What to Do When Visiting London for Vacation


At one point is history, there was no time where the sun refrained from shining on the British Empire.  While that period is long gone, there is no question that the United Kingdom is still a stunning and brilliant nation.  It lies at the corner of modern culture and historical anthropology, and it has lain it's foundation on some of the oldest societies in Europe.  As such, there is no lack of sight, sound and stimuli to found within its capital of London.  If you're preparing to tour the Great Wen, you should make plans to see the following things.

Buckingham Palace: the symbol of the British Royal Family, it's also a major tourist attraction.  This is an opportunity to see one of the last true royal palaces that is still in operation to this day, and many tourists take the House of Windsor up on its offer of hospitality.  Full tours are seasonal, and require a little bit of work ahead of time to coordinate your trip.  The Queen's Gallery, by contrast, is open more often and showcases a rotating lineup of the royal family's treasures.  The changing of the palace guard is also high on everyone's list, and occurs daily during the summer.  If you are visiting during the winter months, the ceremony takes place every other day so plan accordingly

The London Eye: A fairly new landmark in London is Europe's largest Ferris wheel, and was initially the largest one in the world when it was erected in 1999.  While that honor was stripped from it in 2006 by the Star of Nanchang in China, that hasn't stopped the ride from being UK's most popular paid tourist attraction.  Standing nearly 400 feet over the surface of the River Thames, locals say it offers the best view of the Big Smoke that you are likely to find.  

Piccadilly Circus: Most Americans coming to London might wonder what's so special about a circus.  This circus, however, has no elephants or clowns; the name comes from the Latin word for circle.  It's a good thing that this is not a traditional circus, because there would never be enough room!  The London equivalent of Times Square, Piccadilly is a junction of a handful of roads in the West End.  The old world architecture somehow combines with the neon lights, and makes for something that could exist within Britain's capital and nowhere else.  Both regal and vibrant, it's the sort of thing you have to see to believe.

Big Ben: Until 2012, one of the United Kingdom's oldest and most known landmarks had a very simple official name: the Clock Tower.  During that year, however, it was renamed Elizabeth Tower in celebration of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.  No matter what its official name, tourists and locals alike know it as Big Ben.  It has stood for 150 years and has operated the vast majority of that time.  Visible from many locations in London, make sure you get a chance to view it up close!

These are among the most famous of London landmarks.  Make sure, if nothing else, you stop to see these wonderful testaments to this wonderful nation.
