London, the capital city of United Kingdom
Rich with history, culture, and spectacular architecture, there’s really no other place in the world quite like London. The capital city of the United Kingdom offers a wealth of attractions and world-famous landmarks to explore, including medieval fortresses, royal castles, lush parks, and much, much more. In addition, London also boasts one of Europe’s most diverse populations as well as a thriving art and cultural scene, adding even more character to it. From the banks of the River Thames to famous sporting sites like Wimbledon, London offers a dizzying array of attractions to see and interesting things to do. Truly one of the world’s greatest cities, London offers something for everyone to love.
2024 London Vacation Guide
London is packed with world-famous attractions and historic landmarks to explore. Many of these are found in Central London, the historic core of the city, and especially in the City of London and Westminster districts. One of the city’s top attractions is the Palace of Westminster, home of the iconic Big Ben clock tower. As the seat of the British parliament, the Palace of Westminster is a place of utmost historical and cultural importance to the city. Known for its ornate Neo-Gothic architecture and rising towers, it is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a must-see destination.
England is 18 miles from France just across from the English Channel. The capital of this wonderful country is London. This is the place to be for fine things to do and see and for a great night out on the town. This is one of the most famous cities in the world and no wonder. There is just so much of London, in terms of things to do and see that you could visit time and time again and still have not seen it all. With great places to visit like the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the castle where the late Princess Diana of Wales lived there are just too many great sites to see that you will be more than amazed at all your choices. You will think it to be a spectacular city, perhaps a little dreamlike with all the wonderful scenery and architecture.
The London area is 6,267 sq miles and it has a population of 13,945,000. With so many people London is the largest metropolitan area in England and number twenty in the world. The greater London area is divided into 32 boroughs. . London is also known as “The Square Mile” which is known for being calm on the weekends and busy during the week. This is due to the fact that it is predominantly a financial center.
What’s the Allure?
London has proudly earned the distinction of being one of the most visited cities in the world. The diversity is evident in popular activities; visitors can indulge in the centuries-old stories as told by guides at the iconic landmarks, or discover modern art at top museums. They can elect to chat with friendly locals at a pub or watch the latest in experimental theatre. Indeed, with its fascinating history, classic architecture and dynamic culture, this exciting capital city offers a little something for everyone.
Why We Love It
London is an exciting city that continually strives to improve its offerings. This dedication to innovation is arguably one of the main reasons why it was selected to host the Summer Olympic Games for the third time running…and we can’t wait to see how they plan on making it a most welcoming and memorable affair once again.
Points of Interest
For a city so rich in history and popular culture, it is quite refreshing that London offers both a steady stream of memorable districts and iconic structures as well as dozens of open-air “green” locations. Visitors can easily explore atmospheric areas such as Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden, followed by a respite at beautiful green zones including Hyde Park and Hempstead Heath.
London’s multitude of diverse nationalities makes it one of the world’s most famous culinary melting pots. On any given day, sample authentic dishes from the likes of India, Italy, China, Japan, and Africa…to name but a few. Of course, if you prefer to try traditional English cooking, there are plenty of options available; from hearty shepherd’s pie to tasty fish and chips or even avant-garde Michelin-starred creations – it’s all on offer at this cosmopolitan metropolis.
Tower of London
Another top site in London is the Tower of London. Built in 1066, this royal fortress stands guard over the River Thames and holds the famed Crown Jewels. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is open to the public for tours and offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and heritage of medieval London.
London Eye
To see London from above, the London Eye is the perfect place to go. This landmark observation wheel offers spectacular views of the city and is a great way to get acquainted with its layout and top landmarks. Another great place to see the cityscape is from Tower Bridge. Built in the late 19th century, the Tower Bridge is another icon of the city and boasts stunning views of the River Thames and many of the city’s top attractions. Other nearby sites of interest include Picadilly Circus and the Marble Arch.
Buckingham Palace
Culture abounds in many other of the city’s attractions. Buckingham Palace, the seat of the British royal family, is an absolute must-see destination and is the home of the celebrated Changing of the Guard ceremony. Open for tours during the summer, it is a fascinating attraction that every visitor should see. St. Paul’s Cathedral, known for its iconic dome and rich Baroque architecture, is another top cultural attraction, as is the wondrous Westminster Abbey. Trafalgar Square is a great place to relax, unwind and stop by some of the city’s top museums and cultural institutions.
