London’s Guide to Must-See Landmarks for Every Continent

If you live in London, you probably get travel envy every time you see Paddington packed with suitcases. But picking where to go next can be tough when the world’s landmarks are calling. Forget just ticking off Big Ben at home—it’s all about swapping London’s sky for something wilder, bolder, and totally different (while knowing you’ll come back for a decent cup of tea).

The trick? Make your bucket list realistic. Heathrow, Gatwick, and even London City Airport serve up so many direct options it feels almost rude not to use them. Plus, Londoners get a sweet spot with access to last-minute Eurostar deals and flexible city break flights. Whether you’re a fan of iconic sights or want the credibility of showing off snaps from somewhere your mates haven’t even heard of, it pays to plan smart—think timing, crowd-dodging tips, and when to book with those ever-present flight sales.

Want to avoid tourist stampedes? Travel midweek if you can, and make the most of London’s 24/7 travel resources. Plenty of local services like Trailfinders, Flight Centre UK, and even niche Instagram travel planners are run for Londoners, by Londoners, so you can skip the hassle of endless research. This isn’t about seeing everything—it’s about seeing the right things, in the right way, with just a hint of London sensibility (yes, you can pack Marmite if you need to).

• Europe: Beyond Big Ben—Bucket List Picks
• Asia: Ancient Wonders and Modern Marvels
• Africa: Wild Landscapes and Timeless Cities
• Americas: Iconic Sights from North to South
• Oceania: Natural Beauty Off the Beaten Path
• Antarctica: Planning Your Polar Adventure from London

Europe: Beyond Big Ben—Bucket List Picks

When you’re flying out of London—especially with so many daily flights from Heathrow—European landmarks are basically on your doorstep. Still, the usual tourist trail (Eiffel Tower, Colosseum, the Louvre) can be so crowded you'll feel like you’re back on Oxford Street at Christmas. Instead, make your trip work harder than that one night bus to Brixton.

First up, Cinque Terre on Italy’s Ligurian coast is as Instagrammable as anything in Europe, but get there early in the morning—easy with a flight into Pisa from Gatwick, then a train ride. While your friends pile into Venice, you’ll be tucking into pesto pasta with a view of colorful harbours minus the mega crowds. Or if you love history more than your old A-Level teacher, try the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. Tip: Book your tickets weeks ahead online, especially if it’s close to school holidays in the UK.

If fairy-tale vibes are your thing, Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany is the classic Disney inspiration, but it sits in the quieter south. Overshoot the crowds by going in autumn—bonus, you get those crisp mountain views. And yes, you can get there from London in half a day with a Heathrow-Munich flight followed by a train. For market fans (we see you, Borough Market regulars), Budapest’s Great Market Hall is a foodie’s dream and packs a punch for your pound. Use Revolut or Monzo for zero fees—most Londoners already have one in their pocket.

Can’t miss stats? Here’s a quick look:

And for those spontaneous types: Eurostar flash sales pop up every couple of months. Set a Google Alert or follow their X (formerly Twitter) account so you never miss one. Best of all, you can keep it green by grabbing a Eurostar ticket instead of dealing with airport faff. Europe really is London’s playground, if you plan like a local.

Asia: Ancient Wonders and Modern Marvels

Asia does ancient and futuristic side by side, and no matter how many passport stamps you rack up, the region keeps surprising you. If you’re booking from London, direct flights to places like Tokyo, Dubai, and Delhi make your plans straightforward. Try to grab those overnight options from Heathrow—landing in the morning maximises your time (plus, less jet lag if you time your sleep right).

Kick things off in Beijing. The Great Wall of China isn’t just a tourist sure-bet; it’s gritty, panoramic, and there are quieter sections like Mutianyu that are reachable by public transport if you’re up for a bit of effort. Buy tickets online (WeChat Pay sometimes works for UK cards, but have cash just in case) and go early—most crowds rock up after 10am. Local tour operators, like those recommended by British expats in Beijing Facebook groups, help dodge the lines.

If you’re drawn to India, don’t miss the Taj Mahal. It’s best at sunrise, especially in the cooler months from October to March. Book your tickets on the official site before you even leave London—and yes, you do have to wear those fetching shoe covers! If you want a space to yourself, there’s a quiet viewpoint across the Yamuna River where you’ll dodge the selfie sticks but still get an epic view.

Now for something modern. Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing is famous for organised chaos—sort of like Oxford Circus during Christmas, just supersized. You can get there via direct flights from London, often snagging deals if you’re flexible with dates. Try a hotel near Shibuya station for epic people-watching, and download Google Translate offline: it’ll save your skin when hunting local eats or using ticket machines. For culture with less chaos, Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine is a crowd-pleaser, but go at dawn to walk the torii gates nearly alone.

