7 London Attractions You Can't Afford to Miss

Whether you're a veteran visitor to Great Britain or a first-time trooper exploring the city, London offers a wealth of attractions and hotspots to make any trip completely unique. With world-class entertainment, shopping, restaurants, and dozens of seasonal activities at your fingertips, there's no shortage of interesting sights and sounds to take in. If you're looking for a place to start on your venture, here are just seven of London's best attractions you don't want to miss:

1. London Eye Flight. This has become one of the world's most popular attractions since it's completion in Spring 2005. It's the only way to catch a panoramic view of London without taking a helicopter or airplane--on a clear day, you can see over 25 miles of the city and day or night, it's a photograph-worthy trip you'll remember for a lifetime.

2. Tower of London. Enjoy one of London's most amazing history lessons as you learn about Sir Walter Raleigh and walk through the Bloody Tower yourself. The guided tour here is the best way to take it all in; you'll hear about royal history, the Norman Conquest of 1066, and learn the secrets of the Jewel Tower. The Tower of London brings in over 2 million visitors each year, and you can easily spend one or two days just exploring.

3. London Aquarium. Nature lovers and fish enthusiasts can explore the London Aquarium, a giant collection of stingrays, sharks, trout, and even piranhas. You can watch divers working underwater from afar, and get an eyeful of exotic fish and collections in dozens of viewing tanks.

4. Tower Bridge Exhibition. Second to the London Eye, this is one of the best places to catch the London air and take in some of the best views of the Thames and central London. You can look out towards the Docklands from the East Walkway, or climb up towards the towers for a quick tour of the lifts and inner workings of this London classic. The exhibition features interactive models, displays, and plenty of history lessons to absorb.

5. Buckingham Palace. No trip to London is complete without a visit to Buckingham Palace, and you can enjoy the lifestyle of the Royal Family by proxy with a walk through the lush gardens, a tour of the State Rooms, and a trip to the Ball Supper Room for a real taste of the high life. Be sure to catch the world-famous Royal Collection while you're there, and enjoy a picnic in the beautiful gardens for a truly royal day.

6. Madame Tussauds. The world-famous wax museum offers plenty of fun for the whole family, with replicas of stars, entertainers, and historical figures throughout the studio. The Stardome right next to it is the place to catch an animated show presented by the makers of Wallace & Gromit.

7. St. Paul's Cathedral. This is another place to brush up on English history, the spot to learn about the world of Sir Winston Churchill dozens of famous services. It's one of Great Britain's architectural masterpieces, and you'll find a range of galleries and yet another opportunity to take in the view with a trip to the top of the dome.

A little planning goes a long way on your London vacation, and it can definitely help you take in all that best that London has to offer. From exploring the London Aquarium to taking a trip to the London Eye for a bird's eye view of the beautiful city, get started with any of these leading attractions!