Mary Poppins, Abbey Road and the Beatles crossing the road, the Queen drinking tea and the raging period of punk: this, and much more, is London. The English capital never loses its charm and the many must-see monuments attract thousands of tourists. It is also a great opportunity to test your knowledge of the English language!
If you too are 'London'scalling' and have a hankering for'Fish&Chips', plan a visit to this wonderful city. Let's find out together what to see in London!
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1 - Tower of London
The Tower of London, or London Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the symbols of London. It is part of a fortified complex that originally served to protect the Norsemen from raids by the City's citizens and other invaders. The White Tower, erected by William the Conqueror, houses the wonderful St. John's Chapel, a splendid example of Norman architecture.
The fortress has served many functions in its more than 1,000 years of history: it has been a royal residence and state prison, a place of execution, a royal zoo, the seat of the kingdom's mint and today houses the Crown Jewels. Costumed guards from the 16th century, the iconic'Beefeaters', still guard the fortress today, along with the Ravens, ravens with a legendary history. It is said that King Charles II believed that should the six Ravens guarding the fortress one day abandon it, the monarchy and the Tower would also fall.
Avoid the long queues: as one of London's symbols and home to the crown jewels, it is also one of the city's most visited attractions. Buy your entrance ticket in advance online and save valuable time.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: in Tower Hill. Easily accessible on foot from Sky Garden (650 m, 9 min). Tower Hill Metro reference stop, Circle and District Line - Get directions
Hours: March to October Tue-Sat 9am-5:30pm, Sun-Mon 10am-5:30pm, November to February Tue-Sat 9am-4:30pm, Sun-Mon 10am-4:30pm
Ticket price: full price £24.70 (€28.10), concessions £10.75 (€12.20)
2 - St Paul's Cathedral
Rising from the ashes of the original Cathedral, razed to the ground by the fire that hit London in 1656, St. Paul's Cathedral is one of the city's most important religious buildings, in total contrast to the modern context of skyscrapers and buildings in which it is set.
St. Paul's Cathedral has always hosted some of London's most significant events, such as Churchill's funeral or Lady Diana's marriage to Prince Charles. The building is easily recognisable by its wonderful central dome and is characterised by an English Baroque style. To take the perfect photo, admire it from the Millennium Bridge, a famous bridge that also appeared in the Harry Potter films.
Plan your visit: this is a landmark of the city and there are many things to see inside and, despite being a Cathedral, the visit takes on average 2 hours. Buy your entrance ticket in advance to avoid the long queues at the ticket offices.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: St. Paul's Churchyard. Easy walk to Millennium Bridge (300m, 4 mins). Reference metro stop St. Paul's, Central line - Get directions
Hours: daily 8:30am-4:30pm
Ticket price: Full £18.00 (€21.60), Concessions £7.70 (€9.20)
3 - Sky Garden
Get ready to admire London from a very special place, the Sky Garden, one of the most beautiful vantage points in the city. But its notoriety comes from the fact that admission is free and therefore accessible to all, making it also a great alternative to The Shard, the famous building with a panoramic observatory whose entrance fee is not exactly cheap.
But the Sky Garden is not just a rooftop terrace: it is the highest garden in London! In fact, a real garden has been created inside the viewing platform, which has been declared a public park of the City of London. Get ready to admire a truly unique view, especially on sunny days. There are also bars and restaurants for an unforgettable lunch break, but the costs are obviously high compared to the average.
Discover Leadenhall Market: once you've admired the view from the Sky Garden, make your way down from the building to nearby Leadenhall Market, a historic Victorian-style covered market, a true wonder!
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: 1 Sky Garden Walk. Easy walk to Tower of London (650m, 9 mins). Reference tube stop Monument, Circle and District Line - Get directions
Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat-Sun 11am-9pm
Ticket price: free
4 - Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is the world's most famous drawbridge and connects the Tower of London to the Southwark area. It offers one of the most popular and photographed views of the city, especially when lit up.
Visitors can walk along the glass walkway 42 metres above the Thames that connects the two towers in a neo-Gothic style. When it was built it was intended to allow even very bulky ships to pass over the river, which is why it had a hydraulic mechanism using steam power. Since the 1970s it has been replaced by a diesel-powered system, although the Victorian Engine Rooms, located in the North Tower, can be visited and house period gears.
