Travel to the north bank of the River Thames to visit the City of Westminster. This is one of London’s most important neighborhoods, first declared a borough in 1965. Today, it is fringed by Chelsea and Kensington to the west and the City of London to the east.
The City of Westminster has countless attractions. Visit the 1,100-year-old Westminster Abbey to learn more about the area’s history. This church has witnessed centuries of royal weddings, coronations and burials. The neighboring Elizabeth Tower, more commonly known as Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament are also great spots to learn about the city’s rich history. No trip to the area is complete without watching the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace.
For a lesson in art history, tour the National Gallery, which showcases an extensive collection of paintings by Old Masters. Put Tate Britain on your itinerary to ensure that you don’t miss its impressive collection of British and international art.
Relax with a stroll around St James’s Park and admire its picturesque lake with two islands. While in the area, visit St James’s Palace, which served as the residence of England’s royalty for roughly 300 years.
Perhaps London’s most iconic attraction, Piccadilly Circus is a busy intersection that connects Regent Street, Coventry Street, Shaftesbury Avenue and Piccadilly. A popular meeting point, Piccadilly Circus’ marker is the 1883 statue of Anteros sitting atop the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain.
Take a short walk to arrive at the 300-year-old Covent Garden, another well-known London landmark. This square, which once hosted the city’s main fruit, vegetable and flower market, is home to the Royal Opera House, Britain’s oldest national opera and ballet companies.
The City of Westminster is actually a borough encompassing most of the center of Greater London. Be sure to see the iconic attractions here.
