London (Great Britain) — detailed information about the city with photos. Main attractions of London with descriptions, travel guides and maps.
London (eng. London) — the capital of Great Britain and one of the largest cities in Europe, a world centre of culture, music, education, fashion, politics, finance and trade. It is a vibrant and bustling metropolis with a dynamic lifestyle and a wonderful cosmopolitan atmosphere. London is one of the oldest cities in Europe, boasting an astonishing concentration of diverse landmarks, historical and cultural monuments: magnificent palaces, historic buildings, towers, bridges, ancient churches, attractions and world-class museums.
London was founded during the Roman Empire and throughout its rich history has been one of the most important cities in Europe. All the riches of the United Kingdom flowed here, which is why its capital possesses outstanding monuments from many different historical eras. London is one of the most multifaceted cities in the world, having absorbed not only British traditions but also the cultures of many nationalities and peoples. It is a place of stunning diversity that can be explored and discovered endlessly.
London is located in the south-east of England on the River Thames, which flows into the North Sea, 50 km upstream from its mouth. The city lies on the plain of the London Basin, which transitions to the south-east into low hills. A “green belt” has been established around the capital of Great Britain, the purpose of which is to contain the growth of the metropolis. London has a temperate oceanic climate characterised by warm summers and mild winters. Precipitation is distributed evenly throughout the year. An interesting feature of London’s climate is the very small inter-seasonal amplitude of average temperature fluctuations, which is just over 10 °C, due to the influence of the warm Gulf Stream.
Greater London is divided into 32 boroughs and the City of London (the medieval centre, which is now the financial district).
London can be visited year-round, so the best time to visit depends entirely on your preferences. During the off-season there are fewer tourists in the capital of the United Kingdom, making it easier to book a good hotel and explore the city comfortably. In summer London hosts many festivals and cultural events, though tourist numbers are significantly higher.
London was founded by the Romans in 43 AD. The Roman settlement was built on the north bank of the Thames and named Londinium. In 61 AD, during the Briton uprising, Londinium was burned to the ground. In the 3rd century AD the city became the capital of Upper Britain. At the beginning of the 5th century the Romans left Britain and Londinium was abandoned.
The modern name of the city derives from the Roman Londinium, the origin of which is not entirely clear. Some claim it traces back to the legendary King Lud, while others say it denotes a fortress, or fortified city.
In the 6th century the Saxons founded the city of Lundenwic near Roman Londinium, which became the capital of their kingdom. In the 9th century Lundenwic (Lundenwic) was attacked by Vikings. In the 9th century the city passed to the West Saxons, whose king relocated it to the site of ancient Londinium. In the 11th century London was chosen as the residence of the Anglo-Saxon king. From this time it was, as it were, divided into two parts: the City (the city proper, where the modern financial district now stands) and Westminster (the royal residence).
In the 11th century the coronation of William the Conqueror took place at Westminster Abbey. In the 12th–13th centuries London became the capital of the English kingdom. In 1216, during a civil war, a French army entered the city. Subsequently, over the following 8 centuries and up to the present day, London has never again been captured by an enemy. In 1348 a plague epidemic almost halved London’s population.
The era of London’s prosperity began during the reign of the Tudor dynasty, under whom the era of absolute monarchy commenced. Interestingly, the city was barely affected during the Reformation. By the 16th–17th centuries London had become one of the largest cities in Europe and a vast industrial centre. The city’s growth did not always benefit it: overcrowding and the absence of engineering infrastructure led to the most severe plague epidemics. In 1666 a great fire occurred, destroying more than half of the old city.
In the 17th century London became the world’s financial capital. By the 18th century the capital of the United Kingdom had earned the title of the largest city in Europe. In the 18th–19th centuries magnificent new buildings and structures were erected, without which London is now hard to imagine. In the 19th century the capital of Great Britain became the largest city in the world and one of the most significant industrial centres. London’s development was subsequently halted by the First World War. During the Second World War the city was subjected to heavy bombing, during which many residents perished and several dozen historic buildings were destroyed.
London is served by five airports, through which it is connected by air to virtually all world capitals. The largest airports are Heathrow and Gatwick.
Heathrow is the largest airport in Great Britain and one of the busiest in the world. It has 4 passenger terminals (2, 3, 4, 5) and is so large that it resembles a small city. Heathrow is located 27 km west of central London. This airport has a regular rail service to London Paddington station. By bus you can reach Feltham station. Underground lines connect Heathrow with Central London.
Gatwick is the second largest airport in London and Great Britain. It serves as the base for the budget airline easyJet. The airport is connected to the city by rail and bus services.
London is the hub of the British rail network and is connected by regular services to most cities in Great Britain. High-speed trains from France and Belgium also run to the capital of the United Kingdom.
