When people imagine London, the first images that come to mind are Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey – all within walking distance of each other. This historic district is the best place to start your London adventure.

1. Big Ben & Houses of Parliament (Palace of Westminster)

1. About: Iconic Gothic building on the River Thames, home of the UK Parliament. The clock tower, known as Big Ben, is one of the most photographed landmarks in the world.
2. Opening Hours:
3. UK residents can book guided tours on Saturdays and most weekdays.
4. Overseas visitors can only tour during summer opening (usually July–September).
5. Exterior is visible 24/7.
6. Tickets: Adults from £25 (tours inside Parliament).
7. Closed on: Public holidays, during parliamentary sessions (for non-residents).
8. Nearest Tube: Westminster Station (Jubilee, Circle, District lines).
9. Tip: The best photo spot is across Westminster Bridge, especially at sunset when the tower glows golden.
10. 
    

2. Westminster Abbey

1. About: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the abbey has hosted every English coronation since 1066. Also the resting place of monarchs, poets, and scientists.
2. Opening Hours:
3. Mon–Fri: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
4. Sat: 9 am – 1 pm
5. Sun: Closed for sightseeing (open for worship only).
6. Tickets: Adults £29, Students/Seniors £26, Children £13.
7. Closed on: Major religious holidays, and special events like royal weddings or funerals.
8. Nearest Tube: Westminster or St James’s Park.
9. Tip: Buy tickets online to skip the queue. Arrive early morning for fewer crowds.
10. 
    

3. Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard

1. About: The King’s official residence and one of the few working royal palaces still in use today. The highlight for visitors is the Changing of the Guard, a colorful military ceremony.
2. Opening Hours:
3. Changing of the Guard: 11:00 am (usually Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun – schedule can vary).
4. State Rooms (inside the palace) open only in summer (July–September): 9:30 am – 7:30 pm.
5. Tickets (State Rooms): Adults £30, Children £16.50.
6. Closed on: Most of the year (inside visits), Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
7. Nearest Tube: Green Park, Victoria, or St James’s Park.
8. Tip: Arrive at least 30–40 minutes early for Changing of the Guard to get a good viewing spot.
9. 
   

4. St James’s Park

1. About: The oldest of London’s royal parks, with flower gardens, pelicans, and stunning views of Buckingham Palace.
2. Opening Hours: 5 am – midnight, daily.
3. Tickets: Free entry.
4. Nearest Tube: St James’s Park or Westminster.
5. Tip: Great picnic spot in summer and one of the best places for photos of the palace framed by trees.
6. 
   

5. Churchill War Rooms

1. About: Underground bunkers where Winston Churchill directed Britain’s WWII strategy. Preserved exactly as they were during the war.
2. Opening Hours: Daily, 9:30 am – 6:00 pm (last entry 5 pm).
3. Tickets: Adults £30, Students £24, Children £15.
4. Closed on: Dec 24–26.
5. Nearest Tube: Westminster or St James’s Park.
6. Tip: Book tickets in advance, as this museum is very popular and has limited capacity.