20 Famous Buildings in London You Need to See
Few cities blend history and innovation quite like London. Its skyline tells a story that stretches from medieval cathedrals to futuristic skyscrapers, and every corner reveals a new architectural gem. Wander through 19th-century icons like the Natural History Museum, stand beneath the Gothic towers of St Paul’s Cathedral, or gaze up at 30 St Mary Axe (better known as the Gherkin); the capital’s mix of old and new is endlessly inspiring. Here are 20 of the most fascinating buildings in London every visitor should experience at least once.
1. St Paul’s Cathedral
Designed by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of 1666, St Paul’s Cathedral remains one of London’s most awe-inspiring landmarks. Its famous dome, rising 365 feet above the city, dominates the skyline and offers panoramic views from the top. Step inside to admire mosaics, whispering galleries, and the tombs of national heroes.
2. Tower Bridge
Often mistaken for London Bridge, Tower Bridge is a feat of Victorian engineering and one of London’s most photographed landmarks. Completed in 1894, its twin Gothic towers and glass-floored walkway span the Thames beside the Tower of London. Visitors can explore the Tower Bridge Exhibition, where you’ll see the original steam engines that once raised the bridge.
3. The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
Formally known as the Palace of Westminster, this Grade I listed Gothic Revival masterpiece by Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin houses the UK Parliament. The clock tower — now officially renamed the Elizabeth Tower — contains the bell known worldwide as Big Ben. Its riverside façade, especially at sunset, is quintessentially London.
4. Buckingham Palace
The official residence of the British monarch since 1837, Buckingham Palace is the beating heart of royal London. Visitors flock to see the Changing of the Guard and marvel at the palace’s 775 rooms and grand façade. It’s a living symbol of Britain’s constitutional heritage — and still hosts royal receptions and state banquets today.
5. The British Museum
Founded in 1753, the free-to-visit British Museum houses over eight million works from around the world, including the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles. Its neoclassical exterior and soaring glass Great Court, designed by Norman Foster, make it a must-see for lovers of both art and architecture.
6. Westminster Abbey
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Westminster Abbey has witnessed royal weddings, coronations, and burials for nearly 1,000 years. The Gothic nave, intricate stained glass, and Poets’ Corner (where Chaucer, Dickens, and Tennyson rest) make it one of London’s most historically rich buildings.
7. The Shard
Soaring 310 metres above Southwark, The Shard is the tallest building in the UK and an emblem of modern London. Designed by Renzo Piano, its glass panels reflect the changing light of the Thames. Visitors can enjoy fine dining or ascend to The View from The Shard for breathtaking 360-degree vistas.
8. 30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)
Nicknamed the Gherkin, this bullet-shaped skyscraper by Norman Foster transformed London’s skyline when it opened in 2004. Standing 180 metres tall, 30 St Mary Axe is celebrated for its energy-efficient design and spiralling glass panels. Its futuristic silhouette contrasts beautifully with the nearby 19th-century architecture of Leadenhall Market.
9. Battersea Power Station
Once a coal-fired plant and now a hub of shopping, dining, and leisure, Battersea Power Station is a triumph of industrial rejuvenation. This Grade II listed Art Deco masterpiece, with its four white chimneys, reopened in 2022 after a massive restoration. Ride the Lift 109 glass elevator to enjoy views from one of the towers or browse designer stores along the riverside.
10. The Natural History Museum
A temple to science and design, the Natural History Museum in South Kensington is famed for its Romanesque façade and cathedral-like interior. Completed in 1881, it showcases 19th-century craftsmanship through terracotta carvings of flora and fauna. Don’t miss Dippy the Diplodocus or the vast blue whale skeleton suspended in Hintze Hall.
London has more than 170 museums, and the UK’s National museums offer free general admission, a policy established by the government in 2001 to make culture accessible to everyone.
11. Trafalgar Square & The National Gallery
Trafalgar Square sits at London’s cultural heart, flanked by the National Gallery and Nelson’s Column. The square hosts festivals and gatherings year-round, while inside the gallery you’ll find works by Van Gogh, Turner, and Monet — all within one of the city’s most elegant neoclassical buildings.
12. The Royal Albert Hall
Opened in 1871 by Queen Victoria, the Royal Albert Hall is instantly recognisable for its circular red-brick design and terracotta frieze. This Grade I listed concert hall hosts everything from classical Proms to rock performances and film screenings. Guided tours reveal its Victorian ingenuity and modern acoustics.
13. The Globe Theatre
A faithful reconstruction of Shakespeare’s original playhouse, Shakespeare’s Globe on Bankside brings the Elizabethan era to life. Visitors can tour the open-air theatre, see live performances, or visit its exhibition on the Bard’s London.
14. The Barbican Centre
A Brutalist icon of the 1970s, the Barbican divides opinion but embodies post-war ambition. Its concrete terraces and elevated walkways create a self-contained city for arts, music, and theatre. Home to the London Symphony Orchestra, it’s now a Grade II listed structure and a must for architecture enthusiasts.
15. King’s Cross Station
Transformed from a soot-covered terminus to a shining example of modern design, King’s Cross Station blends historic ironwork with contemporary glass architecture. Fans of Harry Potter will know it as the home of Platform 9¾, but even non-wizards will admire its 2012 concourse redesign,one of London’s great urban makeovers.
16. The Royal Exchange
Opposite the Bank of England, the Royal Exchange is a neoclassical masterpiece dating to 1844. Once a centre of commerce, it’s now home to luxury boutiques and fine dining beneath its domed roof. The grand portico remains a striking reminder of London’s financial heritage.
17. Somerset House
Built in the late 18th century, Somerset House overlooks the Thames and houses creative institutions, puts on fantastic exhibitions and hosts annual winter ice-skating during the festive period. Its Georgian façade glows with golden light at night, making it one of the most romantic buildings in London to visit during the holidays.
18. The Lloyd’s Building
Designed by Richard Rogers, the Lloyd’s Building, nicknamed the Inside-Out Building, revolutionised London architecture when it opened in 1986. Its exposed ducts, lifts, and staircases turn function into form, a hallmark of late-modernist design. It’s still home to the Lloyd’s insurance market today.
19. The O2 Arena
Formerly the Millennium Dome, the O2 Arena on the Greenwich Peninsula is now one of the world’s busiest entertainment venues. The vast dome hosts concerts, exhibitions, and sports events, while adventurous visitors can climb Up at The O2 for sweeping views across East London.
20. The London Eye
Opened in 2000, the London Eye is a modern icon and one of the city’s most popular attractions. Standing 135 metres tall beside the Thames, this giant observation wheel offers unrivalled views of the skyline — from St Paul’s to Battersea Power Station.
What is the most visited building in London?
According to Visit Britain, the British Museum is the most visited attraction. It is free to visit, however, with the Tower of London being the most visited paid for attraction, both welcoming 6.5million and 2.9 million visitors respectively. The British Museum’s combination of world-class collections and Norman Foster’s architectural innovations make it a must-see among all buildings in London.
What is the most famous monument in London?
While opinions vary, Big Ben, officially the clock tower of the Palace of Westminster, remains London’s most instantly recognisable monument. Its chimes and Gothic silhouette have become enduring symbols of the city worldwide.
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I'm Jay – born in Italy, raised in South London. Having French sisters and Hungarian ancestors, I've always been fascinated with the world and its cultures, and I carry this curiosity into my writing for Insightful. My favourite destinations I've traveled to so far have been Italy, Peru, France and Brazil.
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