VIBE

This is a tourist’s mecca. The Abbey is crowded, and you must follow the tourist flow. In spite of all its painful, touristy aspects, Westminster Abbey is an historical part of London with legendary tombs of royal personages as well as Britain’s finest artists. The Abbey’s history has seen countless royal weddings (yes, we’re looking at you, Will and Kate), coronations, births, and deaths. Gorgeous architectural aspects (stained glass, Cosmati floors, monumental brasses) combined with its history make this destination unrivaled in London.

GO HERE WITH

Other first-timers to London

WHY WE LIKE IT

The Abbey imparts upon the visitor a sense of British history; you can’t beat it in terms of all that it represents. Stroll among the tombs and shrines dedicated to not only royals but also Charles Dickens, William Shakespeare, Sir Isaac Newton, et al.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The throngs and throngs of tourists.

GOOD TO KNOW

Entry includes a free audio guide. This UNESCO Heritage Site is the traditional place of coronation and burial site for English/British monarchs of the Commonwealth Realms.

CLOSEST COMPS

St. Paul’s Cathedral (London); Tower of London (London)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to London