London’s best landmarks: from historical places to modern London landmarks – find your favourite one amongst famous landmarks in London UK!
On postcards and artwork, movies and TV, London landmarks are truly iconic world over. However, there is nothing better than seeing these landmarks up close and personal to admire all of their glory.
In all our years in the capital city, we still haven’t seen all of the iconic sights London has to offer. Wonder why? The list of famous London landmarks to visit is simply exceptionally long!
If you are looking for ideas for the best 4-day breaks in Europe London is a great choice!
So, whether you’re visiting London for the first time or just want to reacquaint yourselves with the best that London has to offer. From famous buildings in London to top London monuments – there are many iconic places to see in London! Have you created your list of the famous landmarks in London yet?
Check out our other London series if you are looking for more than just the London landmark buildings:
- Things to do in London
- Places to live in London
- Neighbourhoods in London
- Parks in London
- London in one day
- Romantic things in London
London, famously situated on the River Thames, is known as the number one destination in Europe. And for sure a must-visit place in England. From most iconic landmarks of London like the London Eye to a bit less recognizable sights like Little Venice or Richmond Park – there are really many landmarks, which are a must-see while visiting London.
What’s your top landmark London? We have compiled the below list of most famous landmarks in London that we believe everyone must-see while visiting the capital of the UK!
Here are 28 of the best landmarks in London that you need to add to and then tick off from your UK bucket list.
Explore the most famous landmarks in London and top ideas for pictures of London landmark buildings:
28 famous landmarks in London
1. Liberty London
What famous landmarks are in London? Liberty, known also as Liberty’s, is a famous luxury department store in London, England. This unique through shop, staying always at the cutting edge of trends, is housed in a beautiful Tudor building – one of London’s famous landmarks!
It is one of the favourite shopping destinations in London. If you ever heard of a “Liberty print”, then, this is the place to find one.
It is definitely worth visiting Liberty London – even if only to see the inside of this unique building. With loads of history this really is an iconic building in London.
2. Regent Street
Located in London’s West End, Regent Street is one of the most prestigious destinations.
If you are looking for popular places in London, Regent Street is the one! Experience London’s home of fashion, wellness and lifestyle. Make sure you have a bit of cash with you – most of the flagship shops are pretty expensive!
But you can be sure that the majestic design of the buildings lining the streets will add a bit of elegance to your shopping trip in London. This street really is one of the most recognizable places in London and an example of a famous London architecture!
If you are visiting London with kids, you just have to see the flagship store of Hamleys! This is the oldest toy shop in the world, which dates back to 1760 and is a key landmark of Regent Street since 1881.
3. The Thames
Famous landmarks in London England? Weaving majestically through the city of London, the River Thames is the longest river that is entirely in England with a length of 215 miles. While the river runs through Henley-on-Thames, Marlow, Windsor and many more towns, it is perhaps at its most iconic in the city centre, especially with the famous Tower Bridge crossing its width.
Yes, a famous landmark in London doesn’t have to be a building! In fact, the River Thames is very top on our famous London landmarks list.
The Thames offers sports and wildlife. However, arguably the best way to enjoy the Thames is to enjoy a river cruise that shares the secrets of the river as you pass by many of the famous London landmarks.
4. Carnaby Street
Whenever we are in central London, we love walking through Carnaby Street. Especially during Christmas time. Carnaby Street’s Christmas lights are always some of the most stunning in the capital city making it one of the most visited and most popular landmarks in London at this time of the year.
Carnaby Street used to be considered as the “Capital of Cool”. In the 1960s this place was the epicentre of the British youth revolution.
Today, with many lovely boutique shops, nice pubs and great restaurants, Carnaby Street is one of the favourite central London spots. It really has to be on top of the list of London iconic landmarks!
5. Big Ben
If you ask yourself, what famous landmarks are there in London? Then Big Ben will come to your mind as it is one of the most famous buildings in London.
And when you think of Big Ben, you’ll undoubtedly think of the tall Clock Tower. However, Big Ben is actually the name given to the Great Bell housed within the Clock Tower. The tower itself is actually now known as the Elizabeth Tower to mark Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee.
The tower stands at 96 metres tall while Big Ben, the largest of five bells housed in the tower, weighs a staggering 13.7 tonnes. Big Ben tolls every hour on the house and there are four quarter bells that chime every 15, 30 and 45 minutes past the hour.
Due to current renovation works, the bells only chime for special occasions. However, it is due to be back up and running in 2021.
It is well worth seeing Big Ben and hearing the chimes from across the road or river. However, only UK residents are allowed to tour inside the tower and see Big Ben.
