London is one of our most favorite cities. We've been here twice, and hopefully we get to visit again soon. First of all, it's our favorite because of its people. They're very polite, welcoming, and always helpful. Despite the fact that it's a little expensive, I feel that everything in the city is organized and in the right place.

There's also a sense of calmness in the city and I'm not sure why. We really love their transportation system too, also known as the Tube or the Underground. With this, it's so convenient and easy to get around because there are stations everywhere ... and I mean everywhere. If you go, below are the places I recommend you see. These are some of the most famous icons in the city.

1. Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guards

This palace is the residence and workplace of the United Kingdom Royal family. It’s also the place where official state occasions are held. When you visit, you can tour the lavish state rooms or watch the changing of the guards that occurs at 11:15am-12:00pm every other day, unless otherwise announced. Don’t forget to check the schedule online before you go as there are cancellations at times due to wet weather.

Address: London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom
Website: https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/the-state-rooms-buckingham-palace

2. The London Eye

This is a very fun way to experience London with 360 degree views. If you want your own private capsule, you can rent it for just an additional fee. You can even choose to dine inside by combining a selection of drinks and food provided by their team. I wasn’t very lucky to ride the capsules and see the view from above, but I heard really good reviews about it from my friends so I thought I would recommend it. As for me and my husband, we enjoyed the view from below at a small park just behind it. It was a pretty magical scene at night.

Address: London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom
Website: https://www.londoneye.com/

3. Big Ben

The name Big Ben is a nickname that actually refers to the Great Bell in the Elizabeth Tower built at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. It was completed in 1858 and is the second largest four-faced chiming clock in the world. We first saw Big Ben very early in the morning at sunrise. Me and my husband took the tube and exitted at the Westminster station. As we were climbing the stairs from the underground, we saw the statue of Boudica on a horse drawn chariot against the backdrop of the whole Parliament Building and clock tower, Big Ben. It was amazing! Your visit would not be complete if you don’t see this grand landmark. It is especially beautiful at night for photography enthusiasts because the whole place is lit up.

Address: Westminster, London SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom
Website: http://www.parliament.uk/bigben

4. Tower Bridge

Remember that English rhyme “London Bridge is Falling Down”? Well this famous rhyme does not refer to the Tower Bridge, although it is easily mistaken for it. This is because the London Bridge and the Tower Bridge are situated close to each other and they both serve as crossings of the River Thames. The Tower Bridge was opened in 1894 and has a Victorian themed architecture and is more beautiful than the other. It’s built with two Neo-Gothic towers with huge grey stones. It even has a covered walkway atop the bridge with a glass floor allowing you to see the traffic down below. If you’re lucky, you can even catch a glimpse of the bridge lifting below your feet. This is one of the most famous symbols of London that is recognizable worldwide.

Address: Tower Bridge Exhibition, Tower Bridge Road,London, SE1
Website: http://www.towerbridge.org.uk/

5. Westminster Abbey

This abbey is considered one of the greatest churches in world. It is most famous for the historical British Royal weddings and Royal coronations that were held here. A number of monarchs and significant people in the UK's history are also buried in the abbey. The architecture, inside and out, is worth seeing. There are normally long lines to get inside so plan your trip well, or better yet, go in the early morning before the heavy crowd starts pouring in.

Address: 20 Deans Yd, London SW1P 3PA, United Kingdom
Website: http://www.westminster-abbey.org/