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)

• Opening Hours:
• Overseas visitors can only tour during summer opening (usually July–September).
• Tickets: Adults from £25 (tours inside Parliament).
• Nearest Tube: Westminster Station (Jubilee, Circle, District lines).

• About: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the abbey has hosted every English coronation since 1066. Also the resting place of monarchs, poets, and scientists.

• Mon–Fri: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
• Sun: Closed for sightseeing (open for worship only).
• Closed on: Major religious holidays, and special events like royal weddings or funerals.
• Tip: Buy tickets online to skip the queue. Arrive early morning for fewer crowds.

3. Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard

• Opening Hours:
• State Rooms (inside the palace) open only in summer (July–September): 9:30 am – 7:30 pm.
• Closed on: Most of the year (inside visits), Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
• Tip: Arrive at least 30–40 minutes early for Changing of the Guard to get a good viewing spot.

4. St James’s Park

• Opening Hours: 5 am – midnight, daily.
• Nearest Tube: St James’s Park or Westminster.

• About: Underground bunkers where Winston Churchill directed Britain’s WWII strategy. Preserved exactly as they were during the war.

• Tickets: Adults £30, Students £24, Children £15.
• Nearest Tube: Westminster or St James’s Park.