London is a city of icons. Red buses rumbling over bridges, black cabs weaving through traffic, and the timeless chimes of Big Ben echoing across the Thames – it’s all part of the magic that makes the capital instantly recognisable around the world.

But here’s the thing: the icons of London aren’t just pretty backdrops for postcards. They’re part of everyday life here – buses you can ride, bridges you can cross, guards you can snap photos with (if you dare get close enough).

Red double-decker buses and traditional red telephone booths in front of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament in London, with the Union Jack flag in the background.
Icons of London – London Symbols
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I’m Hazel – a lifelong London-lover, and probably someone who’s spent a bit too much money in Harrods over the years. London is my playground, and whether it’s the buzz of Soho or the chimes of Big Ben, this city never gets old.

In this guide, I’ll take you through 15 of the most famous icons of London – and show you the best ways to actually experience them, not just admire them from afar.

1. Snap a Selfie with a Red Phone Box ☎️

Let’s kick things off with the OG of London photo ops. The bright red phone box is as British as a cuppa tea and a rainy day.

A row of London red telephone booths lines a wet, empty street with historic brick buildings on either side.

Designed in the 1920s by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, these beauties might not get much phone traffic nowadays, but they’ve become mini icons of design.

You’ll spot them across the city – and yep, a few have even been turned into tiny libraries or coffee stands. 📸

2. Flag Down a Black Cab 🚖

You haven’t really done London until you’ve sat in the back of a black cab, trying to remember how to pronounce “Marylebone.”

An iconic black taxi drives past a row of British flags in front of a large historic building on a cloudy day.

These iconic taxis aren’t just sleek and spacious – they’re driven by legends who’ve passed The Knowledge, a famously difficult test covering every street in the city.

They’re more expensive than Uber, sure, but if you want the full London experience (and possibly a cracking chat about West Ham), hop in one.

3. Ride a Red Double-Decker Bus 🚌

Oh, the double-decker bus – London’s mobile landmark!

Whether it’s the sleek new models or the vintage Routemaster with its open platform at the back, these bright red buses are a postcard-perfect symbol of the city.

Two red double-decker buses on a city street in London, one modern and one vintage. Buildings and street signs are visible in the background.
Modern red bus with a traditional routemaster red bus (on the right) which is being used for a wedding.

Climb up to the top deck for some of the best views on a budget – especially along routes like the No. 11, which passes loads of London’s star attractions.

4. Hear the Chimes of Big Ben 🕰️

No list of London icons would be complete without Big Ben. Technically, Big Ben is the bell inside the Elizabeth Tower at the Palace of Westminster – but let’s be honest, everyone calls the whole clock tower Big Ben.

A black and white photo shows two red double-decker buses crossing Westminster Bridge in front of the Big Ben clock tower in London.
Red buses on Westminster Bridge, with Big Ben.

The best way to experience it? Walk across Westminster Bridge at dusk, when the clock face glows golden against the skyline.

You can also book a guided tour of the Palace of Westminster (UK residents can even tour inside the tower itself). And don’t forget your selfie with the red buses rolling past – peak London vibes!

5. Meet the Beefeaters at the Tower of London 🏰

The Yeoman Warders, better known as Beefeaters, have been guarding the Tower of London since Tudor times.

A person dressed in a dark, formal uniform with red accents walks through a public square. Trees and several other people are visible in the background.
Iconic London Beefeater

Their uniforms are straight out of history, and they’ve got endless stories about royal scandals, prisoners, and the occasional ghost.

Book a ticket to the Tower of London, join a Beefeater tour, and you’ll see why they’re such a beloved London symbol. (Tip: go early to beat the crowds and get a good look at the Crown Jewels too!)

6. Spot the Union Jack 🇬🇧

The Union Jack isn’t just a flag – it’s a symbol of national pride and one of the most recognisable designs in the world. In London, you’ll see it everywhere: fluttering above Buckingham Palace, painted on Mini Coopers, or printed on every souvenir under the sun.

Close-up of a car's side mirror with a Union Jack cover, parked on a rainy street. A person holding a red umbrella walks in the distance.

The design itself is a mash-up of history – combining the crosses of St. George (England), St. Andrew (Scotland), and St. Patrick (Ireland). Wales isn’t represented, because when the flag was created, it was still considered part of England.

For the most regal viewing spot, time your visit for The Mall leading up to Buckingham Palace, especially during a royal event or state occasion. Seeing hundreds of Union Jacks lining the avenue is goosebump-inducing, even if you’re not usually the flag-waving type.

7. Post a Letter in a Red Pillar Box 📮

These sturdy red pillar boxes have been part of London life since the 1850s, and they’re still fully functional today.

A red postbox stands on a London city street at night. Buildings are illuminated by decorative lights, and light trails from passing vehicles are visible.
Regent Street at Christmas

Their bold colour and rounded shape make them easy to spot (and hard to resist for a quick Instagram shot). For a fun twist, you can drop a postcard home from one.

