Five London Attractions You Cannot Afford to Miss

As the largest city in Western Europe and with a metropolitan area that encompasses over 14 million people from across the globe, London truly is one of the most dynamic, vibrant and interesting cities in the world. With so many unique attractions to visit it can be difficult to choose which are the most deserving of your attention, but the following five are attractions that you perhaps cannot afford to miss on a London holiday.

One of the most popular attractions, Buckingham Palace attracts millions of visitors every year. A symbol of the British monarchy and modern day Britain, the palace is the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II. Originally known as Buckingham House, the palace was originally just a townhouse built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703. Since then many additional buildings have been added, and it is today known as Buckingham Palace, serving as a Royal residence and reception for popular royal parties, which attracts more than 50,000 people per year.

Another popular attraction which draws in more than a million visitors per year is Westminster Abbey. The large Gothic church is located in Westminster and is the traditional place for coronation as well as a popular burial place for Commonwealth monarchs. During its existence the abbey has severed as a monastery, a church and a burial site and is now recognised as one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world.

St Paul's Cathedral continues to be one of London's most popular attractions. Designed by Christopher Wren, the current cathedral is a replacement of the original Gothic building which was destroyed in 1666. The cathedral is open to the public and is free if you attend the midday service; however, it is not possible to get to the top without a valid ticket. What's more, below the cathedral are the tombs of some of the most famous figures in British history, including Admiral Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington.

The Tower of London - founded by William the Conqueror in 1066 - is one of the city's most famous attractions. During its 900 year existence the tower of London has served as a Royal Palace, a prison, jewel house, a place of execution, and countless other roles. If visiting the castle it is worth going to the Ceremony of the Keys, a locking up ceremony performed every night at ten o'clock. During the tower's existence the tradition has never been missed and only delayed once when the Luftwaffe bombed the tower.

Trafalgar Square continues to serve as one of London's most popular attractions. Designed by John Nash in the 1820's as a commemoration of London Nelson's victory against Napoleon at the battle of Trafalgar, the pigeon-popular columns attract millions of visitors every year. Trafalgar square is also the location of London's smallest police station and within walking distance of the popular National Gallery.

Indeed, central London offers travellers a wide range of activities to enjoy, which means it is all the more important to understand that there are a wide range of hotels in London available to help ensure that you make the most of your holiday. And with so many attractions to visit and enjoy, such an option can only be a good thing.

Top Attractions in London - A List For Tourists

A new advertising campaign has been introduced to attract overseas visitors to England's capital. Simply known as Only in London; the campaign revolves around a list of 100 attractions and things that visitors can do in the city.

The focus of the campaign is to increase the number of overseas visitors and judging by the amount of diverse activities listed, it is hoping to attract people from many different countries and backgrounds. For example, the first item on the list is a suggested visit to Eastbury Manor House in Barking where, according to the compilers of this list, the Gunpowder Plot was first contrived.

Plenty more historical references appear on the list including trips to St. Paul's Cathedral, The Tower of London and a more obscure reference to stroll the gardens of Down House in Bromley, which was home to Charles Darwin and where he wrote 'On The Origin of Species'.

Sports fans will be interested to see a number of items quoted on the list. The first at number five is the opportunity to see the NFL in action at Wembley. This has now become an annual event featuring a regular season game - the only one to be played outside of continental USA - between two of the League's top American football teams. In October 2009 the game will be contested by the New England Patriots and The Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 15th suggestion on the list is a tour of Wembley Stadium itself, but there is no mention of any of the capital's top football teams; Chelsea, Arsenal, West Ham, Fulham or Tottenham.

However, the option to experience the capital's transport systems does feature. Take a ride on the tube appears low down on the list at 79, but higher up at 39 there is the invitation to connect to the world at Heathrow airport where many of the flights to London arrive.

Music lovers are also catered for on the list with the first suggestion just scraping into the top 10; namely recreate the famous Beatles album cover at the Abbey Road zebra crossing. At 45, a suggestion is to view Pete Townshend of The Who's smashed guitar at the Victoria and Albert's new Theatre and Performance Galleries. Also included at 27 in the list is to buy a ticket to see Michael Jackson at the O2, or alternatively any other O2 show at 24th place!

