6 mins 17th February 2020
London is undoubtedly one of the greatest cities in the world and was once the beating heart of the Empire on which “the sun never sank”. Well, the Empire has long gone but a combination of stunning palaces and other historical buildings,
some of the world’s finest museums, and other attractions make London a must-have on any traveller’s bucket list.
Plan a trip to London this holiday season, to enjoy the city’s many-splendoured charms. And when you are visiting London, don’t forget to carry your Axis Bank Multi-Currency Forex Card.
Here are some of London’s attractions that are a must-see:
Buckingham Palace
This is where the Queen of England stays when she in London. And if you want to find out if she is in, just look at the flagpole atop the palace; if the Royal Standard is up, then she is at the palace. You
can explore the extravagantly furnished State Rooms and look out for some of the Royal Collection's greatest treasures on display. The Changing of the Guards in front of the Palace is, of course, another must-see.
Tower of London
One of London’s best-known tourist attractions, the Tower of London’s history goes back 900 years. It is infamous for its prisoners, beheadings, and torture. It is also the place to gape at the
Crown Jewels, including the incomparable Kohinoor that were taken from India and now rests in the Queen’s crown. The iconic Tower Bridge is close by and is a perfect spot for that selfie.
The Palace of Westminster
Take a tour through the “mother of all parliaments” with its combination of history, modern-day politics and stunning art and architecture. You will be able to visit the House of Lords
and House of Commons as well as the splendours of Westminster Hall that dates back from 1097. Other highlights include the Queen’s Robing Room, Royal Gallery, Lords Chamber, Central Lobby and the Commons Chamber, scene of many lively
debates. The iconic clock tower next door houses the Big Ben – again the perfect spot for a selfie.
Westminster Abbey
This is the place where British Kings and Queens are crowned and are laid to final rest after their deaths. Every coronation from 1066 has taken place here and seventeen kings and queens are buried in this
space, along with several dukes and duchesses and other notables like Charles Darwin, Charles Dickens, Isaac Newton and Jane Austen, to name just a few. It is also a magnificent place to hear choral performances, classical concerts, and recitals.
If you go on a Sunday at 5.45 pm, you will be able to catch a free 30-minute organ recital.
Madame Tussauds
This is the ultimate selfie destination for today’s social media generation. This waxworks gallery that has been around for over 200 years offers a chance to pose with an eclectic mix of wax statues
ranging from the Queen, Albert Einstein and Charles Chaplin to modern-day celebs like Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, and George Clooney as well as some YouTube stars. Don’t forget to take some of the rides, including the ‘Spirit of
London’ ride and floor drop to the ‘Chamber of Horrors’.
Also Read: [10 things to do before your international trip]
Museums
London is a city of museums and what is incredible is that some of the best museums are free. You could spend days inside any of these museums and still not be able to see all the interesting exhibits. Here are some
more museums in London that you can visit:
St. Paul’s Cathedral
This is architect Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece that was built after the Great Fire of London and completed in 1708. Do visit the Whispering Gallery inside the Dome where you can hear
someone speaking, even in whispers, from the opposite side.
Modern Attractions
If you have had your fill of historical sites, monuments, and museums, here are a few other sights you might not want to miss.
The Shard is London’s tallest tower and four of its floors – 69-72 – allow public access to stunning views of London. Weather permitting, you may be able to see as far as 40 miles away.
London Eye is the highest cantilevered observation wheel in the world and offers sweeping vistas of London.
O2 or the Millennium Dome was built to commemorate the year 2000. You can climb on top of the Dome – with safety harnesses and all – to some stunning views of London.
London has so much to offer a visitor that even after spending a month, you would come away feeling that you have but scratched the surface. Use Axis Bank’s Multi-Currency Forex Card to make hassle-free payments in 16 currencies. What’s more, it protects you from currency fluctuations, is valid for multiple trips and makes you eligible for special offers.
Also, make it a point to buy Travel Insurance before you leave on your holiday. Axis Bank has tied up with Tata AIG, a leading general insurance company to offer comprehensive
travel insurance plans that you can buy online with minimum documentation and enjoy a hassle-free holiday.
Disclaimer: This article has been authored by The Source, a Mumbai-based content creation firm. Axis Bank does not influence views of the author in any way. Axis Bank and The Source shall not be responsible for any direct / indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.