London’s museums, in fact, are among the finest in the entire world. The city hosts the world-class British Museum, one of the world’s foremost institutions of art and culture, as well as other renowned museums and galleries such as Tate Modern, the National Gallery, the Natural History Museum, and much more.
Activities
London is packed with world-famous attractions and historic landmarks to explore. Many of these are found in Central London, the historic core of the city, and especially in the City of London and Westminster districts. One of the city’s top attractions is the Palace of Westminster, home of the iconic Big Ben clock tower. As the seat of the British parliament, the Palace of Westminster is a place of utmost historical and cultural importance to the city. Known for its ornate Neo-Gothic architecture and rising towers, it is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a must-see destination.
For rest and leisure, visitors to London have plenty of options. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are renowned for their natural beauty and extensive greenery while Richmond Park is known for its rustic, untamed feel. Other top parks and public spaces in the city include Regent’s Park, St. James Park, and the sprawling Hampstead Heath.
A major pastime in a city as dynamic as London is sightseeing. Popular sites include the Queen’s residence at Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and the ultra-modern London Eye. For art lovers, the excellent selection of galleries and museums are sure to entertain. Outstanding options include the British Museum, the National Gallery and the Tate Modern.
To see London from above, the London Eye is the perfect place to go. This landmark observation wheel offers spectacular views of the city and is a great way to get acquainted with its layout and top landmarks. Another great place to see the cityscape is from Tower Bridge. Built in the late 19th century, the Tower Bridge is another icon of the city and boasts stunning views of the River Thames and many of the city’s top attractions. Other nearby sites of interest include Picadilly Circus and the Marble Arch.
After dark, the city comes alive with a curious mix of classic British etiquette at the upscale West End areas (such as Mayfair and Notting Hill) and the grittier, underground vibe of the East End club scene. Whatever your mood or preference, London aims to provide a memorable source of entertainment.
London offers, even more, to see and do. From the theaters of the West End to the shops of Mayfair, and ethnic enclaves like Chinatown to cruising the scenic River Thames, this city has it all. Visitors looking for culture, adventure, and rich heritage will find it all in London, one of the world’s most exhilarating cities.
London Top 10 Attractions
You should definitely make it a point to see the Tower of London, which with its 900 years of history was a place for executions. Take the guided tour and see the Crown Jewels. Next on your list should be Westminster Abbey built in 1066 it is an architectural wonder of the world. You will be amazed at the interior and exterior of this famous building.
We have chosen our Top Ten Attractions in London. Please see the list below for our choices. There are also so many other things to do and see in London that you will be excited to know how many. Please see as many as you can. Visit the museums, as they are some of the best in the world. Enjoy your stay in the wonderful city of London.
British Museum
Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3DG United Kingdom, Phone: +44 0207 7323 8299
The British Museum is one of London’s top tourist attractions. It also offers quite a bit of information. It was built in 1753 and the Museum’s distinctive Greek revivalist structure was built during the 19th century. It covers 14 acres of land with the exhibitions and admission is free for all.
Tower of London
Tower Hill, London, EC3N 4AB United Kingdom, Phone: +44 20 7709 0765
Another top site in London is the Tower of London. Built in 1066, this royal fortress stands guard over the River Thames and holds the famed Crown Jewels. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is open to the public for tours and offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and heritage of medieval London. The Tower of London is a place of past executions and 900 years of history. In those violent years, it was used as a place of imprisonment. Crown Jewels are one of the famous attractions at this site and there are guided tours of the area available to see it.
Westminster Abbey
20 Dean’s Yard, London, SW1P 3PA United Kingdom, Phone: +44 20 7222 5152
At Westminster Abbey, it is famous for being an architectural wonder of the world and it is absolutely breathtaking. The place for the country’s coronations since 1066 and for numerous other Royal occasions this is a masterful work of art and at present, it still is a church with regular service hours.
