From the summit of Western Europe's tallest tower, stand with your head in the clouds and take in views of London. Renzo Piano, an Italian architect, altered London's skyline in 2012 with a peculiar but eye-catching building. The enormous pyramid known as The Shard, which is currently the highest building in the nation, was actually inspired by the London of the past despite its glassy, futuristic appearance. Piano drew inspiration from Canaletto's eighteenth-century spires in paintings of Venetian landscapes.

The Shard, which rises 244 meters above the earth, was constructed with offices, residences, hotels, bars, restaurants, and, of course, the attractive observation platform in mind. Floors 69–72, the highest point to which members of the public are permitted access, offer breathtaking 360° views of the city. Additionally, there are other activities like Sky-High Yoga and movie screenings up there, as well as a weekly silent disco on Saturday nights.

The View at The Shard is open every day, so you don't need to make elaborate plans in order to see it. Okay, so it's closed on Christmas Day, but other than that, it's open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. And the fun doesn't have to start until you reach the tip, since . As you soar to floor 69, keep your eyes up because ceiling screens show fascinating facts and captivating graphics. With walls of windows providing a stunning backdrop, you can continue exploring three more stories from this point on foot (don't worry, there is another lift if you can't handle the stairs). On a clear day, sights can be seen as far as 40 miles away, or Southend-on-Sea.

After circumnavigating levels 68 and 69, ascend to the open-air skydeck on the 72nd floor. Use the specifically created touchscreen telescopes to see the vistas in greater detail. You can choose from ten different languages to learn more about the views, and you may choose to experience the same view during the day, night, sunrise, and sunset.

Google Rating: 4.6/5.0
Address: Joiner StLondonSE1 9QU
Phone: 0844 499 7111
Price: £25.95, £20.95 student, £29.95 disabled (one carer free), £19.95 under-16s, £74.95 family. Day & Night £35.95, champagne visit £33.95

Opening hours: Apr 1–Oct 24 daily 10am–10pm (last entry 9.30pm). Oct 25–Mar 31 Mon–Wed, Sun 10am–7pm (last entry 6pm); Thu–Sat 10am–10pm (last entry 9pm)

Website: www.theviewfromtheshard.com/en

Ever wished you could see London from 53 meters over North Greenwich? No? I bet you're now pondering! With a ticket to Up at The O2, which is the ultimate AAA pass and gives you access to the roof, you can find out. You can observe the entire capital from there, including well-known locations like the Olympic Park, Thames Barrier, The Shard, and Canary Wharf. Although you might be eager to ascend right now, wait because safety comes first. There are a few videos you'll need to watch beforehand, but don't sigh just yet—they're actually rather entertaining. After that, you'll put on the supplied boots, suit, and harness, along with any other necessary equipment.

You can start your ascension only after that. A tour guide from The O2 will accompany you up the springy walkway to the top, where you may take in the fresh air, snap a few photos, learn some interesting facts about London's famous sites, and then descend. It should be noted that the fall is considerably steeper than the ascent, so if you have weak knees, this attraction may not be for you.

Ages 10 and up, and at least 1.2 meters tall, are required for Up at The O2; accessible tours, including those for wheelchair users, are also offered. And lastly, any advice? Socks are a must-have!

Google Rating: 4.7/5.0
Address: The O2Peninsula SquareLondonSE10 0DX
Phone: 020 8463 2000
Price:From £26
Opening hours:Daily from 10am
Website: www.theo2.co.uk/do-more-at-the-o2/up-at-the-o2

The ArcelorMittal Orbit, often known as the Orbit Tower or by its original name, Orbit, is a sculpture and observation tower that stands 114.5 meters (376 feet) tall in London's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford. It is the largest work of public art in the United Kingdom and was created to help the Stratford neighborhood recover after the Olympics by serving as a permanent reminder of London's staging of the 2012 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. Its location between the Aquatics Center and the Olympic Stadium (formerly known as London Stadium) enables guests to observe the entire Olympic Park from two observation platforms.

From its location immediately next to the Olympic Stadium, the wrinkly red scaffolding tower rules the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. It was created by the structural engineer Cecil Balmond and the artist Anish Kapoor. There are lifts (as well as a 455-step stairway) that take you to two platforms where you can observe the fascinating, if not particularly remarkable, panorama. The skyline prominently features The Shard, St. Paul's, and the Wembley arches. Additionally, two of Kapoor's amusing distorting mirrors are inside, along with some recently installed digital telescopes that allow you to have a better perspective.

