an annual even that draws droves of crowds to the palace as early as 11.30 in the morning. The precision marching is always a wonder to behold. After the change, visitors are treated to some music at St. James’ Palace as the marching band procession snakes its way along the Mall into town.
The Parliament
Referred to the House of Parliament, this is has been the seat of the country’s government for centuries. It was once the Royal Westminster Palace. Tourists are given the chance to walk in the parliament’s corridors and even see live discussions and political debates.
The Big Ben
Of the many standing structures in the city, none is associated with London and Britain more than the Big Ben. The world over considers it as BBC radio’s time signal. The Big Ben is a tall house standing at 97 meters that houses a giant clock.
The London Eye
The London Eye stands at the largest observation wheel in Europe. The structure was built to commemorate the city’s millennium celebrations. Standing at 443ft, the wheel that has glass capsules offers a grand way of viewing the Thames and London. The ride last half an hour which is relatively shorter than the time spent in the long queue of people waiting for their turn to ride the wheel. The smart fellows buy a skip-the-line ticket to catch a ride any time of the day when they come to visit London.
The National Gallery
The National Gallery is London’s premier art museum. As one of the leading art museums in Europe and the world, the National Gallery houses an expansive collection of painting dating from the 13th century to the early 20th century. The pieces include works from the 15th and 16th century Italian Schools as well as works from the Dutch Masters.
The Covent Garden
A visit to the Covent Garden is a surprise because what visitors see is not what they would expect, given the name of the place. The Garden is more of a market neighborhood that has several restaurants and shop located along the market halls. Most of the shops are specialty kiosks that sell souvenirs and fine handcrafts and other artworks. Visitors can also get a chance to get entertained at the Royal Opera House located in the same market.
