London possesses all the qualities one looks for in a European city. Around every bustling street corner you are sure to find an exciting or historic landmark. Here are the five spots you absolutely must visit while in London.

1) Tower of London - Dating all the way back to 1078, the fortress commonly known as The Tower of London has a storied history. While it also served as a royal palace, today it is best remember for its reign as a high profile prison. Many members of the royal family and leaders of England served out time there, including Anne Boleyn, Henry VI, Elizabeth I and Edward V. Walk down towards the edge of the River Thames and you can catch a glimpse of the glorious nearby Tower Bridge.

2) London Eye - The London Eye holds the title as the largest Ferris wheel in all of Europe. With 32 spacious, air-conditioned capsules attached to the wheel, the Eye can accommodate a large number of visitors every day. In fact, each pod holds up to 25 passengers. Its March 2000 opening date attributes to its nickname, The Millennium Wheel. As one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the world, it offers tremendous views of London.

3) Hyde Park - Complete with lovely rose gardens and sprawling green spaces, Hyde Park serves an urban oasis for the London masses. Hyde Park opened to the public back in 1637. Since then it has been the site of many historic moments, including the first World's Fair. The park's famed Speaker's Corner grants the public a spot to voice their beliefs. Such well-known speakers in the past include Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin and George Orwell.

4) Westminster Abbey - Built in 1245, this extraordinary Gothic church gleams with ribbed vaulting, stained glass windows and two massive limestone towers. With a handful of exceptions, nearly every monarch has been crowned in Westminster Abbey since its erection. It also serves as the resting place of such luminaries as Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, Charles Darwin, Sir Isaac Newton, Geoffrey Chaucer and Charles Dickens.

5) Buckingham Palace - Home to the British monarch, Buckingham Palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of England. The Changing of the Guard ceremony in particular draws huge crowds. During the summer months it takes place every day and alternating days the rest of the year. It is a must-see for all tourists.