As you would expect, The London Eye - which was recently voted the UK's number one tourist attraction - appears in the list, as do many other 'must-see' London attractions such as the British Museum, Tower Bridge and Hyde Park. But, however exhaustive the compilers of the list themselves say, this is only a tiny snapshot of the thousands of things visitors can do in London.

10 Free London Attractions

I have visited London almost every year since 1984. Like other major cities it can be expensive. During my visits. I discovered many free attractions. The ones I have listed here are among the favorites. Check out the following 10 free London attractions for an enlightened and satisfying visit.

Among the sites I have chosen are some of the many museums and galleries that are free. There are large ones where you have to choose what you want to see and smaller ones where you can view the contents in one or two hours. Any one of them is well worth your time. While you are visiting you can also stop for food. The large museum and galleries have cares where you can get homemade food at reasonable prices.

1. British Museum
Located in the Bloomsbury section of the city, this museum is one of the most visited in the world. Opened in 1759, it is best known for its Egyptian, Greek and Roman collections. The Egyptian collection includes large and small displays. The most famous is the Rosetta Stone. It provided the key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphics. Among other displays are sculptures from the Parthenon in Greece, and artifacts from Rome, Assyria, China and India.

2. National Gallery
Located on the north side of Trafalgar Square, it houses one of the world's great art collections. The art is contained in sixty rooms and divided into periods. Among the artists included are Michelangelo, Da Vinci and the impressionists. It's impossible to view the whole collection in one visit. For a quick overview, join one of the free guided tours.

3. Victoria and Albert Museum
Locally known as the V&A, it's located in South Kensington. In addition to sculptures and paintings, the V&A has one of the world's largest collections of furnishings, textiles. carpets, jewelry, tapestries, musical instruments and glass in the world. There is something to please everyone's taste. Spread over seven levels and organized into major themes, you have to choose what you want to see.

4. Natural History Museum
In the same neighborhood as the V&A, this is a great place to take the family. The collection is divided into zones.

• Red Zone - the earth
• Green Zone - planets, environment, evolution
• Blue Zone - Smallest invertebrates to the great Blue Whale
• Orange Zone - Wildlife Garden

5 Tate Britain
Opened in 1897 in Millbank, this collection covers five centuries of art. It is divided into two main groups: the British Collection and the European and American works. The U.K. collection dates from 1500 to the present.

6. Tate Modern
On the South Bank of the Thames River at Bankside, this collection is housed in a renovated ex-power station. It gives you a very different feel from the traditional museum. There are five galleries of international modern art that covers the periods from 1900 to the present. Included in the presentation are works by Picasso, Dali, Warhol, Rothko and Lichtenstein. After your visit you can walk the South Bank and view the Globe Theater and the National Theater. There is a spectacular of St Pauls' across the river.

7. National Maritime Museum
For a day out take the short trip to Greenwich were you can visit this museum and the adjoining sites. It houses the world's largest collection of maritime artifacts including a permanent display from Vice-admiral Horatio Nelson, hero of the Battle of Trafalgar. You can also visit the Queen's House with it's collection of maritime art. Up the hill is the Royal Observatory, site of the Prime Meridian, from which all time on earth is measured. You can stand with one foot in the Western hemisphere and one in the east. All these sites are fee.

8. St. Martin in the Field
This small Palladian style church, where Bach and Mozart played, is located on the east side of Trafalgar Square. If you enjoy music, stop in for one of the free lunchtime concerts held three days a week. Known for its outstanding acoustics, you can enjoy an hour of artists that range from the piano, violin to trios and quartets. You could combine this with a trip to the National Gallery, and you can walk through Trafalgar Square.

9. Covent Garden
The main building in the center of Covent Garden houses a number of restaurants and boutiques. The area's main attraction is the numerous street entertainers who must audition and obtain a license before performing. Within walking distance of Trafalgar Square, it's a delight for the whole family. Always crowded, you can find restaurants where you sit outside and can enjoy the entertainment in comfort.

10. Changing of the Guard.
Viewed from the outskirts of Buckingham Palace this is one of the favorites of London visitors. You can get there by strolling through St. James Park from Trafalgar Square. Get there early to get a place where you can see. It takes place every day during the spring and summer and every other day in the fall and winter at 11:30 AM. It's the pageantry the British are known for.

