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London

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The guide was updated: 2021-04-29

London is the cultural, political and economic heart of Britain, famous for its world-class museums, galleries, royal palaces, shopping destinations, West End theatre shows and award-winning restaurants. Whether you want to stay in a 5-star luxury hotel and sip Champagne on the London Eye, or find a cheap hostel and stroll around one of London's beautiful Royal Parks, you're sure to find something that suits your budget and interests.

Facts

Population:	8.1 million
Currency:	British pounds, £1 = 100 pence
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	999
Newspapers:	The Times The Telegraph The Guardian Daily Mail The Independent London Evening Standard
Opening hours:	Typical shopping hours are Monday-Saturday 9.00-17.30. Many department stores stay open until 18.00, some until 19.00 or 20.00 on Wednesdays or Thursdays. Larger shops are often open 10.00-18.00 on Sundays.
Tourist information:	City Information Centre St. Paul's Churchyard, London, EC4M 8BX +44 20 7332 1456

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Section in London

London is full of things to do and see. From famous attractions such as the London Eye, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Tower of London to much lesser known ones that are almost secrets. There are also exciting shopping destinations, vast areas of green parkland in the middle of the city and much, much more. Read on for inspiration and handy tips on places you just can't miss while you're in the capital. Many attractions on this list are free to enter, giving you another great reason to fall in love with London.

London Mithraeum

London Mithraeum

Reopened recently at the very site of its original discovery, the ruins of this Roman Temple of Mithras are open for public visits in the basement of Bloomberg's European headquarters at number 12 Walbrook. There are also a few other exhibitions that include both historic artefacts and contemporary artwork. Entrance is free of charge.

Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens

London's largest UNESCO World Site, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is the largest conservation project of its kind in the world. Visit the Davies Alpine House and experience the high-altitude conditions that allow alpine plants to grow, take a trip the desert to the jungle at Princess of Wales Conservatory, marvel at treacherous carnivorous plants and take in sweeping views of London from atop the Great Pagoda.

Glass blowing workshops

Glass blowing workshops

More and more crafts are becoming extinct or endangered over time. And therefore it is important to preserve the ones left today. Luckily there are masters in the art of glass blowing and if you are interested to learn about the it, you can participate in one of the several glass blowing workshops in and around London. You can find half-day or full-day courses, all equally entertaining and educational at the same time.

Tate Modern

Tate Modern

Housed in a large former power station, Tate Modern is Britain's leading art gallery when it comes to modern and contemporary art. As well as the Tate's much anticipated exhibitions, there's a fantastic permanent collection to explore. It features works by artists as diverse as Matisse, Picasso, Rothko, Pollock, Warhol and Bourgeois.

The British Museum

The British Museum

One of the largest and most interesting museums in the world, the British Museum is home to some of the most treasured historical artefacts ever found. The extensive exhibition includes the Rosetta Stone, Assyrian treasures, Egyptian mummies and the museum's spectacularly illuminated Great Court, where you can find the museum's new restaurant. This restaurant is an ideal spot for taking afternoon tea under the court's spectacular roof. Free tours of the museum and guides are also available.

The National Gallery

The National Gallery

You will find vast collections of some of the most famous, beautiful and awe-inspiring paintings in the world at the National Gallery. Treat yourself to some of the best artistic production there is and ever has been. Feast your eyes on masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Titian, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Turner, Monet or Van Gogh.

Tower of London

Tower of London

Tower of London is one of the most famous fortified buildings in the world. It's also a mysterious place full of dark secrets, strange stories and historic relics. Here you can admire the priceless Crown Jewels, explore the Medieval Palace, visit the infamous Bloody Tower, and go on a tour with a Yeoman Warder to learn about the many executions that took place here.

