6 Famous Places in London: Epic Food & Views Guide for Adventure Seekers

Lindsay & Justin
Jun 21
6 min read

ALL GUIDES / EUROPE / ENGLAND

Skip hours of planning and discover London's 6 famous places with our meticulously tested guide. As adventure-seeking travelers who've spent countless hours exploring this historic metropolis, we've uncovered the perfect blend of iconic landmarks, hidden viewpoints, and mouthwatering culinary experiences. London boasts over 70 Michelin-starred restaurants and more than 170 museums, but we'll show you exactly which spots are truly worth your time. This comprehensive guide provides insider tips on beating the crowds, finding the best photo opportunities, and experiencing these famous places in London like a local - saving you both time and money while maximizing your adventure.

Table of Contents: 6 Famous Places in London

Big Ben: Historic Clocktower & British Tea Culture
Buckingham Palace: Where History Meets Royal Pageantry
Covent Garden: Historic Market & Entertainment Hub
St. Paul's Cathedral: Dome Climbing & Hidden Views
Tower of London: Royal History & British Pub Culture
Westminster Abbey: Gothic Architecture & Food Markets
FAQ for Adventure Seekers

A breakfast plate with fried eggs, toast, beans, avocado, tomatoes, mushrooms, hash browns, and a lemon slice on a dark table.

1. Big Ben: Historic Clocktower & British Tea Culture

A local tip we wish we'd known earlier - the iconic "London shot" of Big Ben is best captured from the corner of Parliament Square and Great George Street (pinned in our England Google Map). The morning light hits perfectly between 8-10am, and there are usually fewer tourists around then. From here, head to Westminster Bridge to capture both the tower and its reflection in the Thames.

For those wanting to tour the Elizabeth Tower where Big Ben hangs, we recommend booking exactly 3 months out when tickets are released (£35.00 in 2025). The 334-step climb is quite the workout. However, seeing the massive bell up close makes it completely worth it. Just keep in mind that the spiral staircase is narrow and there's no elevator.

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament under a cloudy sky. People and a red double-decker bus in the foreground. Green lawn and pigeons.

2. Buckingham Palace: Where History Meets Royal Pageantry

Planning to see the famous Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace? The ceremony happens every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 10:45am, lasting about 45 minutes. Arriving by 10am is crucial for snagging a prime viewing spot near the front gates.

The ceremony was more extensive than we expected, with guards performing intricate movements inside the palace gates before marching down The Mall with their full band. When we visited in peak season and couldn't get close to the gates, we discovered a fantastic alternative - heading to the Queen Victoria Memorial where we found elevated seating on the ledge with perfect views of both the palace and the procession.

Crowds gather outside Buckingham Palace, taking photos. Grey sky above, ornate golden gates in front. The mood is lively and touristy.

To make the most of your visit to this iconic London landmark, we recommend combining it with a stroll through St. James's Park afterward. The park offers stunning views of the palace's back facade, and we found some fantastic photo spots along the lake that most tourists miss. The best part? It's completely free to watch this centuries-old tradition, though you'll want to check the official schedule as times can change during special events.

Guard wearing a red uniform and bearskin hat stands inside a black and gold sentry box with "E II R" emblem. Stone building in the background.

3. Covent Garden: Historic Market & Entertainment Hub

We spent hours exploring Covent Garden's famous cobblestone plaza, where the atmosphere was electric with street performers and market stalls. Our favorite discovery was the hidden Apple Market, tucked away in the North Hall, where we found unique handmade jewelry and artwork from local artisans.

Colorful buildings with orange and blue window frames under a blue sky. Signs read "Neal's Yard Remedies" and "walk in backrub." Prominent hanging lights.

To plan the perfect route through this bustling area, start at Neal's Yard, a colorful hidden courtyard that most tourists miss. From there, head to Seven Dials Market, where we found an incredible food hall featuring London's best independent food vendors. End your visit in vibrant Chinatown, just a 5-minute walk away, where we continued sampling delicious foods.

💡 Pro tip: Most people don't realize that the Royal Opera House offers free lunchtime performances on Mondays (Oct to Dec) and £16 recitals most Monday’s of the year! You can snag seats online and enjoy world-class ballet rehearsals without spending a penny.

Street scene with red lanterns hanging above a crowd. Blue sky visible, buildings line the street, creating a festive atmosphere.

4. St. Paul's Cathedral: Dome Climbing & Hidden Views

St. Paul's Cathedral became one of our favorite famous London landmarks after discovering a few secret ways to experience it! We found that visiting during the Saturday Evensong at 5pm let us admire the stunning architecture completely free of charge, while the angelic voices of the choir echoed through the cathedral - pure magic!