Take aThames cruise: see Tower Bridge and the whole city from a different perspective on a wonderful Thames cruise, one of the must-do activities in London. Alternatively, you can also choose a dinner cruise to see the city lit up at night.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: on Tower Bridge Rd. Within easy walking distance of the Tower of London (500 m, 7 min). Reference Tube stop Tower Hill, Circle and District Line - Get directions
Hours: daily 9:30am-6pm
Ticket price: full price £11.40 (€13.60), concessions £5.70 (€6.80)
5 - Tate Modern and Tate Britain
The museum complex known as the Tate Gallery consists of the union of several collections scattered around the United Kingdom, two of which are located in London: Tate Britain and Tate Modern.
Tate Britain is the 'original' Tate Gallery and houses the largest collection of British art in the world, covering a time span from the 16th century to the present day.
The Tate Modern the second is one of the most avant-garde modern art galleries in the world. It is spread over several, mainly housing the permanent collections with works by Picasso, Kandinsky and Van Gogh. The Tate Exchange, on the other hand, is a floor where one can collaborate and test new ideas through art.
Practical Info: Directions, Hours and Prices
How to get there: Tate Modern in Bankside. Underground reference Southwark Station, Jubilee line - Get directions / Tate Britain in Millbank. Pimlico tube reference stop, Victoria line - Get directions.
Timetable: Tate Modern and Tate Britain daily 10am-6pm
Ticket price: free
6 - London Eye
If you love admiring the city from above and having the world under your feet, then you certainly can't miss the London Eye, London's famous Ferris wheel. On the other hand, if you suffer from vertigo or otherwise don't feel comfortable at great heights, we recommend admiring it from below.
Also known as the Millennium Wheel, it is in fact one of the largest Ferris wheels in the world: the large cabins reach up to 135 m high, giving you a 360° view of London, you really do have the city and the Thames under your feet! The complete tour lasts about 30 minutes and, in addition to the basic ticket, you can also purchase, at a higher price, different experiences, such as booking an entire cabin just for you.
Buy thepriority ticket: this is one of the most visited attractions in London and the UK, so buy the priority ticket and skip the queue at the ticket counters by going straight to the entrance.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
Directions: Riverside Building, County Hall. Easily accessible on foot from Westminster Bridge (300m, 4 mins). Underground reference Waterloo Station, Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo & City Line - Get directions
Hours: summer 10:30-20:30, winter 11:00-18:00
Ticket cost: depending on experience, standard from £24.50 (€28.00)
7 - Trafalgar Square and National Gallery
Trafalgar Square is a great starting point for discovering the city. It is a majestic square that is a bit like the heart of London, as the city's main thoroughfares branch off from it, including the Strand, the road leading to the City, The Mall, the avenue leading to Buckingham Palace and Whitehall the street leading to the House of Parliament. In the centre stands tall Nelson's Column, while on the sides it is surrounded by important buildings, such as the National Gallery art museum.
The National Gallery is one of the most important museums in London, as well as being one of the most visited. It houses over 2,300 paintings from various periods. With two floors full of rooms and wonderful collections, works ranging from the Middle Ages to post-impressionism are representative of the mastery of the greatest interpreters of Western art. For the visit budget at least 2 h, better 3 h!
SEE ALSO: What to see at the National Gallery: opening times, prices and tips
Make a stop at the Great Scotland Yard: Scotland Yard is surely a name you will have heard many times. It is the headquarters of London's police force, founded in the 19th century when criminals like Jack the Ripper roamed the streets of London. If you are particularly interested in its history, you cannot miss a walking tour in the footsteps of Jack the Ripper!
Practical info: directions, times and prices
Directions: Trafalgar Square within easy walking distance of Leicester Square (450m, 5 mins). Reference underground station Charing Cross Station, Bakerloo and Northern line - Get directions
Timetable: Trafalgar Square always accessible / National Gallery daily 10am-6pm
Ticket price: Trafalgar Square and National Gallery free
8 - Big Ben, Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey
The Palace of Westminster is the building that houses the British Parliament, known in English as the House of Parliament. It is a true spectacle of Gothic architecture and, inside, consists of no less than 1,200 rooms and also houses the seats of the two chambers of the British Parliament: theHouse of Commons and theHouse of Lords.
