Say hello to the London Eye - or, if you’re feeling fancy, the Millennium Wheel. Built to welcome the year 2000 in style, it had its soft launch in late 1999 and officially opened in March 2000. Designed by architects David Marks and Julia Barfield, it was supposed to be temporary... but Londoners loved it so much, they basically said, “Nope, it’s staying.”

At 135 meters (that’s 443 feet if you’re still thinking imperial), the Eye was once the tallest observation wheel on the planet - and it still holds the crown in Europe. The ride - a slow, elegant spin takes about 30 minutes, offering jaw-dropping, 360-degree views stretching up to 40 kilometers on a clear day. From Big Ben to Buckingham Palace - and if you squint, even Windsor Castle - London is laid out before you like a pop-up storybook.

Each of the 32 sleek glass capsules (one for each London borough) can carry up to 28 people. Great for selfies, great for proposals, and perfect if you just want to stare out and feel dramatically reflective.

Want to dial up the experience? Your ticket comes with a 4D cinema show, or you can upgrade to private pods or champagne flights if you're feeling extra. Plus, the Eye sits right on the South Bank - a hop away from the SEA LIFE Aquarium, the London Dungeon, and the laid-back Jubilee Gardens.

Fun fact: The Eye’s giant bicycle-wheel design is a true European team effort - with British steel, Dutch engineering, and a smattering of German, French, Czech, and Italian parts.

Bottom line: Whether you're new in town or just want to fall in love with London all over again, the London Eye is a must-spin.

Tip:
Book online to save cash and skip the long lines. Your Instagram will thank you.

Welcome to Shakespeare’s Globe-or, as some like to call it, the Bard’s comeback tour, 400 years in the making. This stunning open-air theater is a faithful, full-thatch, no-nails, "mind the splinters" replica of the original Globe Playhouse. The original Globe opened in 1599 but met a rather dramatic end in 1613 when a stage cannon misfired during a performance. Boom! Theater barbecue...

A few centuries on, enter Sam Wanamaker-an American actor and director with a British theater obsession and the patience of a saint. He spent decades rallying support to resurrect the Globe, and by 1997, his dream was finally realized. The new Globe stands just 200 yards from where the original once stood, crafted with the same old-school tools and materials (no concrete shortcuts here). Today, it stages Shakespeare’s hits, deep cuts, and even some gems by his playwright pals.

Now, if you're planning to channel your inner Elizabethan and stand as a "Groundling"-congrats! You'll be closest to the action. But don’t expect a seat or sympathy for your aching feet. Want to sit like a civilized 17th-century noble? Great, there are benches-wooden, backless, and full of historical charm. Pro tip: rent a cushion. Or bring one. Or risk the full Tudor chiropractic experience...

And yes, this is an open-air venue. Come rain or shine, or heatwave, or hail-the show must go on. Umbrellas are a no-go (sorry, your neighbor’s view matters too), but you can grab a stylish Globe poncho, which doubles as a weather shield and souvenir.

The main season runs from April to October. If you prefer candlelit drama without the outdoor breeze, head next door to the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, a 350-seat Jacobean gem lit entirely by candlelight. It’s cozy, atmospheric, and yes-some benches are still backless. You’ve been warned.

Why visit? – You may ask. Because this is as close as you’ll ever get to actual time travel without a DeLorean (remember that car from the Back to the Future trilogy). So, if you’re a die-hard Shakespeare fan or just in it for the costumes and swordfights, the Globe delivers the drama, the laughs, and the full Renaissance vibes all the same.

Curtain up, ponchos on-see you in Southwark...

Tip:
Join a guided tour before 4 pm (unless a matinee’s on, then get in before noon). Wanamaker tours are rarer, so book those in advance if you're lucky enough to find one.

If you wander down Park Street today, you’ll find a humble plaque and a few story panels marking the original spot where the Globe Theatre opened its doors in 1599. Back then, this stretch was called Maiden Lane, tucked inside The Liberty of the Clink-basically a medieval no-man’s-land just outside the City’s rules. At one point, the Bishop of Winchester took charge, and instead of banning the local theaters, animal fights, and brothels, he simply taxed them. A solid business model, really.

