The funny thing about visiting London for the first time is that very little actually feels new. You've probably seen Big Ben in a film, Buckingham Palace on the news, the London Eye on Instagram and a red double-decker bus somewhere in between. You may even know what the Tube sounds like before you've ever stepped onto one.
Then you arrive in London and realise that seeing these places on a screen is not quite the same as standing in front of them. The city has been around for more than 2,000 years, and its most famous landmarks are scattered across a capital that is busy, walkable, chaotic, green, historic and thoroughly modern at the same time. You could spend weeks here and still have things left to see, so if this is your first visit, it helps to know which sights are worth making time for.
Here Are 6 London Classics That Deserve A Place On Your First-Trip Itinerary:
1. Start With Big Ben - Because Of Course
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You can tell yourself you're going to skip the touristy stuff. You won't. At some point, you're going to end up standing near the Thames, looking up at Big Ben and taking the photograph everyone takes. And honestly, you should.
Big Ben is actually the nickname of the Great Bell inside the Elizabeth Tower, which stands beside the Houses of Parliament at Westminster. The location makes it an easy first stop, with Westminster Underground station just across the road and several bus routes passing nearby.
For a different view, walk across Westminster Bridge towards the South Bank. You'll get the tower, the Houses of Parliament and the Thames in one frame - and probably a few hundred other people trying to do exactly the same thing.
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2. Go Up On The London Eye
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The London Eye is hard to miss. The giant wheel has been part of the city's skyline since 2000, sitting on the South Bank opposite Westminster.
The 30-minute ride gives you a bird's-eye view of central London, with the Thames winding through the city below. On a clear day, you can see some of London's major landmarks from the capsules, including Big Ben, St Paul's Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament.
It is touristy, yes. But sometimes there is a reason tourists keep turning up.
3. Give Yourself An Hour In Hyde Park
After a few hours of London sightseeing, you'll understand why the city's parks are so important. Hyde Park is one of the capital's largest and best-known green spaces, stretching across the middle of the city. There are paths around the Serpentine, cafés, plenty of open grass and enough space to temporarily forget that you're in one of Europe's busiest capitals.
You can take a walk, hire a boat on the Serpentine or simply sit down with a coffee. Hyde Park also hosts concerts and major events throughout the year, so check what's happening before you go. The best part? You don't need a ticket to enjoy it.
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4. See London From The Thames
There's a reason the Thames features in so many photographs of London. The river gives you a completely different perspective of the city. A Thames cruise can take you past landmarks including Tower Bridge, Shakespeare's Globe and the London Eye, without requiring you to navigate another crowded pavement.
There are plenty of options, from sightseeing boats and dinner cruises to speedboat rides. For a first visit, a daytime cruise is probably the simplest way to get a sense of how London's landmarks fit together. And if you're already tired of walking, that's another fairly good reason to get on a boat.
5. Go Shopping On Oxford Street - Even If You Don't Plan To Buy Anything
Oxford Street is one of those places where "I'm just going to have a look" can become an unexpectedly expensive afternoon. The shopping street is home to hundreds of stores, from high-street favourites to international brands and flagship outlets. If luxury is more your thing, continue towards Knightsbridge and Harrods.
Harrods is more than a department store at this point. Its ornate interiors, food halls and luxury counters make it worth a look even if you're not planning to leave with a designer shopping bag. Window shopping is perfectly acceptable. In fact, it may be the financially sensible option.
6. Finish With Buckingham Palace
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If Big Ben is the London landmark you photograph, Buckingham Palace is the one you walk towards expecting something suitably royal. The palace is the official London residence of the British monarch and sits at the end of The Mall, surrounded by some of the city's most familiar ceremonial spaces.
You can visit the State Rooms and gardens during the palace's summer opening period, while the Changing of the Guard remains one of the city's best-known traditional spectacles. Check dates and timings before planning your visit, as ceremonies and access can vary. Even if you don't go inside, walking down The Mall towards the palace is part of the experience.
And Then, Let London Take Over
The mistake with a first trip to London is trying to see absolutely everything.
There is always another museum, market, neighbourhood, pub, park or restaurant you could add to the itinerary. These six sights give you the familiar London you've probably seen a hundred times in photographs. The fun begins when you leave them behind and start finding the city that exists between them.
Because eventually, Big Ben becomes something you pass on the way to somewhere else. And that's when you know you've started getting to know London.