Some even have little plaques marking which monarch’s reign they date back to – look for the royal cypher on the front (VR for Queen Victoria, ER for Elizabeth II). A tiny time-travel moment in the middle of a modern city.

8. Spot the Famous London Underground Sign 🚇

Known affectionately as “the Tube”, the London Underground is the oldest rapid transit system in the world – and its red-and-blue roundel sign is instantly recognisable. Even if you don’t ride the Tube much, the logo itself is pure London.

A London Underground sign featuring a red circle with a horizontal blue bar reading "Underground" against a blue sky with white clouds.
Underground tube sign

Hop on a train during your visit (it’s usually the quickest way to get around) and you’ll hear the iconic “Mind the Gap” announcement too.

If you’re a transport geek, pop into the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden – it’s brilliant for diving into the history of the Tube.

9. Discover the Crown Jewels 👑

The Crown is the ultimate symbol of British monarchy, representing centuries of power and tradition. And in London, you don’t just hear about it – you can actually see it.

Illuminated "Carnaby" sign with a crown and Union Jack design hanging between buildings on a street.
Carnaby Street sign with crown emblem

Head to the Tower of London to marvel at the Crown Jewels, sparkling under high-security glass.

The collection is estimated to be worth more than £3 billion, and includes crowns, sceptres, and orbs used in royal coronations. Even if you’re not a royalist, it’s hard not to be dazzled by the sheer bling factor.

I recommend the tour of the Tower which includes the Crown Jewels and a meet and greet with a Beefeater!

10. Shop (or Window-Shop) at Harrods 🛍️

If London had a shop that doubled as an icon, it would be Harrods in Knightsbridge. With its glowing green and gold lights and luxury displays, it’s basically a temple to retail.

A large, illuminated building with "Harrods" sign, displaying decorative lights against a dark evening sky. The street in front has streaks of light from passing vehicles.
Harrods

Inside, you’ll find everything from haute couture to gourmet food halls.

Yes, it’s pricey – but browsing is free, and even grabbing a Harrods-branded tote bag or tin of tea makes for a perfect London souvenir. (Their motto says it all: Omnia Omnibus Ubique – “All Things for All People, Everywhere.”)

Top Tip: If you’re peckish, check out the Harrods Food Hall’s rotisserie boxes – a surprisingly affordable cult favourite with locals and visitors alike.

11. Hear the Words “Mind the Gap” ⚠️

This little phrase is as London as it gets. “Mind the Gap” has been echoing through Underground stations since the 1960s, warning passengers about the space between the train and the platform.

Painted text on a London train platform reads "MIND THE GAP" in yellow and white, warning passengers to be cautious of the space between the platform and the train.

These days, it’s more than just a safety announcement – it’s a quirky piece of cultural heritage.

You’ll spot it painted on platforms, and you can even take home “Mind the Gap” souvenirs like mugs, doormats, and t-shirts. A fun reminder of your Tube travels!

12. Sip English Tea in a Classic Teacup 🍵

You can’t talk about London without mentioning tea.

Afternoon tea is the most British of rituals – a pot of strong brew, delicate sandwiches, and scones with jam and clotted cream (jam first, cream on top, if you’re asking me!).

A floral-patterned teacup filled with tea sits on a matching saucer with a gold spoon beside it, resting on a folded napkin.
Delicious assorted sandwiches with fresh bread, filling options including turkey, ham, and egg salad, perfect for travel snacks or picnics in the UK.

For a quintessential experience, head to Fortnum & Mason or The Ritz Hotel, where tea service is an art form. If that feels too fancy, plenty of cosy cafés and hotels across the city offer their own versions. And yes, floral-patterned teacups make adorable souvenirs.

13. Walk Across Tower Bridge 🌉

Often mistaken for London Bridge, Tower Bridge is one of the city’s most striking landmarks with its twin Gothic towers and drawbridge design. When the bascules lift to let tall ships through, it’s a real “wow” moment.

A woman in a blue dress stands on a boardwalk with London Tower Bridge in the background on a sunny day.
Tower Bridge

You can stroll across for free, or buy a ticket to the Tower Bridge Experience, which lets you walk on the high-level glass walkway (don’t look down if you’re squeamish!) and peek inside the old Victorian engine rooms.

London tip: Consider purchasing the London Pass or the London Explorer Pass, which offer discounts and fast-track entry to many attractions.

14. Watch the King’s Guard at Buckingham Palace 🎖️

The King’s Guard, in their bright red uniforms and towering bearskin hats, are icons of pageantry.

You’ll find them outside Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, and the Tower of London, standing impressively still – even with tourists waving cameras in their faces.

A British guard in a red uniform and bearskin hat stands at attention outside a building, with another guard walking in the foreground.
The Kings’ Guards

Catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace (usually around 11 a.m. on certain days). It’s a free spectacle with music, marching, and plenty of pomp. Arrive early if you want a good viewing spot near the palace gates.

Do note, the King’s Guard is not just a ceremonial unit; they are fully operational soldiers responsible for protecting the monarchy.

15. Ride the London Eye 🎡

The London Eye might be younger than many of London’s landmarks, but since opening in 2000 it’s become one of the city’s most beloved icons.

