Visiting the four UNESCO World Heritage Sites located within the city of London is a must-do. One of these, the Tower of London, located in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, provides a perfect image of the city, complementing its historical value. The iconic tower was originally built by William the Conqueror in 1078 as a fortress.
The historic settlement of Greenwich, located in the southeast district of the city, has also been recognized as a World Heritage Site. In the 15th century, Greenwich came to house the Royal Palace of Placentia, the birthplace of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. In the 17th century, the town became a popular resort for the wealthy. The streets are now also lined with beautiful Victorian-era town houses.
The Royal Botanical Gardens, commonly referred to as Kew Gardens, make for a fun and relaxing day trip in the city of London. The gardens comprise roughly 121 hectares in the southwest corner of the city and provide a lovely respite from the urban hustle and bustle.
Another must-see location of London is the city of Westminster and the World Heritage Site composed of Palace of Westminster (or the Houses of Parliament), Westminster Abbey and Saint Margaret's Church. In close proximity to the government buildings of Whitehall and also the prime minister's residence at 10 Downing St., the Westminster commons dates from the 11th century. Today, visitors to the Palace of Westminster may still visit one of the lively sessions of Parliament, in either the House of Commons or the House of Lords.
The London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel, situated on the north bank of the Thames River, just across the street from the Palace of Westminster, has become one of the more modern iconic images of the city of London. Erected in 1999, the London Eye was the tallest Ferris wheel in the world and it has become the UK's most popular paid tourist attraction, boasting more than 3 million visitors per year. A trip on the London Eye will certainly provide the visitor with a memory of a lifetime, gazing down from above and admiring the lively and innovative city of London.