While most visitors pay £25 to climb the dome (2025 pricing), we discovered an incredible alternative at the neighboring One New Change building (we have pinned this location in our England Google Map). Taking the elevator to their rooftop garden gave us breathtaking views of the cathedral's dome, plus we enjoyed a glass of wine from their terrace bar while watching the sunset over London's skyline.

🎟️ St Paul's Cathedral Ticket Info: £25 Entry Cost (2025 pricing, open Mon-Sat, 8.30 (10:00 on Wed) to 16.30; book 2 months out)

A historic domed building with a cloudy sky, framed by red and white brick buildings. Visible text: NOMS BREWS NEWS.

5. Tower of London: Royal History & British Pub Culture

The famous Tower of London left us completely awestruck! We discovered the best way to plan our visit was arriving 15 minutes before opening to beat the crowds to the Crown Jewels. After joining the first group inside, we spent a good hour exploring the fortress with one of the entertaining Yeoman Warders, whose tours are included with entry. Their stories about the tower's dark history had us completely captivated!

💂Free Yeoman Warders Tour Info: Starts 10:00 Tue-Sat and 10:45 Sun & Mon, running every 45 minutes with the final tour starting at 15:15. Tours begin near the main entrance to the Tower of London at the Bell Tower.

A black raven with a red band on its leg perched on a wooden fence. Tudor-style building in the background, with lush greenery around.

After exploring the tower, we'd recommend treating yourselves to a pint at the Hung, Drawn and Quartered pub nearby (pinned in our England Google Map) - a historic spot with walls covered in fascinating Tower history. For dinner, try The Dickens Inn, a restored 18th-century warehouse with stunning views of St Katharine Docks and some of the best fish and chips you'll have in London!

Tower Bridge on a cloudy day, framed by green leaves. Blue suspension cables stand out against the stone towers. "OMSBREWSVIEW" at bottom.

6. Westminster Abbey: Gothic Architecture & Food Markets

Westminster Abbey blew us away with its stunning Gothic architecture and royal history! We discovered the best hack for visiting this famous London landmark - skipping the £29 entry fee (2025 pricing) by attending the Evensong service (Saturdays at 5pm or Sundays at 3pm). The ethereal choir echoing through the ancient stone halls creates an atmosphere you can’t experienced during regular visiting hours.

Gothic cathedral under cloudy sky, red double-decker bus passing by, two people talking, wet street, urban scene in front of historic building.

After exploring the Abbey, we strolled over to Borough Market (we have pinned this location in our England Google Map) where we created our own food trail through London's oldest food market. We sampled everything from freshly shucked oysters to artisanal cheese and decadent chocolate brownies. Plan to visit on Thursdays or Fridays when all vendors are open and the market is less crowded than weekends.

Close-up of a sandwich with shredded cheese, greens, and red peppers held in a hand. Wooden background. "NOMSBREWSVIEWS" text at the bottom.

FAQ for Adventure Seekers

Q: What's the best time to visit these landmarks for photography?

Early morning (sunrise) or during golden hour for optimal lighting and fewer crowds.

Q: Which area has the best food scene?

Borough Market near London Bridge offers the most diverse culinary experience, from street food to artisanal products.

Q: What's the most efficient way to visit all these landmarks?

Follow the Thames path walking route, combining sightseeing with local food stops. We have pinned all of our top recommendations in London to our England Google Map so that you can make your travel as efficient as possible!

Q: Are there any special viewpoints that most tourists miss?

Sky Garden offers free views of the city with advance booking, and One New Change mall has a secret rooftop terrace facing St. Paul's.

🧳 There are a few items you don't want to forget when traveling to Europe! We have curated a list of our Europe items here to help you plan your trip.

Historic building with a statue in front of modern skyscrapers, including a distinctive gherkin-shaped tower. Overcast sky and lush trees in view.

From the historic majesty of Big Ben to the royal splendor of Buckingham Palace, London's famous landmarks offer incredible experiences for every type of traveler. We've shared our tried-and-tested strategies for beating the crowds, finding the best photo spots, and enjoying authentic local cuisine along the way. Whether you're climbing St. Paul's Cathedral dome, witnessing centuries-old traditions at the Tower of London, or exploring the vibrant atmosphere of Covent Garden, these six iconic locations showcase the very best of what makes London such a special destination.

Ready to plan your own London adventure? Download our England Google Map with all the pinned locations mentioned in this guide, plus our favorite restaurants and hidden gems. For more detailed itineraries, travel tips, and behind-the-scenes content, follow us @Noms.Brews.Views on Instagram where we share daily travel inspiration and answer your questions. Let us know in the comments which London landmark you're most excited to visit!