London Travel Guide for First-Timers: 12 Must-Visit Classic Attractions! Big Ben, Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Thames River...

Planning a free trip to London, the capital of England? London is home to many famous landmarks. KINNSO has compiled 12 must-visit attractions in London for you, including Big Ben, the London Eye, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the Thames River! Come on a deep dive into London with the KINNSO editor!

Big Ben is one of London's most famous landmarks. Located in a corner of the Houses of Parliament on the banks of the Thames, it stands about 96 meters high and is a Victorian Gothic style building. The four large clocks on the clock tower have a diameter of almost 7 meters, chiming at regular intervals every hour with a melodious sound. After starting renovation work in 2017, it is currently only open for visiting during fixed hours, requiring advance reservation to enter. The Houses of Parliament are the center of British politics, surrounded by bustling activity. Aside from admiring the magnificent exterior of the building, you can also apply for a free tour inside the Houses of Parliament to get up close and personal with the atmosphere of the British parliament.

The London Eye is the world's fourth-highest observation Ferris wheel, standing at 135 meters tall and accommodating up to 800 passengers per ride. It was built as a new landmark to celebrate London's 2000th anniversary in the millennium. Riding in the transparent capsules feels like being inside an eyeball, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of London. Especially at night, riding the London Eye allows you to admire the dazzling cityscape lights.

The Tower of London, as its name suggests, is not just a tower but a magnificent castle. Since the 11th century, it has served multiple functions: a military fortress, a royal residence, and a prison. Today, it is a treasured national monument of the British monarchy—the Royal Armouries collection, where visitors can marvel at dazzling crowns and jewels. The most famous attraction in the Tower of London is the "Tower Within a Tower," also known as the White Tower, along with the legendary story of ravens. It is said that if the ravens leave the Tower of London, the British monarchy will perish, so these birds are cherished members treated like royalty!

The Thames River is an important landmark in London, and many attractions along its banks, such as the Tower of London and the London Eye, are inextricably linked to it. Taking a Thames River boat tour allows you to admire the scenery on both sides, and many tourists choose to purchase a Thames River cruise pass, with one ticket in hand, worry-free play in London! There are many types of cruises, you can choose according to your needs, some cruises provide drinks and snacks, some even combine afternoon tea, which is unique. After dark, taking a Thames River boat tour, the lights illuminate the river surface, adding a touch of poetry.

Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British royal family and the venue for national ceremonies and receptions for foreign guests. During the summer months, parts of Buckingham Palace are open to visitors, offering a glimpse into royal life. When visiting Buckingham Palace, don't miss the Changing of the Guard ceremony. The palace guards in red uniforms, with solemn expressions and synchronized movements, are definitely worth seeing.

St Paul's Cathedral is the largest and most important church in London, and a spiritual symbol of the Church of England. It is grand in scale, with its Baroque-style dome being a landmark building on the London skyline. The interior is richly decorated and houses many art treasures. Climbing the 528 steps to the top of St Paul's Cathedral allows for panoramic views of the city of London, making it well worth a visit.

Westminster Abbey is the place where British monarchs are crowned and hold their weddings. Princess Diana and Kate Middleton both held their century wedding ceremonies here. It has a long history and gathers the tombs of many famous figures in British history, including Queen Elizabeth I, Newton, Darwin, and others. The Gothic architecture of Westminster Abbey is solemn and dignified, worth savoring carefully.

Tower Bridge and the Tower of London stand majestically in the distance, a majestic bascule bridge. The towering twin towers are striking landmarks on the Thames River. Visitors can ascend to the top of Tower Bridge's high towers and admire the river views through transparent glass floors. At night, the bridge lights up with dazzling illumination, paired with the Thames River night scene, resembling a romantic landscape painting.

London's markets are brimming with local flavor and unique cultural charm, definitely worth a special visit. Borough Market boasts a long history, renowned for its fresh seafood, produce, and flowers. When you're tired of browsing, indulge in the delicious food stalls nearby. Camden Market is London's most characteristic creative market, selling vintage clothing, handicrafts, and tattoos and punk-style goods popular with young people, making it a great place to experience alternative London culture.

The British Museum is one of the four great museums in the world, with a collection covering precious artifacts from all over the world. From mummies, the Rosetta Stone to the Parthenon temple, it has everything you could want, leaving you wanting to linger. It also frequently hosts various special exhibitions, definitely worth spending half a day to a whole day carefully visiting. Even better, the British Museum is free admission, which can ease the burden on your travel budget.

Hyde Park is the largest Royal Park in London, covering 350 hectares. It is lush green and a great place for Londoners to relax. The park has famous Serpentine Lake and the Long Water where visitors can go boating. In summer, you can also have a picnic and sunbathe on the lawns. Speakers' Corner in one corner of the park is a famous place for freedom of speech. Every Sunday, people from all walks of life gather to discuss various topics, which is very interesting.

The Royal Observatory, Greenwich, is the starting point for world temperatures and home to the Prime Meridian, which divides longitude east and west. The observatory houses many astronomical and navigational instruments, witnessing Greenwich's important influence on the development of world geography and astronomy. To capture a classic photo spanning both hemispheres, stand with your left foot on the East Hemisphere and your right foot on the West Hemisphere on the two metal plates inside the observatory, recording this special moment!