Choosing the top fun things to do in London is an impossible task, but if planning a London vacation and time is limited, some priorities have to be made. This list of London's top attractions doesn't even include London Zoo, the London Eye, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, Tate Britain, Tate Modern, Kensington Palace, Clarence House or the National Portrait Gallery. It doesn't include any of the many fine little museums, and the walks to be had, or the parks, or the pubs and restaurants. But the list definitely includes ten of the best – if not the ten best – fun things to do in London, several of which have free admission.
Big Ben
Big Ben is the bell inside the clock tower that's part of the Houses of Parliament, and its chime is known around the world thanks to the BBC. The clock tower can be visited, with a climb to the top, but only by UK citizens who must book several months ahead through their Member of Parliament. Overseas visitors cannot currently visit Big Ben, and most head instead for the south side of the River Thames to take one of the great London photos, looking back at the tower.
British Museum
The British Museum, one of the world's greatest museums, first opened to the public in 1759. Even a full day is not enough to be able to see all its treasures, but highlights include the Rosetta Stone, the controversial Elgin Marbles, a fine Egyptian collection, one of the most comprehensive coin collections in the world (with over a million items), and the Sainsbury African Galleries. Admission is free.
Named after the Duke of Buckingham who built this as a country residence in 1703, it later became the London home of the British Royal Family, and remains so today. It is not open to the public, except for a few weeks during the summer when tours can be booked.
Houses of Parliament
Also known as the Palace of Westminster, London's Houses of Parliament are made up of the House of Commons, where the British Parliament sits, and the House of Lords. Guided tours can be booked in the summer, and debates by MPs can be attended. See the Houses of Parliament website for details.
National Gallery
London's National Gallery was founded in 1824 and has a collection of over 2,300 works of art including paintings by Vermeer, Monet, Cezanne, Rubens, Rembrandt, Michaelangelo, and Van Gogh. It stands at the top of Trafalgar Square, and admission is free.
St Paul's Cathedral
Built by Sir Christopher Wren over a lengthy period in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, St Paul's is one of London's finest buildings. A cathedral has been on this site, the highest point in the City of London, since 604AD. Many important national events have been held here, such as the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill and the marriage of Prince Charles to Lady Diana. There is an admission charge.
Tower Bridge
Right by the Tower of London, Tower Bridge is a magnificent sight, spanning the River Thames. It was built in 1894 and contains the Tower Bridge Experience, a fascinating look at the architecture of the bridge. Good views from the top, too. Modest admission charge.
The oldest part of this ancient fortress, royal residence and prison is the White Tower, dating back to 1078 and William the Conqueror. Here too is the Bloody Tower, Traitors' Gate, the Crown Jewels (not to be missed), and all looked after by London's famous Beefeater guards.
Victoria and Albert Museum
Ranks alongside the British Museum as one of London's finest, the V&A was founded in 1852 and has grown to become the largest decorative arts museum in the world, with about 4.5 million objects. Allow a full day, provided Museum Fatigue doesn't set in. Nearby are also the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum. Free admission.
Westminster Abbey
Where Kings and Queens are crowned, where the great and the good are buried in Poets' Corner, and where the funeral for Diana, Princess of Wales was held. Located opposite the Houses of Parliament, an abbey has been on this spot since 1065. Be prepared to pay a hefty admission fee.
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Mike Gerrard - Mike is an award-winning travel writer who has worked for National Geographic, the London Times, and many other clients. ...
