Parliament, Westminster Abbey, royal parks, ceremonial streets and the Thames all sit within a remarkably walkable part of central London.
Westminster brings several of London's best-known sights into a relatively compact part of the city beside the Thames.
Parliament Square, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall, St James's Park and Buckingham Palace can all form part of the same day, with gardens, historic streets and river views linking the major landmarks.
The key is not trying to do everything. Decide which places matter most and let the rest of Westminster unfold around them.
Understanding the geography makes both the sightseeing and accommodation decision easier. See where the main landmarks sit, then decide whether staying nearby suits the rest of your London trip.
Keep the map in mind while you browse. The most convenient option is not always the one closest to a single landmark.
Westminster works best when its landmarks provide the framework for the day rather than becoming a list to race through.
A defining Thames-side landmark and a natural starting point around Parliament Square.
One of the area's major historic visits and an obvious choice for a longer stop.
A direct historic route from Parliament Square towards Trafalgar Square.
A welcome green break between Westminster, Whitehall and Buckingham Palace.
A natural western end point for a walk through St James's Park.
Cross the Thames for wider views and an easy continuation towards South Bank.
Westminster can look deceptively easy on a list. A better day usually comes from choosing one or two substantial visits and leaving enough time to enjoy the walks, river and parks between them.
Once you have decided how much of Westminster you want to explore independently, browse current London tours and experiences that could complement your plans rather than replace them.
South Bank, Greenwich, Camden, Richmond, Hampstead and other parts of London offer very different ways to experience the city.