• Use British bank cards with Apple Pay where possible, but always carry a bit of local currency for small markets.
• For city travel, buy a local travel card (like Suica/PASMO in Japan or Octopus Card if you hop over to Hong Kong). They’re easy to top up and save loads of faffing about with tickets.
• UK mobile providers like EE and Vodafone now offer Asia roaming bolt-ons—set this all up before leaving London, so you have maps and travel apps ready on arrival.

For food, just go for it. Try to book a food tour through an operator with good ratings from fellow Londoners—sites like GetYourGuide or even a shout-out on local community groups can yield reliable, non-touristy options. And if you want to brag to your mates back in London travel circles? Snap a pic with locals at night markets or on a bullet train. Feels a world away from the Tube.

Africa: Wild Landscapes and Timeless Cities

If you’re in London and craving something completely different, Africa needs to be on your list. With London’s direct flights to cities like Marrakech, Cairo, and Cape Town, you don’t need wild layovers or endless connections to hit some of the world’s greatest sights. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic both run regular flights, which means getting your fix of Africa’s wild landscapes isn’t as tough as you’d think.

Let’s talk bucket list. The Pyramids of Giza just outside Cairo are still one of the greatest things you’ll ever see; it’s mind-blowing that stones hauled over four thousand years ago still stand tall in the desert. Don’t just stop at a photo—grab a local guide at the entrance (you can book in advance through London’s many travel services) and learn about bits you won’t find online. You’ll avoid the usual scammers this way too.

If you’re hungry for a proper adventure, Victoria Falls—on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe—delivers. It’s one of the planet’s largest waterfalls, and the spray can be seen nearly 50km away during the rainy season. Even better, the UK passport helps with flexible visas at the border. Pack a raincoat, or you’ll look like you tried to shower fully dressed.

Interested in cities? Cape Town is a proper mix of urban buzz and natural wonder. Table Mountain gets packed, so try heading up via the Platteklip Gorge early morning to skip the crowds. Local apps make it easy to book a guide. Cape Town’s food scene isn’t just hype—honestly, you’ll eat better on Bree Street than in half of Zone 1. Just don’t mention load shedding to locals unless you want an hour-long tangent on power cuts!

Worried about getting around? Most cities in Africa now have Uber, and it’s usually safer and cheaper than haggling with taxis. If you want something more hands-on, local companies in London like Best Served Africa organise custom safaris and city tours, including all those tricky transfers that make travel easier.

Here’s a tip: always double-check visa rules for your destination. As a Londoner, you probably own a London travel wallet packed with several currencies and the e-gates at Heathrow handy on the way back, but not every African destination offers visas on arrival. Always get your jabs done through the NHS travel clinics (they have branches in most London boroughs).

“Africa has a rhythm that you won’t find anywhere else—it’s wild, unpredictable, and unforgettable. You just have to let yourself get swept up in it.” – Michael Palin, BBC presenter and adventurer

On a practical note, travel insurance is a must, and you can sort this easily with big UK brands like Aviva or John Lewis Finance, sometimes bundled with a bank account. And before you book, check if your trip lands during Ramadan or local election seasons—crowds and festivities can change the vibe completely.

Americas: Iconic Sights from North to South

When Londoners daydream about the Americas, the mind usually jumps to skyscrapers in New York or selfies by the Hollywood sign. But there’s a whole continent’s worth of sights to explore, and a few travel hacks can make it all easier for anyone flying out of the capital.

If you’re eyeing North America, you can’t go wrong with direct flights from Heathrow or Gatwick. New York’s Statue of Liberty is more than a tired cliché—catch the Staten Island Ferry for those free skyline views, especially around sunset. Chicago’s Willis Tower Skydeck lets you literally step out over the city, while Toronto’s CN Tower has that glass floor perfect for challenging your nerves.

Down in Latin America, Machu Picchu in Peru is one of those bucket-list wonders that really lives up to the hype. Most London-based tours connect via Madrid or Amsterdam, and booking far in advance is key. Head to Rio de Janeiro for Christ the Redeemer—sure, it’s busy, but go early or in the shoulder seasons (May or September), and you’ll beat much of the traffic.

• London travel tip: Don’t forget about ESTA or eTA requirements for the US and Canada. Apply at least two weeks before you leave, and double-check passport validity—that’s caught out many Brits at the last minute.
• If you like road trips, hire a car in San Francisco and drive down Highway 1. It beats the M25 any day—and the views of Big Sur are a world away from the grey of the North Circular.
• If you want something further south, Argentina’s Iguazu Falls are honestly more jaw-dropping than Niagara, especially during the rainy season between December and March.

