Paris has the Eiffel Tower, New York gets the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building, but in London, you’ll find even more landmarks, from Tower Bridge and Big Ben to the Gherkin and the Shard. Like any global city, London sets itself apart with iconic buildings that recall its history and show its innovative nature. It can be tough to check off all the sights on your list when traveling to London. Start by renting an apartment near a London landmark, and you’ll be much closer to all the must-see sites.
Saint Paul’s Cathedral
In London’s illustrious architectural history, one man stands out for his work in reshaping the city through stunning buildings. Christopher Wren is most famous for designing St. Paul’s Cathedral. His renowned work on buildings ranging from the libraries of Cambridge to Kensington Palace (another landmark on our list) reached all the way across the Atlantic. The U.S. Capitol Building and other American landmarks drew inspiration from Wren. The cathedral’s central location by the Thames in the City of London makes it a great focal point for a London trip; all you need is a furnished apartment.
Furnished vacation rentals like our two-bedroom flat in Southwark let you experience London like a local. This apartment includes luxuries such as a king-size bed, a marble bathroom, and stunning views of the surrounding area on the south bank of the River Thames. There’s even a wraparound balcony; your own slice of the skyline!
Trafalgar Square
Another picture-perfect London monument sits in Trafalgar Square, a buzzing intersection just up the street from Westminster. Nelson’s Column, standing more than 160 feet (50m) above the square, commemorates one of Britain’s most well-known naval heroes who died in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The pillar serves as a convenient meeting place in Central London and represents the city.
On one side of Trafalgar Square is Covent Garden, a neighborhood of the West End that’s high-energy and charming at the same time. It’s there that you’ll find this furnished one-bedroom complete with a full kitchen, flat-screen TV, and internet access. With Saint James’ Park right around the corner, you can also fit some greenery into your London visit.
Tower of London
You can stroll along the Thames and see some of the city’s greatest sights when you stay in this City of London furnished vacation rental. The flat has all the comforts of home and more: air conditioning, wifi internet, a full kitchen, and a washer/dryer! Venture outside and you’ll find places filled with history, like St. Paul’s Cathedral and Leadenhall Market, as well as modern shops and conveniences.
Kensington Palace
While it may share the same architect as St. Paul’s Cathedral, Kensington Palace has a bit more royal flair. The palace is next to Hyde Park and features extensive gardens that are open to the public. The surrounding areas of Notting Hill and South Kensington are famously posh, home to members of Parliament and celebrities, as well as vibrant local communities. You can stay just blocks from the palace in the heart of Notting Hill in this one-bedroom vacation rental. Between the full kitchen and balcony, you’ll be all set to have a nice dinner at home if you don’t feel like dining out in the neighborhood.
Harrods Department Store
London is a great city for shopping because of its legendary department stores. Chief among them is Harrods, a palatial retailer selling everything from Cadbury chocolates to velvet robes. Even if you don’t have any more space in your suitcase, it’s worth a stroll for the London shopping experience.
Just down the street from Harrods (and even closer to Hyde Park) you’ll find our three-bedroom Knightsbridge vacation rental. The duplex layout offers lots of premium London space as well as charming French windows and sloped ceilings. The kitchen’s full oven, dishwasher, and washing machine will supply you with everything you need.
Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace
If there’s one landmark that stands above the rest, it’s Big Ben– and not just because of the clock tower’s height. Big Ben is located right on the Thames and attached to the Houses of Parliament; a handy symbol for London and the United Kingdom as a whole. Some other major sights in the capital’s political life, like Westminster Abbey and the Queen’s residence at Buckingham Palace, are right nearby and great for a whirlwind tour!
This one-bedroom vacation rental provides great access to Westminster, as it’s connected to all three of the aformentioned landmarks by short avenues. The fresh, modern feel of the living room contrasts with the city’s buzz outside and is the perfect place to relax by the flat-screen TV. Whether you’re cooking at home or just coming home to sleep after a night on the town, it’ll do the trick.
The Ritz, Piccadilly Circus
The closest thing London has to New York’s Times Square is Piccadilly Circus. Between the glowing advertisements and massive pedestrian crowds, the energy of the square is a far cry from the city’s quiet areas. It’s also home to major landmarks like the Ritz, London’s most famous hotel. The Ritz is a great spot for a tea break while you’re staying elsewhere, like at our two-bedroom vacation rental in Mayfair that’s a few blocks from Piccadilly Circus and close to the greenery of Hyde Park. The flat has all the essentials–a real kitchen, a spacious living room, and comfy bedrooms–on top of its central location.
Madame Tussaud’s, Regents Park, Lords Cricket Ground
Madame Tussaud’s Wax Figure Museum offers likenesses of celebrities, politicians, and favorite movie characters, and is synonymous with London tourism and known throughout the world. Nearby are two of London’s unique green spaces, Regent’s Park (one of the Royal Parks of London) and the Lords Cricket Ground, where British aristocrats and commoners alike have long played the UK’s oddest sport. If you’re looking to stay in the area, consider our furnished studio in hip Camden Town. It has all the essentials and a roof deck that looks out over the trendy bars of the neighborhood.
The British Museum
Some of the UK’s greatest treasures, including the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles, are held in London at the British Museum. Beyond the famous items in the collection, you’ll also find extensive records of human life and culture from ancient times to today. It’s also a great meeting place in Bloomsbury, a Central London neighborhood. Along with neighboring Mayfair, the area is known for its upscale shops, embassies, and five-star hotels. Stay in this posh neighborhood without breaking the bank by checking out this two-bedroom vacation rental. Classy touches like the fireplace, a bay window, and hardwood floors mix with a full array of furnishings for your comfort.
From the waters of the Serpentine in Hyde Park to the heights of Big Ben, London is full of landmarks. Our furnished apartments are a great way to get to know them!
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