Google Rating: 4.3/5.0
Address: 5 Thornton Street, Queen Elizabeth Olympic ParkStratfordLondonE20 2AD
Phone: 0333-8008099

Price:Free-16

Opening hours:Mon-Fri 11am-5pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm
Website:www.arcelormittalorbit.com

The London Eye was constructed to commemorate the year 2000, much like the Millenium Dome, or the O2 Arena as it is known to those who don't remember the twentieth century. But in contrast to the disastrous Dome, the Eye was a huge success, and it is difficult to imagine London's skyline without it. The highest cantilevered observation wheel in the world, in fact, is a mouthful of a moniker for this astoundingly well-liked attraction. It's not surprising at all that tourists came in droves to climb aboard.

The ovular pods can each take a maximum of 25 people up to a height of 135 meters, therefore lines are typically quite long. You won't be standing on ceremony when you board because it hardly ever stops completely, save for maintenance and to let elderly or disabled passengers board. Before you know it, you're halfway up the sky, gazing out over the Thames and the rest of London.

But first, you see a brief 4D film in County Hall that features a sequence of stunning aerial pictures of the nation's capital as a lovely prelude to what you'll actually see. The pods are fairly roomy, so you can move around and find a good vantage point. Additionally, on a clear day, Windsor Castle can be seen in the distance. Oh, and suppose Buck House's drapes were opened by the Queen.

The wheel will have rotated once and you will be back on the earth after thirty minutes. Any age can enjoy the trip as long as they don't have a fear of heights because the ride is steady and pleasant. The wheel is wheelchair accessible in its whole.

Between Westminster Bridge and the Golden Jubilee pedestrian bridges on the South Bank, various attractions have been attracted due to the London Eye's popularity. A hotel, the Sea Life London Aquarium, the London Dungeon, and Shrek's Adventure London are all located inside the pleasure palace known as County Hall. Young families can let off steam at the nearby Jubilee Gardens after the lines and congestion, and the London Eye Pier, which is directly below the wheel, is a fantastic spot to board one of the daily riverboat services, which make many stops between Westminster and Greenwich.

Google Rating: 4.6/5.0
Address: Riverside BuildingCounty HallLondonSE1 7PB
Phone: 0871 781 3000

Price:£21–£37

Opening hours:10am–8.30pm
Website: www.londoneye.com

The height of Gothic splendor. Discover the locations of 16 royal weddings, several funerals, and each coronation since 1066. Westminster Abbey is a well-liked destination to browse the graves, tablets, busts, and stone dedications, similar to the Pantheon Crypt in Paris where you can see the tombs and memorials to important historical personalities. Along with dukes, countesses, and historical "celebs" like Darwin, Dickens, Hardy, Behn, and Olivier, there are 17 monarchs and queens interred here.

More than 3,000 individuals have been memorialized in the cloisters and chapels of the Abbey with stones, statues, and shrines. Isambard Kingdom Brunel is even given his own stained glass window, and the South Transept has a whole section devoted to poets and other writers, including DH Lawrence, Jane Austen, Dylan Thomas, Lewis Carroll, Shakespeare, and many more.

While you're there, it's also worthwhile to stroll around the Abbey's grounds. The four gardens—the ancient Garth, Little Cloister, College Gardens, and the more contemporary St. Catherine's Garden—are all quite lovely. One of the most unique gardens is the College Garden, which is where the original infirmarer's patch formerly stood and was used to cultivate food and medical herbs for Abbey inmates. All of the gardens, though, are exquisitely landscaped and surrounded by stunning architecture, so any one would be a nice place to promenade. Because Westminster Abbey is still a fully operational church, the visiting hours frequently change.

If you're intending to come, check the website ahead to see which parts will be accessible. The Cellarium Café is a nice place to stop if you're determined to stop by anyway; it's normally open during the week from 8am until 9am on Saturday and Sunday. It's also important to point out that audio-guided tours of the Abbey's highlights are available every day.

Google Rating: 4.6/5.0
Address: Broad Sanctuary20 Deans YdLondonSW1P 3PA
Phone: 020 7222 5152

Price:£20, £17 concs., £9 under-17s, under-fives free, family from £40
Opening hours:Opening times vary depending on events and areas you want to visit. Check the website for times on the day you want to visit
Website: westminster-abbey.org/home

A chance to view iconic works of art, take in regal luxury, and visit HRH's headquarters. Both tourists and locals are familiar with Buckingham Palace's distinctive façade, which towers opulently at the end of The Mall. However, this magnificent augmentation was not made until 1913 by King George V and Queen Mary. Prior to that, in 1633, the palace wasn't even owned by the Royal Family; instead, it belonged to Lord Goring, who was compelled to transfer it to them (under King George III) as a result of a mistake in his contract. Whoops!

