Last Updated on 21 November, 2023
London is a city full of history, culture and many must-see tourist sights. It’s no surprise that so many people are attracted to explore it every year.
From iconic landmarks like the London Eye, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace to secret gems hidden around the city, there’s something for everyone in this bustling capital.
Whether you are here for one day, two days, or even 3, there is something to satisfy everyone. From tiny tourists to teens and adults.
The Prettiest Places In London You Need To Visit
We have already covered beautiful cafes in London in addition to London’s beautiful streets, below are taking you on a journey of the most spectacular places in London that you can’t miss.
Notting Hill
A quintessential London neighbourhood, Notting Hill is a vibrant and bustling place to explore. Full of charming pastel-coloured buildings, the streets come alive with activity during the annual Notting Hill Carnival in August.
The area has been featured in many files, in addition it is full of independent boutiques, cafes and restaurants that you can enjoy as you wander around. Notting Hill is also home to Portobello Market, a bustling street market that dates back to the 1800s.
Hampstead Hill Garden & Pergola
You may have spotted this featured in our list of beautiful gardens in London that are a must-visit. This hidden garden is a perfect place to escape the rush and bustle of London and enjoy some peace and quiet.
Located in Hempstead, it is home to an ornate pergola that winds through the trees and along the hillside. Take a stroll around the leafy paths for stunning views of London’s skyline. Be sure to explore the quint area of Hempstead while in the area.
View this post on Instagram
St James’s Park
A peaceful oasis in the heart of London, St James’s Park is one of London’s eight Royal Parks. The park is full of beautiful flower beds and trees, home to a mixture of birds and wildlife. On a sunny day, wander around the lake and admire the stunning views of Buckingham Palace.
Sunset from Waterloo Bridge
One of the best sights in London is from Waterloo Bridge. As the sun sets, you can admire a stunning view of the city skyline and its iconic landmarks.
The bridge lights up with a beautiful golden hue, making it an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts or anyone seeking a romantic moment.
The Horniman Museum and Gardens
Located in Forest Hill, The Horniman Museum is a cultural hub that houses a variety of collections from around the world.
Its beautiful gardens feature vibrant flower beds and trees, along with an aquatic pond owned by local ducks. Inside, you can find artefacts, archaeological pieces and fascinating exhibitions.
View this post on Instagram
Leadenhall Market
A must-visit sight for Harry Potter fans, the architectural wonder that is Leadenhall Market dates back to the 14th century. The Victorian-style market is full of independent shops and restaurants for you to explore.
Take time to appreciate its elaborate architecture, as well as the cobblestoned streets that make it an iconic part of London’s history.
London Sky Garden
Take in the best views of the city from The Sky Garden, located atop the 20 Fenchurch Street skyscraper. London Sky Garden offers a 360-degree view of London. You can see as far as Canary Wharf and London’s Westend.
Take a stroll around its three terraces or enjoy a drink at one of its bars while watching the sunset over London. Sky Garden is among London’s best viewpoints and its FREE!
London Bridge Overlooking Tower Bridge
For a romantic view of London, take a walk across the River Thames from London Bridge to Tower Bridge.
From London Bridge, you can appreciate the stunning views of both bridges and their unique architecture.
As you cross over each bridge, enjoy the sights of the river below and its many boats sailing by. You can work through a list of fun things to do in London Bridge before seeing Tower Bridge all lit up when the sun goes down.
Little Venice
Among London’s hidden gems that not a lot of people make it to. Little Venice is a tranquil spot located in near Paddington. This picturesque neighbourhood sits along the Regent’s Canal and is filled with colourful houseboats, cafes and restaurants.
Take a walk around its winding canals to admire its beauty, or take a boat ride for an unforgettable experience. You can also take a boat trip from Little Venice to Camden Town.
Richmond Park
Located in the southwest of London, Richmond Park is the largest royal park in London.
A unique park where you can see beautiful raindeers. Wander through its vast grasslands and forests to admire its beautiful landscapes and wildlife. Spot deer roaming around or take a picnic by the lake for a peaceful afternoon.
The Burlington Arcade
The Burlington Arcade is a classic London shopping arcade located in the heart of Mayfair.
This elegant arcade is lined with boutique shops and cafes that you can explore as you admire its stunning architecture. Stop by for some retail therapy or enjoy one of its many traditional tea rooms for a truly British experience.
Daunt Books
Daunt Bookshop is a beautiful bookshop located in Marylebone. This Edwardian-style bookshop houses an extensive collection of books, and its wooden structure makes it an iconic sight to behold.
Head to the bookshop for a journey through literature or browse its coffee shop, which has floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto the streets of London. While you are in the area make sure to stop by one of London’s cat cafes located in Marylebone.
View this post on Instagram
Shoreditch
For a vibrant and creative atmosphere, head to Shoreditch. This trendy area is filled with art galleries, street art, bars and restaurants for you to explore. Wander its streets or take an evening stroll along the Regent’s Canal for some unforgettable views of the city skyline.
Be sure to make a stop at Boxpark, as well as the East London markets that include Columbia Road Market, Backyard Market as well as the many cute vintage shops in Shoreditch.
Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden
Neal’s Yard is a hidden gem located in Covent Garden. This colourful and charming courtyard is home to independent businesses, including cafes, restaurants and artisan shops.
Explore the colourful buildings and spend some time browsing the unique stores that line its streets. While you are in the area, there are plenty of things to do in Covent Garden, from amazing museums and galleries to unmissable dessert spots, and cool markets. Its also a great spot for shopping.
