Westminster – the first London neighbourhood that most tourists will think of. And with good reason. After all, it’s home to some of our most iconic landmarks. Westminster is our local area, and so we’re very familiar with everything there is to do and see. Come with us as we take you on a tour of this neighbourhood and give you some top tips whilst you’re there!
Table of Contents:
- How to Get to Westminster
- 11 Best Westminster Attractions
- Where to Eat & Drink
- Where to Stay
- Is Westminster Safe?
- A Short History of the Area
Westminster Location & How to Get Here
Westminster is just about as central as you can get in London! Located on the north side of the river, it’s very close to two main London termini of Waterloo and Victoria. Getting here is super easy!
Tube
Westminster has its own tube stop that is served by both the circle and district lines. Other nearby stops include: Victoria, Waterloo, St James’s Park, Embankment, Green Park, and Charing Cross.
Bus
There are so many buses running through Westminster from all over London, these include: 3, 11, 12, 24, 88, 159, 452, and the C10.
Train
Take a train to either Victoria or Waterloo station – both are about a fifteen minute walk from the main area of Westminster.
11 Top Sights to See in Westminster
Westminster is a tourist’s heaven, with so many London landmarks crammed in one small area, you’ll be ticking off your bucket list items in no time! Here’s what you can expect to see when you visit:
- Big Ben – Big Ben, or rather Elizabeth Tower, is the clock and bell tower attached to the Houses of Parliament. Listen out for its regular chimes throughout the day. You’ll get the best views from across the river on the South Bank.
- Buckingham Palace – The official London residence of the British Royal Family, this is one of the sights you have to see if you’re visiting Westminster.
- Westminster Abbey – Explore the historic Westminster Abbey, where British monarchs are crowned and many famous figures are buried. You can tour the abbey and even enjoy afternoon tea in its cafe.
- The Houses of Parliament – The Houses of Parliament are the home of British politics, where all debates take place.
- Downing Street – Whilst the entrance to Downing Street is gated, you can stop in front of it and try and get a glimpse at number 10 – the official residence of the British Prime Minister.
- Whitehall – Walk along Whitehall, the historic street lined with government ministries and notable statues, including the Cenotaph.
- Horse Guards Parade – Watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Horse Guards Parade or visit the Household Cavalry Museum. Beware – the signs warning you not to touch the horses are to be taken seriously! Tourists often get caught out with a bite from the horses if they invade their space too much.
- Parliament Square – Explore Parliament Square, surrounded by iconic landmarks and featuring statues of historical figures like Winston Churchill. You may even get to see a protest whilst you’re visiting.
- The Jewel Tower – Visit the mediaeval Jewel Tower, part of the original Westminster Palace, and learn about the history of Parliament.
- Trafalgar Square – Walk around Trafalgar Square, home to Nelson’s Column, the National Gallery, the fourth plinth and the famous lion statues. Trafalgar Square often has events such as St Patrick’s Day.
- Churchill War Rooms – The Churchill War Rooms are an underground bunker that was the heart of Britain’s WWII operations – today it’s a popular museum.
- St James’s Park – Relax in St James’s Park, with its beautiful gardens and views of Buckingham Palace, or enjoy a stroll around the lake. Our favourite part is the pelicans that call the park home.
Westminster Events You Cannot Miss
- Changing of the Guard – A traditional ceremony where The King’s Guard is replaced by the New Guard, featuring soldiers in iconic red uniforms and a military band at Buckingham Palace and Horse Guards Parade. This happens daily throughout the year.
- Trooping the Colour – Is an annual military parade celebrating the British monarch’s official birthday, with a procession of soldiers, horses, and a Royal Air Force flypast at Horse Guards Parade. This one is not to be missed if you’re a royal fan visiting Westminster!
- New Year’s Day Parade – Every year on the 1st of January the Mayor’s New Year’s Day Parade takes to the streets of Westminster – ending at Parliament Square. The parade sees a procession of performers from around the globe, floats, marching bands, and large inflatables.
- Remembrance Day – A solemn event held on the second Sunday of November at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, honouring those who have lost their lives in war with a national service and a two-minute silence.
Where to Eat & Drink in Westminster
If you’re lucky enough to know someone who works in the Houses of Parliament or government institutions, you could choose to eat in Westminster Palace itself – we certainly wouldn’t turn down the chance if offered!
In terms of restaurants, Westminster is actually pretty lacking – the high volume of tourists makes it much more of a chain cafe area than anything else! However, if you’re looking for somewhere for a cheeky pint you’re in the right spot!
The Red Lion pub on Whitehall is a popular spot for politicians, and up until recent years it actually had a bell that was rung when it was time for MPs to head back to parliament for the afternoon session!
Where to Stay in Westminster
As the key tourist area in London, hotels in Westminster* can be super expensive. Which is why we’re going to tell you to stay away from booking your accommodation here. Not only is it pricey but it’s likely to be noisy too.
If you’re up for a short walk (or an even shorter tube ride) we’d recommend you stay in one of Pimlico’s hotels. This area is just south of Victoria and will take you about twenty minutes to walk to all the sights that Westminster has to offer. It’s a quieter neighbourhood with gorgeous buildings and is far quieter – ensuring you’ll get a much better night’s sleep!
*Affiliate link – please not if you book a hotel through the above link, we will earn a small commission. This does not cost you any extra or affect the price you pay.
Is Westminster Safe?
The large number of landmarks in Westminster means it attracts a lot of tourists, and with that comes a lot of petty crime targeting those tourists. We always feel quite safe in Westminster due to the number of people but it’s important you have a secure bag, you keep your phone out of sight and safe, and are just generally vigilant.
We’d also recommend avoiding any of the tourist traps on Westminster Bridge as there are often people here trying to get tourists to part with money.
Westminster: A Short History
Westminster first began as a recorded area in the 7th century when a monastery by ST Peter was built. The area grew in popularity in 1065 when Westminster Abbey began construction. The Abbey was commissioned by William the Conqueror and has since been a religious building of great significance, hosting coronations, weddings, and funerals.
As the years went on, it continued to grow as a religious and political neighbourhood of London. The Georgian and Victorian eras saw the development of iconic landmarks like Big Ben and the modern Houses of Parliament. Today, Westminster remains the political centre of the UK and is a major destination for both historical interest and tourism.
Take the Opportunity to Explore the Rest of London
We’ve got a collection of local’s guides to show you every part of the city we love. Plan your next stop on your London trip now:
