London - Top Five Attractions

London is a city rich and varied in history and yetextracted from a South African mine. The Royal
has a blend of modern facets to please any typeArmouries are also an interesting stop at the
of traveler. With hundreds of art galleries,Tower of London. The spiral staircase running up
museums and dozens of other attractionsthe interior is the only way up and this British
including zoos, music, theater and nightlife, it is nonational museum of arms and armour has more
wonder that London is one of the most popularthan 40,000 pieces on display.
cities in the world. A visit to London should includeTrafalgar Square
these five must see attractions:This large, open plaza is often the site of political
Westminster Abbeydemonstrations and other public events in London.
This church, burial ground and coronation site, allAside from being the intersection for several
rolled into one, is the final resting place of greatmajor streets, the square is a great gateway to
kings, poets and other British notables.sightseeing in the area. On the north side of
Westminster Abbey is still used as a church forTrafalgar Square, you will find the National Gallery,
religious services and events on a regular basis.one of the world's prime art museums. To the
The works of art, which are contained in thewest, you will come across Canada House, where
Abbey, make the visit truly worthy. Inside thevisiting Canadians can get a taste of home; it's
west entryway hangs a painting of Richard II. Thisworth a visit for everyone. South Africa House is
portrait was painted in 1390 and is the oldeston the east side and although it is closed to the
portrait of a British monarch on display today.public, the stone arches with African animals are
Buckingham Palaceworth a look. When you have seen all there is in
The official residence of British monarchy,Trafalgar Square, be sure to visit 10 Downing
Buckingham Palace is one of the most popularStreet, the home of British Prime Ministers since
tourist attractions in England. The best time to1732 and the Churchill Museum, both are located
visit is in August and September when thewithin walking distance of the square.
Palace's 19 staterooms are open to the public.Harrods
However, various areas of the Palace are openWhat would a trip to London be without a little
year round and tourists can still see theshopping? The world's greatest department store,
spectacular architecture of the building and otherHarrods, is great even for the window shoppers.
exhibits. A walk through the 40-acre grounds andAnd, for those who are looking to spend a bit of
gardens is a must as is the Changing of the Guarddough, this million square feet of merchandise is
ceremony.every shoppers dream. In fact, Harrods motto is
Tower of London- Omnia Omnibus Ubique - which means "All
Many have heard of the Tower of London, butThings For All People Everywhere". Although it has
not everyone knows it served as a prison forbeen around for 150 years, Harrods is as modern
many years. The original structure was built to beas the latest iPod. Many of its departments,
used as a fort by William the Conqueror aroundincluding the seasonal Christmas shop and the
1100 AD. Later the Tower evolved into a prisonFood Hall, are world famous for their quality and
and then into a monument for the sizableabundance of selection. Where else can you
collection of Crown Jewels which are still onchoose from 300 different types of cheese?
display today. The highlight of the collection is theThese top five London attractions will get you
530-carat Star of Africa. The pear shapedstarted but you will discover London has so much
diamond is the 2nd largest in the world and wasto do and see a second visit will be in order.