Houses of Parliament
Westminster, London, SW1A OAA United Kingdom, Phone: +44 20 7219 4272
Be sure to see the Houses of Parliament with its 1,100 rooms, 100 staircases and 11 courtyards and it houses Westminster Hall, the Crypt Church, and the Members’ Lobby. Imagine cleaning that home. It would be quite a job. The House of Parliament for 900 years has been the home to the English government. Inside its massive walls are 1,100 rooms, 100 staircases and 11 courtyards and it houses Westminster Hall, the Crypt Church, the Members’ Lobby, the Commons Library, and the Peers Library. Outside in the tower is Big Ben a most celebrated structure.
Science Museum
Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 2DD United Kingdom, Phone: +44 870 870 4868
In the afternoon go to see the Science Museum and Madame Tussaud’s (the famous wax museum). These two museums will be a wonderful afternoon of information and tremendous works of art. The Science Museum offers a glimpse into the future as well as the latest technology. Interactive exhibits and audience participation shows make this a fine day of events and entertainment. It is fun for the whole group and makes a day out of this fine experience with shops and dining places also.
Tower Bridge
Tower Hill, London, SE1 2UP United Kingdom, Phone: +44 20 7403 3761
The Tower Bridge is known around the world and is famous as being one of the most visited bridges in all of history. It opened in 1894 and has excellent views of the Tower of London and of river life on the Thames. A tremendous exhibit awaits you at this site.
Madame Tussaud’s
Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5LR United Kingdom, Phone: 0870 400 3000
Madame Tussaud’s is the famous waxworks and was started by Madame Tussaud in 1835. She used to make making death masks during the French Revolution. Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette are displayed beside the actual blade that beheaded them and that is just a few of the fantastic sights you will see when you visit here.
Windsor Castle
Windsor, Berkshire, SR4 1NJ United Kingdom, Phone: +44 1753 869 898
The Windsor Castle is the home of the State Apartments, the St George’s Chapel, the Gallery, and the delightful Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. This is an awesome and enormous site and it gets very many visitors at all times. Leave time to see how the British monarchy lives on this fantastic site.
Kensington Palace
Kensington Gardens (off High Street Kensington), London, W8 4PX United Kingdom, Phone: +44 20 7937 9561
Now you are ready to see Kensington Palace, the residence of the late Princess Diana of Wales and where Queen Victoria was born in 1819 and then Windsor Castle where Royalty still lives now. This is how the very upper echelon in London lives. Kensington Palace is where Queen Victoria was born in 1819, and Princess Margaret and other royals still live in it. Kensington Palace was the London residence of the late Diana, Princess of Wales. Please make every effort to pay a visit to this attraction and share tea and lunch in the Orangery room weather permitting.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1A 1AA United Kingdom, Phone: +44 20 7321 2233
Culture abounds in many other of the city’s attractions. Buckingham Palace, the seat of the British royal family, is an absolute must-see destination and is the home of the celebrated Changing of the Guard ceremony. Buckingham Palace is the home of British royalty since 1837. The changing of the guard is a tourist attraction that you must see. See the Queen’s horse and stables in the Mews and walk the fascinating grounds. This is where it all happens in the home of the royals.
London History
- 4000 BC is the first known inhabitants of the London area.
- In AD43 the Romans invaded in AD43 and quickly took most of England. In AD410 the Roman empire was gone.
- There was another invader of the area named William of Normandy in 1066 with a force of 12,000 men. The Battle of Hastings occurred and that is when the impressive castles were built.
- In the year 1666, there was a very terrible fire that destroyed a large part of the city of London. It took over ten years to rebuild the destroyed areas and by the 18th century, the city of London was the largest in the world.
- In the late 9th century it again took its role as England’s biggest city, but at this time it was not the capital. Winchester was the capital until the 12th century. In the mid-17th century, there was a civil war in England.
- It took until the 1960s for all the wars to be recovered from and then London and its people were prosperous beyond belief.
- England under PM Tony Blair is constantly in a state of change and improvement. There will be more changes in the years to come and hopefully all for the better. The area continues to prosper and the city is still famous worldwide for all there is to do and see. With numerous nightclubs and pubs and restaurants, there is a lot of tourist attractions that boost its fame around the world.
