Top 4 places worth visiting in London.

"When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life. "This quote the famous writer of the eighteenth century, Samuel Johnson may seem like hyperbole. But for the eight million people it houses (not to mention the millions of visitors each year for the holidays), London is a vital force, the result of thousands of years of culture, history and architecture. Whether you've been to the city, also known as "the Smoke" in English, several times or that you prepare your first trip, here is our list of 10 must see places in London: classic, modern, multicultural, and many more!

1. The London Eye



The London Eye offers a spectacular view of the city
Open to the public since March 2000, the London Eye, also known as the the Millennium Wheel, is one of the most visited attractions Pay the UK. The reason is obvious: with its 360 degree views from the 32 cabins, the London Eye offers what many consider the most beautiful panorama of London. Unlike larger standard wheels, all glass cabins are attached to the metal structure, in other words, you will not feel any rocking sensation. In addition, each tour lasts about 30 minutes, so you'll have plenty of time to admire and photograph the landscape up to 40 kilometers away.

The London Eye is an extremely popular attraction, especially among tourists, so be prepared to queue. Each cabin (sleeps about two dozen people) air conditioning, heating and benches. Although the London Eye maintain a reduced rate for passengers embarking and disembarking, it stops for the elderly and those with reduced mobility. In July 2014, the price of the tickets is £ 20.95 for adults, £ 15 for children 4 to 15 years and £ 17.50 for seniors (possible discounts if you order your tickets online). We recommend spending a little more and the ticket "Day and Night", which allows you to see the city once day and once at night. The London Eye is open from 10 am to about 20:30 throughout the year (times are prolonged in summer), with closures Christmas Day and a week in January. The attraction is located on the South Bank of the River Thames and is accessible by bus, boat and train. Take the Bakerloo Line, Jubilee and Northern to the Waterloo station and then walk around to the big wheel.

2. Westminster Abbey



The Westminster Abbey is the site of coronations, weddings and funerals that span centuries
English history for centuries behind the walls of this gothic monument known around the world: Westminster Abbey. Many monarchs (including Elizabeth II) were crowned in this impressive cathedral or buried there. Under the vaulted ceilings, you'll find the grave of Elizabeth I of England, to Mary I of England, Isaac Newton and Henry Purcell among others. The abbey was also the site of many royal weddings ceremony, the most recent being that of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in 2011. Do not miss the Poets' Corner, a church that celebrates the area of ​​former major names of arts and British literature. Writers such as Lord Alfred Tennyson and Charles Dickens are buried here, as memorials honoring writers such as Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters, John Keats, TS Eliot and William Shakespeare. Our guide on the Abbey will provide additional information for your business.

Westminster Abbey is still active. Anglican church services are celebrated daily and anyone can attend, regardless of your faith. The church is open for visits from Monday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 18h and on Sundays and holidays for religious ceremonies. Rates from July 2014 to entry are £ 18 for adults, £ 15 for students with a valid student card and seniors, £ 8 for children between 11 and 18 years and free for children less than 11 years. Thank you you dress suitably for it is a place of worship. You can borrow the Jubilee underground lines District or Circle Westminster station (district of the City of Westminster) to get closer to the Abbey.

3. Palace of Westminster (Big Ben)



A postcard landscape: the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben are iconic London landmarks
Possibly recognizable monument of all England, Westminster Palace and Big Ben might have suffered a very different fate. In 1834 a fire destroyed almost all of the Parliament buildings. Reconstruction work began a few years later. This Gothic style monument that stands along the Thames is the testimony of the Victorian era from which it came. The Palace of Westminster is still the seat of Parliament, where politicians are found to create legislation to the United Kingdom and British overseas territories sea. Big Ben contrary to popular belief, is not the name of the giant clock or tower (called Elizabeth Tower), but that of the great bell (Great Bell) covered by the arrow.

You can visit the various chambers of Parliament with a guide or an audio guide. Because of the security measures applied, book your tickets in advance. Saturday is the busiest day in relation to the visits, but you can go during the week. Visits with audio guide costs £ 17.50 for adults, £ 15 for seniors, students and British soldiers. Admission is free for children between 5 and 15 years accompanied by an adult (£ 7 per additional child). According to the rates in July 2014, guided tours cost around £ 5 more, and only children under 5 years can attend for free. Located on the River Thames in the City of Westminster, the palace is accessible from the Westminster tube station (Jubilee with lines Circle or District) or bus. Unfortunately only UK citizens are allowed to visit Big Ben and Elizabeth Tower, but do not worry, Westminster Bridge is a point of view of choice to take pictures with the London landmarks in the background.

4. Buckingham Palace

Purchased by King George III as a family residence for his wife Queen Charlotte, Buckingham Palace is now the headquarters of the government and the official residence of the royal family of England. Behind the impressive façade hides some 750 pieces, some of them are used as function rooms for special occasions. Buckingham is also the site where the Changing of the Guard is the most popular of all the royal residences. The ceremony begins at 11:30 and lasts until 12:15 (visit the official website of the Royal Family for the monthly schedule).

With its golden gates and its beautiful garden, Buckingham Palace is ideal for a royal photo shoot. A tip more if you stay in London in August or September, you can visit inside Buckingham Palace! The building is open to the public when the Queen and her family leave during the summer holidays. You will find an art gallery, luxurious furniture, delicately decorated carriages drawn by horses, and much more! The ticket "Royal Day Out" will allow you to visit the State Rooms, the Queen's Gallery and Royal Mews. In July 2014, the rates are £ 34.50 for adults, £ 31.50 for seniors and students bearing a student card, £ 19.50 for children 5 to 17 years and free for children under 5 years. Other types of tickets include visits of State Rooms and Garden Highlights or only State Rooms. Rates vary but they are lower than those of Royal Day Out tickets. Located in the heart of the City of Westminster, Buckingham Palace is within walking distance of several metro stations. The nearest are Hyde Park Corner (served by the Piccadilly line) and Green Park (served by the Piccadilly, Victoria and Jubille).