Somerset House, featuring four wings that encircle a spacious courtyard reminiscent of a Parisian hôtel, stands as the final remnant of the grand riverside mansions that once graced the Strand. While its appearance may suggest an ancient aristocratic palace, this edifice was actually purpose-built in 1776 by William Chambers to accommodate government offices, including the Navy Office.

Today, Somerset House's courtyard, paved with granite, offers a delightful retreat, thanks to a 55-jet fountain that gracefully spurts water from the cobblestones, performing a syncopated dance every half-hour (daily from 10am to 11pm). Throughout the year, the courtyard buzzes with activity, hosting open-air performances, concerts, installations, and during the winter season, an ice rink.

Inside, the building unfolds into a labyrinth of corridors, staircases, and exhibition spaces, housing several cafés and restaurants. The northern wing is home to the Courtauld Gallery, renowned for its exceptional collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. Meanwhile, the southern wing boasts a charming riverside terrace with a café-restaurant, and at riverbank level, you'll find the Embankment Galleries, showcasing innovative special exhibitions on contemporary art and design.

The east and west wings also contain galleries where temporary exhibitions spanning various visual arts, from sculpture to photography, are regularly presented throughout most of the year, often with free admission.

Waterloo Bridge, named in commemoration of the British triumph at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, marks the eastern boundary of the Southbank Centre and is renowned for more than just its stunning sunsets. During the Second World War, it was predominantly constructed by women, and in 1978, it gained notoriety as the site of the assassination of Bulgarian dissident Georgi Markov, who fell victim to a ricin-loaded umbrella. On clear evenings, it's a common sight to encounter a lineup of both professional and amateur photographers along its length. This vantage point offers a 360-degree vista of the London skyline, providing fantastic photographic opportunities in both daylight and nighttime settings.

For a particularly romantic perspective of London, stand at the midpoint between the north and south banks of the Thames on the bridge. Facing east, you'll behold the magnificent Saint Paul's Cathedral and the graceful neoclassical facades of Somerset House, along with contemporary landmarks such as the distinctive "Gherkin" skyscraper on the north side and the towering Shard pyramid to the south. Gazing westward, you'll spot the iconic Victorian Gothic towers of the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament) and Big Ben on the north bank, as well as the Edwardian elegance of The Savoy hotel and the National Liberal Club. You'll also catch a glimpse of Westminster Abbey. Turning your attention to the south bank, your eyes will be drawn to the London Eye's wheel and the striking Southbank Centre with its Brutalist architecture. If timed right, you may witness the sunset that inspired the Kinks' famous song.

Tip:
Should you find yourself in London during a full moonlit night, take the opportunity to spend an hour on this bridge after sunset and indulge in the awe-inspiring vistas!

These four cinemas, managed by the British Film Institute, boast the finest selection of programming in London and effectively serve as a national film hub. They showcase over 1,000 films annually, featuring art-house and foreign-language premieres, restored classics and silent films, experimental and niche-interest works, as well as short films, all prioritized over recent Hollywood blockbusters.

Additionally, this center houses a gallery, a bookshop, hosts various events, and offers a "mediatheque" where visitors can freely access films and television content from the National Archive (closed on Mondays). For dining options, the Riverfront Bar and Kitchen provides a scenic setting, while the BFI Bar offers a casual and lively atmosphere.

Situated beneath the southern end of Waterloo Bridge, this establishment is an integral part of the cultural complex along the South Bank of the River Thames. It serves as one of the venues for the renowned BFI London Film Festival and hosts a variety of minifestivals, seminars, and guest speaker events throughout the year.

This enormous Ferris wheel, towering above London and situated across from Big Ben, ranks among the world's tallest observation wheels and serves as London's equivalent to the Eiffel Tower; a captivating sight, whether you choose to take a ride or simply admire from afar. Its design resembles that of a colossal bicycle wheel and represents a collaborative effort from across Europe, featuring British steel and Dutch engineering, along with mechanical components from German, French, Czech and Italian sources. Remarkably eco-friendly, it operates with exceptional efficiency and near-silence.

Each of its 32 air-conditioned capsules, representing London's boroughs, accommodates up to 28 people for a 30-minute rotation (one full circuit). From the pinnacle of this 443-foot-high wheel—the city's second-highest public vantage point—even Big Ben appears small.

Originally constructed to celebrate the new millennium, the London Eye has since become a permanent fixture on the city's skyline, inspiring numerous other cities to construct their own observation wheels.

Why You Should Visit:
Excellent means to gain a broader perspective of the city, particularly if it's your first visit. You'll revel in great vistas, with the Shard and London Bridge on one side, and Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster on the other, and you can choose to either stand or sit.

Tip:
The same company operates the other two attractions within the same complex, Madame Tussauds Waxworks and the London Dungeon. If you anticipate visiting more than one of these, consider purchasing a combo-ticket to save money. Booking online in advance is always more cost-effective—and it saves you time by allowing you to skip the regular line and proceed directly to the ticket holders' line.

