For first timers preparing an itinerary for their inaugural visit to London, the sheer volume and variety of options can be daunting. Sure, you’ll want to experience the home of hipster in Shoreditch and head south of the river for fabulous Caribbean food and music in Brixton, but as it’s your first time visiting the capital, it’s understandable you’ll want to do the ‘touristy’ stuff, too.
To make things a little easier for you, we’ve compiled some of the most famous London landmarks and locations, all within close proximity of each other and do-able in a single day. Don’t leave these off your bucket list; here are 5 iconic places first timers should visit in Central London.
MAYFAIR
Mayfair is an upscale district located at the heart of London. It’s well-known for its sometimes ostentatious displays of wealth, but away from its exclusive townhouses and 5-star hotels, the neighbourhood has plenty to offer. Mayfair is packed with cute boutique shops, cutting edge restaurants and cocktail bars, as well as several historical landmarks.
Interestingly, there used to be an actual fair celebrated here every May, held on what is now Shepherd Market. Beginning on the 1st May and lasting a fortnight, the May Fair was essentially a livestock market, but over time developed a raucous reputation which saw it eventually banned in 1709.
For better or for worse, Mayfair’s reputation for impropriety has long since disappeared, replaced with a reputation for affluence and extravagance, symbolised by its status as the most expensive property in the iconic board game Monopoly.
Nearest tube stops: Marble Arch, Bond Street, Green Park
Where to eat: Hide, Sabor, Gymkhana, Mercato Mayfair
Where to drink: The Guinea Grill, The Footman
Where to shop: Fortnum & Mason, Selfridges, Burlington Arcade
CAMDEN
Camden, a famous neighbourhood situated towards the north of Central London, is recognised for its diverse culture and buzzing atmosphere, exemplified by its famous gig venues the Roundhouse, KOKO, the Underworld, Electric Ballroom and more. Everyone from the Clash to Kanye West has graced a Camden stage, and the borough retains that creative, rebellious air.
This makes Camden the ideal place if you’re looking to bring out your inner cool for the weekend. Here, you’ll find international food, piercing and tattoo shops, and the famous Camden Market, where you can shop for vintage pieces to your heart’s content.
After all that excitement, end your visit to Camden by heading up to Primrose Hill, where you can see the most spectacular view of London.
Nearest tube stop: Camden Town, Camden Road, Mornington Crescent
Where to eat: Odette’s, Hook Camden, Yokoya
Where to drink: The World’s End, Hawley Arms, Dingwalls
Where to shop: Camden Market
WESTMINSTER ABBEY
One of the world’s most famous churches, even if you’re not religious, you shouldn’t miss Westminster Abbey, a World Heritage site. The abbey, built nearly a millennia ago, has hosted numerous royal occasions and historical events since it was built in 1090. This is also the final resting place for many of England’s former kings and queens, giving a glimpse of the country’s history to those visiting the capital.
Inside Westminster Abbey, you can explore the rich history of one of England’s most important sites. You can walk along the path where countless royals have walked and wedded; in fact, the abbey has hosted 16 royal weddings.
What’s more, you can pay a visit to Poets’ Corner to explore the memorials of several famous British poets, including T.S. Elliot, Charles Dickens, Geoffrey Chaucer, William Blake, and Rudyard Kipling, who are buried and commemorated here.
Finally, you don’t want to miss the Henry VII Chapel, which is separated from the rest of Westminster Abbey by brass gates. This extraordinary chapel features a fan-vaulted ceiling and stained glass windows, and is a true exemplar of intricate medieval design.
Nearest tube stop: Westminster or Charing Cross
Where to eat: A. Wong, The Cinnamon Club, Roux at Parliament Square
Where to drink: Don’t; the pubs are full of MPs
Where to shop: Cardinal Place, Cornucopia
BAKER STREET
If you’re a fan of Sherlock Holmes, then you’ll already know all about Baker Street. Even so, we’ll repeat ourselves for the word count; Arthur Conan Doyle made this street famous via his Sherlock Holmes books, housing the fictional detective at 221B Baker Street.
You can head to this address and visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum, the world’s first dedicated to the detective.
And if you want to meet more celebrities, head to Madame Tussauds on Marylebone Road. This internationally renowned wax museum is just around the corner from the Sherlock Holmes Museum and boasts wax sculptures of everyone from Harry and Megan to Dua Lipa, Dwayne ‘the Rock’ Johnson and even Marvel Super Hero characters, Spiderman, Captain Marvel and the Incredible Hulk.
Of course, it’s obligatory to capture a few selfies here with your favourite stars; you could tell friends back home you’d actually met them!
Nearest tube stop: Baker Street or Marylebone
Where to eat: KOL, The Gate, Lurra
Where to drink: The Barley Mow, Golden Eagle
Where to shop: Koibird, Daunt Books, Ace & Tate
BUCKINGHAM PALACE
Your first visit to London simply wouldn’t be complete without a tour of the Queen’s home in London. Here, you can tour Buckingham’s 19 staterooms, all of which are decorated with some of the most notable treasures from the Royal collection. This includes the Picture Gallery found in the Palace, which is known for its featured works from artists like Van Dyck, Canaletto, and Rembrandt.
You can also witness the ever-famous ceremony of Changing of the Guards—a choreographed march of the Palace’s guards while wearing their bright red uniforms and bearskin hats. The ceremony happens daily just outside of the Palace from May to July. Alternatively, you can watch the ceremony on alternating days from August to March.
If you’re keen to meet the Queen, however, you’re probably better off heading to Madame Tussauds!
Nearest tube stop: St James’s Park, Victoria, Hyde Park Corner or Green Park
Where to eat: The Other Naughty Piglet, Lorne, Theo Randal at the InterContinental
Where to drink: The Phoenix
Where to shop: The Queen’s Shop, Buckingham Palace Shop
THE BOTTOM LINE
We’re envious of all those heading to London for the very first time; there’s just so much to see, do and experience! Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history, its famous arts scene and its exciting restaurants, and remember to send us a postcard.