Who knows where the Queen and her family would live if it weren't for Lord Goring's ignorance of residence law in seventeenth-century Britain. And they may thank Queen Victoria for greeting huge crowds of onlookers from her famous balcony. She asked for a big balcony so she could send out and receive her troops. The monarch and the royal family still show up here for a wave on significant occasions.

However, the Royal Family will be present at other occasions than big ones. Meetings and ceremonial events with foreign heads of state take place regularly at Buckingham Palace, the monarchy's actual headquarters. Additionally, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh reside in this building, although they do so on a very private side of the Palace, so don't plan on running into them by accident.

Google Rating: 4.5/5.0
Address: Buckingham Palace RdLondonSW1A 1AA
Phone: 020 7766 7300

Price:Prices vary

Opening hours:Times vary
Website: www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/the-state-rooms-buckingham-palace

Play in the old kings' and queens' maze and then visit the spot where Henry VIII had his breakfast. To make a lengthy story short, Cardinal Wolsey, the Lord Chancellor of Henry VIII, originally intended Hampton Court Palace to be a magnificent country retreat for hosting state visits. Unfortunately, Wolsey did such a great job out-blinging the king that when the Pope refused to allow Henry to divorce his wife Catherine of Aragon so he could hook up with Anne Boleyn, Henry pretty practically stole Hampton Court Palace from Wolsey as reparation.

So, history was created. Some of the magnificent sixteenth-century quarters that still stand proudly are the nicest parts to visit at Hampton Court Palace, which has long been known as the Tudors' home, similar to the kitchens, which originally housed the large production staff that twice daily fed 600 persons in court. Or smell around the king's treasures, such as French wine, regional game, and Italian olives, in the spice rooms and vaults.

If you're interested in learning more, try to locate and sign up for one of the many free seminars or tours. Or, for a little extra excitement, keep an eye out for the local LARPers, who recreate "encounters with the past" in various locations throughout the palace, including encountering Henry VIII's courtiers.

Google Rating: 4.7/5.0
Address: East MoleseySurreyLondonKT8 9AU
Phone: 0844 482 7777,
Price:£23, £19 concs, £11.50 under-16, £41 family (1 adult and three children), £57 (two adults and three children). Online and after Nov 1 cheaper.
Opening hours:For 2017 Mar 26-Oct 28, 10am-6pm; Oct 29-Mar 2018; Magic Garden open Apr-Oct 29, 10am-6pm.
Website: www.hrp.org.uk/hamptoncourtpalace

It appears much older than it actually is. Charles Barry, with the help of Augustus Pugin, constructed the Parliament buildings in 1860 to replace the ancient structure, which had been destroyed by fire in 1834. Today, the complex has more than 1,000 rooms, 11 courtyards, eight bars, six restaurants, and a visitor-only café. Only Westminster Hall and the Jewel Tower from the original palace are still standing today.

Visitors are welcome to visit the palace buildings or watch the political debates in the House of Lords and House of Commons (subject to strict security checks at the Cromwell Green entrance, the only public access point inside Parliament).

The center of political action in the UK is the Palace of Westminster, which is situated along the Thames.The British Parliament has a remarkably long history, which began with the first legislative session held there in 1275. However, the Palace of Westminster was not designated as the official residence of Parliament until Henry VIII moved to a new des-res in Whitehall in 1532.

With Gothic buttresses, towers, and arches predominating, the contemporary Palace is a stunning mash-up of architectural styles. Additionally, it has the well-known Elizabeth Tower, which houses Big Ben (inaccessible until 2021 due to restoration work).

Google Rating: 4.2/5.0
Address:Cromwell Green entrancePalace of WestminsterLondonSW1A 0AA
Phone: 0207 219 4114
Price:Pre-booked audio tours: £19.50, £8-£17 concs, free under 5’s. Pre-booked guided tours £26.50, £11.50-£22 concs, under 5s free.
Opening hours:Open every Saturday plus weekdays when not in session; Mon-Fri when in session (check the website for further details)
Website: www.parliament.uk/visiting

A lot of things happened in 1884. In addition to Mr. Kellogg patenting "flaked cereal," the first steam cable trams began running in Highgate, and Marie Tussaud relocated to Marylebone Road. Tussaud opted to establish permanent roots in the city after making her waxwork debut there in 1802 (32 years after she launched the show in Paris), and she has been there ever since. Even though Madame Tussaud the wax figure died in London in 1850, her influence endures.

