10 Must-See London Attractions This Summer

London 2012 Festival

The London 2012 Festival sets the stage for a whopping 12,000 performances and events through September 9. Samba in the streets, get lost in a giant maze built out of books, or fill your nights with music and comedy.

The ArcelorMittal Orbit

Score a winning view of the Olympic Park from the top of the ArcelorMittal Orbit, a giant new sculpture by artists Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond. Visitors take a quick elevator ride through the bright red sculpture's Olympic-ring-inspired spirals to reach the viewing platform nearly 200 feet up.

James Bond 50th Anniversary Exhibit

Celebrating 50 years of James Bond, the Designing 007 exhibition at The Barbican highlights the gadgets, automobiles, costumes, and props from the movies. And what better way to end a visit than at the exhibit's Martini Bar?

Up At The O2

Whether you're fueled by a love of architecture, views, or adrenaline, the new Up at the O2 attraction delivers. Adventurous visitors join a guided tour up and over the roof of the iconic building. Your reward for reaching the summit? Spectacular 360-degree views of London.

Summer Exhibition 2012

Get a triple dose of art at the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition 2012. Check out the latest works by established, unknown, and emerging artists at the world's largest open-submission contemporary art exhibition.

Big British Bang at Selfridges

Think of it as the perfect way to go purse shopping with the Queen. British culture comes to you while you shop at Selfridges department store this summer: Morris dancers, kings and queens, and more classic symbols of the Isles will be roaming the aisles, sharing their stories with visitors.

Madame Tussauds London

Madame Tussauds might be your only chance to claim a spot on the winners' podium this Olympic Games. The wax museum's London outpost hosts new, eerily lifelike figures of 2012 Olympians Jessica Ennis, Tom Daley, and Usain Bolt.

Emirates Air Line

The London Tube map is getting lofty with the addition of the Emirates Air Line, a gondola lift bridging the Thames River in East London. Use it for one-way transport or, for about $10, take a nonstop round-trip journey and enjoy bird's-eye views of Canary Wharf, the Thames Barrier, and the Olympic Park.

Buckingham Palace State Rooms

A high-profile wedding and the celebration of the Queen's 60th year on the throne have reminded visitors that royalty still reigns in London. Between July 31 and September 30, get an insider's peek at Buckingham Palace by visiting the ornate State Rooms.

London 2012 Pop-Up Shop

In the go-big-or-go-home Olympic spirit, London has unveiled the 12,000-square-foot London 2012 Shop. Not only is it London's largest-ever pop-up shop, but it will also be a spot for fans to meet visiting Olympic athletes throughout the games.

What's on your list next time you visit London?

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