Southbank Queens Walk
Southbank is an iconic spot located along the River Thames. Along Southbank, you can admire stunning views of London’s skyline or take a stroll along its Queens Walk for some of the most beautiful sights in the city.
Take time to admire its modern architecture and unique sculptures, or explore one of its many nearby attractions, such as The London Eye and The National Theatre. There is plenty to do on Southbank from amazing restaurants, cafes, bars and theatres. Be sure not to miss out on checking out the Southbank Centre food market.
Kensington
Among fun things to do in Kensington is checking out the tranquil Kensington Palace Gardens. Take a stroll around its wide-open lawns and admire its beautiful flowers and trees.
Take in the picturesque views of the palace, or look out for some of London’s most famous residents, such as Kate Middleton, who lives here with her family.
Royal Naval College
Located in Greenwich, the Royal Naval College is an impressive sight. This historic college was once a training ground for British sailors, and its grand building has since been converted into a museum.
Take some time to explore its beautiful grounds or admire its impressive architecture from afar. Another draw here is the beautifully painted halls of the Naval College. There are also plenty of things to do in Greenwich after exploring the college.
London Mews Streets
Discover the magic of London’s mews streets. These winding cobblestone streets are lined with quaint houses, making them a great spot for a leisurely stroll. Take in the peaceful atmosphere or explore one of the many charming cafes and restaurants that populate these narrow alleyways.
Primrose Hill
Just north of central London is where you will find Primrose Hill. Enjoy the beautiful views of London’s skyline or take some time to enjoy its peaceful atmosphere. This is a perfect place for a picnic lunch or a romantic stroll through its lush gardens and grounds.
Alexandra Palace
Alexandra Palace is located in north London and features expansive grounds, featuring lush gardens and beautiful lake views.
Take some time to admire the stunning architecture of this building or visit one of its nearby attractions, such as the Horniman Museum.
The Apple Market in Covent Garden
The Apple Market in Covent Garden is a great spot for an afternoon shopping trip. Here you can browse its stalls, which are filled with clothes, jewellery and other handmade goods.
Its vibrant atmosphere makes it an ideal place to pick up some unique finds from London’s independent designers.
Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens is a stunning botanical garden located in southwest London. There is a diverse collection of plants, trees, and flowers, historic buildings, all waiting to be explored.
Take some time to marvel at the beauty of nature or visit one of its many attractions, such as Kew Palace and The Royal Botanic Gardens.
Churchill Arms, Kensington
The Churchill Arms in Kensington is a unique pub located close to Kensington Palace.
This renowned establishment is known for its wide choice of beers and ales as well as its beautiful floral displays.
Barbican Conservatory
The Barbican Conservatory is a spectacular spot located in the City of London. This glasshouse is home to over 2,000 species of tropical plants, which makes it a great place for an afternoon stroll.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is a stunning Hindu temple located in north London. The build has such a fascinating storey then the intricate detail of the architecture will is sure to take your breath away.
God’s Own Junkyard
God’s Own Junkyard is a unique attraction located in Walthamstow. This vibrant neon playground is filled with vintage signs, making for spectacular photo opportunities.
View this post on Instagram
The Great Hall At the British Museum
The Great Hall at the British Museum is an impressive sight, in addition to the vast collection of artefacts waiting to be explored within the museum itself, from the grand halls to its chamber.
The Staircase at St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel
The Staircase at St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel is an amazing sight to behold. This grand staircase features intricate designs and stunning sculptures, making it a great spot for a photo opportunity.
With this being located in Kings Cross, make sure you dont miss out on the cute cafes in Kings Cross, in addition to many cool spots for brunch in the area.
View this post on Instagram
The Tulip Staircase at Queens House
The Tulip Staircase at Queens House is an amazing sight. This grand staircase features elaborate floral designs, which make for some incredible photo opportunities.
Dunstan in the East Church
St. Dunstan in the East Church Garden is a tranquil spot located in the City of London. This place is featured in our list of romantic places to propose in London. You can enjoy enjoy some peace and quiet away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Bring some lunch and enjoy a bit of stillness on the benches.
The O2 Arena
The O2 Arena is a spectacular venue located on the banks of the Thames in North Greenwich. O2 is used for concerts, sports events as well as other entertainment events.
You can also climb the O2 and take in the views from its this building’s unique architecture. If you want to stay local there are plenty of hotels near O2 arena offering amazing views of the river and O2 itself.
The Shard
The Shard is an impressive structure located in London Bridge. From the viewing deck you enjoy spectacular views of the city skyline. The Shard has many restaurants so it’s an ideal spot for a romantic dinner with someone special or simply to experience a great night out in London.
Nearby you also have Borough Market as well as other London viewpoints both free and paid, such as the Garden at 120.
Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace is an impressive royal residence located in the heart of London. Here you can explore its beautiful gardens or take some time to appreciate its grand architecture.
Take a romantic stroll or simply to experience a bit of regal history, grab a pub lunch nearby or go for a little retail therapy along High Street Kensington.
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is a stunning Gothic church located in central London. You can take a tour or self guideed tour to enjoy its beautiful architecture or explore its ancient grounds and tombs.
Nearby is Big Ben, St James’s Park, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace as well as many other must-see London attractions like London Eye.
View this post on Instagram
Map of Beautiful Places In London
These are just a few of the stunning places one can find in London. From vibrant nightlife to tranquil gardens, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Take some time to explore these amazing spots and discover their unique charms for an unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy a beer or appreciate some artwork, London has something to offer. So why not make the most of your stay in London and explore these beautiful places? You won’t be disappointed!