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Palace of Westminster in London

London is home to four UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites, which are among its most popular attractions:

1. The Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret's Church

The Palace of Westminster is home to the UK's two Houses of the Parliament: the House of Lords and the House of Commons. It is located on the River Thames' north bank, near other government buildings.

Located in Westminster in London, Westminster Abbey is the original name of The Collegiate Church of St Peter at Westminster, a former cathedral (1546 - 1556) where English monarchs are crowned and buried.

Founded in 616 A.D., the site was built after a fisherman reportedly saw a vision of St. Peter. King Edward the Confessor was the first English monarch buried there in 1066. Founded in the 12th century, St. Margaret's Church is located within Westminster Abbey and was originally built to provide residents in the area with their own simpler parish church. In 1614, the Houses of Parliament adopted the St. Margaret's Church as its parish church.

2. Tower of London

Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Tower of London is known simply as The Tower and formally as Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress. The Tower actually consists of several buildings that lie within a moat and a defensive wall. It served as a royal palace, fortress, torture chamber and prison (hence, the phrase "sent to the tower" for someone imprisoned). It is also where the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom have been kept since 1303.

The Tower is a popular historical monument among tourists. Meanwhile, the guards who watch over the Tower, known as the Yeomen Warders or Beefeaters, have also become popular among tourists in their own right. Tourists like to watch their Ceremony of the Keys at the end of the day.

3. Greenwich

Located in South-East London, this historic settlement has a rich maritime history and was the site of a royal palace during the 13th century and the birthplace of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. It became a popular resort during the 17th century when many of its grand houses were built, including the Vanbrugh Castle.

Sir Christopher Wren later rebuilt the palace as the Royal Naval Hospital for Sailors. The building is now the National Maritime Museum.

4. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Located in Southwest London, these extensive gardens were built by Lord Capel of Tewkesbury during the 18th century. The gardens are housed in huge glasshouses which today function as a leading botanical research center.

Aside from the gardens, the site also features a library, herbarium, conservatories and, in winter, an ice rink. Aside from these World Heritage Sites, the most popular tourist attractions in London include the following:

Buckingham Palace: The official home of the Queen, this royal palace is open to visitors during summer and a must-see any time of year. Catch the changing of the guard every day at 11:30 a.m. From July 31 to September 29, 2008, 19 State Rooms will be open to the public while the Queen resides at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. Tourists are advised to book their tickets in advance.

St. James Park: An ideal place for picnics and romantic strolls, the park is the site of the famous Peter Pan statue. St James' Park Charming and romantic, is London’s oldest Royal Park and is ideal for picnics and strolling around. They feature the famous statue of Peter Pan, complete with bronze rabbits that children are always trying to take.

Trafalgar Square: Considered by many to be the center of London, the square is adjacent to the National Gallery. Its center is known as Nelson's Column, where four huge bronze lions stand guard.

The London Eye: There’s no better place for a breath-taking view of London than The London Eye, the third largest observation wheel in the world.