London, over the past 2000 years, has grown from an outpost of the Roman Empire, to a world center of commerce, culture, tourism, trade, art, history—in short, one of the great cities of the world. When visiting this hub of world pilgrimages, things to do in London:
1. St. Paul’s Cathedral
Sir Christopher Wren’s seal on the city of London, although comparatively young at 300 years old, is one of Europe’s great cathedrals. Visitors may see the baroque edifice, statues and carvings, the dark below-ground chambers, and the heights of the structure.
2. The Tower of London
Tours of this famous London landmark may be taken with a yeoman warder wearing period costume, or may be self-guided. The tower is the site of much of England’s dark medieval history, and is also the stalwart guardian of the Crown Jewels.
3. The British Museum
The museum is a treasure trove of historical artifacts from the ancient world to modern history. This is the home of the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles, to name just two of the priceless exhibits on display here.
4. The London Eye
Only tourists with good heads for heights should attempt the Millennium Wheel. Visitors step quickly into the moving pods, and are slowly raised to a height from which a breathtaking vista of the city reveals itself.
5. Westminster Abbey
A ceremonial center and resting place of British monarchs for the last 1000 years, Westminster Abbey allows people to walk in the footsteps of royalty. This is the site of the coronations and weddings of the royal family. The houses of parliament are nearby, and visible from the abbey gardens.
6. Buckingham Palace
Although crowded with tourists, the Royal London residence is a must-see on the lists of many visitors. It lives up to the grand promise of the word “palace”, from its well-known façade to its impressive rooms.
7. Harrods
A little shopping is always called for when visiting a major city, if only to come away with a souvenir a little less tacky than a landmark snow globe. Harrods is a famous store, and a tourist site in its own right. This enormous department store sells almost everything conceivable.
From ancient monuments to modern business, London has it all. One of the world’s great capital cities, London reigns over the isles off the edge of Europe.
No Comments