I can say, without a doubt, that London is my favorite city. I continue to go back to these sites and see something new each time. The ten free attractions that are included in this article are but a few of the ones in London.

London's Free Attractions

London's a great city to visit and it doesn't have to be expensive if you don't want it to be. I've found that it is actually possible to visit London on a budget! There are plenty of museums in London that are free (apart from some special exhibitions).

Two of the best are The Natural History Museum and the Science Museum, both museums are located in South Kensington and are open seven days a week. The Natural History Museum is great for anyone who is interested in nature. September would be the best time to visit, as a new building called the Darwin centre is opening, which gives the public a chance to see real scientists at work. If this doesn't appeal and you wish to have a more hands-on experience then the Science Museum is the one for you! It is here that you can shout down a giant tube, play with huge spinning drums and even morph your face to make yourself look younger!

A visit to the British Museum is also free and lets you explore different world cultures. These include the Aztecs, where you can see the masks of Xipe Totec and Ancient Egypt that displays the Mummy mask of Syros. The British Museum is located on Great Russell Street and is also open seven days a week.

If you're looking to gain some knowledge on London and to learn about its history, then the Museum of London located on London Wall, is the place to visit. Entry is free and the permanent galleries at this museum include Roman and Medieval London.

If art galleries are more your thing, then the Tate Modern is a must! Entry is free and the Tate is also open seven days a week. Here you can find pieces of art for everyone's taste and they even have exhibitions to keep the kids entertained. The National Portrait Gallery located on St Martins Place is a fantastic building to visit and the Beatles to Bowie: The 60s exposed exhibition opens in October.

The best way to get to all these museums is on London's public transport. An oyster card will be the cheapest way to travel round London and can be used on buses, tubes and trams. They are pay as you go cards so you can just top them up, as you need them.

If you want to find cheap places to stay in London, then read a London travel guide for some recommendations! They might even recommend some good value for money restaurants to eat out at too!

Shopping at Oxford Street and Places to Stay in London

Oxford Street is Europe's largest high street with more than 300 shops from leading department stores and flagships, for everything from fashion to furniture, toys to toiletries and the most recent gadgets from all over the world. It is Europe's busiest shopping street. The street derives its name from being part of the old London-Oxford Road. Today the road forms part of the A40, although it is not signposted as this, like other roads in central London.

Oxford Street is one and a half miles from one end to the other. Most of the shops open from 10.00 am until 7.00 pm and some even operate until 8.pm. Some of the Shops now open on Sundays from 12.00 pm to 6.00 pm with very late nights on Thursday. The Flagship of Oxford Street is Selfridges and the other big department stores which can be found in the section from Marble Arch to Oxford Circus, along with most of the very big name multinationals. It is more of the same as you continue towards Tottenham Court Road, but generally on a smaller scale. It is home to major department stores and numerous brands' flagship stores, as well as hundreds of smaller shops. It is the major shopping street in central London, though not the most expensive or fashionable, and part of a larger shopping district with Regent Street, Bond Street and other smaller nearby streets. For many British chain stores, their Oxford Street branches are regarded as their 'flagship' stores and used for celebrity launches and promotions.

The Tube is probably the best way to reach Oxford Street; although there are many London buses serving the area, the traffic congestion is pretty bad, and the wait is lengthy. The Central Line runs pretty much directly beneath Oxford Street at this point, with four stations along its length: Marble Arch, Bond Street (also served by the Jubilee Line), Oxford Circus (also served by the Bakerloo and Victoria lines), and Tottenham Court Road (also served by the Charing Cross branch of the Northern Line). If possible, avoid Oxford Circus Station, as its layout is confusing and it's also very busy; at times it can be difficult to get out of the station at all due to pedestrian congestion outside.

There are many London luxury hotels and also cheap London bed and breakfast properties found in the area. It is an affluent area and hotels found there tend to have high room rates. However, Hotels in Bloomsbury which are just about 15 minutes walking distance from Oxford Street will give you very good rates. For instance, the Imperial London hotels which are a concentration of Hotels in Russell Square

It is advisable for someone who does not want to spend much on London accommodation but wants to get high standard of London high standard accommodation facilities to stay in Bloomsbury and just stroll to Oxford Street to do his or her shopping.