Westminster Bridge faced staunch opposition from the Church, the City, and the watermen when it was initially proposed due to concerns about potential losses in ferry traffic and trade. However, upon its completion, the bridge, featuring fifteen semi-circular arches, was hailed as a remarkable achievement, marking the first stone bridge to span the Thames in 500 years. Numerous artists, including Samuel Scott, Canaletto, and Claude Monet, found inspiration in the Old Westminster Bridge and depicted it in their works.

In 1831, the dilapidated old London Bridge was demolished, leading to increased water flow that resulted in erosion, undermining the foundations of Westminster Bridge's piers. In response, a Parliamentary Act was passed in 1853, transferring ownership of the bridge to the Commissioners of Public Works and permitting the construction of a new bridge. Thomas Page, the Commission's engineer, was tasked with its design. To ensure harmony with Sir Charles Barry's new Houses of Parliament, built after a fire in 1834, Barry was enlisted as an architectural consultant. The new bridge was inaugurated on Queen Victoria's 43rd birthday, May 24, 1862, accompanied by a 25-gun salute to commemorate her 25 years on the throne.

Measuring 827 feet (250 meters) in length and featuring seven elliptical cast-iron arches with abutments made of gray granite, Westminster Bridge boasts the highest number of arches among all Thames bridges. The Gothic revival ornamentation on the cast-iron parapets and spandrels was crafted according to Barry's designs. The bridge's verdant green paint pays homage to the leather seats in the House of Commons, the nearest part of the Palace of Westminster to the bridge. Decorative ironwork showcases symbols of parliament and the United Kingdom, including a portcullis, the cross of Saint George, a thistle, a shield, and a rose.

Why You Should Visit:
What truly sets this bridge apart are the breathtaking views it offers. The Palace of Westminster, the London Eye, County Hall, and the majestic Thames itself create a magnificent backdrop. The vistas to the north, east, and south are all exceptionally stunning.

Famously recognized as Big Ben, this iconic tower stands as a prominent feature of the London skyline. At its pinnacle lies a four-faced Great Clock with a set of five bells, the largest of them bearing the name Big Ben, which is not attributed to the tower itself. Astonishingly, this mighty bell weighs no less than 15 tonnes! It resounds with a resounding toll every hour, while the smaller bells chime every quarter past.

Prior to 2012, the tower bore the official title of the Clock Tower but was subsequently renamed the Elizabeth Tower in honor of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. The origins of the name Big Ben remain a subject of debate. Some believe it is linked to Benjamin Hall, the overseer of the bell's installation, while others suggest a connection to Benjamin Caunt, a heavyweight boxing champion of the era. In any case, Big Ben holds a significant place as a cultural icon, and its Victorian mechanism provides precise timekeeping for all of Britain, including the members of Parliament who occupy the nearby Westminster Palace.

Also known as the Houses of Parliament, this palace serves as the home to the House of Lords and the House of Commons. Ironically, following the destruction of the Old Westminster Palace in a fire in 1834, there was a proposal to relocate the British Parliament to Buckingham Palace, which was suggested by King William IV. However, the proposal was ultimately rejected, as Members of Parliament found Buckingham Palace unsuitable for their purposes, sticking with the good old Westminster instead.

Today, the House of Commons frequently captures headlines, with its sessions drawing significant attention, especially during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesdays. Both the Commons and the Lords offer regular access to visitors, with public viewing galleries available. To attend Parliament sessions, one can either request a free ticket from their Member of Parliament or join a live queue outside, which is often a simpler option. There's tight "airport-style" security at the entrance, including baggage scanning and inspection of visitors' shoes, belts, and metallic items. It's not as time-consuming as at the airport, though.

Tip:
If politics isn't one of your prime interests and your only care for Westminster for its architectural splendor, you may simply take a memorable photo of Big Ben and Houses of Parliament from a distance, at the nearby Westminster Bridge some 500 yards away.

10 Downing Street, or simply "Number 10", serves as both the official residence and workplace of the British Prime Minister, making it the UK's premier address for nearly three centuries. Originally three separate houses, the building now boasts over 100 rooms, with the Prime Minister's family occupying a private residence on the third floor and their kitchen situated in the basement. The remaining floors house offices, as well as numerous conference and reception rooms. The property features an interior courtyard and, at the rear, a terrace overlooking a spacious half-acre garden. The Cabinet Room is isolated from the rest of the building by soundproof doors.

Contrary to popular belief, the famous black front door is constructed from reinforced steel rather than wood. This door lacks a keyhole and can only be opened from the inside, which is why a doorman is always on duty. Speaking of that, the phrase "In the hot seat" originates from Downing Street. The entrance hall of Number 10 contains a large black chair, originally used by the night watchman. Underneath this chair is a drawer that, back in the day, was filled with hot coals to keep the watchman warm during cold nighttime hours. Other iconic features, including the lamp above the door, the lion door knocker, and the black and white flooring in the entrance hall, were added during the premiership of Lord Frederick North between 1770 and 1782.

Like many London properties, Downing Street suffered damage during World War II. On October 14, 1940, a bomb struck nearby, causing damage to the kitchen and state rooms. In 1991, another attack occurred when the IRA launched a mortar attack, resulting in further damage to the premises. A reminder of this attack is a splinter lodged in the upstairs plasterwork, left untouched.

