Famous London Tourist Attractions

When in London be sure to take time to see some of the most spectacular of the City of London attractions.  We've put together a list of some of the most visited and most popular London tourist attractions, inlcuding musuems, gardens, planetariums, and exhibitions that you won't want to miss!

Must See London Attractions

London, thou art the flower of cities all! This quote from the poem, simply titled 'London' was written by an unknown fifteenth-century poet whose sentiment has survived in the hearts of many across half a millennium. London means different things to different people: a thriving business community, the theatre capital of Europe, an artistic Utopia, a bustling market place, a fantastic shopping centre, an architectural tapestry, an open history book and home to millions of people who love the cultural cornucopia. London is all of these things and within the space of a short 'tube' train journey some of England's most beautiful parkland invites the city-weary traveller to muse among the greenery, once enjoyed by the late great poets.

Millennium Dome

Millennium Dome, Milennium Pier, North Greenwich Tel: +44 870 606 2000

The Millennium Dome is the largest single structure in the United Kingdom. Inside there are six zones of interest: Body, Learning, Dream, Spirit, Play and Living. Hands-on exhibits, live entertainment, restaurants and shops provide everything necessary to make this a unique 21st -century experience. Open Sunday to Thursday 9.00 am - 8.00 pm, Friday and Saturday 9.00 am - 11.00 pm

London Eye

County Hall, London, SE1 1GZ Tel: +44 208 705 0006 00

Standing 135-metres high on the South Bank of the River Thames, opposite Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. This amazing structure offers stunning views across the whole of London and beyond. Open every day but booking is essential.

British Museum

Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG Tel: +44 207 636 1555

Founded in 1753, the six and a half million objects include collections from all over the world dating from pre-historic times. World famous collections of prints, drawings, coins medals and vast statues are among the exhibits. Open Monday to Saturday 10:00 am - 5.00 pm, Sunday 12.00pm - 6:00pm

National Gallery

Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN Tel: +44 207 839 3321

Western European painting,s dated between 1260 and 1900, are displayed in the four wings of the National Gallery. Many famous works can be viewed, including paintings by Monet, Manet, Renoir, Gaugin, Turner and Picasso. Lesser-known paintings appear in Lower Gallery A. Open Monday to Saturday 10:00am - 6:00pm Wednesday 10.00am - 9.00pm.

Tate Britain

Millbank, London SW1P 4RG Tel: +44 207 887 8008

The Tate Britain houses the national collection of British art from the early sixteenth century to 1900. Open every day 10.00 am - 5.50 pm

Tate Modern

Bankside Power Station, London SE1 9TG Tel: +44 207 887 8008

The new Tate Modern, housed in the former Bankside Power Station linked to St Paul's Cathedral by the Millennium Footbridge is now the home of the Tate collection of international art from 1900 onwards. Major works by Bacon, Dali and Picasso are on display. Open Sunday to Thursday 10.15am - 6.00pm Friday and Saturday 10.00am - 10.00pm

Tower of London

Tower Hill, London EC3N 4AB Tel: +44 207 709 0765

Several exhibitions and interesting activities are contained within this attraction including the Crown Jewels, Royal Armoury Museum, Mediaeval Palace, the Yeoman Warders, otherwise known as the Beefeaters, the Tower Ravens, Traitors Gate and the Wall Walk. This is paradise for the history enthusiast. Open March to October: Monday to Saturday 9.00am - 5.00pm. Sunday 10.00am - 5.00pm. November to February: Tuesday to Saturday 9.00am - 4.00pm, Sunday and Monday, 10.00am - 4.00pm.

St. Paul's Cathedral

St Pauls, London EC4N 8AD Tel: +44 207 236 4128

Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1711, the distinctive green dome of St Paul's Cathedral dominates the London skyline. Hailed as the first Protestant Cathedral, it has been used more recently for some important state occasions including the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill in 1965. Open Monday to Saturday 8.30am - 4.15pm

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1 1AA Tel: +44 207 930 4832

The official residence of Elizabeth II, Queen of England. Some rooms are open to the public and contain important works of art and grandeur on a tremendous scale. Open from August 8th until the October 5th from 9.30am - 4.30pm. Booking is essential.

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge, London SE1 2UP Tel: +44 207 403 3761

Completed in 1894, following eight years of construction, the Tower Bridge can be enjoyed today through visiting the Tower Bridge Experience. Here the history, the engineering and the mysteries of London's most famous and magnificent bridge are brought to life. Open April to October 10.00am - 6.30pm November to March 9.30am - 6.00pm Last entry is 75 minutes before closing time.