Shakespeare’s company flourished here, and about 15 of his plays-including some of the biggest hits-first hit the stage on this very ground.

Of course, no great story is complete without a little fire. On June 29, 1613, during a performance of Henry VIII, a prop cannon misfired and set the place ablaze. The Globe, made of good old flammable wood and thatch, went up like a tinderbox. Miraculously, nobody was hurt-except for one poor guy whose flaming trousers were put out with a well-aimed bottle of ale. (Talk about happy hour.)

The Globe was rebuilt the next year, but sadly, by 1644 it was demolished to make way for housing. Fast forward to our days: Shakespeare’s Globe, the modern reconstruction, opened its doors in 1997-with Henry V, naturally-proving that not even a fire, a bishop, or centuries of urban sprawl could keep Shakespeare’s spirit off the stage...

Tower Bridge-yes, that famous one with the twin towers and rising roadways-surprisingly didn’t swing into action until 1894. That’s right: it’s younger than your great-great-grandma’s fruitcake recipe, though you'd never guess it based on the number of fridge magnets it’s starred on. Indeed, in just over a century, it’s managed to become one of London’s most iconic symbols-practically the Victorian era in bridge form.

Now here’s a royal twist: Queen Victoria wasn’t exactly thrilled about it at first. She worried the bridge might compromise the security of the nearby Tower of London, which at that time doubled as an armory. Still, they painted it her favorite color-chocolate brown-and forged ahead, perhaps hoping that a well-dressed bridge would soothe Her Majesty’s nerves.

Under the hood (well, under the road), it was all quite steamy-literally. Sophisticated steam-powered engines lifted the bridge’s bascules to allow tall ships to pass through. In its very first year, the bridge went up over 6,000 times-talk about an overachiever! These days, it opens around 1,000 times a year, and somehow, they’ve managed to avoid any major mishaps. If you’re lucky, you might even catch one of those dramatic lifts in real time-free theater, London-style...

For an unforgettable experience, take in the sweeping views of the Thames, the sci-fi egg that is City Hall, the gleaming glass Shard, and the chaos of central London from the top of the bridge. Better yet, grab a ticket and ride the elevator to the elevated walkways. Up there, you’ll find a glass floor for peeking at the world below (great for photos, or mild panic), plus a museum showcasing the original steam engines-because nothing says Victorian romance like big brass machinery. Bonus points: Yes, there are restrooms at the top, so no need to “hold it” at altitude.

And in case you wonder, why you should go?-This masterpiece of Victorian engineering also sparkles at night, and-let’s face it-your trip to London wouldn't be complete without seeing it.

Nowhere in London does the past strut around quite so confidently as in the Tower of London-a moated, multi-towered, medieval mashup where history is practically haunting the place.

Originally built by the Normans over 900 years ago, the Tower has played just about every role imaginable: fortress, royal mint, palace, archive, and-you may like it the most-zoo. Yes, it once housed the Royal Menagerie, the wild precursor to the London Zoo. But make no mistake, the Tower is best known for its darker side-as a high-security VIP prison with a side hustle in executions. Nobles, queens, and even kings paced its echoing stone halls before meeting a less-than-ideal end. Some scratched their goodbyes into the walls. Others just lost their heads.

Now, if you were an important prisoner, you didn’t get dragged to Tower Hill with the commoners. Oh no-you got the deluxe package: a private execution on Tower Green. Only seven ever received this exclusive send-off, including Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, two royal wives who found out the hard way that Henry VIII was not great with long-term commitment.

At the heart of it all is the White Tower, the magnificent structure built in 1078 by William the Conqueror. Later, Henry III decided it looked better in white-hence the name. Today, it houses the Armouries, a jaw-dropping display of medieval bling, including weapons, suits of armor, and a reminder that fashion has always been a pain.