Right next to the Palace of Westminster is one of London's symbols: the world-famous Big Ben, or Clock Tower, which houses what is considered to be the most accurate clock in the world. Mistakenly believed to be the name of the clock, Big Ben is actually the name of the bell, installed by Benjamin Hall, weighing 13 and a half tonnes.
Finally, behind the Houses of Parliament you can find the famous Westminster Abbey, or Westminster Abbey, one of the most beautiful in London. This is the place where the most important celebrations are held, such as the coronation of kings and queens (from as far back as 1066) and royal weddings. Inside, don't miss the Lady Chapel, the most beautiful chapel in the whole Abbey, and thePoets' Corner, where some of the exponents of English literature rest, including Charles Dickens and William Shakespeare.
Combine two visits in one: take the Abbey tour with Parliament, ideal for saving time! If you are not interested in the Parliament tour but only in the Abbey tour, then we recommend that you buy the audioguide entrance ticket in advance, ideal for avoiding queues at the ticket offices.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: in Old Palace Yard. Easily accessible on foot from London Eye by crossing Westminster Bridge (850m, 11 mins). Reference tube stop Westminster, Circle Line, District Line and Jubilee - Get directions
Timetable: Big Ben currently closed for refurbishment / Palace of Westminster guided tour see official website / Westminster Abbey Mon-Fri 9:30am-3:30pm, Sat 9am-1pm, Cloisters daily 8am-6pm
Ticket price: Big Ben currently closed for refurbishment / Palace of Westminster guided tour full price £29.00 (€34.70), concessions £24.50 (€29.30) / Westminster Abbey full price £20.00 (€22.80), concessions £9.00 (€10.30)
9 - Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is perhaps the most famous palace in the whole of the United Kingdom. It is, in fact, the residence of the British monarchy and is located at the end of The Mall, the famous street that connects the palace to Trafalgar Square. It covers a truly vast area: the majestic palace has no less than 775 rooms and is surrounded by a large royal park stretching over 20 hectares.
At 10.45 a.m. make sure you are at Buckingham Palace, you will witness the Changing of Her Majesty's Guard, a ritual that has taken place daily since 1660. Pay attention to the number of guards: if there are four, it means the Queen is at home. The changing of the guard is held on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday (weather permitting).
SEE ALSO: Buckingham Palace visit: how to get there, prices and tips
What to know about the visit: As it is the royal residence, it cannot be visited, with the exception of the West Wing, which is only open in the summer, generally from July to October. If you are in Londa during this period, consider joining a guided tour. Info and costs here
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: within easy walking distance of Westminster Abbey (1.1 km, 14 min). Reference tube stop St. James's Park, Circle and District Line - Get directions
Hours: Outside always accessible / West Wing State Rooms between July and October, generally July-August 9:30am-7:30pm, September-October 9:30am-6:30pm, see official website
Ticket price: State Rooms full £30.00 (€35.90), concessions £19.50 (€23.30)
10 - Victoria & Albert Museum
Photo by Alinangel. If you love art and spending hours in museums, then you absolutely cannot miss the Victoria & Albert Museum, one of the largest museums in the world and one of the landmarks of art in London. Prepare to be amazed by all the prestigious works it holds!
Founded in 1852, the museum has over 4.5 million objects on display, with collections of Asian, Islamic and European decorative arts. A true journey of the world in a single building. Spread over no less than 6 floors, you can admire jewellery, crystal, weapons and armour, clothes, ceramics, furniture, architectural elements, paintings, metals and a rich collection of Italian Renaissance works. It is best to proceed by floors so as not to get disoriented and miss the most important works.
SEE ALSO: What to see at the Victoria & Albert Museum: opening hours, prices and tips
Plan your visit as best you can: the museum is really big, devote at least half a day to it. Ideally, you should arrive at opening time to find fewer visitors and spend the whole morning there. In addition, we recommend that you consult the map on the official website, so that you already understand how the museum is developed.
