What to do in Greater London

Hyde Park is one of London’s largest and most well-known parks. The park connects with Kensington Gardens and the two combined cover 630 acres (253 hectares). Together they form the centrepiece of a network of parks known as “London’s Green Lung.” Once the private hunting grounds of King Henry VIII, today the park is filled with heritage sites, monuments and events to attend all year-round.

Nothing lets you know you’re in London more than the sight of Big Ben. This iconic clock tower is used in many well-known British films such as Bridget Jones’ Diary, Notting Hill and Love Actually to set the scene of the action. Positioned on the bank of the River Thames, you’ll get the best view of it if you walk along the South bank of the river or cross over Westminster Bridge, heading toward the Houses of Parliament.

Sitting at the junction of Regent Street, Shaftsbury Avenue, Piccadilly and Haymarket, Piccadilly Circus is a hive of activity and testament to London as a city perpetually on the move. By night, crowds are drawn by the spectacle of the famous neon lights, and it is the perfect meeting point before heading off to the many attractions of London’s West End.

Buckingham Palace is the centrepiece of Britain’s Constitutional Monarchy, serving since 1837 as the official London residence of the British Royal Family. Originally built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1705, the then smaller Buckingham House has been expanded over the centuries, and this magnificent structure is now among the most visited sites in the world.

Tower Bridge is undoubtedly the most recognisable of the 33 bridges that cross the River Thames in London. The two-towered structure is frequently used as a symbol of London, and was prominently used in the campaign to promote the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. A giant set of Olympic rings were hung from the bridge in the last month before the opening of the games, and as part of the opening ceremony, the Olympic torch was carried under the bridge on a speedboat driven by celebrity footballer David Beckham.

The O2 Arena is an award-winning complex that hosts many types of events, such as sports and music. It has a seating capacity of about 20,000 and has held the title as the busiest arena in the world with more than 2 million ticket sales in a calendar year. It was designed with excellent acoustics to prevent echoing.

Head to the London Eye for a panoramic view of London. Situated on the South Bank of the River Thames in Jubilee Gardens, you’ll be able to see view the river running through the heart of the city along with the key landmarks such as Big Ben and Tower Bridge. On a fine day, you’ll also get a glimpse of the famous Windsor Castle nearly 40 kilometres away.

Ever since it’s construction in the early decades of the 19th century, Trafalgar Square has drawn the crowds. It is frequently the site of major celebrations and events, and now it attracts approximately 30 million tourists each year. At weekends, you may well witness its role as a venue for rallies and protests for or against a multitude of political or religious issues.

London Bridge is easily one of the most famously named bridges in the world, and the site of the oldest recorded crossing of the River Thames. Walk across the landmark structure, enjoy gorgeous river views and pick up insights into the bridge’s history in its underground vaults.