St Paul's Cathedral

St Paul's Cathedral

The 17th century cathedral on Ludgate Hill in the City of London is one of the capital's most iconic buildings. Designed by the illustrious Sir Christopher Wren, St Paul's was the tallest building in London until as late as 1962. Use the touch-screen multimedia guides or take a guided tour to learn about the famous interior or, if you're feeling fit, climb up to the Whispering Gallery and try out the acoustics. From there you can carry on making your way up to the Golden Gallery atop the dome, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of London. You can also descend into the crypt where you'll find memorials of important historical figures such as Admiral Lord Nelson.

Natural History Museum

Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum houses hundreds of amazing exhibits from the natural world in one of London's most beautiful landmark buildings. Highlights include the popular Dinosaurs gallery, the model blue whale and the Cocoon specimen centre special. Events and debates are held in the Darwin Centre high-tech Attenborough Studio, where you'll have the chance to meet important scientists.

Madame Tussauds London

Madame Tussauds London

There's plenty to keep you entertained at Madame Tussauds London, with more than 300 wax figures, the Marvel Super Heroes 4D movie experience and Spirit of London Taxi Ride. The uncannily lifelike wax figures of famous (and infamous) individuals from throughout history are the obvious highlight. From Johnny Depp and One Direction to Muhammad Ali and the Queen, you are sure to recognise everyone who makes an appearance. Who is your favourite celebrity?

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre is a reconstruction of the original open-air theatre where playwright, William Shakespeare, first staged many of his famous plays such as Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Midsummer Night’s Dream. On the banks of the Thames, just a few hundred yards away from its original location, the Globe stages classic and modern interpretations of Shakespeare's works as well as of brand new plays. And at only £5 for a standing ticket, you can't go wrong. There is also an exhibition with audio guides available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Japanese. And expert guided tours run every 30 minutes.

SEA LIFE London Aquarium

SEA LIFE London Aquarium

Located on the South Bank, right next to London Eye, SEA LIFE London Aquarium harbours one of Europe’s largest collections of global marine life covering more than 500 species, 14 themed areas and two million litres of water. The exhibition includes favourites such as seahorses, octopus, zebra sharks and clown fish.There are also interactive experiences, so you can see diving displays, watch the sharks being fed, or even try and feed the stingrays yourself. And don't forget to take a dive 'under the ocean' in the glass tunnel walkway.

Houses of Parliament

Houses of Parliament

Take a tour of the Houses of Parliament and experience 1,000 years of history at Westminster. Visitors are welcomed into the building through Westminster Hall, before following in the footsteps of the Queen at the State Opening of Parliament. Marvel at the Victorian splendour of the Lords Chamber and see the famous green benches in the Commons Chamber. Audioguides and tours are available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian and Mandarin.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace

During the summer months, Buckingham Palace - the official residence of The Queen - opens the doors of its elegant State Rooms to the public. As well as proving a very fancy backdrop for many an official royal engagement, the rooms contain some of the finest treasures from the Royal Collection - including paintings, sculptures and fine French furniture.

Legoland Windsor

Legoland Windsor

Built on 150 acres of parkland, the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort is located just outside of London. It is home to more than 55 rides, shows, attractions and workshops, all geared towards children up to 12 years of age. This theme park is a great place for a family day trip. But for those of you who would like to make the most of all the fun there is to be had at the theme park, there is the possibilty of staying at the Resort Hotel's themed rooms for a few days and enjoying its themed rooms. That way you can fully enjoy all that the park has to offer. You can jump on board a Lego submarine, take a good look at London's iconic landscape in miniature form, get soaked at the water rides and put your skills to the test at The Driving School.

Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace was King Henry VIII's favourite royal residence. It is brimming with thrilling stories and beautiful sights. Inside the building you can visit the medieval Great Hall where William Shakespeare’s company once performed, as well as the huge Tudor kitchens and the Haunted Gallery. There is also much to see on the outside of the palace, what with the puzzling maze, the palace's beautiful gardens and a large park. Other highlights include daily tours and talks, as well as the annual Hampton Court Palace Flower Show.

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