Practical info: directions, opening hours and prices
How to get there: on Cromwell Rd. Easy walking distance to Natural History Museum (100 m, 1 min). Reference tube stop South Kensington, Circle and District Line - Get directions
Hours: daily 10am-5:45pm
Ticket price: free
11 - London Stadiums
If you're a sports fan, then London is definitely a destination for you! The city is full of stadiums, you'll be spoilt for choice. Let's try to identify the most important ones.
If you love football, you cannot miss Stamford Bridge, Chelsea's stadium. Here you can watch a match or take part in a guided tour (from £35.00/€41.90 depending on the tour and experience chosen). White Hart Lane is Tottenham's stadium, which can also be visited with a guided tour(stadium tour £32.60). TheEmirates Stadium is Arsenal's new stadium, the second largest in the Premier League with over 60,000 seats (stadium tour from £27.00/€32.60). Finally, a visit to Wembley Stadium, a true temple of English football! It is also the largest stadium in the UK (guided tour £25.56).
But not only football: rugby lovers can visit Twickenham Stadium, the mecca of rugby and home of the England national team (from £26.95/€32.60). And finally, how can we not mention Wimbledon, the true temple of tennis, where one of the most prestigious tournaments is held (tour £13.00/€15.70).
12 - Natural History Museum
A few steps away from the Victoria & Albert Museum you can visit one of London's most beautiful and famous museums: the Natural History Museum. This is a perfect museum to visit with children, they will love it!
Built between 1873 and 1880, the Natural History Museum was initially only meant to house a collection of skeletons, fossils and plants from the British Museum. But, as the years went by, the museum expanded, absorbing also the Geological Museum that was located nearby, thus becoming one of the most visited attractions in the English capital. The magic begins as soon as you walk through the front door: the hall houses the skeletons of some very large animals, such as the diplodocus dinosaur and the mastodon. From here begins a wonderful collection dedicated to life on earth through the millennia.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: on Cromwell Rd. Easy walking distance from Victoria & Albert Museum (100 m, 1 min). South Kensington, Circle and District Line underground reference stop - Get directions
Hours: daily 10am-5.50pm
Ticket price: free
13 - Notting Hill and Portobello
London is a city full of unique neighbourhoods, each with its own soul and atmosphere.
Notting Hill is one of the most elegant districts of the English capital. Today it is mainly a residential district, with no particular attractions, but it became famous as the location for the 1999 romantic comedy film of the same name, Notting Hill, starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. And between strolling through the streets and colourful little houses, you certainly can't miss Portobello Road, a street full of vintage shops, cute clubs and characterised by a wonderful bohemian charm.
Nottingh Hill is located in West London. Portobello Road is within walking distance of Kensington Palace (2 km, 25 min). Reference tube stop Notting Hill Gate, Central, Circle and District line - Get directions
Take a photo in front of theBlue Door: relive the atmosphere of the Notting Hill film and take a photo in front of the iconic Blue Door! Look for Blue Door Notting Hill Film at 280 Westbourne Park Rd. Get directions
14 - Kensington Palace
Within Hyde Park there are so many things to do and so many attractions to see and one of the most beautiful is definitely Kensington Palace, located at the western end of the park, nestled in the beautiful Kensington Gardens.
Kensington Palace is one of the most important British royal residences in London. Today, part of the palace is open to the public, a truly unique opportunity. This place is steeped in history: Queen Victoria was born here in 1819, was christened in the Dome Room and remained in the palace until her move to Buckingham Palace. Not only that: Princess Diana also lived here after her divorce with Prince Charles and Prince Harry, before moving Meghan Markle, now Duchess of Sussex.
Buy yourticket in advance: buy your entrance ticket for Kensington Palace in advance, thus avoiding spending valuable time at the ticket counters and then devoting yourself to visiting Hyde Park.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: in Kensington Gardens. Easily accessible on foot from Kensington High St (650m, 8 mins). Reference tube stop High Street Kensington, Circle and District Line - Get directions
Hours: Summer Wed-Sun 10am-6pm, Winter Wed-Sun 10am-4pm
Ticket price: full price £16.00 (€19.20), concessions £8.00 (€9.60)
15 - Hyde Park
In between sightseeing, you can't miss Hyde Park, London's famous park. It is the perfect place to take a break between cultural visits, especially on sunny days, which are not always a guarantee in London.