Royal Botanic Gardens Kew

Kew Green, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB Tel: +44 208 332 5000

Millions of botanical specimens grow amidst several historic buildings and monuments in these beautiful gardens founded in 1759 by the mother of George III, Princess Augusta.. Open April to October: 10.00am - 6.00pm. November to March: 10.am - 4.00pm.

London Planetarium

Marylebone Road, London NW1 5LR Tel: +44 207 935 6861

Simulations of the London skyline, the planets and the stars combine for a visual extravaganza. Far away from the hubbub of the city of London, yet sitting in its centre, the Planetarium offers a peaceful break and a unique, educational experience. Open every day from 9.40am until 5.00pm.

London Transport Musuem

Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2E 7BB Tel: +44 207 379 6344

Two hundred years of the world's first public transport system are remembered in a collection of hands-on exhibits including Kidzone and the family activity areas. Open daily 10:00am - 6:00pm, last entrance 5:15pm.

Madame Tussauds

Marylebone Road, London NW1 5LR Tel: +44 207 935 6861

Fascinating collection of lifelike waxwork models depicting the famous and infamous. Legends are brought to life and grisly events animated in the spooky Chamber of Horrors. Open every day from 9.00am - 5.30pm

The Museum of London

London Wall, London EC2Y 5HN Tel: +44 207 600 3699 Fax: +44 207 600 1058

The history of London from pre-historic times to the present day is depicted here in one of the largest and most comprehensive collections in the world. Temporary exhibitions are held regularly with a fascinating look at modern design and history in the making. Open: Monday to Saturday from 10:00am - 5:50pm. Sunday: 12:00pm - 5:50pm. Last admission 5:30pm.

National Portrait Gallery

2 St Martins Place, London WC2H 0HE Tel: +44 207 839 4342

The National Portrait Gallery was founded in 1856 to collect a pictorial library of famous British men and women. It has become the most comprehensive collection of its kind. From monarchs to musicians, athletes to artists, all achievers are celebrated. Open: Monday to Saturday 10:00am - 6.00pm. Sunday: 12:00pm - 6:00pm.

National History Museum

Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD Tel: +44 207 839 4342

Everything pertaining to our natural world history can be seen in this museum. A vast collection of insects, spiders and moths as big as sparrows are an entomologist's delight whilst those interested in life's larger creatures can see full dinosaur skeletons and recreations of our greatest sea dwellers. Open every day (except 23rd to 26th December.) Monday to Saturday: 10:00am - 5.50pm Sunday 11:00am - 5:50pm

Westminster Abbey

Broad Sanctuary, Westminmster, London SW1P 3PE

Millions of visitors from all over the world are offered a hospitable welcome at Westminster Abbey. Originally a Benedictine Monastery the priority here is still prayer and worship.. Regular services and opportunities for learning and reflection are part of the Abbey's policy of bringing worship into the 21st century. Open: Monday to Friday 9:00am- 4:45pm. Last admission 3:45pm. Saturday 9:00am - 2:45pm. Guided tours run from April through to October. Monday to Friday 10:00am, 10:30am, 11:00am, 2:00pm, 2:30pm. On Monday to Thursday there is an additional tour at 3:00pm. Saturday the tours begin at 10:00am, 11:00am and 12:30pm

Victoria and Albert Museum

Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL Tel: +44 207 938 8500

The largest museum of decorative arts in the world. 145 galleries include the nation's collections of furniture, fashion, sculpture and photographs. Open: Monday to Sunday 10:00am - 5.45pm. On Wednesday evening there is a late view from 6:30pm - 9:30pm.

Sir John Soane's Museum

13 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3BP Tel: +44 207 405 2107

The son of a bricklayer, John Soane, born in 1753 became a distinguished architect. Collecting antiquities became an interest that lasted throughout his long life. When he died in 1837 he bequeathed his house to the city of London, stipulating its status as a museum to which 'amateurs and students' must have access. Admission free. Open: Tuesday to Saturday 10:00am - 5.00pm. Evening view: The first Tuesday of each month from 6:00pm - 9:00pm.

Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition

New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9ED Tel: +44 207 902 1500 Fax: +44 207 401 9919

Tours include an exhibition of props, stage scenery and other Shakespearean artefacts coupled with a guided view of the theatre. Regular performances, including matinees are held between the 12th May and 24th September. Naturally the theatre cannot be viewed during performances. For this period, tours usually run only between 10:00am and 12:00pm. Visitors are advised to telephone as performance times vary. Exhibition open daily, outside the theatre season from 10:00am - 5:00pm