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London is one of the busiest cities in the world. With a population of nearly 10 million in 2025, it is divided into different areas, including North London, South London, East London, West London, and Central London. And out of all these areas, Central London is the one most people picture when they think of the city.
There’s a lot to see in this part of London. Red buses, black cabs, the London Eye, Big Ben, and many other famous sights are all found here. So, if you’re visiting the capital city of the UK, you can’t miss Central London. It also has a few UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the top tourist attractions in Central London. We’ll tell you about these places, where they are, how much they cost, and what you can expect when you get there.
Top Central London Tourist Attractions
We’ll start our list with two of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Central London, the Palace of Westminster & Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London.
1. Palace of Westminster & Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey and Palace of Westminster are two different buildings, but are located right next to each other.
Westminster Abbey is one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in Central London. Though it is called an abbey, it’s not one, and it’s not a cathedral either. It is a Royal Church that reports directly to the British monarch, which makes it a unique place of worship known as a Royal Peculiar.
Every British king and queen has been crowned here since 1066. It’s also the place where Queen Elizabeth II was crowned, and more recently, where Prince William and Kate Middleton were married. Inside, you’ll find the graves of famous people like Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Geoffrey Chaucer, and even a memorial to Shakespeare.
Right next to it is the Palace of Westminster, where the UK Parliament meets. This is where the House of Commons and House of Lords sit. The current building was built in 1834 after a big fire. It’s also home to the famous Big Ben clock tower.
Where:
20 Dean’s Yard, Westminster, London, SW1P 3PA (Westminster Abbey)
Westminster, London SW1A 0AA (Palace of Westminster)
Price:
- Palace of Westminster: Guided tours cost £34 for adults (£36 if you buy on the day), and self-guided audio tours cost £27 (£29 on the day).
- Westminster Abbey: Entry is £30 for adults, £27 for seniors (65+) and students, £13 for children aged 6–17, and free for kids under 6. Family tickets are also available.
2. Tower of London
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Tower of London. It is one of the city’s oldest and most famous landmarks. The Tower was built by William the Conqueror in 1066, right after the Norman invasion of England. Its main structure, the White Tower, still stands tall and is nearly 1,000 years old.
The Tower of London has been many things over the years. It has been a royal palace, a prison, a fortress, and even a zoo. Today, it’s home to the Crown Jewels, guarded by the famous Beefeaters, who also give brilliant guided tours filled with stories of kings, queens, and historic drama.
When you walk through its stone halls, you’ll see armour, weapons, and hear tales of prisoners like Anne Boleyn, who met her tragic end here. It’s the kind of place where history comes alive. So, be sure to add it to your list of places to visit in Central London.
Where:
Tower of London, London EC3N 4AB
Here’s a breakdown of the Tower of London ticket prices:
Adults (18-64): £35.80
Children (5-15): £17.90
Children (under 5): Free
Young Persons (16-17): £17.90
Seniors (65+): £28.50
Concessions (students and disabled): £28.50
3. Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is another place you wouldn’t want to miss in central London. It is the official residence of the British monarch in London. Built in 1703 and expanded over the years, it has become one of the most famous royal buildings in the world.
While the Palace is only open to the public during the summer months, visitors can still enjoy the impressive façade and watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony outside the gates. If you do get to go inside, you’ll walk through the lavish State Rooms, explore the State Rooms, tour the Royal Mews and see treasures from the Royal Collection.
Quick Facts for Tourists
Open Season: Late July to late September (Exact dates vary each year; check the Royal Collection Trust website)
Ticket Prices: Adult tickets for the State Rooms cost £32 to £35. A Royal Day Out ticket, which includes the State Rooms, Royal Mews, and The King’s Gallery, is £55 if booked early or £59.10 on the day.
Address: Buckingham Palace, Westminster, London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom
Changing of the Guard: The Changing of the Guard happens at Buckingham Palace on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. It starts at 10:45 AM, the handover is at 11:00 AM, and it lasts about 45 minutes. Arrive by 10:30 AM for a good spot.
4. The British Museum
The British Museum is one of the world’s best, and even better, it’s free to enter. It opened in 1759 and holds over 8 million artefacts from across the globe (one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive museums).
Only a small part of the collection is shown at one time, about 80,000 items, which is just 1% of everything they have. Even if you’re not a museum person, you’ll likely find something that grabs your attention.
Here’s what you can expect there:
The Rosetta Stone
Egyptian mummies
The Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon
Ancient coins, tools, and manuscripts
Entry: Free (no ticket needed for general entry; special exhibitions may have a fee)
Address: The British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG, United Kingdom
Opening Hours:
Daily: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fridays: Open late until 8:30 PM
(Closed on 24–26 December and 1 January)
5. The London Eye
One of our absolute favourites in London is the London Eye. It is a big observation wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames. It opened in 2000 and is now one of the most popular destinations in Central London. London is great for couples, families, or solo travellers who love a good view.
Here’s what you can do at the London Eye:
Enjoy a 30-minute ride with stunning 360° views of the city
Spot famous landmarks like Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, and even Windsor Castle on a clear day
Visit at sunset or night to see London beautifully lit up
Take photos with the skyline as your backdrop
Upgrade to a private capsule for a special occasion
Price: Check the official website for the latest ticket prices.
Location: Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB
6. The Churchill War Rooms
If secret bunkers fascinate you, Central London has just the spot to explore. Just near Westminster, the Churchill War Rooms take you deep underground into the actual bunkers where Winston Churchill and his team directed Britain’s efforts during World War II.
The rooms have been left almost exactly as they were in the 1940s, so you can really imagine what it was like during those tense times. There’s also a museum that shares Churchill’s life story, leadership, and key wartime decisions.
Where: King Charles St, London SW1A 2AQ
Tickets: £33 for adults, £16.50 for children (5–15), free for under 5s, £29.70 for seniors, students, and disabled visitors.
Opening Hours: Open daily: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry 5:00 PM)
Additional Places to Explore in Central London
Following are some additional places you should definitely explore.
7. Tower Bridge Exhibition
Tower Bridge is one of the most famous bridges in London. Inside, you can walk across a glass floor high above the river and learn how the bridge was built over 100 years ago.
8. The Royal Parks
Central London has many big parks like Hyde Park and St. James’s Park. They are great for walking, relaxing, feeding ducks, or just enjoying nature in the middle of the busy city.
9. Tate Britain
Tate Britain is an art museum that shows beautiful paintings by British artists from the past to the present. It’s calm, easy to explore, and free to enter. It’s worth a visit.
10. The Wallace Collection
This is a quiet museum inside a big old house. It has lovely paintings, old furniture, and shiny swords and armour. Entry is free, and it’s a great place to enjoy art in a peaceful setting.
Summary
In the end, Central London is packed with amazing places that offer something for everyone. You love history? Art or nature? Or City Views? You got it all in Central London. You can walk through royal palaces, see world-famous museums, relax in peaceful parks, or enjoy stunning views from the London Eye.
Every street has its own story, and every building holds a piece of London’s past or present. So, take your time and explore it the way it truly deserves