Hyde Park is one of London's eight royal parks and covers an impressive 124 hectares. It is much loved by Londoners, who come here to relax away from the traffic and hectic city life, spending a few hours with the family or playing sports. Enjoy a stroll along the wide tree-lined avenues, have a picnic by the lake and reach the Lady Diana Memorial with its beautiful fountain. Don't miss the events organised throughout the year either: in winter you can lose yourself in the magic of the large winter funfair, in summer you can attend one of the many festivals and concerts.
SEE ALSO: Visit Hyde Park: how to get there, prices and tips
Takea boat ride on the lake: here you can hire a small boat for a romantic ride on the lake in the heart of Hyde Park. Look for the small pier of the Bluebird Boats. Then enjoy a drink on the wonderful lake-view terrace of Serpentine Bar & Kitchen.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to getthere: Easy walk from Buckingham Palace (1.2 km, 15 mins). Reference tube stop Hyde Park Corner, Piccadilly line - Get directions
Hours: daily 5am-00pm
Ticket price: free
16 - Piccadilly Circus and Soho
Photos by Benh LIEU SONG. 
If New York has its Times Square, in London you will find Piccadilly Circus, the English capital's most famous crossroads. It is located in the heart of the city and is also easily accessible thanks to the underground, which stops right at Piccadilly Circus Station.
Today it is a real meeting place, for Londoners and tourists alike, and is the part of the city that never sleeps: even at night it looks like daytime because of the gigantic signs and large illuminated advertising screens.
From here you can also easily reach Soho, one of London's most famous districts. It is the hub of the city's nightlife, vibrant both day and night. It is also the district of London's LGBT scene and is full of all kinds of clubs, including red-light bars. Enjoy an evening on the most famous street, Regent St, but Dean St, Frith St, Beak St and Old Compton St are also very lively.
Piccadilly Circus is located in the heart of London, within easy walking distance of Trafalgar Square (500 m, 6 min). Reference underground station Piccadilly Circus Station, Bakerloo and Piccadilly line - Get directions
Stop by Ronnie Scott's: Soho is London's jazz scene district. If you love the genre head to Ronnie Scott's, the most famous venue and a real institution. Stop here for a drink and a concert.
17 - British Museum
The British Museum is one of the most important museums in London, as well as being one of the most visited. As with many museums, entry is free and allows everyone to experience the world of art and culture.
Specifically, the British Museum houses one of the largest and most valuable collections of archaeological finds in the world. As you walk through the different exhibition areas, you can see exhibits that bear witness to the origins of our history. There are more than 8 million objects preserved here and they include the earliest stone carvings from the prehistoric era, the earliest coins, many examples of hieroglyphics, but also Chinese ceramics and works of art from the 20th century. The British Museum also houses the famous'Rosetta Stone', the stone that enabled scholars to decipher ancient writings.
SEE ALSO: What to see at the British Museum: opening hours, prices and tips
Take part in aguided tour: the museum is really extensive and it is easy to get disoriented among the many things to see. Take part in a guided tour of the British Museum to make sure you don't miss the most important works. And, for a unique experience, we recommend taking part in an afternoon tea at the British Museum.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: on Great Russell St. Easily accessible on foot from Russell Square (290m, 3 mins). Reference tube stop Russell Square, Piccadilly line - Get directions
Hours: daily 10am-5pm
Ticket price: Free
18 - Madame Tussauds London
Photo by Karen Roe. Madame Tussauds is the world's most famous wax museum, present in several cities. Amsterdam, New York, Tokyo, Berlin, Hong Kong, Shanghai, even Rome. But here in London is the original museum, the museum where it all started. If you are a lover of the genre, you certainly can't miss it!