6. Houses of Parliament
Looking for London iconic buildings? This really is a contender for being one of the most famous landmarks in London.
The Houses of Parliament consists of the House of Common and the House of Lords that are situated in the grand and beautiful Palace of Westminster. The iconic Houses of Parliament was first built in 1016. However, after a fire, the palace was rebuilt in 1840. It follows a gothic style and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Grade 1 Listed Building.
While the building houses the politicians and lawmakers of the United Kingdom, the Palace of Westminster is actually the property of Queen Elizabeth II. Its history, stories (such as the Gunpowder Plot) and age-old traditions make the Houses of Parliament a popular tourist attraction and an iconic landmark on the River Thames, complete with Big Ben too.
7. Buckingham Palace
Where to find the most famous buildings in London? Not just the London home of the royal family, it is the headquarters of the monarch. Built in 1703, Buckingham Palace has been the official London residence for the monarchy since Queen Victoria’s reign beginning in 1837. Measuring over 108 metres along the front, simply looking at Buckingham Palace is an impressive sight. However, you can also visit some of the State Rooms and discover what life is like in a working royal palace by booking a tour.
Any list of the top landmarks in London wouldn’t be complete without Buckingham Palace – one of the most recognizable & famous London buildings!
Buckingham Palace is only open to visitors for ten weeks every summer and through selected dates throughout the year, so planning your trip well in advance is advised. If not, simply enjoy its glory from the outside as you walk up the mall and catch the Changing the Guard ceremony.
8. Kensington Palace
Top 10 famous London landmarks? Kensington Palace is a famous London palace that has been home to many famous royals. The Palace was, in fact, the birthplace for Queen Victoria and is now the home of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. It is also home to Princess Eugenie, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and Kent and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.
Visitors can enjoy a visit to the staterooms of Kensington Palace, a tour which brings to life what life was and is currently like in the royal residence.
Would you add Kensington Palace to the list of famous London landmarks?
9. The Globe Theatre
What is London famous for? This landmark London has to be seen! Known as Shakespeare’s Theatre, it was built in 1599 by William Shakespeare’s playing company and rebuilt after a fire in 1614. In 1997, a modern reconstruction of the theatre was built just 750 metres away from the original site and is known as Shakespeare’s Globe.
It might be less known amongst other iconic London landmarks, but it’s definitely worth adding to the list of London’s top places to visit.
The reconstruction is faithful to the original and hosts performances in its series of playhouses and theatres. You can enjoy a guided tour of the Globe Theatre, or, alternatively, book your tickets for one of the performances. The schedule changes for each season, so there’s always a chance to see something different, whenever you visit.
10. London Tube
Is someone asks you to list three famous landmarks in London you probably wouldn’t include London Underground, would you? In fact, this London landmark is the most used by all visitors in the city – even if you visit London for one day!
The London Underground, known by its nickname, the Tube, is the easiest way to get around London so you can see as many London landmarks as possible. However, the London Tube (and its iconic map) is a landmark in itself. It serves 270 different stations, covers 249 miles and receives five million riders every single day.
The tube has a long and rich history, from being air-raid shelters in the war to inspiring novelists, the London Underground is even home to ghosts and ghost stations which are no longer in use.
11. Lamb & Flag
What is London famous for? Definitely for its pubs! 🙂 So of the building became one of the most iconic places in London.
Known as the oldest pub in London, Lamb & Flag is nestled on Rose Street in Covent Garden. Nobody is quite sure how old the tavern is, but some say it dates back to 1623 and was definitely a licensed premise in 1772. The Lamb & Flag has a long history such as the Rose Alley Ambuscade where the poet John Dryden was attacked, to the Bucket of Blood bar which used to host bare-knuckle fights.
Those visiting Lamb & Flag now will enjoy a traditional English pub complete with dark varnished wood and plenty of brass features. Punters can enjoy a selection of ales and a pub food menu.
12. Trafalgar Square
Looking for famous places in London? We couldn’t forget about Trafalgar Square as one of the top landmarks in London, could we? 🙂
Trafalgar Square has long been a place for demonstrations and community gatherings, but many want to visit this iconic London landmark for its stunning architecture. Trafalgar Square opened in 1844 complete with Nelson’s Column that stands at 52 metres tall.
Trafalgar Square is home to many statues and fountains. However, many people flock to Trafalgar Square in December as it is home to London’s Christmas tree which is presented by Oslo as a token of gratitude for Britain’s support in Norway during World War II.
13. Piccadilly Circus
A list of famous landmarks London just has to contain the iconic Piccadilly Circus! In fact, this is one of the top landmarks near me in London.