Sightseeing in London
With a population of just under eight million, London is Europe’s largest city, spreading across an area of more than 620 square miles from its core on the River Thames. Ethnically it’s also Europe’s most diverse metropolis: around two hundred languages are spoken within its confines, and more than thirty percent of the population is made up of first, second-, and third-generation immigrants. Despite Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish devolution, London still dominates the national horizon, too: this is where the country’s news and money are made, it’s where the central government resides and, as far as its inhabitants are concerned, provincial life begins beyond the circuit of the city’s orbital motorway. Londoners’ sense of superiority causes enormous resentment in the region, yet it’s undeniable that the capital has a unique aura of excitement and success – in most walks of British life, if you want to get on you’ve got to do it in London.
London’s world-class museums
For the visitor, too, London is a thrilling place – and since the beginning of the new millennium, the city has also been overtaken by an exceptionally buoyant mood. Thanks to the lottery and millennium-oriented funding frenzy of the last few years, virtually every one of London’s world-class museums, galleries and institutions has been reinvented, from the Royal Opera House to the British Museum. With the completion of the Tate Modern and the London Eye, the city can now boast the world’s largest modern art gallery and Ferris wheel; there’s also a new tube extension and the first new bridge to cross the Thames for over a hundred years. After sixteen years of being the only major city in the world not to have its own governing body, London finally has its own elected mayor and assembly.
London’s traditional sights
In the meantime, London’s traditional sights – Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London – continue to draw in millions of tourists every year. Monuments from the capital’s more glorious past are everywhere to be seen, from medieval banqueting halls and the great churches of Sir Christopher Wren to the eclectic Victorian architecture of the triumphalist British Empire. There is also much enjoyment to be had from the city’s quiet Georgian squares, the narrow alleyways of the City of London, the riverside walks, and the quirks of what is still identifiably a collection of villages. And even London’s traffic pollution – one of its worst problems – is offset by surprisingly large expanses of greenery: Hyde Park, Green Park, and St James’s Park are all within a few minutes’ walks of the West End, while, further afield, you can enjoy the more expansive parklands of Hampstead Heath and Richmond Park.
Shopping in London
You could spend days just shopping in London, too, hobnobbing with the upper classes in Harrods, or sampling the offbeat weekend markets of Portobello Road and Camden. The music, clubbing, and gay/lesbian scenes are second to none, and mainstream arts are no less exciting, with regular opportunities to catch brilliant theatre companies, dance troupes, exhibitions, and opera. Restaurants, these days, are an attraction, too. London has caught up with its European rivals and offers a range from three-star Michelin establishments to low-cost, high-quality Indian curry houses. Meanwhile, the city’s pubs have heaps of atmosphere, especially away from the center – and an exploration of the farther-flung communities is essential to get the complete picture of this dynamic metropolis.
London Nightlife
Now we are going to help you decide on some of the places you might like to see. The first one is the Café de Paris. Ok, you must put on your finest clothes and head on out to this fabulous nightclub. This used to be a ballroom in the 1920s and while you are climbing the elegant staircase you will feel as if you stepped into a fairy tale of sorts and you are the star. For another great choice and a fun evening out try the Fabric. You will have your choice of three dance floors to move your body on and you’ll vibrate to the “sonic” sounds. It is a whole-body experience and you’ll love it.
There are so many more and you will want to try a night at the Tiger Tiger. With four floors you will always get a drink quickly and there is live music, but quiet places to sit and talk also if you would like. If you are in the mood for romance, try The Windsor Pub where many tourists and residents alike enjoy an evening by the open fireplaces the Pub has. There is a great atmosphere at this place.
We have listed some of the great nightspots to go to in the city of London. There are many more to see. Don’t plan to sleep too much because you don’t want to miss all the fun you can have. London is known for its fantastic nightlife, so get out there and enjoy as much as you can.
Cafe de Paris
3-4 Coventry St
(Piccadilly)
London, W1D 6BL United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7734 7700
Café de Paris use to be a ballroom in the 1920s and when you climb the elegant staircase it brings you to the very hip bar and dance floor. There is cabaret-style entertainment available and a great place to drink and have a great time. You will enjoy yourself.
Fabric
77a Charterhouse Street
London, EC1M 6AA United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7336 8898
The Fabric has three dance floors and it is sure to be lively for a fun night out. There are also two bars and roof terrace, along with a beautiful garden. There is a “Body Sonic” sound system that makes you vibrate to the pumping bass of the music. Wow.