Nearby, the Traitors’ Gate offered less-than-warm welcomes to infamous prisoners as they arrived by boat. And then there’s the Bloody Tower, where the two "Princes in the Tower" disappeared under mysterious circumstances… conveniently clearing the way for their uncle to become Richard III. Coincidence? Mmm...

Also, don’t leave without gawking at the Crown Jewels-sparkly symbols of royal power that were rebooted after the English Civil War. The current set dates from 1661 and features more gems than a royal family group chat.

And if you want the full story, join a free Beefeater tour-they’re funny, sharp, and decked out in navy-and-red Tudor gear. Tours leave every half hour from the main gate and run for about 45-60 minutes.

Tip:
Buy tickets online to skip the queue. And do keep an eye out for the Tower’s resident ravens-legend has it that, if they ever fly off, the kingdom’s toast. No pressure, birds...

The Millennium Bridge-London’s bold leap into the 21st century, and quite literally, a wobbly one.

This sleek steel span holds not one, not two, but three distinctions. First, it’s the youngest of the Thames crossings. Second, it’s the only bridge in London where cars are banished-only pedestrians, photographers, and the occasional rollerblader. And third? It set a record for the fastest closure in UK bridge history. Opened with great fanfare... then swiftly shut down just two days later because, well, it couldn’t handle people's excitement. Or their footsteps...

Designed to mark the year 2000, the bridge was formally inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II as the winning brainchild of Foster & Partners and Ove Arup & Partners-those clever folks you call when you want something to be both futuristic and structurally sound. Stretching 325 meters (or 1060+ feet), it tiptoes across the Thames with eight low-slung suspension cables (tensioned to exert a formidable 2000-ton force against the sturdy piers rooted on each bank) that don’t dare obstruct your Insta-worthy shot of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Indeed, as a pedestrian-only portal between the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe on one end, and the mighty dome of St. Paul’s on the other, the views it affords are truly a chef’s kiss.

Of course, its opening-day wobble-thanks to 90,000 enthusiastic pedestrians striding in unintentional unison-earned it the affectionate moniker “The Wobbly Bridge.” But fear not: engineers came to the rescue with over 50 high-tech dampers and stabilizers galore, and by 2002, the bridge was back in action, shimmy-free.

Speaking of dramatic comebacks-yes, that was the very bridge you saw disintegrating in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Death Eaters swoop in, chaos erupts, and the Millennium Bridge bends like a paperclip. Don’t worry, though-it was all movie magic. The real bridge stood firm and survived the scene unscathed, unlike its fictional counterpart.

Tip:
Wear good walking shoes, bring a raincoat (because it's London), and don’t forget to glance down-sometimes there are funky little art stickers underfoot. Because, again, this is London, and even the pavement might be making a statement.

For centuries, Saint Paul's Cathedral has stood tall, quite literally, as London’s ultimate comeback story in stone form. After the Great Fire of 1666 turned the medieval cathedral (originally founded in 1087) into a smoldering memory, Sir Christopher Wren got the challenge of designing the masterpiece we see today.

Construction began in 1675 and took 35 years. Wren’s first design was too modern. The second-too modern again and too Catholic-looking. He eventually struck a deal with the Anglican clergy: throw in a classic English spire, but sneak in a magnificent triple-stacked dome instead. Now it’s the second-largest cathedral dome in the world after St. Peter’s in Rome. Subtle flex.

During WWII and the Blitz, flames again came for the cathedral, and again, it stood its ground. Brave volunteers fought fires on the dome, saving it from complete destruction. Saint Paul’s became a beacon of hope in the rubble. Fittingly, above the south entrance, you’ll spot the Latin word "Resurgam," meaning “I shall rise again.” Very on brand.

Inside, the cathedral is pure English Baroque drama. Climb 257 steps to the Whispering Gallery, where even your gossip echoes in style. Add another 119 steps for the Stone Gallery and 152 more for the Golden Gallery-because apparently, stairs build character. But the panoramic views of London are worth every calf cramp.