Here’s a quick look at handy travel times and peak months from London for a few star landmarks:

One final tip: if you’ve got Heathrow Rewards points, check to see if you can shave money off those long-haul flights. And if you want to keep your costs low, Time Out London often lists last-minute deals from UK airports. The Americas are massive, but with some planning, you’ll hit those must-see sights and still be back in time for the next bank holiday.

Oceania: Natural Beauty Off the Beaten Path

Oceania isn’t just Australia and New Zealand—though let’s face it, most flights from London head there first. If you’re flying out of Heathrow, you’re faced with a long haul (24 hours plus, usually), but it’s more than worth it for the raw landscapes and rare wildlife you just can’t get in Europe. Let’s focus on spots that stand out, even for a seasoned Londoner.

First up: New Zealand’s South Island. Forget the crowds at Hobbiton and check out Fiordland National Park. Milford and Doubtful Sounds are epic, with cliff faces straight out of a drone ad. Best time? Go between February and April—cheaper flights from London and smaller tour groups. From Christchurch, most UK bank cards work, but grab a prepaid travel card for dodgy signal spots.

Australia’s not just Sydney Opera House selfies. If you actually want wild, Tasmania should be on your radar. Take a ferry over from Melbourne (be warned—it gets booked up fast in UK school holidays), and you’ll land in a place where you can walk through rainforests and spot wallabies before heading to a local farmers’ market. London’s Borough Market regulars will love Salamanca Market in Hobart: food, art, and coffee that might make you pause on the flat white back home. It’s held every Saturday.

Now if you’re after somewhere even fewer Londoners have been, try Vanuatu or Samoa. These are Pacific islands fairly untouched by mass tourism but doable via a Melbourne or Sydney connection. You won’t need a visa if you hold a UK passport for most stays under 30 days, but check before booking. Bring a universal plug—same voltage as the UK, but totally different sockets.

• Book flights from London at least six months ahead for big savings (Qantas, Air New Zealand, and even Emirates pass through here).
• Grab an eSIM or roaming add-on—your UK provider probably charges a fortune in Oceania.
• Travel insurance is a must; Australia’s healthcare is good, but elsewhere, you’re on your own.
• London pharmacies often carry high-factor sunscreen cheaper than airports—stock up before you leave.

Most Londoners ask about the weather first. Here’s a quick guide for the big spots, comparing London with popular Oceania places at peak travel times:

You’ll see straight away: New Zealand and Australia flip the seasons from the UK, so plan for summer in January, not July. For London travel fans, this means you can get a dose of sun, nature, and food markets while everyone else is stuck in the winter drizzle. Remember, Oceania’s distances are huge—check local flights early if you’ve only got two weeks off work. Don’t forget to pick up some snacks at M&S Simply Food at the airport. Those familiar flavours come in handy when you arrive and your body clock is totally confused.

Antarctica: Planning Your Polar Adventure from London

Dreaming of swapping London’s rainy pavements for Antarctic ice? You’re not alone—it’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime trips not many people actually manage. But here’s the surprise: booking your Antarctica adventure from London is totally doable if you know where to look and what to expect.

First up, you can’t just hop on a direct flight from Heathrow to the South Pole. You’ll need to get to South America first, usually Ushuaia in Argentina or Punta Arenas in Chile. Both cities are popular starting points for Antarctic cruises and expeditions. Good news is, major airlines (like British Airways and LATAM) can get you from London travel hubs to Buenos Aires or Santiago with one connection. From there, you book a short regional flight to your final jumping-off city.

Most Londoners go for cruise-style expeditions: trips last anywhere from 10 days to three weeks, often starting with a two-day crossing of the rocky Drake Passage. Top tip—pack ginger biscuits or seasickness pills, just in case!

• Visas: UK passport holders don’t need a visa for trips to Antarctica, but double-check visa rules for transit countries (Argentina or Chile).
• Best season: Go between November and March. December and January offer peak wildlife watching—think penguin chicks and seal pups everywhere.
• What it costs: Budget trips start around £6,000 per person, but luxury cruises can be triple that. Flights aren’t cheap either: expect £800–£1,200 return to Buenos Aires from London’s airports.
• Pack wisely: Layered clothing is key. London shops like Ellis Brigham or Cotswold Outdoor carry polar essentials. Renting some gear at your port city keeps it affordable.

Worried about the environmental side? Many UK-based operators now stick to strict rules to protect Antarctica. Don’t step off the marked paths, only bring biodegradable toiletries, and stick to ship guidelines about wildlife.

No need to go it alone, either. London agencies like Audley Travel, Steppes Travel, and Trailfinders have Antarctica specialists who’ll save you endless faff and probably get you better prices. Also, check out the Royal Geographical Society in Kensington—they sometimes put on public talks about polar journeys. Why not hear from someone who’s been there before you take the plunge?