As the capital of England and the largest city in the European Union, London is not only home to about nine million people, but is also visited by 14 million international tourists each year. There’s good reason to visit: Between its reputation is a leading global city, its historical attractions and the city’s overall beauty, there’s something for everyone!
Here are some of London’s top attractions and some pertinent details, so you can start planning your trip:
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Buckingham Palace Dating back to the 1700s, Buckingham Palace has been the home of the British monarch since 1837. The 2011 Royal Wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton was held here. Because Queen Elizabeth travels to Scotland each summer, the Palace is opened to the public during the months of July, August, and/or September. In 2013, Buckingham Palace was open from early August to late September, but the dates change slightly each year. The tour of the estate takes about two hours, and includes views of the staterooms, the garden, and many works of art, uniforms and other interesting items. Tickets are £19 for adults.
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Madame Tussauds Madame Tussauds is a wax museum located in the heart of London. The museum was founded by Marie Tussaud, a wax sculptor from France, in 1835. The museum features many famous historical and royal figures, including a lot of infamous murders, villains and other assorted “bad guys.” Tickets to the exhibitions are £30 for adults. Opening and closing times vary depending on the time of year, so check before heading out to the museum.
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Tate Modern A modern art gallery located in London, Tate Modern is one of the most famous attractions in the city. Works include those from the 1500s to the present time; there is a large collection of contemporary art. There are many permanent exhibitions, but the biggest temporary exhibition that will be shown until March 2014 will feature the works of Paul Klee. The Tate Modern is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm during the week and until 10:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is free, except for special events.
Of course, there are many more attractions that you might want to visit while in London, including the British Museum, Big Ben, Harrods, Kensington Palace, Tower of London, the London Eye, Westminster Abbey and the London Bridge. A hop on hop off bus tour is a great way to see the sites.
If you’ve visited London, what have been your favorite attractions to visit? Share your thoughts with our readers in the comments section below.