Ministry of Sound
103 Gaunt Street
London, SE1 6DP United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7378-6528
The Ministry of Sound is one of London’s hippest night spots. Be sure to visit this place at least once. There are two dance floors for your dancing pleasures. This is a lively crowd so be sure you are ready to have some fun. There is a DJ and the music will make you dance.
Ronnie Scott’s
47 Frith Street
London, W1D 4HT United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7439 0747
At Ronnie Scott’s you will be treated to live jazz music. It is world-famous for its great music and for over 40 years it has been in existence. There is also dancing and a great atmosphere for all ages and types of people enjoy this club. It is a nice night out.
Tiger Tiger
29 The Haymarket
(off Piccadilly Circus)
London, SW1Y 4SP United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7930 1885
At Tiger Tiger you can drink and dance all night long. You can sit and lounge and talk if you would like too. At this place, all types and ages have a great night. There are four floors to this bar and that means you can always get a drink quickly.
Windsor Castle Pub
114 Campden Hill Road
Kensington
London, GB W8 7AR United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7243 9551
The Windsor Castle Pub is a popular place for tourists and residents alike. Sit by the fire at one of their open fireplaces. Relax and have a drink or two. This is a wonderful night out for a comfortable environment and great food on the menu. A night to enjoy.
London Theatre
In London, there is an area called the West End. This is where a lot of the theatres are located. The theatres offer musical shows, comedy and serious drama performances. London is the home of The Adelphi Theatre, which was the place where Andrew Lloyd Weber’s musical Cats was recorded in 1998. Another of the theatres is the Palace Theatre, where the show Les Miserables was showing for eleven years.
The Coliseum Theatre is one of London’s largest and best-equipped theatres. The UCL Bloomsbury has the capacity to seat 550 and offers drama, musicals, comedy and dance all year round. The Coliseum Theatre is the largest theatre in London and it has a revolving stage also. The Royal Opera House is now the permanent home of The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet.
Below are six of the best Theatres in London with their contact information. Be sure to call the theatre ahead of time and find out which shows are playing during the time you will be visiting. You will want to purchase your tickets early as the shows nearly always sell out. Take in as many shows at these fantastic theatres that you can.
Adelphi Theatre
The Strand, London
WC2R 0NS
0870 403 03 03
Coliseum Theatre
St Martin’s Lane
London WC2
020 7632 8300
Palace Theatre
Shaftesbury Avenue
London W1V 8AY
44 (0)870 895 5505
The Royal Opera House
Covent Square
London WC2
020 7304 4000
UCL Bloomsbury
15 Gordon Street
London
WC1H 0AH
020 7388 8822
Victoria Palace Theatre
Victoria Street
SW1E 5EA
London
020 7834 1317
London Museums
Here are some of the many museums to go to in the London area including Westminster Abbey. It is famous for being an architectural wonder of the world and it is absolutely breathtaking. It has been the place for the country’s coronations since 1066. At the Houses of Parliament for 900 years has been the home to the English government. Inside its massive walls are 1,100 rooms, 100 staircases, and 11 courtyards and it houses Westminster Hall, the Crypt Church, Members’ Lobby, the Commons Library and the Peers Library. Outside in the tower is Big Ben a most celebrated structure.
The Science Museum
The Science Museum offers a glimpse into the future as well as the latest technology. Interactive exhibits and audience participation shows make this a fine day of events.
Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is known around the world and is famous as being one of the most visited bridges in all of history. It opened in 1894 and has excellent views of the Tower of London and of river life on the Thames. A tremendous exhibit awaits you at this site.
The British Museum
The British Museum is one of London’s top tourist attractions. It also offers quite a bit of information. It was built in 1753 and the Museum’s distinctive Greek revivalist structure was built during the 19th century. It covers 14 acres of land with exhibitions and admission is free for all.
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is the home of the State Apartments, the St George’s Chapel, the Gallery and the delightful Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. This is an awesome and enormous site and it gets very many visitors at all times.
Please see as many of these fantastic sites as you can. It is well worth the time and effort and the beauty and timeless perfection will stay with you forever and ever.