Big Ben is definitely THE London landmark and it's impossible to visit London without seeing it. The tower is actually officially named the Elizabeth Tower. The name was changed in 2012 when the UK celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II (that means it was the 60th anniversary of her inauguration as Queen) It's easy to find. Just hop off the Tube at Westminster Station, and as soon as you come up the stairs, Big Ben will be there. Walk across the Westminster Bridge to get a great view and photo op of the Houses of Parliament alongside Big Ben and the River Thames (pronounced "tims")
Just around the corner from Big Ben is the famous Westminster Abbey. Founded in 960, this is one big old church! It costs a whopping 20£ to go inside and look around so it's probably better to just appreciate its grand architecture from outside. This is where the monarchy hold their coronations, Diana's funeral was there, and Kate and Will's got married there. Jess and I were between Westminster Abbey and Hitchin Priory for our wedding, but Hitchin Priory gave us a better deal on the reception site…
To get to Westminster from Big Ben, just go straight on Bridge St. until you come to Parliament Square. Here, you'll see many statues of awesome people like Churchill, Abe Lincoln, Gandhi, and Nelson Mandela. Westminster Abbey is visible from the green space of Parliament Square, just behind the smaller, St. Margaret's Church.
Walking away from Westminster Abbey, back across Parliament Square, you'll find Parliament Street straight ahead. Continue down this street to get to Trafalgar Square. About halfway down, take a moment to pause at Downing Street and try to catch a glimpse of David Cameron, the Prime Minister, coming out of his house. Also in this area is a memorial to the Women of World War II. At the end of the street you'll come into Trafalgar Square. This large public space is home to the National Gallery, two large fountains, and Nelson's Column surrounded by four massive lion statues…climb on top of one for some good fun. Who is Nelson? Just some badass Naval Officer from the 1700s. There is also the Fourth Plinth, which hosts contemporary art.
If you want to check out one of the greatest collections of paintings in the world, go to the National Gallery...it's free!
From the roundabout at Trafalgar Square, go through the Admiralty Arch and walk along The Mall. On the left hand side is St. James Park, which is probably a nicer way to approach the palace. Buckingham Palace became the official palace of the monarchy in 1837 when Queen Victoria ascended to the throne. These days, Queen Elizabeth spends most of her time at Windsor Castle just outside London; you would too if there were so many French tourists outside your gates. Unfortunately, the States rooms will be closed to visitors around time of wedding, but you should still go try to catch the changing of the guard and laugh at the funny hats. It takes place at 11:15 everyday.
Talk about a cool place to come up from the Tube. No monkeys or trapeze artists at this Circus, it's essentially just a road junction. There are large, Times Square-esque neon signs, a statue of Eros (the Greek god of love), and the Criterion Theatre. If you walk down Piccadilly Street a ways, there is a great Waterstone's bookstore on the left hand side.
The London is a humongous Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames. It is the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe and used to be the tallest observation point in London until The Shard was built. It's not cheap, but it is a must-do if this is your first time to visit London. Tickets range from 19£ to 37£. You can also pay 29£ for the "champagne experience" and ride in a less crowded capsule and sip on a nice glass of champagne. The whole ride lasts 30 minutes and there are fantastic views of Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, central London, the Shard, and if the weather is clear – out to the large parks and neighbourhoods in other parts of the city.