Set in London’s West end, Piccadilly Circus was built in 1819 and is now a major traffic junction for vehicles and pedestrians. Piccadilly Circus is mainly known for its large video displays and neon signs.
However, it also links many attractions and roads such as Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, the London Pavilion, Criterion Theatre and connects to Shaftesbury Avenue, Coventry Street and the Haymarket.
14. The London Eye
Another iconic London landmark is the London Eye, a giant observation wheel that is set in London’s South Bank next to the River Thames. The London Eye is 135 metres tall, and the wheel itself has a diameter of 120 metres. If you want one of the highest views of the city then the London Eye is a great place to gain a fantastic view across the city and a chance to see many of the iconic London landmarks.
The only taller observation deck in London is The Shard. However, the London Eye is still considered the tallest cantilevered observation wheel in the world.
Across all the landmarks, the London Eye is probably the most famous landmark in London! A must-have on your London landmark buildings list!
15. The Tower of London
One of the most famous city landmarks! Home to the famous ravens, the infamous prison and, of course, the Crown Jewels, visiting the Tower of London makes for a great day out. The Tower of London is actually a royal palace and fortress. Work began on the Tower of London in 1078 when William the Conqueror built the White Tower.
The Tower of London has been a prison from 1100 right up until 1952 and visitors can explore the prisons complete with prisoner’s graffiti during a tour. Throughout its long history, the Tower of London has been used for many purposes; at one point, it was even used as a zoo! This UNESCO World Heritage Site is well worth a visit so that you can uncover the many secrets it holds.
16. Hyde Park
This famous landmark in London is a very popular spot amongst locals and tourists during the summer days.
First established in 1536 by Henry VIII, Hyde Park is the largest of four Royal Parks in London and covers an impressive 350 acres in the heart of the city centre. Hyde Park is famous for its Speakers’ Corner which has been home to many famous protests in history, such as the Suffragettes.
The park is free to roam, and there are plenty of sights within the park to spot such as the Serpentine lake, the Standing Stone monolith, the Cavalry and Holocaust memorials as well as the Diana, Princess of Wales memorial.
17. Tower Bridge
Best list of landmarks in London? As one of the most famous bridges in London, it is certainly not a London Landmark to miss. The iconic suspension bridge is 65 metres tall with a total length of 244 metres. Because Tower Bridge is such a classic London landmark, many people believe it is London Bridge. In fact, London Bridge is located further upstream.
40,000 pedestrians cross the bridge every single day. However, you can also go inside the bridge in which you can take a close look at the engine rooms and even view the bridge from above on the glass floor in the tower.
Without a doubt, this is also one of the famous landmarks in England!
18. Little Venice
This romantic place in London is also one of the famous landmarks of London!
If you are after a bit of peace and calm after the hustle and bustle of the city centre, then a wander through Little Venice is a must. Little Venice is where the Regent and Grand Union canals meet and here you can enjoy canal boat rides or simply enjoy a drink and bite to eat in one of the many waterside pubs and restaurants.
Little Venice is also home to the Canal Café Theatre and the Puppet Theatre Barge which offer entertainment in this relaxing spot.
19. St Paul’s Cathedral
A list of London iconic buildings just has to have St Pauls Cathedral on it! At the end of the day, this is one of the most beautiful churches in Europe.
Built in 1675 with the famous Sir Christopher Wren as its architect, St Paul’s Cathedral is an impressive Grade I Listed building and is the seat of the Bishop of London. Built on top of a hill (Ludgate Hill) at the highest point in the City of London, the cathedral stands at 111 metres tall, and until 1967 it was the tallest building in London. To this day, the dome of the cathedral is among the highest in the world.
The cathedral is still a working church. However, tourists can pay a fee to enter the cathedral and enjoy its incredible architecture.
20. The Shard
As one of the modern London landmarks, the Shard just can’t be missed on the list of iconic buildings in London!
The Shard is the tallest building in the whole of the UK at 309.6 metres tall and opened in 2012. Inside The Shard are retail units, offices, restaurants and bars. There is also an observation deck, known as The View from The Shard. Here, visitors can enjoy an indoor gallery on the 69th level and an open-air deck on Level 72. On Level 68, there is a gift shop selling limited-edition souvenirs.
There are plenty of restaurants and bars throughout The Shard where you can enjoy fine dining with one of the best views of the city.
21. Battersea Power Station
There are also very unique landmark buildings in London, and the Battersea Power Station is one of them!
As an old and decommissioned coal-fired power station, Battersea Power Station is an iconic site, nestled on the banks of the River Thames. During its time in user, it was the most thermally efficient power station in the world. Now, Battersea Power Station displays its landmark 1920s architecture and is home to community events such as street food festivals and retailer pop-up events.
