One of the most diverse cities in the world, London abounds in a rich and powerful history and an exceptional culture. Even though it is the smallest city in England it still attracts millions of visitors every year and is on the ‘to go places’ list of many a traveler.

Here are 15 things we recommend to do when in London, things and places not only popular but also worth the experience:

1. Tour of Buckingham Palace
   Buckingham Palace, being the official residence of the royal family is the centremost point of the United Kingdom’s everlasting monarchy. Take a tour inside the majestic palace considered as one of the world’s few remaining working royal palaces today. An architectural allure throbbing in the heart of London it is a must visit when in London.
   
   
2. Catch live music in Brixton Academy
   Brixton started originally as a theatre and cinema in the 20th century and now has become an academy that hosts some of the biggest pop acts like The Clash, New Order, and acts by Madonna. For all the music lovers in London, this is the place you can’t miss.
   
   
3. Visit art galleries
   London is filled to the brim with a diverse collection of art. London’s international modern and contemporary art attracts millions of visitors every year. Masterpieces like Picasso’s Weeping Woman, Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, and Turner’s The Fighting Temeraire are available for art lovers without a high price tag.
   
   
4. London’s Chinatown
   Located in the heart of the city of Westminster, Chinatown is a cultural enclave. With its Chinese restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets, and gift-shops it attracts Chinese food lovers. Other than the delicious Asian cuisines it also presents an eye-catching neighbor-hood.
   
   
5. The London Eye
   The London Eye is located near the Westminster Bridge, on the south bank of the river Thames. The tourist center of London offers a thrilling experience and astonishing views of The River Thames. Go round on the wheel, above the city and get a dizzying bird’s eye view.
   
   
6. Hang out in London ‘s historic pubs
   Standing since the 1600s and many dating back even further; London’s ancient pubs give you a long old back-story with every single drink they present. One among them is The French House which has witnessed the legends like Sylvia Plath, Dylan Thomas, and Lucian Freud. The Lamb and Fly, the Dove, the Mayflower, and all the other ancient pubs have unique drinks to offer and great stories to tell.
   
   
7. London Zoo
   Crowned as the world’s oldest scientific zoo, London zoo is packed with more than 750 animal species. Europe’s only walkthrough spider experience is available here and it’s known all over the world for its iconic Penguin Beach.
   
   
8. Poet’s Corner
   After Geoffrey Chaucer was buried here in Abbey’s South transept, a large number of poets began to get buried here, especially in the Elizabethan Era. Furthermore, inscriptions of Shakespeare are also available in this burial site and are considered a site of pilgrimage for literature lovers.
   
   
9. The maze, Hampton
   Lose yourself in London’s ancient hedge maze which was built around 1700. This trapezoid maze with mystifying twists and turns will certainly take your breath away.
   
   
10. Baker Street
    Famous for its Sherlock homes Museum, Baker Street is visited by millions of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s fans to relive the famous scenes from his novels. Other than that pubs and restaurants are also worth a visit.
    
    
11. Madame Tussauds
    Founded by wax sculptor Marie Tussaud, Madame Tussauds is hailed as one of the best tourist attractions in London. This wax museum in London ‘s famous Baker Street was first opened on 1835 and it’s hard to believe that it still leaves visitors astonished and star struck with its wide array of life-size wax replicas of famous celebrities and historical icons in themed galleries.
    
    
12. Trafalgar Square
    With its Horatio Nelson monument, mesmerizing stone lions, and the most famous Fourth Plinth, it becomes necessary to add a visit to Trafalgar square onto your itinerary.
    
    
13. St Paul’s Cathedral
    The famous whispering gallery, enchanting acoustics, astounding architecture and the unmatched view of the city‘s silhouette, St Paul’s Cathedral offers all these experiences and whatnot.
    
    
14. Big Ben
    A 16 story clock running since 1859, Big Ben is considered as the largest four-faced clock in the world. Millions of people use this iconic building to picture London in their heads. And for the people who visit here, it’s quite impossible to forget the most recognizable clock in the world.
    
    
15. River Thames
    Cruising in river Thames gives one the absolute pleasure of munching through the above-mentioned relic sights like the London Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, the Big Ben, the Festival Hall and the London Eye amongst the others. If you want to understand the place better, get a feel of the rich historicity and antiquity of the city, then gliding through the history of London on a River Thames cruise is essential.