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London is vast, noisy, dirty, frantic, expensive, the underground, tradition, and royalty. London is interesting architecture, history and culture, the theatre, a collection of neighbourhoods, the Thames River, a world class city, and much, much more. 
First-time visitors go for the long-time big names: the Tower of London, the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Parliament buildings, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, the British museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. These are definitely on the “A” list, but do tend to be crowded and time consuming in tourist season—expect long line-ups and delays. Go early when possible. 
However, London is much more than the big 7. To make it easier to plan a visit, we have divided London into areas (boundaries not written in stone—every guidebook uses their own system). Experiencing the attractions of London area by area saves lots of travelling time, whether on bus or the underground. Buses are more pleasant as you take in the sights, but slower, and it’s less easy to figure out the routes required, and more changes may be needed. For bus routes and information go to 
Walking is another option. Walk the Jubilee trail beside the Thames river, or go on a London history walk. The 
This is the political and royal centre of London and the area most visited by tourists. It’s the location of Buckingham Palace. Here you will see the well-known Changing of the Guards ceremony. Go at least one hour before the scheduled time as huge crowds collect here in tourist season. The Queen’s Gallery and Royal Mews are in the same grounds as Buckingham Palace. The gallery has changing exhibitions of collections belonging to the queens and kings over the centuries. The Mews houses the coaches, horses and cars of the royals. St James Park is an urban oasis leading up to the palace. In good weather you can picnic in the grounds beside the lake. 
The Houses of Parliament is the seat of government. Tours are available but you need to book ahead. Big Ben is the famous clock in the Parliament building tower. The newest attraction in this area is the 
Another museum in this section of London is the Tate Britain, home to the national art collections (regional galleries are located in Liverpool and St Ives, Cornwall). Westminster Abbey is the burial place of kings and poets and the site of the coronation of royalty. During tourist season line-ups are long, and the cost to get in is high. Insider Tip: Go for a service for free entry. 
The Jewel Tower, a medieval tower that was part of the original Palace of Westminster is across from the Parliament buildings. Built by Edward III in 1365, it was used to house his jewels and treasures. Under the care of English Heritage, it now holds an exhibition on Parliament and its history. 
The Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms gives a fascinating insight into World War II times while the Banqueting House,created for James I by Inigo Jones, dates back to the 17th century. 
A long-standing artistic centre of the city, this is the former home turf of famous writers and artists. It’s also the location of the world famous British Museum (allow several days if you want to take it all in or just choose one gallery of interest if all you have is a couple of hours) and the Dickens House Museum, former home of the famous writer Charles Dickens. This area is also the site of the British Library, a must-visit place for researchers. Tours are offered. Kings Place is a music and visual arts venue with two commercial art galleries and touring exhibitions. The London Cartoon Museum has a collection of over 750 historic cartoons and caricatures. 
This area was where London began. It has its own local authority, the Corporation of London and its own Lord Mayor. Originally this was the only financial centre of the city. The 
The most famous attraction in this area is the Tower of London where numerous nefarious deeds took place over the centuries. In addition to the Crown Jewels (a dazzling experience) the Tower has one of the largest armour collections in the world. 
All Hallows by the Tower is London’s oldest church. Also in this area is the historic St Mary-le-Bow and St Paul’s Cathedral where Charles and Diana were married. Built in 1666 to Wren’s design, it has the third largest dome in the world. A part of the old London Roman wall can be seen at the 
The London Monument to the 1666 Great Fire has 311 steps to climb for a 360 degree view of the city. The golden orb at the top is a symbol of the fire. Lovers of silver will want to visit the London Silver Vaults, where the world’s largest retail collection of antique silver is on display. 
This area is known for its museums and theatres. The Sir John Soane’s Museum houses collections from Roman to Renaissance times while Somerset House, built in the 18th century, houses collections of gold, silver, and decorative objects. The Courtauld Institute of Art, in the grounds of Somerset House, is the place for fans of impressionist and post-impressionist art. Benjamin Franklin House, a Grade I listed home of the American statesman, is located in this area. 
The London Transport Museum conserves the capital’s transport history. Collections cover a wide spectrum of materials and media, including vehicles, rolling stock, posters, signs, uniforms, photographs, and engineering drawings. Plan on a minimum two hour visit. It’s a unique and fascinating museum. After your visit grab a bite to eat in Covent garden market and browse the shops in the area. 
There’s a lot to see in this area with its large park, home to Kensington Palace where Queen Victoria was born. The orangery now serves as a restaurant. The Albert Memorial in the park is a tribute by Queen Victoria to her husband. Across from the park is the Royal Albert Hall, a concert venue. 
The area is replete with museums: the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and the immense Victoria and Albert Museum where you can spend a full day just walking around. 
This is a noted shopping area that includes Sloane Square and Sloane Street’s upmarket stores. Harrod’s Department Store is like any other department store except for its food floor—worth a look—but don’t plan to eat at the various counters; the food is exorbitantly priced. Instead buy a baked goodie to take away. Harvey Nichols department store is nearby. 
This section of London is an urban neighbourhood with some interesting shops and eating spots along Marylebone High Street. Regent’s Park, once a royal hunting ground, is home to the London Zoo and gardens. Rent a boat to row on the lake. The Sherlock Holmes Museum is all about the famous detective. The Wallace Collection is a national museum full of paintings, furniture, arms and armour and more. Madame Tussard’s Wax Museum is another nearby attraction. John Nash’s church All Souls built in 1822-4 provides a venue for concerts when not used for religious services. 
Apsley House, the London palace of the 1st Duke of Wellington, designed and built by Robert Adam in 1771-78, is at Hyde Park corner. It holds the Wellington museum with the Duke’s collection of paintings, silver, sculpture, furniture, medals and memorabilia. The Wellington Arch was once the entrance to Buckingham Palace before being moved here. It is surmounted by a sculpture of the angel of peace. Climb to the top for a view over the park. Exhibits tell its history. 
Spencer House is the 18th century townhouse of the first Earl Spencer (ancestor of Diana, princess of Wales). Handel House Museum was the home of baroque composer George Handel from 1723 to 1759. The Georgian interiors have been restored. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum provides light entertainment. 
You can walk along the Thames River on the Millennium Bridge (a pedestrian walkway) in this revitalized area. Start at Westminster bridge and head towards Southwark bridge. There’s the Florence Nightingale museum, the Garden Museum London, the Royal Festival Hall, the Bankside Gallery, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and the Tate Modern Museum (strictly for lovers of modern art).