7 days in London: see the city’s top attractions

Explore everything astronomy at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. You’ll see where east meets west, discover how the seas and the stars were first mapped out by scientific pioneers, and explore the historic home of the first Astronomer Royal.One of the most important historical scientific sites in the world, the Royal Observatory Greenwich, offers an educational and entertaining visit back in time. There’s a host of things to see in this fascinating museum, learn how time was standardized, how the first telescope was made, and how science and astronomy have changed through the ages. You’ll also get to explore legendary inventions such as the UK’s largest refracting telescope and get hands-on with a 4.5 billion-year-old asteroid.And while you’re there, don’t forget to take in one of the best views in the city outside of the Observatory.

It’s easy to see why Windsor Castle, with its peaceful courts, expansive grounds and stunning circular tower, is such a popular place to visit!Built in the 11th Century following the Norman invasion by William the Conqueror, Windsor Castle has survived sieges, wars, fires and even some of Henry VIII’s more extravagant feasting parties.The castle has undergone many alterations and renovations over the years, not least under Edward III, who lavished huge amounts of money on new buildings and rich furnishings during his reign in the Middle Ages.Enjoy a free self-guided multimedia tour that brings the castle’s history to life, from the picturesque Round Tower to the masterpieces by Rubens, Brueghel, Van Dyck and more that adorn the walls of the opulent State Apartments.Visit St George’s Chapel, an architectural masterpiece that’s considered one of the finest examples of the Gothic style in the UK, and which contains the tombs of 11 former monarchs, including Henry VIII. And don’t miss the Changing of the Guard, which begins with a march through the town center and culminates with the traditional guard-changing ceremony in the castle’s Lower Ward.

Explore Greenwich’s Cutty Sark, the last surviving tea clipper in the world.Part of the Royal Museums Greenwich, the Cutty Sark is a historic sailing ship that was once the fastest and greatest of her time. You’ll discover what life was like onboard the ship, touch a piece of world history, and learn about this striking vessel. A truly immersive experience, multi-sensory interactive displays will bring the ship to life with sights, smells and sounds of what life at sea would have been like.The Cutty Sark was built in Scotland in 1869 and designed to carry tea from China to England in record-time. In her heyday, the ship circumnavigated the globe and visited every major port around the world.Since being preserved as a museum ship, the Cutty Sark has been raised above the ground, allowing you to walk underneath the hull while touching the original planks and iron framework.Board the clipper and discover the sailors’ quarters and the ship’s wheel, meet famous Cutty Sark characters and learn about their incredible stories while enjoying beautiful views up and down the Thames.Be sure to pop by the Even Keel Café, located directly underneath the ship’s hull, for Cutty Sark-inspired cup of tea, Clipper Lunch or book in for an indulgent and traditional Afternoon Tea complete with scones and cakes.

You’re invited to strut the red carpet alongside A-listers, sports stars, royalty and more! Step inside the star-studded world of Madame Tussauds and discover the magical blend of history and glamour that has enchanted the world since 1835.Each zone offers a unique experience bringing you face-to-face with the world’s most recognisable personalities. Go backstage with music legends, like Lady Gaga and the iconic Ziggy Stardust persona of David Bowie at the Impossible Festival. Visit the Royal Palace Experience and meet the King, Queen, Prince William and Kate Middleton. Meet your favourite Avengers and more, in the Marvel Hall of Heroes. Then go inside the Millennium Falcon as you finish up with an out-of-this-world Star Wars display.

Step behind the scenes at one of London’s most iconic football clubs and experience Arsenal FC like never before.Walk down the players’ tunnel, stand in the home changing room and soak up the atmosphere of a stadium that hosts 60,000 roaring fans on match days. Take in the pitchside views, peek inside the Directors’ Box and Diamond Club, and imagine the pre-match adrenaline.Newly added areas, including the Head Coach’s office and the Physio Room, give you a glimpse into where strategy is planned and players are prepped before a game. As you explore, interactive video features allow you to hear from players, watch behind-the-scenes footage and even try out the Arsenal interactive shirt cam.The Arsenal Museum complements the tour, showcasing iconic memorabilia from the club’s history. Highlights include Jens Lehmann’s goalkeeper gloves from the unbeaten Invincibles season, Michael Thomas’s boots from the legendary 1989 Anfield match, and shirts from FA Cup finals across the decades.With video theatres, twenty major displays, and a collection of historic kits, this tour is a must for football fans and sports history enthusiasts alike.

Step inside one of London’s most striking landmarks and ride the high-speed lifts up through the clouds to The View from The Shard.The experience unfolds across multiple levels, starting with spacious indoor viewing galleries on Levels 68 and 69, where floor-to-ceiling glass gives you sweeping 360-degree views across the capital. Interactive telescopes and digital displays help you pick out everything from Tower Bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral to Canary Wharf and the curve of the Thames below.Then comes the showstopper: Level 72’s open-air Skydeck, where you can feel the breeze and take in London without glass between you and the skyline.Whether you visit on a clear blue day, at golden hour or after dark when the city sparkles, it’s a memorable way to see London from a completely new perspective.

