The London Eye is one of London's top 10 attractions.
London is not only the capital of England but also its largest city, with more than 7 million people. Rich in history and culture, it draws millions of visitors every year. While there are numerous sights and attractions to visit, 10 stand out as essential ones a tourist should see.
British Museum
The British Museum has one of the largest collections of any world museum, with more than 6 million pieces on its four floors. Admission is free, but featured exhibits charge a fee. The library is one of the most famous rooms in the museum and is open for studying and to use its reference books.
British Museum
Great Russell Street
London WC1B 3DG
England
+44-0-20-7323-8000
britishmuseum.org
Tate Modern
The Tate Modern lies on the banks of the Thames River besides Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. This contemporary-art museum features works by such famous artists as Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí. Admission is free to the main museum, but exhibits cost extra. You can pick up pamphlets at the information booth to create your own itinerary to fit your mood. For example, if you've just split up with someone, you can peruse the "I've Just Broken Up" collection of paintings about heartache.
Tate Modern
Bankside
London SE1 9TG
England
+44-020-7887-8888
tate.org.uk/
National Gallery
The National Gallery, at Trafalgar Square, contains the country's royal collection of art. Works by artists both contemporary and classic line the walls, including Botticelli, da Vinci, Rembrandt, Turner and Van Gogh. Admission is free. The National Portrait Gallery lies behind the National Gallery and is full of portraits of famous politicians and celebrities.
The National Gallery
Trafalgar Square
London WC2N 5DN
England
+44-020-7747-2885
nationalgallery.org.uk/
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is one of the best family-friendly museums in the city. It has large exhibits starting with the earth's origins and ending with present-day life. Children will enjoy the lifelike dinosaur and mammal exhibits, and there are hands-on activities for them and adults as well.
Natural History Museum
Cromwell Road
London SW7 5BD
England
+44-020-7942-5000
nhm.ac.uk/
London Eye
The London Eye sits on the bank of the River Thames across from the Houses of Parliament. This is one of London's newer attractions, built to celebrate the new millennium in 2000. The large Ferris wheel has pods on it that take visitors high up to get the best views of the city.
London Eye
Riverside Building
County Hall
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7PB
England
+44-0871-781-3000
londoneye.com/
Science Museum
The Science Museum is in one of London's most bustling museum districts. It is a favorite with families because it has a number of interactive exhibits demonstrating major advancements in science, from electricity to human development. One of the most popular exhibits is the giant fetus.
The Science Museum
Exhibition Road, South Kensington
London SW7 2DD
England
+44-0870-870-4868
sciencemuseum.org.uk/
Victoria and Albert Museum
The Victoria and Albert Museum has London's largest collection of decorative arts. Admission is free. The most popular exhibit is the collection of dresses that range from 1600 to the present day.
Victoria and Albert Museum
Cromwell Road, South Kensington
London SW7 2RL
England
+44-020-7942-2000
vam.ac.uk/index.html
Madam Tussauds Wax Museum
If you are looking to get your picture taken with the Queen before you leave London, be sure to stop by Madam Tussauds. This wax museum is one of the city's hottest attractions, but you have to pay (more than 20 pounds) to stand alongside the elite and famous.
Madam Tussauds
York Court Allsop Place
London NW1 5LF
England
+44-020-7334-3922
madametussauds.com/London/
Tower of London
The Tower of London is one of the city's most beloved attractions. Once the home to the monarchy, it was used as a prison and is reputed to be haunted. Today it is home to the crown jewels. Don't forget to stop by Tower Bridge for a photograph.
The Tower of London
London EC3N 4AB
England
+44-0-20-3166-6000
hrp.org.uk/Toweroflondon/
National Maritime Museum
The National Maritime Museum is one of the oldest maritime museums in the world and is located in the Wren's Royal Naval Hospital. Among other things, you can see a re-enactment of the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar. Admission to the museum is free.
The National Maritime Museum
Romney Road, Greenwich
London SE10 9
United Kingdom
+44-020-8312-6565
nmm.ac.uk/visit/