It all started back in 1835, when sculptress Marie Tussaud exhibited the first wax figures. It was a success and, from 1884, the statues were moved to the museum where they still stand today. The statues here are of a very high quality, better than the other museums in the chain, which also justifies the high admission price. There are many sections, but definitely not to be missed is the Royal Family room, where you can take a picture with the statue of Queen Elizabeth and the other royal members.
Take advantage of the combination ticket: especially if you are travelling with children, we recommend buying a ticket for Madame Tussauds, London Eye and SEA LIFE, great for saving money.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: on Marylebone Rd. Easy walk to Sherlock Holmes Museum (400m, 5 mins). Reference tube station Baker Street Station, Bakerloo, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee and Metropolitan lines - Get directions
Hours: generally 10am-3pm, see official website
Ticket prices: full price from £37.00 (€44.30), concessions from £33.50 (€40.10)
19 - The Sherlock Holmes Museum
London is a city that has inspired so many writers and, apart from Harry Potter, it is also the city of Sherlock Holmes, the famous detective born from the pen of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. And here in London you can visit the Victorian house at the famous house number 221B Baker Street, where Sherlock, Dr Watson and Miss Hudson, the housekeeper, lived.
Today the Victorian house has become a real museum: here you can admire the interiors just as they are described in the books or as we see them in the films, full of objects, period furniture and decorations. For lovers of the character it really is a must-see!
Take aguided Sherlock Holmes tour: London couldn't miss a walking tour in the footsteps of Sherlock Holmes! You can discover and visit the places that inspired Arthur Conan Doyle, as well as some of the locations used in the various TV series and films.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
Directions: 221b Baker St. Easily accessible on foot from Madame Tussauds (400m, 5 mins). Underground reference Baker Street Station, Bakerloo, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee and Metropolitan lines - Get directions
Hours: daily 10am-5pm
Ticket price: full price £15.00 (€18.00), concessions £13.00 (€15.60)
20 - Regent's Park and London Zoo
Located close to Camden Town, this is one of Londoners' favourite and most popular parks, a true oasis of greenery ideal for relaxing, playing sports and enjoying the many events organised. For example, in fine weather, check out the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre programme.
But inside Regent's Park you will also find the London Zoo, the city's most important zoo and research centre, perfect to visit especially with children. But that's not all: opened way back in April 1828, it is also the oldest scientific zoo in the world. Here, in addition to admiring the animals, you can learn about their habitats, discover environmental protection campaigns and get to know this fascinating world. Fun yes, but always learning!
Included in the LondonPass: entry to the London Zoo is included in the London Pass, the city card that allows you free or discounted entry to over 80 attractions in the city. Ideal for saving money in an expensive city like London!
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: in North London. Easy walking distance from Camden Town (800 m, 11 min). Reference tube station Baker Street Station, Bakerloo, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee and Underground lines - Get directions
Hours: Regent's Park opening 5am, closing between 4.30pm/21.30pm depending on period, see official website / London Zoo in winter daily 10am-4pm, in summer daily 10am-6pm
Ticket price: Regent's Park free / London Zoo full price from £30.50 (€36.50), concessions from £18.00 (€21.50)
21 - Camden Market
Camden Town is London's hipster and alternative district. Prepare yourself for a truly unique atmosphere: here the premises are housed in old, reclaimed shipping containers, the walls of the buildings feature numerous murals and peculiar sculptures and the streets are full of unique little shops and boutiques, selling everything from vintage items to designer goods.
Enjoy a few hours in this neighbourhood, do some shopping in search of the perfect souvenir and don't miss Camden Market, the neighbourhood's wonderful market, active every day with lots of stalls. Pay homage to the famous Amy Winehouse in front of the Amy Winehouse Statue and stop for a drink at The Ice Wharf, one of the neighbourhood's most famous pubs.
Enjoy a canal boat ride: Camden Towen is crossed by the Regent's Canal. So enjoy a wonderful canal boat trip in this area, called Little Venice for its atmosphere and canals.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to getthere: in North London. Camden Market within easy walking distance of Jewish Museum London (600m, 7 mins). Reference tube stop Camden Town, Northern line - Get directions
Hours: Camden Market daily 10am-6pm
Ticket price: free
22 - Warner Bros. Studio London
Who hasn't dreamt of experiencing the magic of Harry Potter, getting lost in the alleyways of Diagon Alley, entering the Great Hall of Hogwarts or drinking a butterbeer. In London it is possible: about 30 km from the centre you can visit the Warner Bros. Studio London, where dreams come true! Perfect to visit even with the little ones.