The walls of the Grand Staircase are lined with portraits of every British Prime Minister in chronological order. During Tony Blair's tenure as Prime Minister, he had six plaster bees installed in the window frames of one of the upstairs drawing rooms. Under Mrs. Thatcher, a miniature roof was incorporated into one of the door frames. Regrettably, none of these areas are accessible to the general public, as entry to Number 10 is strictly prohibited for security reasons, with access only granted to staff and authorized personnel.

***HARRY POTTER MOVIE***
Contrary to what most folks usually think of as just the British Prime Minister's home and office, 10 Downing Street also serves as a secret link between the wizarding and muggle worlds, as mentioned in the first chapter of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince". Through this portal, the UK's leader can sometimes have a chat with the Minister for Magic.

It's also where the wizard Kingsley Shacklebolt works undercover, guarding the Prime Minister against the dark magical forces led by Lord Voldemort. Seems like there's more to this place than you'd expect...

Tip:
Best enjoyed as part of a broader exploration of Whitehall and Westminster as a whole.

Back in the late 19th century, this historic former headquarters of London's Metropolitan Police gained fame thanks to the iconic fictional detective Sherlock Holmes, but more recently, it's also made its way into the Harry Potter series. Right next to Westminster Station, you'll find the Great Scotland Yard, which served as the exterior for the Ministry of Magic, while its back entrance was cleverly transformed into the Ministry's Visitor's Entrance.

Fans of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" will surely remember the corner of Scotland Place with the red phone booth. That's where the characters dialed the magical 62442 combination to enter the Ministry. Sadly, you can't recreate that moment because the phone booth was just a movie prop brought in for filming and taken away once they were done.

Scotland Place had another cameo in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1" when Harry, Hermione, and Ron sneaked into the Ministry of Magic, pretending to be its employees.

Trafalgar Square holds the distinguished title of being the foremost square in Britain, making it the closest you can get to the heart of London. Interestingly, Charing Cross, a small traffic island situated to the south of the square, is the official reference point from which all distances to London are measured. Speaking of measurements, Trafalgar is also home to the Imperial Standard measures that were utilized in the UK prior to 1965, encompassing units like inches, feet, yards, links, chains, perches, and poles. These measures were originally installed in the northern terrace wall in 1876 but were relocated behind the cafe and arranged along the steps in 2003, coinciding with the conversion of the north side of the square into a pedestrian area.

The name "Trafalgar Square" pays homage to Admiral Lord Nelson, who met his fate on October 21, 1805, at the Battle of Trafalgar. This historic naval battle was part of the Napoleonic Wars and witnessed the British, led by Admiral Nelson, taking on the combined French and Spanish fleet. The Royal Navy achieved a resounding victory, regarded as its greatest triumph in history. In commemoration of this event, the name "Trafalgar Square" was officially bestowed in 1835.

Eight years later, another tribute to Lord Nelson emerged in the form of Nelson's Column, which was erected at the square's center. Constructed from Devon granite, the column featured four bronze reliefs at its base, illustrating Nelson's most renowned battles: Saint Vincent, Copenhagen, The Nile, and Trafalgar. In 1868, four guardian lions were added at its foot, replacing the original stone ones, which were considered inadequate. Sculpted by Edwin Landseer, these bronze statues were crafted with remarkable anatomical precision, although a notable error was made in depicting the concave back of a lying lion, contrary to reality.

Lord Nelson stands amidst cascading fountains, bustling crowds, and, until recently, a multitude of pigeons. A previous London mayor deemed the city's "winged rodents" a public annoyance and consequently removed the long-standing bird-feed vendors from the square.

Why You Should Visit:
Great place to unwind in the evening, surrounded by the charm of traditional London buildings.

Tip:
Sit on the steps as the sun sets, absorbing the sounds of London...
...or use Trafalgar Square as a starting point for exploring London's attractions.

As its name implies, the Strand, originally constructed to connect Westminster to the City, once traced the riverside of the River Thames. Starting in the 12th century, it gained renown for its riverside residences, possessed by bishops, nobles, and courtiers, which lined the southern side of the street. Each of these grand homes had its own river gates that opened directly onto the Thames.

In the late 1860s, during the Victorian era, the Embankment was constructed. This project had several purposes, including easing traffic congestion along the Strand, severing the aristocratic mansions from direct river access, and providing extensions for the underground railway and a modern sewerage system. By the 1890s, the luxurious mansions on the Strand were increasingly outnumbered by theaters, giving rise to the famous music-hall song "Let's All Go Down the Strand (have a banana!)" and prompting Benjamin Disraeli to proclaim it "perhaps the finest street in Europe."

A century later, while several theaters from various eras still thrive, such as the sleek Art Deco Adelphi and the ornate Lyceum, the only surviving riverside palace along the Strand is Somerset House, which now houses galleries and exhibition spaces, a variety of restaurants and cafes, and boasts a delightful courtyard adorned with fountains.