Iconic London Buildings: Landmarks That Define the City

When you think of London, you don’t just picture streets and parks—you picture iconic London buildings, structures that have shaped the city’s identity for centuries and continue to draw millions of visitors every year. Also known as London landmarks, these buildings aren’t just stone and steel—they’re symbols of power, art, and survival through war, fire, and time. From the Gothic spires of Westminster Abbey to the sleek curve of the London Eye, each one tells a story that’s deeper than its postcard image.

Take Westminster Abbey, a 1,000-year-old church where kings are crowned and queens are buried. Also known as the coronation church, it’s not just a place of worship—it’s a living archive of British history, with every carving and stained-glass window holding a name, a moment, or a revolution. Then there’s Tower Bridge, the bascule bridge that lifts for ships and has become the go-to image of London. Also known as the bridge that moves, it’s engineering you can see in action, not just admire from afar. And you can’t miss St. Paul’s Cathedral, the dome that survived the Blitz and still dominates the skyline. Also known as Wren’s masterpiece, it’s where weddings, funerals, and national celebrations unfold under its golden roof. These aren’t just tourist stops—they’re the bones of the city.

Even newer icons like the London Eye, the giant wheel that turns slowly over the Thames. Also known as the Millennium Wheel, it wasn’t built to last forever—but it became a permanent part of London’s soul anyway. These buildings don’t just sit there. They’re watched, photographed, climbed, and lived around. Locals rush past them on the Tube. Tourists line up for hours to get close. Artists paint them. Writers write about them. And every single one of them appears in at least one of the stories below.

Below, you’ll find real, practical guides to these buildings and the stories behind them—not just what they look like, but how to visit them, what to notice when you’re there, and why they still matter today. Whether you’re planning your first trip or you’ve lived here ten years and never stepped inside, there’s something here for you.