Landmarks in London

London's skyline is a marriage of historic and modern recognizable landmarks. While not skyscrapers, London's top landmarks are equally impressive. Many of the city's most famous building are situated along the banks of the river Thames.

Merely mention the word London and an image of the stunning clock tower nicknamed Big Ben pops into mind. Attached to Big Ben are the Gothic style Houses of Parliament, beautifully lit in the evenings sitting majestically on the bank of Thames. Nearby Westminster Abbey is customarily used by the royal family for coronations, weddings and burials.

Across the river the the giant Ferris wheel London Eye can not be ignored, forcing itself into the London in 2000 to commemorate the millennium. Further down the river is the easily recognized dome of St. Paul's Cathedral built for the fifth time by Sir Christopher Wren. Continue east to the Tower of London, an 11th century fortress home to the Crown Jewels and neighboring Tower Bridge, the blue drawbridge which dramatically spans the Thames.

Buckingham Palace is possibly less striking than the others on our list nevertheless important though as Her Majesty's London residence. No trip to London would be complete without a shopping excursion to the famous posh department store Harrods in Knightsbridge, the United Kingdom's largest retail shop.

Additional notable London landmarks are the Swiss Re Building, technically 30 St Mary Axe but also dubbed The Gherkin for its pickle resemblance, the high-rises of Canary Wharf, the Tate Modern and soon to be added to London's skyline is The Shard and will be London's (as well Europe's) tallest building.

More Top Lists

Popular Places

Neighborhoods