Presently, 300 lifelike wax figures from the fields of music, cinema, fashion, sports, royalty, politics, history, and fiction may be found at Madame Tussauds. Favorite characters from "Star Wars," "The Hunger Games," and "ET" join notable performers like Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, and George Clooney. People like Einstein, Dickens, Monroe, and Chaplin provide a nostalgic experience. Usain Bolt, Mo Farah, and Jessica Ennis-Hill are the top sports figures, and Kanye West, Rihanna, and Madonna are the music icons with the most attitude. Elsewhere Trump and Cameron make an appearance, the Queen stands eloquently with Will and Kate, and YouTube stars Zoella and Alfie Deyes (no, we didn't either) are present for the kids.

The "Spirit of London" ride, a mimic London taxi that takes you on a tour through the city's history, allows visitors to travel back as far as 400 years. Hold onto your stomachs for the floor drop at the "Chamber of Horrors," where you can experience a terrifying history of crime and punishment over the past 500 years, complete with torture devices. These kinds of activities and attractions are what elevate Madame Tussauds above the status of a simple dummy museum. Although it is very crowded, this is a fun area to visit and the traffic is carefully controlled. Even the most reluctant member of your group who likes to look for stars can't help but smile.

Moreover, Tussauds features Marvel Super Heroes 4D. The nine-minute video in "4D" (which includes 3D projections in addition to "actual" effects like a shaking floor and smoke in the theater) is the highlight. Interactives and waxworks of Iron Man, Spiderman, and an 18-foot Hulk all offer additional photo opportunities. There are seasonal or current entertainment-themed special exhibitions held throughout the year.

Google Rating: 4.4/5.0
Address: Marylebone RdLondonNW1 5LR
Phone: 0871 894 3000
Price:£30–£45
Opening hours:9am-4pm or later, check website for weekly updates
Website: www.madametussauds.com/london/en

The masterwork of Christopher Wren is a wonder of architecture. Visit the Whispering Gallery to test your hearing and remain for evensong. Even though St. Paul's is a landmark, the cathedral as we know and love it today is, at the very least, version six. Mark three and Mark four both burned to the ground in 1087 and 1666, respectively. Mark five was destroyed by the Great Fire of London in 1666, and pieces of Mark four were used to construct Somerset House.

Thankfully, Sir Christopher Wren's design, finished in 1708, has endured 12 kings, two world wars, and is still a popular venue for important burials and weddings. Admiral Lord Nelson, Sir Christopher Wren, and the Duke of Wellington are already interred in the St. Paul's Crypt, if you're so willing to look. With a tourist pass, you can enter the undeniably cool Whispering Gallery as well as have access to these. Not really a museum, more of a promenade that circles the interior of St. Paul's most recognizable feature, its dome. Due to some remarkable acoustics from the early eighteenth century, you can hear someone conversing from the opposite end of this promenade, even if they are whispering.

Depending on how much time you have to explore, there are various different tour alternatives. Before embarking on a 90-minute guided tour, those who purchased main ticket will first be treated to a 15 to 20 minute introduction discussion (available Monday to Saturday, 10am-2pm). But for a little extra money, you may also participate in a longer, more in-depth Triforum Tour that only runs on specific days. If you're interested in going, check the website beforehand.

There are plenty of freebies available for those who are looking. Church services are held every day of the week, as are the free Choral Evensong sessions (Monday through Saturday at 5 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m.). The grounds are also worth visiting if all you want to do is sit on the steps and sing "Feed the Birds" from "Mary Poppins" (which many people do). The surrounding gardens are created with many places for tourists and office workers to sit outside in the sun and are planted with flowers and trees to attract wildlife.

Google Rating: 4.6/5.0
Address:St Paul's ChurchyardLondonEC4M 8AD
Phone: 020 7246 8350
Price:£18 (online £16), £16 (online £14) concs., £8 (online £7) under-18s, free under-sixes, family £44 (online £39).
Opening hours:Sightseeing opening times: Mon–Sat 8.30am–4.30pm, Sun open for worship only.
Website: www.stpauls.co.uk