How Best to Travel to Central London From Heathrow

Heathrow is one of the most popular airports for London holiday-goers. Whether you've arrived on a long International flight or a short flight from a nearby destination, you'll want to be on your way to your London accommodations as quickly as possible. There are several options for reaching the centre of London from Heathrow, and travel time along the roughly 15-mile route depends on a variety of factors.

National Express Dot2Dot Transfer Service

One of the fastest, most comfortable and convenient ways to travel from Heathrow to your central London or Canary Wharf destination is via National Express Dot2Dot transfer service. Dot2Dot service desks are available at Heathrow Terminals 1, 3, 4 and 5, and if you arrive at Terminal 2, a representative will meet you. You'll enjoy a comfortable ride in a modern minibus with Wi-Fi service and air-conditioning available, and your cost will be less than half of that of a taxi.

If you're traveling as part of a larger group, Dot2Dot offers discounts, too. Service is available 24 hours a day, and return shuttle service from your hotel to Heathrow can also be arranged. Dot2Dot shuttle service costs a maximum of £20.00, and it's easy to pre-book transportation at Dot2Dot. You can also phone +44 (0)845 368 2368 for more information.

Taxi or Limousine Service from Heathrow

Taxis offer another option for transportation from Heathrow to your central London destination. There are several taxi companies that serve Heathrow, and you can find taxis by following signs in each of Heathrow's terminals. A taxi ride to central London usually takes an hour or slightly less, and prices run between £45 and £70. You may be able to save on the cost by booking your taxi from Heathrow in advance.

If you're interested in traveling from Heathrow to London in luxury, you can book a limousine in advance from one of several agencies. This is the most expensive form of transportation available between Heathrow and central London, but it will also be the most luxurious.

Train Service to Central London

If you aren't too encumbered with luggage, you may opt to take the Underground to your London destination. Heathrow Airport is located on the Piccadilly line on the Underground, and Heathrow Express trains also operate frequently to London Paddington station. You can access train service from each of the airport's terminals. Trains run roughly every 4 to 9 minutes and fares start at just £4.00. Depending on your stop, you'll reach your destination in approximately 45 to 60 minutes.

Bus Service from Heathrow to London

Bus service is another public transportation option for transfer from Heathrow to central London. Expect your journey to take approximately an hour, although traffic delays could significantly increase your travel time. Fares start at approximately £10 for bus travel.

Heathrow to London by Car

If you are driving yourself, you will want to obtain directions to your destination in advance of your arrival. Your directions will vary depending on which Terminal you are exiting, but ultimately you will need to arrive at the M4 motorway to reach London.

If you are travelling with a significant amount of luggage or with children, it may be easiest to opt for Taxi or Dot2Dot transfer service from Heathrow. Although public transportation such as rail and bus service is less expensive, you will need to carry your luggage yourself along the way. Many travellers find the convenience of Dot2Dot or Taxi service well worth the extra cost, especially upon arrival at Heathrow. You can always choose another option for your return trip to Heathrow if you decide to opt for savings over convenience instead.

Shopping in London

Shopping is one of the main reasons people flock to London in their hoards all year round. With over 40,000 shops from huge department stores to fabulous fashion shops, London is the heart for fashion, style and music. A wide variety of shops are all over London, from high priced exclusive clothing and goods, (some severely over priced I might add) to some amazing deals. For lovers of clothes and shoe shopping and more shoe shopping ladies, London has all the designs and the wackiest looks. But before you start, ring your bank, up your credit card limit, its time to start spending!

Camden Market is the place to go if you want cheaper stuff, it's located next to the Camden Locks; this is London's most popular market. It gets extremely busy here at weekends with thousands of traders, but watch out for the "buggy brigade" (parents with pushchairs!) your feet will be swollen, but not from the incessant shopping... from having them continuously rolled over and stamped on! Even so, you are sure to find the perfect pair of shoes to match that expensive designer outfit you just spent your whole months wages on. On the other hand, if you are looking for something a little different then Kensington Market might be a good choice, it's located on Kensington High Street, this market caters for the underground fashions. You can also find an extensive range of outrageous hair colours, punk and gothic clothing and accessories, record stores, the latest in techno, platform shoes, leather goods and jewellery.

