What are the top 5 sights I can't miss in London?

Great answers so far and I also like the British Museum and the Tower of London but my favorite thing is Electric Cinema. This is much more than just a cinema showing movies: you sit in leather armchairs with footstools and side tables or in 2-seater sofas at the rear of the theatre or lay down in the six double beds in the front row. Snuggle up under a cashmere blanket with something from the bar (food/ice cream/cake/cocktails) in this beautiful room! See prices and what's showing here.

Hey Julia! I lived near The Regent's Park for two years which is a lovely place to run, catch up with friends, read and watch squirrels/swans! If you cross a bridge over the canal to another section of the park, there is a wonderful view of central London from the top of Primrose Hill I have fond memories of sitting admiring the view either alone or with loved ones and friends. It's great because you can feel like you are in the city, without being surrounded by lots of people and loud noises! This hill is about a 10 minute walk from Camden Town which is also a must-see! Happy travels :)

I'd take the time to climb up to the roof of Saint Paul's Cathedral. It's an incredible building, even if you stay inside (the walkway around the inside of the dome is called the Whispering Gallery) but you can also walk outside the dome, and see a great view over London. 

My suggestion would be the London Eye at dusk as you get to see (weather permitting !) many landmarks and the bonus of the same all lit up.

Online booking saves money and hassle as it gets you ahead of the huge summertime ticket queues.

The free 4D show is a must see ( especially for the kids)

Expensive but worthwhile experience.

I grew up playing tennis, so I am a sucker for All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club.  Along with the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum, it is an amazing experience.  A temple to tennis.  The British Museum is especially close to my heart because I remember growing up being fascinated with many of the items, and cultures, they have on display.  From the Rosetta Stone, to Easter Island Maori Statues, to well preserved friezes of the Parthenon, to fascinating Egyptian mummies.  The museum is home to some incredibly historical artifacts.   

I agree about Covent Garden, I think it encapsulates London perfectly. The chilled out hippy vibe, the independant shops, the variety of people, the fantastic performers singing excepts of famous musicals. I love people watching here, especially at breakfast time during the week when everyone is on their way to work. Leicester Square is good at night, especially if there is a film premier on, and the street food in Chinatown is fantastic.

Covent Garden is lovely in the evening (especially in the winter, there is a really nice cookie place Millies Cookies there, i would reccomend!) And Tower Hill is also really nice with a view of Tower Bridge, The shard and London Bridge!
And in Greenwich they have the Emirates Air Line Greenwich Peninsula Terminal (Emirates Air line cable car thing that goes across the Thames, with a pretty view!).
And you can do walks across the top of The O2 (the old millenium dome!) which again is quite cool

Hope these have given you some ideas!

Hi Julia, 

According to me, visiting London does not consist in seeing places in particular ; but walking in the streets of the different neighborhoods, to enjoy the special spirit of this amazing city. You should visit Notting Hill, Covent Garden, Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus Travel Information Centre, the River Thames, Kensington and so on. 

If you're looking for a place in particular, I would answer the Tate Modern museum. And especially the view from the bar! 

Enjoy London!!! 

Vic

I totally second the The British Museum. It's one of the most amazing places I've ever been in my life--the rooms dedicated to the Enlightenment and displays upstairs of "hoards" of found treasure are just unbelievable. 

If I had to choose something after that it would definitely be the Tower Of London. If you're into British history it's beyond amazing. I've been there a couple of times and I can never fully absorb where I am. Just be sure to schedule a full day around it because it's big and expensive and takes at least a day to take in. 

The The British Museum of course, Notting Hill, Kensington, Knightsbridge, Hyde Park, a walk along the Thames from the London Eye to the Tower Bridge, Soho, and all the little squares and semi-private gardens all around the city.

Hi!

Beyond the many beautiful places to visit in London, I recommend you to go at night to the south bank of the River Thames. On your right hand side you will see the extravagant figure of the City Hall next to Tower Bridge.

Step a photo is taken by me.

Good trip!

Damian.

Hi Julia, 

I would definitively advise you to go to Camden Town, have a walk in the huge flea market and enjoy a multicultural lunch (there is a food market with a lot of countries represented there). 

Enjoy your stay in London ;)

I absolutely love taking a boat ride down the Thames. It's a great way to see the city!! There are a number of different tour operators, some who take you farther inland than others. At night, it's amazingly lovely to go all the way down to the Albert Bridge which is usually lit up very prettily. 

I absolutely love living in London because of all the wonderful, unique areas for people to experience. It's hard choosing just one but out of all the places in London to visit, you cannot miss seeing the Covent Garden, Greenwich Market, Borough Market, Westminster Abbey and although super touristy, the London Eye is beautiful!

Premier Inn London County Hall Hotel, Comfort Inn Buckingham Palace Road, The Bloomsbury Hotel

A trip to Greenwich Market Area if time allows. Very easy to reach on the overground. So many great pubs, museums and a fantastic market. 

Borough Market is an amazing and beautiful market. Abbey Road if you're a Beatles fan. National Portrait Gallery is an amazing museum. London Eye is classic. The Orangery Restaurant for tea.

Albert Bridge in the evening, prettiest bridge in London when it's all lit up, heavily featured in many films about London. Just a short walk from the Chelsea Physic Garden and the Royal Hospital Chelsea Museum , finish it off with a  meal at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay for a truly perfect evening. 

The theater! I found inexpensive tickets at http://www.londontheatre.co.uk/tickets/specialofferstickets.html 

Take a hop-on-hop-off bus and sit on the top level for a whole circle listening to the tour. We used Big Bus, but I think they're all pretty much the same. 

Walk around the bridges - tower bridge, London bridge, millennium, black friar's, Westminster, etc - you'll see great views and most of the best sites.  

Notting Hill was a huge surprise - great food and entertainment, good place to shop for souvenirs, awesome local flavor 

On our last visit to London, we took the train for some day trips - the Cliffs of Dover and Stonehenge were my favorites! 

If you love Harry Potter, you can't miss the studio tour.