10 Iconic Landmarks You Must See To Prove You Have Been To London England

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Growing up in an urban city like Toronto, Canada, I learned to appreciate those cities that preserved old architecture. When I saw them in movies, I dream of going to those places when I become an adult and able to afford to travel the world. I grew up surrounded by tall buildings and modern architecture so and told myself I will go visit those major cities around the world one day. It actually happened when I went on a study abroad programme in England at the University of Leeds. Dream come true when I visited the mega historic city of London England and see many London iconic landmarks that tells so much about this iconic city!

There’s so much history, interesting architecture, and culture in this city. I went here multiple times when I studied abroad in England during my 3rd year of university in 2012. Doable from Leeds for a weekend trip or a day trip on a budget travel lifestyle of taking coaches, the most inexpensive public transportation on land. Boarding around midnight and arrive in the city at dawn. Find awesome deals at Wanderu and Rome2Rio.

Eula Esguerra Trafalgar Square London — Afternoon coffee to warm me up after a rain at Trafalgar Square

London England has a lot to offer. There’s so much to do, so much to see, and so much to eat. But if you only have a couple of days or a day to spare, you can go see the most famous landmarks, take photos, and see London with your eyes. Most of these landmarks are actually close to each other when you check the map so it’s an easy walk. Some you’d have to ride to tube to go outside central London.

1. Tower Bridge

The Tower Bridge is one majestic looking suspension bridge! It’s a very famous bridge and a symbol of London. This is where the London 2012 Olympics sign was placed. The bridge is built of two towers with a walkway at the top. Also, the very first landmark I saw when I arrived in London so it stirs quite an emotion to me. Right beside is the Tower of London, a medieval castle that shows the history of London. I highly recommend you see this Victorian drawbridge when you’re in London.

Eula Esguerra London England Tower Bridge — Early morning tourist shot at the Tower Bridge, London, England.

2. London Eye

London Eye is right on River Thames in between Westminster Bridge and Waterloo Bridge. It takes about 30 minutes for the whole ride so it’s a great way to see London in 360 degrees. The Westminster Palace is really close and you get a good view at the top too! Fun fact, English ferris wheels are called eye so basically this landmark is ferris wheel but with a longer ride.

Eula Esguerra River Thames London Eye — Me looking at London Eye right by River Thames

3. Abbey Road Studios

Music is one of the biggest exports of England and they’re really good at it. I enjoyed the the opening and closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics. If you’re a music fan or know of music, you most likely have heard of the Beatles’ studio album Abbey Road. The 4 artists walking on the crosswalk in Abbey Road. Yip, it’s here near the studios and visitors and die hard Beatles fan walk, sit, and cross the pedestrian crossing for long periods of time even when cars are coming. The recording studio is called Abbey House and you can write on the white walls.

Abbey Road Studios London England — Graffiti on walls of the Abbey Road Studios.

4. Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace serves as the official residence of the English monarch when they’re in London. It’s gated so you can only take pictures from the gate. This is also where the changing of the guards happen and you can book a ticket to tour the insides of the palace. If you think about it and the monarchs are here you’ll breathing the same London air as them haha!

Buckingham Palace London — Front of Buckingham Palace

5. Hyde Park

Similar to Central Park in New York, Hyde Park is a huge park in the South Kensington-Chelsea district right beside the Buckingham Palace. It is one of the twin parks the other half being the Kensington garden that connects to Kensington Palace. Inside Hyde Park are memorials, gardens and there’s an artificial lake in the middle. It is mainly an open-space green field so many events, festivals, and activities happen here and people chilling in the grass.

Wellington Arch at Hyde Park England — Wellington Arch at Hyde Park London

6. London Bridge

“London Bridge is falling down … my fair lady.” The nursery rhyme refers to this London Bridge on River Thames. A London landmark due to the song. Jokes! Well, you end up going here because the bridge is named after the city. It’s right beside Tower Bridge which in my personal opinion is prettier and more eye catching.

London Bridge England — London Bridge at the crack of dawn.

7. St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral is a Baroque style Anglo-Saxon cathedral built all the way back in the 17th century surrounded by a churchyard and a garden. Its dome roof at the top is what makes this cathedral famous and very recognizable from afar. The cathedral is open daily and they have services everyday. You can go in and see amazing interior of the cathedral. Stained glass on the windows, gold plated altar, and the detailed paintings on the dome. It’s a very beautiful building inside and out. This is one of my favourite landmarks I visited in London.

St. Paul's Cathedral England — Magnificent Baroque architecture of St. Paul’s Cathedral

8. Trafalgar Square

Hangout and people watch at Trafalgar Square which is also located right in London Central in the city of Westminster. This mega public square is such a pretty site to spend your time on and have a stroll. Around you are cool looking building and museum that you can go in such as the National Gallery.

9. Palace of Westminster

The Palace of Westminster is a must visit landmark when you’re in London England. This is where you will definitely feel like you’re in London. The heart and soul of London city, the country England, and the United Kingdom. It’s where the royalty and politics stuff happens. The palace has many iconic landmarks so be sure to take photos. Westminster takes up a lot of space as it includes the Big Ben, officially named The Elizabeth Tower and Westminster Abbey where the English monarchy holds coronations and royal weddings. This is where the English parliament sits so a very important political landmark. I got to see the whole palace bird’s eye view from the London Eye. The gothic style architecture was quite breath-taking and very detailed even from afar!

The Palace of Westminster from London Eye

10. Platform 9 ¾

As a Harry Potter fan, I was over the moon when I went to King’s Cross Station and tried to go through Platform 9 ¾. Sadly, I’m a muggle so I couldn’t go through. I saw a lot of trains but not Hogwarts Express. This station is in the books where the students take the Hogwarts Express to go the wizardry and witchcraft school. The stations know there will be people like me looking for reference. You will find a half luggage trolley plastered on the wall and above it is a sign Platform 9 ¾.

Eula Esguerra London England Day Trip — Muggles like me will never get to enter platforms 9 3/4 at London King’s Cross Railway Station and experience the world of magic but I’m excited to see it!

Honourable Mentions

The Double-Decker Bus

Not exactly a landmark because it moves lol but it is a symbol of London. Definitely worth the mention. Red double-decker buses are a means of public transportation in the London England so make sure to ride one when you’re in the city.

The Red Telephone Box

In this day and age of technology and everyone has their own mobile devices, it’s still lovely to see the red telephone box and take photos inside and outside. Another London England exclusive like the double-decker bus, it’s red so it’s easy to spot. A great symbol of innovation and how far we’ve come in connecting people. You could say it’s a London landmark because it doesn’t move lol!