Top 5 Places Worth Visiting in London

Imagine you're about to embark on the first flight you have ever taken in your life and it happens to be an international one. That's how it was for me. On June 16, 2022, I flew for the first time ever from Detroit to London for a 3-week study abroad program at The University of Westminster. 3 weeks may seem like plenty of time to explore London, but my photography class, along with London traffic, kept me busy. This, along with culture shock, meant that I needed to make choices when it came to which locations I went to visit. I squeezed so much into my 3 weeks in London and enjoyed many of the sites, but some were worth seeing more than others.

Here are the 5 places that I enjoyed the most and would recommend to anyone looking to visit London:

#1 - Harry Potter Studio Tour London

The site that is first on my list comes as no surprise since I am a Harry Potter fan. Any Potterhead visiting London should make this destination a priority. From the Great Hall to Gringotts Bank to Hogwarts Castle, Harry Potter Studio Tour London is quite the experience. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable about the movies and shares all the behind-the-scenes secrets of the filming of the movies. Exploring the set is a childhood dream come true. While this site is probably the most expensive on my list, it's definitely worth the price.

#2 - The Tower of London

Rich in history, the Tower of London is a must-see for any first-time Londoner. There are so many places to explore within the Tower, such as The Crown Jewels and the ravens, making it well worth the money. A bonus: Tower Bridge is in clear view, making a wonderful photo opportunity!

#3 - Windsor Castle

Even though Windsor Castle is located outside of the city of London, it's still on my list since it's a short day trip that anyone visiting London can undertake. While photography is not allowed inside the castle, the landscape alone is breathtaking to witness and photograph. Along with this, exploring the inside of the castle was enchanting, with extravagant rooms full of historical significance. Being the oldest and largest royal residence in the world, this sight should be at the top of your places to visit.

#4 - Westminster Abbey

How can I list the best places to visit in London without mentioning the place where the coronation of kings and queens takes place? Not only have the coronations of every British monarch in history taken place here, but it is also an important burial site for previous kings and queens, with elaborate tombs to be explored throughout the cathedral. Personally, my favorite part of Westminster Abbey is Poet's Corner, where famous writers such as William Shakespeare, Jane Austin, and Geoffrey Chaucer, are either buried or commemorated.

#5 - Chelsea Physic Garden

Chelsea Physic Garden is one of the most magical places I have ever been to. This place contains just about every plant imaginable, from medicinal herbs to plants that are used in the making of clothing dyes and musical instruments. You will be amazed by the garden's beauty, along with its vastness and the details that are written about every plant species.

Honorable Mentions

While I included my top 5 places to visit in London, there are still many other great places that didn't make the list. In London, most art museums, such as The National Gallery, Tate Britain, and the V&A, are free to the public and hold many recognizable pieces. Other places I enjoyed visiting as well that did not make the list include Battersea Park, Covent Garden, The British Library, Buckingham Palace, and Southbank.

If you enjoyed this post, check out the London photography blog that I completed for my class at the University of Westminster!