Down below in the crypt, you’ll find the final resting places of national legends: the Duke of Wellington, Admiral Nelson, and of course, Wren himself. His epitaph reads: “If you seek his monument, look around you.”

Saint Paul’s was basically Dickens' favorite rooftop. In Master Humphrey’s Clock, he climbs to the top for a bird’s eye view of life’s contradictions, which, come to think of it, London is full of. In David Copperfield, Peggotty enjoys the view too. Dickens knew this neighborhood well and even attended the Duke of Wellington’s funeral here in 1852.

Back in Shakespeare’s day, the area around Saint Paul’s was bustling with booksellers. This was the epicenter of the English publishing world- the Bard’s plays were printed and sold right here. Odds are he browsed the stalls himself, possibly muttering, “To plagiarize, or not to plagiarize...”

And for the modern-day wizarding crowd: yes, that staircase you recognize from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is real. The magical-looking Geometric Staircase-aka the Dean’s Stair-floats elegantly in the cathedral’s South West Bell Tower. You might remember it from Professor Trelawney’s Divination class or The Goblet of Fire. You’ll need a ticket to see it, but for Potterheads, it’s practically a rite of passage.

Tip:
Book online to skip the queue. And maybe spring for the audio tour-unless you’ve got me in your ear, of course.

Now, Piccadilly Circus is not a literal circus, though with the crowds, neon lights, and eccentric street performers, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stumbled into one.

The origins of the name Piccadilly trace back to a 17th-century guy, Robert Baker-not a baker himself, mind you, but a tailor who made a fortune selling "piccadills"-fancy ruffled collars. Baker did so well peddling these neck braces that he built himself a swanky mansion in the area. The aristocrats, clearly not fans of upstart tailors living large, mockingly dubbed it “Piccadilly Hall.” The joke’s on them-the name stuck, and now it’s on the map.

At the center of the circus (once actually circular until 1886), stands a statue famously misidentified as Eros. In truth, it’s Anteros, Eros’s lesser-known brother-the Greek god of requited love (less wild romance, more emotionally mature affection). Because apparently, even gods have to deal with (and occasionally get tired of) complicated relationships...

Just behind him, look up, and you’ll see the legendary wall of illuminated billboards lighting up the north side. The first glowing ad appeared there in 1908, promoting Perrier mineral water like it was the elixir of life. For a perfect “I’m in London” kind of photo, stand at the corner of Regent Street and get those lights framed behind the Tube sign.

Now, take a peek underground. Hidden beneath the chaos, you’ll find two gems. The Criterion Theatre-built in 1873, and mostly below street level-was once ventilated with pumped-in fresh air to counter gaslight fumes. Next door, Piccadilly Circus Station is one of the few fully subterranean Tube stops in the network.

Over on the western side, history buffs can spot a rare relic: a 1935 police call box-one of the last of its kind. And if you're really sharp-eyed, look for one of the Seven Noses of Soho, a quirky sculptural series. Word has it, if you find all seven, unimaginable wealth awaits you. So, go for it!

In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1, Piccadilly Circus becomes the chaotic landing spot for Harry, Ron, and Hermione after the Death Eaters crash Bill and Fleur’s wedding. It’s all running, panicking, and nearly becoming roadkill via double-decker bus. The scene was shot right in front of the Gap store, just off the main circle-quite the fashion-forward place to dodge dark wizards. In the book, they land at Tottenham Court Road, but the filmmakers clearly wanted a little more drama and dazzle.

Well, aside from possible magical encounters and spontaneous nose hunts, it’s the heart of London’s West End. Basically, it’s where London throws on its glitter, grabs a coffee, and says, “Let’s go!”

Britain’s most self-important plaza, Trafalgar Square is arguably the closest thing to London’s beating heart (if London had ventricles paved in pigeons and protest signs). Want the official center of the city? That’s actually a tiny traffic island called Charing Cross, just south of the square. Yep, all distances to London are measured from there. Not Buckingham Palace. Not Big Ben. A glorified roundabout...