Portobello Road Market features antique goods, as well as clothing and music, hundreds of stalls on weekends, and cafes and bars. It is also a "celeb hotspot" with many famous people living and shopping in the area.

Oxford Street & Regent Street are the main areas in which to find many High Street stores. All the main ones are here from Marks and Spencer, Debenhams, John Lewis, Boots, W.H. Smith, Bhs, C&A and of course Hamley's Toy Shop, which I must add is absolutely breath taking, especially at Christmas, every child and "older child's" dream come true. You may not find many low priced goods here, but it really is worth a look. So credit cards at the ready!

You will also find Harrods; most people make a visit to this shop just to look at the costly price tags, as well as the wide variety of food on offer. But be sure to dress respectively, no light coloured clothing caked in the muddy tyre marks from the "buggy brigade" in the markets!! There is a dress code to shop here!

And then there is Soho. Soho is the place to go for a variety of boutiques; Janet Fitch for designer jewellery, Metalmorphis for body piercings, and Ann Summers for kinky lingerie. Ambient Soho and Black Market Records stock the best of techno, jungle and dance music. Try the Vintage Magazine Shop for excellent movie & TV memorabilia and posters. Soho is the ideal place if you are looking for something to do "After Dark"; it offers a wide range of erotic videos, sex toys, good cafes and restaurants and strip clubs. Soho is an interesting place to wander around, especially for the men who like to "window shop"!!

Shopping in London can be an exciting experience, whether you want to spend or just browse. It's a vibrant city - buying something often involves discovering interesting surroundings and exploring new ones. At the seasonal times of year it is probably best to start early, London streets begin to look like an anthill around lunchtime! I myself am a true Londoner... born and bred, everyday there is something new to be found.

Top 5 'Must Buy Something In' Shops In London - (just for the feel good factor, oh, and the carrier bag!)

Hamleys Toy Shop

Wow! That is the only word that came out of our mouths when we walked through the doors of Hamley's, I lost my two kids and my husband immediately! Unfortunately, they found me again when they wanted money! But if you are looking for a reminder of your childhood or looking for something special for your own kids then this is the shop, and it really isn't that expensive either, you can pick up a gift for as little as a fiver. It really is magical, 7 floors of it, a definite must. Nearest tubes: Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Circus. Official website: http://www.hamleys.com

Covent Garden

If you are on a visit to London then try to visit the very trendy Covent Garden, with all the up-to-date designer shops like French Connection, H&M, Calvin Klein and Gap to name but a few. If you are shopaholic like myself then you will love Covent Garden, a fair few celebrities also shop and eat here. The Ivy restaurant is a well-known celebrity hotspot, if you can't get in to enjoy the tasty food on offer then take a stroll past... 2 or 3 times... spot the celebrity! Nearest tube: Covent Garden

Harrods

A trip to London wouldn't be complete without a visit to world-famous Harrods. Some just want to check out the expensive price tags, others buy stuff just for the carrier bag. Even so, you will find everything you need here, mind you, the store is huge and it is easy to get lost. And remember; if you need the loo... take some money with you! Nearest tube: Knightsbridge. Official website: http://www.harrods.com

Carnaby Street

Carnaby Street has loads on offer for yourself and a guilt gift for him (well, we have to buy him something don't we? After all, it's his credit card!). For him, there are sports shops like Puma, Ben Sherman, G-room and if he's a budding DJ then there's Kingly Court, this a great place to buy great vinyls. Oh, and not forgetting a place where he can re-fuel... there's a few pubs too! And for the ladies, there is a number of fine cosmetics shops, a few boutiques selling vintage mod clothing, designer shoe shops and Liberty's is just round the corner in Fouberts Place. There are places where we can re-fuel too... coffee shops and sandwich bars. Nearest tube: Oxford Circus

New Bond Street and Old Bond Street

Just off of Oxford Street, is the less crowded but far more expensive New Bond Street and Old Bond Street, for all those that have an endless flow of cash then this is the place to spend all of it! Most of the shops here have "greeters" who will smile, open doors for you, and wish you a nice day! Oh, and keep your eyes open for the odd celebrity here too, London's Bond streets are well known for bringing out the odd one or two. Nearest tube: Bond Street

It's a vast, fast and vibrant city; London has it all. Don't miss it... come and visit!