The iconic Globe Theatre is a faithful reconstruction of the open-air playhouse in which Shakespeare worked, and for which he wrote many of his most famous plays!Their expert guide-storytellers provide a fascinating 50-minute tour of the Globe Theatre auditorium, vividly recreating colourful stories of the 1599 Playhouse, the London Shakespeare would have known and the Globe reconstruction process in the 1990s. Their guides will also bring the theatre to life for visitors, exploring how the ‘wooden ‘O’ works today as an imaginative and experimental space for performance.You’ll hear stories of the 1599 Globe, learn all about its reconstruction process in the 1990s, and find out how the building works today as an experimental theatre space. Take a seat, listen, absorb and ask questions as the secrets of the Globe unfold.Tours are available in English only, with written information available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, or Simplified Chinese.

Easily one of London’s most recognizable buildings, St Paul’s Cathedral has played a major role in the city’s history.You’ll recognise St Paul’s Cathedral instantly thanks to the stunning dome that dominates the London skyline. It’s not just striking on the outside – explore a visually impressive interior too that’s filled with mystery and wonder. Think whispering walls, a frescoed ceiling and unique effigies of former kings and queens.With a visit to St Paul’s, you’ll learn all about its unique history and the famous weddings that have taken place there, including Prince Charles and Diana’s back in 1981. Want to hear hymns too? Then catch choral evensong, taking place at 5PM on most weekdays and hear St Paul’s acoustics put to the test.

The London Eye is an architectural marvel and a true symbol of the modern city. As Europe’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel, it’s a must-do on your London vacation.Standing at an impressive 135 metres (443ft) high, the London Eye boasts 32 glass pods that represent each one of London’s boroughs. Step into the spacious capsule, that’s completely enclosed and climate-controlled, and be transported to the heights of the city.Originally constructed as a temporary exhibit to celebrate the new millennium in 2000, the London Eye offers panoramic views of the city’s skyline that stretches as far as 25 miles on a clear day. That’s all the way to Windsor Castle! Spot the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, the clock tower housing Big Ben, and the gothic structures of the Houses of Parliament. Gaze out at other famous silhouettes such as the Shard, the winding River Thames, and the majestic dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral. These sights become even more magical at sunset or when night falls, and the city lights begin to twinkle.

Sit back, relax, and take in the views of London with a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour. Tick off Central London’s top attractions and get to know the city a little better.

Enter the King’s Gallery nestled beside Buckingham Palace and begin your mesmerizing voyage through the annals of art and history. As a hub for changing exhibitions from the renowned Royal Collection, one of the globe’s most significant art repositories, the King’s Gallery offers a panoramic view of royal heritage. Traverse diverse mediums, from paintings to sculptures, and immerse yourself in their stories.Originally Queen Victoria’s private chapel, the gallery became an artistic haven after being destroyed in a 1940 air raid. Since then, it has stood as a bastion of cultural enrichment, inviting visitors to engage with unparalleled treasures from the trove of art history.Whether you’re a connoisseur of art, a student of history, or simply looking for an unforgettable experience in London, the King’s Gallery beckons with promises of inspiration and wonder.Don't miss the new exhibition Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style running from April–October! Explore the late Queen’s style across ten decades through this exhibition that marks the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II's birth.

Step into an immersive, cutting-edge art experience and journey through some of the greatest works of art, brought to life in breathtaking new ways.You’ll see jaw-dropping, immersive interpretations of iconic art pieces, accompanied by a stirring soundtrack, to bring each celebrated masterpiece to life. Travel through four themed galleries and enjoy the work of world-famous artists including Van Gogh, Monet, Dali, Rembrandt, Kandisky and many more. A must-do for art lovers visiting London.

As one of central London’s royal residences, Kensington Palace has been a home and refuge to the royal family since the 17th century. Now, it is the official residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales. Built in 1605, it has roots in Jacobean architecture and was first known as Nottingham House. William III and Mary II were crowned jointly in 1689, and were instrumental in transforming Nottingham House into Kensington Palace.When Queen Mary died from smallpox in 1694, William was overcome with grief. Despite this he finished the building with a grand gallery at the south of the Palace, enlarging Sir Christopher Wren’s original plan. Now it is one of London’s most exquisite palaces and comes with acres of manicured gardens and the world-famous Orangery.Once you’ve seen all there is to see inside, take a wander around the 30-acres of Palace Garden and explore this oasis right in the heart of the capital. Check out the sunken garden which is home to impressive floral displays all year round. The palace also hosts an ever-changing array of exhibitions, so be sure to check out the website before you go to make the most of your visit.