Now, if you're into obscure imperial measurements, Trafalgar’s got you covered. Nestled behind the café, you’ll find the Imperial Standard measures: inches, feet, yards, chains, perches, poles... basically, the greatest hits of Victorian measuring tape. Originally installed in 1876, they were moved in 2003 when the north terrace was pedestrianized-because who needs traffic when you’ve got trivia?

The square gets its name from the Battle of Trafalgar, a Napoleonic showdown where Admiral Lord Nelson heroically defeated the French and Spanish fleets in 1805... and promptly died doing so. 30 years later, the square got its now-famous name. Then, in 1843, they added Nelson’s Column, a towering tribute built from Devon granite, with bronze panels depicting his greatest hits: Saint Vincent, The Nile, Copenhagen, and Trafalgar-which, to be fair, did earn him the naming rights.

By 1868, the stone lions guarding the column were considered too puny for British pride, so the sculptor Edwin Landseer crafted bronze ones instead, with remarkable anatomical precision. Beautiful, grand, majestic-except, apparently, he got one detail hilariously wrong: he sculpted the back of the lions as if they had beanbag backs (real lions don’t sag like that).

Surrounded by fountains, tourists, and-until recently-a whole lot of feathered freeloaders, Trafalgar was once London’s top pigeon hangout. That is, until a mayor declared them public enemy number one and evicted the birdseed dealers. The pigeons, scandalized, have never quite forgiven the city.

Tip:
Plant yourself on the steps, let the sounds of the city wash over you, and watch the sun dip behind Nelson’s heroic silhouette. Or just use it as your springboard to the rest of London-you’re already at the center, after all.

10 Downing Street-or as the British press affectionately calls it, Number 10-is the official residence and workplace of the UK’s Prime Minister. It has been the address for power players since the 18th century. Don’t be fooled by its modest black door-it’s basically the palace of spreadsheets and late-night policy debates-equal parts nerve center and nerve-wracking...

Originally cobbled together from three separate houses (because one apparently wasn't enough for 18th-century real estate ambitions), Number 10 now contains over 100 rooms. The PM’s family lives on the third floor, their kitchen’s tucked away in the basement, and the rest of the place is a maze of offices, reception rooms, and the odd spot for international awkward silences. There’s even a private garden-half an acre, no less-perfect for pondering global crises over a cup of Earl Grey.

Now, speaking of doors, that iconic black front door is not wood but reinforced steel. No keyhole, either-because obviously, in this house, you don’t knock, you get buzzed in. A doorman’s always on duty because the door only opens from the inside. (Some say this is where British stoicism is forged.)

And the phrase “in the hot seat”? Thank Number 10 for that. The hallway used to feature a rather dramatic black chair, complete with a coal-filled drawer underneath to warm the night watchman's backside. Forget ergonomics-that was 18th-century comfort.

The house has taken its share of hits. During WWII, a German bomb rudely messed with the kitchen. Then in 1991, the IRA launched a mortar attack-Downing Street survived, but a splinter still sticks defiantly in the upstairs plaster, like a war story the walls refuse to let go.

Inside, the Grand Staircase displays portraits of every British Prime Minister in order, a visual reminder that political haircuts have come a long way. Tony Blair added bees to the décor (yes, actual plaster bees in the window frames), while Margaret Thatcher insisted on a mini roof over one door-presumably for extra austerity.

Public tours-unfortunately, not happening. Entry is tighter than the King’s biscuit tin. But if you’re into wizardry, you’ll appreciate the Harry Potter trivia-Number 10 doubles as a magical portal, as revealed in The Half-Blood Prince. And yes, Kingsley wizard Shacklebolt worked here undercover, guarding the Prime Minister against the dark forces of Lord Voldemort. There's obviously more to this place than you'd expect...

