London
10 Best Landmarks in London
This selection brings together London landmarks for architecture, civic history, music, skyline views and distinctive interiors. Compare the experience first, then narrow your choice by setting, scale and practical details.
How this guide is ordered
Searching for landmarks in London should be easy. So we looked for proven expertise, happy clients, contact details you can rely on and a convenient part of town.
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Full list
10 Landmarks in London Compared
Westminster Hall
Westminster Hall is a historical landmark associated with Westminster’s parliamentary and religious heritage. It suits visitors interested in historic buildings, Parliament and self-guided learning.
Stands out: Access to the Great Hall and parliamentary areas
Exploring Westminster’s history and architectureVisitors interested in ParliamentSelf-guided visits using an audio tour3 St Margaret St, London SW1P 3JX, United KingdomOld Royal Naval College
The Old Royal Naval College is an elegant riverside historical complex in Greenwich, designed chiefly by Sir Christopher Wren and home to a maritime museum. Its grounds, courtyards and Thames setting suit visitors interested in architecture, heritage and open-air walks, while the Painted Hall provides a major interior highlight. The site also includes visitor facilities such as a café, gift shop and gin distillery experience.
Stands out: Wren-designed buildings arranged beside the River Thames
Visitors exploring Greenwich’s architecture and maritime historyPeople wanting riverside walks and open spacesThose interested in the Painted Hall and guided interpretationLondon SE10 9NN, United KingdomThe State Rooms
The State Rooms is a historical landmark comprising grand 19th-century state reception chambers at Buckingham Palace, including the palace throne room. It suits visitors interested in royal history, architecture and ceremonial interiors. Guests can follow the rooms at their own pace, with an audio guide and a route through richly detailed palace spaces.
Stands out: Access to grand reception chambers including the throne room
Visitors interested in monarchy, royal history and architectureTravellers wanting to explore Buckingham Palace state interiorsBuckingham Gate, London SW1A 1AA, United KingdomCanada Gate
Open 24 hours
Canada Gate is an ornate gateway at the entrance to Green Park, opposite Buckingham Palace and beside the Victoria Memorial. Presented by Canada as part of the Queen Victoria Memorial project, it features wrought ironwork, gilded detailing, Canadian provincial coats of arms and animal motifs. It suits visitors exploring central London who want a compact architectural and historical stop.
Stands out: A Canadian gift incorporated into the Queen Victoria Memorial complex
Visitors exploring Green Park and the Buckingham Palace areaPhotographs featuring ornate detail and the palace settingS Carriage Dr, London W1J 7NT, United KingdomBig Ben
Big Ben is a 16-storey Gothic clocktower and national symbol at the eastern end of the Houses of Parliament. It suits visitors seeking London’s historic architecture, views and a recognisable riverside landmark. The tower’s detailed stonework, illuminated clock face and famous chimes give it visual and cultural significance beyond its role as a working clock.
Stands out: 16-storey Gothic clocktower beside the Houses of Parliament
First-time London sightseeing and photographyVisitors interested in Gothic architecture and British historyLondon SW1A 0AA, United KingdomThe Shard
The Shard is an 87-floor glass skyscraper containing restaurants, offices, hotel accommodation and a public viewing platform. Visitors can experience London from The View from The Shard, while seven restaurants offer cuisine from around the world. The building also hosts private celebrations and corporate gatherings, with Shangri-La hotel rooms, suites, dining and a high-level pool adding to its vertical-city format.
Stands out: Brings a viewing platform, seven restaurants, offices and a hotel together in one tower
Visitors wanting panoramic London views from a skyscraperDiners seeking restaurants with a skyline settingOrganisers planning private celebrations or corporate gatherings32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG, United KingdomGuildhall
Guildhall is a historic City of London landmark and the ceremonial heart of London’s administration. It combines an art museum and public library with historic architecture, statues, event spaces and an eatery. It suits visitors interested in the City’s civic history, art and buildings with connections reaching back to Roman times.
Stands out: The site combines ceremonial civic spaces, an art museum and a public library
Visitors exploring London’s civic and architectural historyPeople looking for an art gallery and historic building in the City of London71 Basinghall St, London EC2V 7HH, United KingdomCleopatra's Needle
Open 24 hours
Cleopatra’s Needle is a carved granite obelisk on the Thames bank, erected in London in 1878 and flanked by two sphinxes. It suits visitors interested in ancient Egypt and London’s layered history, with plaques helping explain the monument’s origins and journey to the capital.
Stands out: An ancient Egyptian obelisk beside the Thames
Ancient-history enthusiastsA short historical stop during a Thames walkVisitors exploring London landmarksLondon WC2N 6NU, United KingdomAbbey Road Pedestrian Crossing
Open 24 hours
Abbey Road Pedestrian Crossing is a cultural landmark in St John's Wood and a destination for Beatles fans. Visitors come to recreate the famous album-cover image, with the Abbey Road Studios and Abbey Road Store nearby. A traffic guard helps organise crossings, although the area can be busy and traffic may be delayed.
Stands out: It is the crossing associated with The Beatles' famous album cover
Beatles fans and music enthusiastsVisitors seeking an iconic London photo opportunityAbbey Rd., London NW8 9DD, United KingdomCounty Hall
County Hall is a historic London landmark and former seat of London government. Its grand octagonal Council Chamber now provides the setting for Witness for the Prosecution, transforming a real civic chamber into an immersive courtroom theatre experience near the London Eye.
Stands out: Former Council Chamber used as the performance courtroom
Visitors interested in London history and theatreThose seeking an immersive courtroom drama settingBelvedere Rd, London SE1 7GP, United Kingdom
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What these London landmarks offer
- Riverside architectureThe Old Royal Naval College combines Wren-designed buildings, grounds, courtyards, the Painted Hall and a Thames setting.
- Royal and parliamentary LondonThe State Rooms and Westminster Hall offer contrasting royal interiors and parliamentary heritage experiences.
- Iconic architecture and skyline viewsBig Ben provides Gothic clocktower architecture, while The Shard adds a viewing platform, restaurants, hotel and event spaces.
- Civic history and artGuildhall combines ceremonial spaces, an art museum, public library and historic City connections.
- Compact photographic landmarksCanada Gate and Abbey Road Pedestrian Crossing suit shorter visits focused on ornate detail or a famous cultural image.
- Immersive historic settingsCounty Hall turns a former civic Council Chamber into the setting for Witness for the Prosecution.
How to choose a London landmark
- Name your main interestArchitecture, royal history, Parliament, music, skyline views, civic history and riverside heritage point to different entries.
- Choose indoor or outdoorThe State Rooms, Guildhall, the Painted Hall and County Hall offer interiors, while Canada Gate and Abbey Road are compact outdoor stops.
- Match the viewThe Shard is the dedicated choice for panoramic city views; Big Ben and the Old Royal Naval College provide different architectural settings.
- Plan around exertion and weatherThe notes say Big Ben involves 335 steps with no lift, while The Shard’s clearest views depend on clear skies.
- Allow for restrictionsTimed access, photography limits, busy roads and crowded conditions are noted for several landmarks.
Frequently asked questions
Which landmark is best for panoramic London views?
The Shard has a public viewing platform and event spaces with skyline views; its clearest views are described as occurring in clear weather.
Where can I see the Painted Hall?
The Painted Hall is part of the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, alongside Wren-designed buildings and riverside grounds.
Which landmark suits Beatles fans?
Abbey Road Pedestrian Crossing is associated with The Beatles’ famous album cover, with the studios and store nearby.
Can I combine history with art?
Guildhall combines civic history, historic architecture, an art museum and a public library.
