The Tower of London is nearly a thousand years of English history concentrated into one fortress on the banks of the Thames. Founded by William the Conqueror in 1066, it has served as a royal palace, prison, execution site, mint, menagerie, and — most famously — the home of the Crown Jewels. The White Tower at its center, completed in 1097, is one of the finest surviving examples of Norman military architecture, its walls still enclosing a remarkable collection of royal armor and weaponry.

The Crown Jewels exhibition is the undeniable highlight, featuring the Imperial State Crown with its 2,868 diamonds, the Sovereign’s Sceptre containing the 530-carat Great Star of Africa diamond, and other priceless regalia still used in coronation ceremonies. The Yeoman Warders, or “Beefeaters,” lead entertaining and historically rich tours, sharing tales of the many famous prisoners who passed through Traitors’ Gate, from Anne Boleyn to Sir Walter Raleigh.

Pro tip: Head straight to the Crown Jewels when the gates open — the queue can stretch to over an hour by midday. Join one of the free Yeoman Warder tours that depart every 30 minutes from the entrance; these retired military veterans are exceptional storytellers. Look for the resident ravens on Tower Green — legend holds that if they ever leave, the kingdom will fall.