The Most Underrated Stunningly Beautiful Buildings in Central London

You have probably heard about Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace or Tower Bridge. These sights are undoubtedly the most famous and very important buildings that every first-time visitor of London must see.

However, it would be such a shame to settle for only seeing these landmarks, since London has so much more to offer than crowded touristy places. Even if you only have time to explore the city center, there are plenty of other truly remarkable buildings in ZONE 1 to be found.

Here is a list of my favourites:

1. Natural History Museum

This remarkable building is a wonderful example of British Romanesque architecture. It was built in the second half of 19th century.

Inside, you will find interesting collections of all different kinds of natural sciences, including dinosaur bones and specimens collected by Charles Darwin.

The entry is free and while visiting, you can admire nature as well as architecture.

Where to find it: Cromwell Rd, Kensington, London SW7 5BD

Nearest tube station: South Kensington

Here's what it looks inside the Natural History Museum.

2. Westminster Cathedral

You probably know about Westminster Abbey which is a very frequented London site, but this is another church also located in Westminster.

Unlike the Anglican Abbey, this is the main centre of the English Catholic Church. It was built in the Neo-Byzantine style at the end of 19th century.

The church is truly remarkable both from the outside and the inside, where you can see some spectacular mosaics.

For a reasonable price, it is also possible to visit the tower which is accessible by lift and offers some unusual views of London.

Where to find it: 42 Francis St, Westminster, London SW1P 1QW

Nearest tube station: Victoria

3. Royal Courts of Justice

This majestic Victorian-Gothic-style building originates from the second half of 19th century and hosts one of the largest courts in Europe.

It is truly impressive to see this castle-like building, even if you are only passing by it on a double-decker bus. If you want to see it from the inside and you are not visiting because of legal reasons, you can book a paid tour.

Where to find it: Strand, London WC2A 2LL

Nearest tube station: Temple / Chancery Lane

4. St. Pancras Railway Station

You have probably seen this building in one of the Harry Potter movies, because it is situated right next to the King's Cross railway station, from where the famous wizard used to travel to Hogwarts.

This station was opened 1868 and the building is another brilliant masterpiece of the Victorian Gothic Architecture.

Even if you are not traveling anywhere, don't hesitate to go inside. You will not regret it.

Where to find it:Euston Rd, Kings Cross, London NW1 2AR

Nearest tube station: King's Cross St. Pancras / Euston

5. Senate House

Built between 1932 and 1937, this Art Deco building is the administrative centre of the University of London located in Bloomsbury, near the British Museum.

During the Second World War, the building was used by the Ministry of Information.

Fun fact - the wife of the writer George Orwell worked there during that time for the censorship department and her experiences actually inspired Orwell when writing his famous novel Nineteen Eighty-Four.

Due to its imposing structure, it is also a popular shooting location for various sci-fi and action movies.

Where to find it: Malet St, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7HU

Nearest tube station: Russell Square / Goodge Street

6. Covent Garden Market

Located in one of the most vibrant parts of London, this Neo-Classical building from the early 19th century used to host a well-known fruit and vegetable market.

Famously, it is the place where Eliza Doolittle from the play Pygmalion and the musical My Fair Lady used to work as a flower girl.

Nowadays, Covent Garden continues to be a popular shopping and tourist place frequented by street performers, where you can still find lots of interesting little shops and market stalls.

Where to find it: The Market Bldg, London WC2E 8RF

Nearest tube station: Covent Garden

7. City Hall

There are plenty of new, modern, 21st century buildings in London (such as the Shard, the Gherkin, or the Walkie-Talkie), and this is one of my favourites.

When you are in London, you should definitely go check this place out - not only to see the funny shape of the glass building resembling an armadillo but mainly because it is one of the most chilled locations in the city.

Standing next to the City Hall, you can see Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and the London skyline all from one spot. In the summer, it is a great social area where there is always something fun to do, like watching the Wimbledon tournament on a big screen, drinking tropical cocktails, or watching some street performances.

Where to find it: The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2AA

Nearest tube station: London Bridge / Tower Hill