Now the area is being redeveloped into an exciting and innovative neighbourhood while maintaining the Grade II listed structure.
22. Royal Albert Hall
For your London landmarks list, you also have to add the Royal Alber Hall – one of the most famous buildings in the capital city.
The Royal Albert Hall is a stunning concert theatre that was first opened by Queen Victoria in 1871 and was built in memory of Queen Victoria’s late husband, Prince Albert. Queen Victoria even laid the first foundation stone of the building in 1867. The concert hall seats 5,272 people and is home to many prestigious events and performances.
The English National Ballet and Cirque du Soliel regularly perform here while there are also annual events such as the BBC Proms, ATP Tennis Champions Tour, Festival of Remembrance and charity concerts such as the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Visitors can either enjoy a guided tour or book tickets to see a show.
23. O2 Arena
So, what is the most famous landmark in London? If you visit East London, many locals will definitely say that the O2 has to be top on the list of landmarks of London!
Set on the Greenwich Peninsula in The Thames, the O2 Arena is a premier arena that hosts a wide variety of events form sports to concerts. As well as enjoying entertainment inside, there are activities to enjoy outside too. In fact, you can climb to the top of the O2 Arena where you can enjoy unparalleled 360-degree views both day or night.
The O2 Arena is also home to many cafes and restaurants as well as a cinema, bowling alley and free jumping centre.
24. City Hall
Famous landmarks in London? Due to its shape, the City Hall is one of the most iconic London buildings.
Built in neo-futuristic style by architect Norman Foster, City Hall is home to the London Assembly and the Mayor of London. Located near Tower Bridge, City Hall is a rounded shape complete with a helical walkway to reach all ten stories of the building.
A part of City Hall is open to the public on weekdays, and there are also events where it is possible to visit the rooftop gardens. However, City Hall is well worth viewing to see how the futuristic architecture blends with much of the gothic-revival style that London is famed for.
25. West End
With 1000s of people visiting them every day, the theatres in the city are some of the most iconic landmarks in London.
London’s West End is a vibrant hub of activity and the place to go for world-leading theatre performances. It is considered the entertainment centre of the city and includes plenty of shops, pubs, cafes, restaurants and, of course, theatres.
Leicester Square is regarded as the hub of West End activity, and there are plenty of ticket booths selling tickets to the many performances happening in and around the West End.
26. Covent Garden
Famous places in London? Set in the heart of London’s vibrant West End, Covent Garden is a must-visit landmark of London which offers market stalls, shops, restaurants and bars. There is plenty of culture to enjoy and history to explore in Covent Garden, including the famous Neal’s Yard!
One of the best things to do in Covent Garden Market is to take a seat in the pedestrianised piazza and enjoy the shows of the many street performers who ply their trade here.
Shopping at Covent Garden is so trendy that it became one of London’s famous landmarks.
27. Richmond Park
Iconic London landmarks to visit? We love Richmond Park and to us, this is a top landmark of London!
Richmond Park is one of the Royal Parks of London and is famous for its wildlife conservation and notably the deer that live here. The park covers 2500 acres and has a protected status due to the rich and diverse wildlife that live here as well as the many ancient trees. Richmond Park is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a European Special Area of Conservation and a National Nature Reserve.
There is plenty to do and see in Richmond Park, including Poets’ Corner, King Henry’s Mound and the Isabella Plantation.
28. St Pancras Renaissance
Anyone arriving by Eurostar will remember the St Pancras Renaissance as one of London famous buildings.
St Pancras Renaissance is a grand London hotel that serves as the front to St Pancras railway station. The hotel was originally built in 1865 and was known as the Midland Grand Hotel, but this closed in 1935. The stunning structure of St Pancras Renaissance includes a clock tower which is 82 metres tall.
Visitors may recognise St Pancras Renaissance from the films Richard III (1995), Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Batman Begins (2005). The stairway of the hotel was used for the music video for Wannabe by the Spice Girls.
Famous landmarks in London FAQ:
Trafalgar Square and Big Ben and the two must-see landmarks in London.
Richmond Park and Kew Gardens are the most visited parks in London.
Explore London’s best neighbourhoods, visit romantic places or go for a day trips from London!
Is it worth seeing all the top landmarks in London?
Without a doubt, there are many famous landmarks in London, and all of them are worth visiting. The London landmarks are must-sees on any trip to London. Whether you have a week or only one day in London, make sure you plan your trip well to see as many of them as possible.
So the only question remains, how long to spend in London to see all the famous landmarks in London?
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