The photograph shows the London Eye ferris wheel and Big Ben clock tower at dusk, with a pink and purple sky in the background.
London Eye and Big Ben in winter at sunset.

This giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank gives you panoramic views across London – from Big Ben and St Paul’s to The Shard and even Windsor Castle on a clear day.

Book tickets in advance to skip the queues, and if you can, time your ride for sunset when the city glows under a pink sky. It may be touristy, but the views are unforgettable.

Icons of London – Final Thoughts ✨

London’s icons aren’t just things you look at – they’re woven into daily life here. You ride the red buses, you hear Big Ben’s chimes, you wave at the King’s Guard, and you sip endless cups of tea. They’re the images the world knows, but they’re also experiences you can dive right into.

So whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, spotting these symbols never gets old. They’re what make London feel like London.

A woman in a blue dress stands next to a red telephone booth in London filled with colorful flowers beside a red post box. Flowers also spill from wooden crates on the ground.
A tall, ornate clock tower with a large clock face, known as Big Ben, against a blue sky with white clouds. Tourist attraction in London.

Where to Buy Iconic London Souvenirs 🛍️

Want to take a little piece of London home with you? Luckily, the city is full of shops and markets where you can grab gifts that celebrate its icons.

Here are my favourites:

🛍️ Covent Garden Market – For Union Jack trinkets, London bus models, and handmade jewellery at the Apple Market.
🏙️ Oxford Street – Packed with souvenir shops selling everything from keyrings to London Underground merch.
🎩 Harrods – For a splash of luxury. Their green-and-gold carrier bag is practically a souvenir in itself.
🎨 Portobello Road Market – Hunt for antiques, vintage posters, and quirky London-inspired art.
🎶 Camden Market – Alternative and edgy, with punk fashion, street art prints, and funky jewellery.
👑 Tower of London Gift Shop – Beefeater bears, Crown Jewels replicas, and all things royal.
🧸 Hamleys – A must if you’re toy shopping. Think Beefeater teddies, red bus models, and more.
📚 British Museum Shop – For arty souvenirs, books, and ancient artefact replicas.
⛪ Westminster Abbey Shop – Religious and historical keepsakes, from Christmas ornaments to royal history books.
🚇 London Transport Museum Shop – Tube roundels, vintage posters, and model buses galore.

💡 Top Tip: If you’re short on time, Amazon UK sells loads of London-themed gifts – from Union Jack tea tins to King’s Guard teddy bears.

A market stall displays various items featuring the Union Jack and London branding, including hats, jackets, and other souvenirs.

Here are some iconic London-themed souvenirs you can find on Amazon UK:

Top tip: For the best London days out, check out my curated list of London Experiences.

FAQs About Famous Icons of London 💡

What are the most famous icons of London?

Some of the most famous icons of London include red phone boxes, black cabs, double-decker buses, Big Ben, Beefeaters, the Union Jack, pillar boxes, the Underground sign, the Crown, Harrods, and the London Eye.

Why are London taxis called “black cabs”?

They’re called black cabs because they’ve traditionally been painted black. The design is unique – roomy interiors and the tight turning radius needed for London’s narrow streets. Drivers train for years to pass “The Knowledge,” an intense test of every street in the city.

What makes the double-decker bus iconic?

The bright red buses are instantly recognisable, and the Routemaster model with its open rear platform is legendary. Riding one is also a brilliant way to sightsee on a budget.

What’s the story behind Big Ben?

Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell inside the Elizabeth Tower at the Palace of Westminster. It’s famous for its accuracy, its BBC-broadcast chimes, and as a symbol of British democracy.

Who are the Beefeaters?

The Beefeaters, or Yeoman Warders, are ceremonial guards of the Tower of London. Historically, they guarded the Crown Jewels and prisoners. Today, they lead tours and share the Tower’s rich history.

Why isn’t Wales represented on the Union Jack?

The flag combines the crosses of St. George (England), St. Andrew (Scotland), and St. Patrick (Ireland). Wales wasn’t included because it was already considered part of England when the flag was created.

Can you go inside Tower Bridge?

Yes! You can explore the high-level walkways with glass floors, plus the Victorian engine rooms below. It’s a fascinating way to see the mechanics of the bridge in action.

What does “Mind the Gap” mean?

It’s the warning you’ll hear in Tube stations about the space between train and platform. It’s become such a cultural catchphrase that you’ll see it on souvenirs everywhere.

What can you see from the London Eye?

On a clear day, you’ll spot London tourist attractions like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, The Shard, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and even Windsor Castle in the distance. Sunset rides are especially magical.

Planning your London adventure? You might also enjoy these posts:

🗺️ Ultimate London Travel Guide.
🏛️ 30 Top Tourist Attractions in London.
🌳 Guide the 8 Royal Parks of London.
🏨 Where to stay in London by Neighbourhood.
🧙 15 Magical Harry Potter Themed Experiences in London.
✨ Best 5 Star Hotels in London for a Luxurious Stay

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