Tip:
Pair your Downing Street sightseeing with a wider walk through Whitehall and Westminster. Politics, pomp, and a splash of Potter-it’s all just a few steps away.

Ah yes, Big Ben-London’s most famous timekeeper! Often mistaken for the entire tower, technically, it's just the bell inside. The tower itself, once modestly named the Clock Tower, got a royal upgrade in 2012 and is now known as the Elizabeth Tower, in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee.

As for Big Ben-the bell-it weighs a jaw-dropping 15 tonnes. That’s about the weight of three adult elephants. It chimes every hour with a deep, resonant bong that echoes across the city, while four smaller bells handle the quarter-hour duties like loyal timekeeping sidekicks.

As for the name “Big Ben”, theories abound. Some say it was named after Benjamin Hall, the rather large man in charge of installing the bell. Others swear it honors Benjamin Caunt, a Victorian heavyweight boxer. Either way, it’s clear: you didn’t get to be “Big Ben” by being discreet.

Just next door, you'll find the Palace of Westminster, home of the Houses of Parliament-that’s the House of Commons and the House of Lords for those keeping score. After a fire in 1834 burned the old palace to a crisp, King William IV generously offered up Buckingham Palace as a backup. The MPs politely declined, presumably because having tea in the Throne Room seemed a bit too much.

These days, the House of Commons is often in the headlines, especially during the theatrical Wednesdays known as Prime Minister’s Questions. Yes, it’s as lively as it sounds. The public can watch the action live, either by scoring a free ticket through their MP or simply queuing up outside (bonus points if it’s raining-very British).

In terms of security, expect the full “airport-lite” treatment. Bags scanned, belts off, shoes inspected-but thankfully, no need to explain your carry-on liquids.

Now, if the idea of parliamentary debates doesn’t tickle your fancy and you’re more into aesthetic admiration, simply head over to Westminster Bridge-some 500 yards away. From there, you’ll get the postcard shot of Big Ben and the Parliament buildings, no queuing or shoe removal required. Just you, the view, and a thousand other camera-happy tourists. Smile for history!

Westminster Abbey-the Gothic heavyweight champion of British heritage, parked squarely in the City of Westminster. Back in the day, Westminster wasn’t even part of London proper. It was its own thing.

The roots of this holy site stretch all the way back to the late 10th century. But it wasn’t until King Edward the Confessor decided to go full Romanesque here, in the 11th century, that things got serious. He turned the abbey into one of Europe’s top-tier religious mega-structures. Edward didn’t live to see it fully materialize, though, but history appreciates his effort.

In 1245, Henry III kicked off construction of the Gothic version we see today. He also commissioned the fancy Cosmati pavement near the High Altar-because kings of all people do appreciate custom flooring. Most of what we admire here now was wrapped up under Richard II, and in 1519, Henry VII added a gorgeous chapel to the Virgin Mary for good measure. As for the iconic west towers, Early Gothic Revival, they were built between 1722 and 1745.

But Westminster Abbey is not just a church. No. It’s the spiritual VIP lounge of the UK. Monarchs have been crowned here since 1066, starting with William the Conqueror. It’s also the final resting place for legends: Queen Elizabeth I, Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Geoffrey Chaucer, Rudyard Kipling, Laurence Olivier… Basically, if you’ve made Britain proud, there’s a plot here waiting for you.

And don’t forget the emotional landmarks: Princess Diana’s funeral in 1997, and the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011. Yes, this place has seen more royal drama than a season of The Crown.

If you consider visiting, remember: Lines form year-round, so book online to skip the queue like a pro. But don’t plan your Instagram reel just yet-no photography inside is allowed. It’s all eyes and memory...

As a bonus round, make a literary pilgrimage to Poet’s Corner and pay respects to Mr. Charles Dickens himself. Per his modest request, his gravestone simply reads:

CHARLES DICKENS
BORN 7th FEBRUARY 1812
DIED 9th JUNE 1870

Dickens died in Kent, but the public insisted-and The Times newspaper rallied behind the cause-that only Westminster would do as his final resting place. The funeral was private. The legacy-immortal.