Beware though, this is not an amusement park, but a tour of the Harry Potter film sets! Here you will have a chance to discover the'Making of Harry Potter', i.e. all the backstage scenes, costumes and objects used to bring one of the best-loved sagas of all time to life. Participating in the Studio Tour, i.e. the basic tour (approx. 3 h 30 min), you can admire the original costumes used by the actors and walk around the film sets where Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint and all the actors in the saga starred.
SEE ALSO: Visit Warner Bros Studios from London: how to get there, prices and tips
Take advantage of thetransfer from London: so that you don't have to worry about all the changes and transport, especially if you're travelling with children, take advantage of the combined ticket with Harry Potter Studios and private transfer from the centre, which is really quick and convenient.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: 32 km from London. From London to Watford Junction trains depart from London Euston (20 mins) and Birmingham New Street (1 hr) stations, then shuttle service to the Studios, operated by Mullany's Coaches (15 mins each way £3.00/€3.60) - Get directions
Hours: open 8:30am-9:30pm, closed 6pm-10pm, depending on day and season. See official website
Ticket Cost: Studio Tour £49.95 (€60.00), Behind The Seams £65.00 (€78.10), Deluxe Tou r £225.00 (€270.50)
More things to see
London is a city full of attractions and things to do. There is no shortage of museums! If you are travelling with children you cannot miss the Science Museum (free). If you love art we definitely recommend the National Portrait Gallery (from £10.00/€11.40) and the Saatchi Gallery (depending on exhibitions, see official website). If you love design you certainly can't miss one of the most important of its kind in the world, the Design Museum (free), while the London Transport Museum(day pass €22.00) is very interesting, even to visit with children.
London is also full of wonderful parks. Besides Hyde Park and Regent's Park, you can also visit Battersea Park, which houses a small zoo, the Victorian-style Victoria Park and the wonderful Royal Botanic Gardens (from £11.00/€13.20), the latter located just outside London.
Finally, as we have seen, London is also a perfect city for children. In addition to the many attractions already mentioned, don't miss the Sea Life London Aquarium (from £28.00/€33.50) or Legoland Windsor (£45.00/€53.90), outside London. Don't forget to also take them toHamleys, the world's largest and best stocked toy shop!
15 things to do in London
Apart from the traditional Changing of the Guard and the romantic Thames Cruise, there are other experiences to be had and photographed in beautiful London. Here are some of them:
2 - Breakfast at Peggy Porschen
3 - Shopping in Oxford Street and Regent's Street
4 - Walking in Neal's Yard
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Cruise the Thames: one of the must-do experiences in London, to see the city from a different perspective. Info and costs here;
Christmas in London: It's one of the most wonderful times of the year in the city. There are Father Christmas villages, ice skating rinks, numerous markets and lots of events. Find out more here;
Breakfast at Peggy Porschen: Treat yourself to a slice of cake and a drink at one of London's prettiest venues. And don't forget to take a photo in front of the iconic pastel pink façade;
Shopping on Oxford Street and Regent's Street: pop into two of the city's most famous shopping streets, which are also sublimely decorated for the festive season;
Walk in Neal's Yard: London hides some little-known gems, one of which is Neal's Yard, an area accessible via two cobbled lanes and full of colourful houses, small restaurants and beauty shops;
The Magic of Shakespeare: take a tour or attend a play in Shakespeare's wonderful Globe Theatre, it will be like stepping back in time. Info and cost here;
Discover Borough Market: one of London's most famous food markets, full of colour and fragrance. The costs here are high for a market, but it is definitely worth a visit;
Eat fish & chips: not to be missed, it would be like a foreign tourist visiting Italy without eating a pizza or carbonara. Enjoy a fish & chips in one of London's many pubs and soak up the pub atmosphere;
Aperitif at The Shard: London's famous skyscraper with viewing platform, restaurants and bars. Enjoy a sunset aperitif while admiring the whole city. The costs are very high, but it is a unique experience;