So, whether it’s the soaring arches, the centuries of coronations, or the sheer weight of brilliance buried beneath your feet, Westminster Abbey is London in its architectural form-solemn, storied, and just a touch dramatic.

The postcard-perfect face of the British monarchy, Buckingham Palace is possibly the world’s fanciest “office.” What began in 1703 as a cozy townhouse for the Duke of Buckingham (hence the name) ended up becoming royal property in 1761 when King George III bought it for his wife, Queen Charlotte. By 1837, Queen Victoria had officially moved in, setting up camp and turning it into the headquarters of royal business and the heart of Britain's ceremonial life ever since.

Today, the palace packs a whopping 775 rooms, including 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 78 bathrooms (because clearly, you never know when you’ll need a backup loo), and countless other rooms fit for everything from crown-polishing to state banquets. While most of these royal spaces are strictly off-limits, commoners-like us, the curious public-can sneak a peek during special visiting seasons, mainly August and September, plus select days in winter and spring.

Step inside the palace’s 19 State Rooms and prepare to have your jaw royally dropped. Here, we’re talking chandeliers that could double as UFOs, lavish gold trim, and masterpieces by Rembrandt and Rubens just casually hanging around. You’ll stroll through the Throne Room (cue the imaginary fanfare), the Ballroom where knighthoods are handed out like royal gold stars, the Grand Staircase, and a variety of drawing rooms, each with its own personality-from the Blue Drawing Room’s stately charm to the Music Room’s lapis columns and the gleaming White Drawing Room. Don’t skip the State Dining Room either-this is where the portraits watch you more than you watch them.

Outside, the Changing of the Guard steals the show with its precision marching, bearskin hats, and musical flair. It’s essentially a military ballet, free of charge-but do arrive early for the best view, as everyone and their selfie stick wants in.

Right next door, the Queen’s Gallery serves up rotating exhibits from the Royal Collection, including priceless paintings, sparkling jewels, and historic treasures galore. A few steps away, the Royal Mews stables show off the royal horses and carriages, because royalty of all people needs a stylish ride.

Tip:
Snag a timed-entry ticket (they’re released in 15-minute waves), and if you’ve got time, tack on a garden tour for some fresh air and manicured perfection. Give yourself two hours-minimum-because once you step into Buckingham Palace, you’ll want to soak up every royal second.

Today, Harrods is primarily frequented by window-shopping tourists and affluent international visitors, with fewer of the budget-conscious locals in sight. It's best regarded as the world's largest, most upscale, and most extravagant shopping destination, akin to a colossal mall. Spanning over four acres of retail space across seven floors, it boasts a comprehensive collection of luxury brands that could easily occupy a shopper's entire day. Grand in scale yet retaining an air of sophistication, Harrods offers a vast range of products, including clothing, electronics, jewelry, sporting gear, pet accessories, toys, food and drink, health and beauty items, packaged gifts, stationery, housewares, home appliances, furniture, and much more.

On the ground floor, you'll discover the Food Halls, featuring Edwardian tiled walls, imaginative and extravagant displays, and staff adorned in period attire-a far cry from your typical neighborhood supermarket.

Take a ride on the Egyptian Escalator, adorned with pharaoh-themed sconces, papyrus-shaped lamps, and balconies adorned with hieroglyphics, up to the 3rd floor. Here, you'll find an extraordinary toy department, complete with an impressive Harry Potter section and extravagant items like child-sized luxury pedal cars-an ideal gift for the child who seemingly has everything.

Harrods doesn't skimp on dining options either, boasting more than two dozen eateries scattered throughout the store. Choices range from a sushi bar, deli, and pizzeria to a Ladurée macaron parlor and a burger bar.

While some individuals may deem Harrods as overpriced and elitist, it remains a unique department store, distinguished by its very own gift shop and even a Dale Chihuly chandelier, situated near the exit of door 3.