Abbey Roadphoto and Beatles tour: the road made famous by the iconic Beatles shot. Get there to take the perfect souvenir photo and then join a Beatles tour. Info and costs here;
Queen's Tour: Discover London and the history of Queen on a tour that will take you to some of the most famous spots. Info and costs here;
Harry Potter Tour: Who hasn't dreamt of receiving their Hogwarts letter? Immerse yourself in magic and discover some of the most famous places from the Little Wizard saga scattered around the English capital. Info and cost here;
Jack The Ripper Tour: the famous serial killer who terrorised London in 1888. Retrace his story by taking part in a guided tour of London's mysteries. Info and costs here
Adrenaline experience at the 02 Arena: the famous arena where the world's most famous singers have performed. Here you can have an adrenaline experience and climb to the roof of the arena. Info and costs here;
Excursion around London: from the English capital you can discover wonderful places. Take part in an excursion to Windsor, Stonehenge and Oxford, with transport included. Info and costs here;
What to see in 1 day
With only one day available, some sacrifices are inevitable. You'll have to optimise your time and forgo sightseeing inside some attractions. Here is theLondon in a Day itinerary.
9am - Tower Bridge (exterior)
9:30am - Tower of London
11:00am - St. Paul's Cathedral (exterior)
12:30 - Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace
15:00 - Westminster Abbey
16:00 - Big Ben (exterior)
17:00 - London Eye
19:00 - Piccadilly Circus and Soho
What to see in 3 days
In 3 days you can take in all the main sights of the historic centre. Here is theLondon in 3 days itinerary.
Day 1: Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, British Museum or National Gallery, SoHo District
Day 2: Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Sky Garden, St. Paul's Cathedral, Tate Modern, London Eye
Day 3: Camden Martket, Notting Hill and Portobello, Hyde Park, Kensington Palace, Piccadilly Circus
What to see in 7 days
In a week, we recommend devoting the first five days to visiting the main attractions, then moving on to the surrounding area to discover wonderful landscapes such as the White Cliffs of Dover or places rich in history such as the unmissable Stonehenge, not to mention cities such as Oxford. Here is the complete itinerary.
Day 1: Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, British Museum or National Gallery, SoHo District / Distance travelled: 5.5 km
Day 2: Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Sky Garden, St. Paul's Cathedral, Tate Modern, London Eye / Distance travelled: 5.1 km
Day 3: Camden Market, Notting Hill and Portobello, Hyde Park, Kensington Palace, Piccadilly Circus / Distance travelled: 12.5 km
Day 4: Warner Bros Studios and Harry Potter-themed guided walking tour / Distance travelled: 60 km
Day 5: Sherlock Holmes footsteps walking tour, The Sherlock Holmes Museum, Regent's Park, Covent Garden / Distance travelled: 3.6 km - 1 hr 10 min
Day 6: Excursion to Windsor, Stonehenge and Oxford from London / Distance travelled: 325 km
Day 7: Excursion to the White Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury from London / Distance travelled: 235 km
Plan your stay in London: flights, hotels and tours
London, unfortunately, is an expensive city. Fortunately, you can save money on flights, as there are numerous direct low-cost routes from Italy leaving every day(compare flights). Moreover, it is perfect to visit in any season: in summer you can find sunny days, but London at Christmas is truly magical!
The first big challenge will be choosing accommodation. The costs are quite high: for a not always very clean hostel you can spend from €40.00 upwards. That's why we advise you to book early and keep an eye on the various offers(compare accommodation on booking). If you' re looking for nightlife, the best areas to stay in are around Piccadilly Circus, the SoHo district and Camden Town. For getting around, the best option is to travel by tube or, alternatively, by tourist bus. Many museums are free, but other attractions have significant costs, so we recommend you buy the London Pass.
Finally, London is a perfect city to explore with the family: from the London Eye to Hyde Park, SEA Life Aquarium to the zoo, and the Harry Potter-themed walking tour, including the Warner Bros Studio, and the Sherlock Holmes footsteps tour.
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London in 3 days: the best itinerary
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