London has a well-developed public transport system. The most popular means of getting around the city are the Underground and buses. Interestingly, buses are faster and more efficient for short distances. Otherwise it is better to use the Underground. The Underground consists of 11 lines and is divided into 9 zones. Zone 1 is Central London. Zones 6 and 9 are the suburbs. The cost of a single journey in Zone 1 is £6.70. With a Visitor Oyster or Oyster card — £2.80 (during peak hours).
London is one of the world’s shopping capitals. It is home to Europe’s largest department store — Harrods — where you can find almost anything. The capital of Great Britain also houses the enormous Westfield shopping centre, comprising 300 shops. The main shopping district is the West End (Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street, Piccadilly and Covent Garden). Near London Bridge is Borough Market, a food market, though it is comparatively expensive. On Brushfield Street is the old fruit market, where you can now buy clothing from up-and-coming designers, homeware and food products.
Food in London can satisfy any taste. You can find everything here: from fast food outlets and inexpensive pubs to exclusive restaurants. In London the standard tourist rule applies — food near popular attractions and in the central part of the city costs more. Many locals head to small restaurants in residential and working districts, where the quality of food and service is higher and the prices are lower.
Places with good restaurants and pubs serving traditional British cuisine:
London is famous for its pubs and bars, which can be found on almost every street. The best areas for a pub crawl are: West London, Bloomsbury, and the South Bank. Upscale clubs and bars are found in Soho and Leicester Square.
The worst food, in the opinion of Londoners themselves, is found in various West End steakhouses and around railway stations. If a café or restaurant has bright, eye-catching signage, multilingual staff and menus in several languages — it is better to look elsewhere.
In essence, the old city of London is divided into the City and Westminster.
The City of London is the historic district of London between Temple Bar and the Tower. It is the oldest part of the metropolis and approximately corresponds to the area of the ancient Roman settlement. The City presents an interesting architectural contrast, where old medieval streets literally stand alongside modern skyscrapers. This district is home to St Paul’s Cathedral, important financial and governmental institutions (the London Stock Exchange, the courts, City Hall).
Westminster — the central district on the north bank of the Thames in the heart of the West End, which is the symbol of the British monarchy. This historic district was effectively a separate settlement until 1965, when it became part of London. Westminster was founded in the 11th century by King Edward the Confessor as the residence of British kings. It contains an extraordinary concentration of iconic landmarks, among them Buckingham Palace, the Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey.
Buckingham Palace — an iconic historic building and symbol of the British monarchy. The palace was built between 1826 and 1837 and has been the official London residence of the British royal family since the reign of Queen Victoria. The most notable feature of this place is the Changing of the Guard. The ceremony begins at 11:00 (or 10:00 on certain days) and lasts approximately 30–45 minutes.
When the Queen is at Buckingham Palace, the Royal Standard is raised on the flagpole. When she travels to her summer residences, tickets can be purchased for tours of the magnificent state rooms, the Royal Galleries and the royal stables.
The Tower of London — one of the most famous historic landmarks of Great Britain, included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This mighty fortress was founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century and stands as a witness to London’s rich history. The Tower served many functions: from a grim prison to a palace, from a royal treasury to a menagerie. Today the Tower is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the United Kingdom and houses magnificent historical exhibitions.
Tower Bridge — one of the main symbols of London, with its beautiful bridge towers, inside the foundations of which the original steam engines are preserved. This bascule bridge was completed in 1894 and was at the time considered a marvel of Victorian engineering.
The British Parliament — the centre of political life in the United Kingdom. The magnificent building once housed the Royal Palace of Westminster. It is believed that this structure was founded in the late 11th century and allows visitors to touch a unique combination of a thousand years of history, contemporary politics and breathtaking art and architecture. The majority of the current building was constructed in the 19th century following the devastating fire of 1834.
Big Ben — one of the main symbols of London, the clock tower of the Palace of Westminster. Big Ben was built in 1859 to a design by Charles Barry. The enormous clock dates from the same period.
Westminster Abbey (or the Collegiate Church of St Peter at Westminster) — a magnificent Gothic masterpiece and one of London’s most legendary sites. The origins of this religious building go back to the early Middle Ages. Westminster Abbey was founded by Edward the Confessor in 1065 as a place of burial. Since 1066 the majority of British monarchs have been crowned and buried here.
Trafalgar Square is one of London’s most iconic public spaces and a symbol of the former might of the British Empire. The square was built in honour of Admiral Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Trafalgar Square is famous for its beautiful fountains, historic buildings and the giant 52-metre column topped with a statue of Admiral Nelson.
Hyde Park — a picturesque royal park and one of the largest green spaces in Central London. The park was established in 1536 for deer hunting. Today it is an excellent place for walks, picnics and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis.
St Paul’s Cathedral — the most famous and largest church in London. This Baroque masterpiece dates from the 17th century and is one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the world. The most remarkable feature of the cathedral is its enormous dome, which is considered a masterpiece of English architecture.
Covent Garden — a wonderful London district filled with markets and small shops where you can buy traditional goods and souvenirs.
The London Eye — a giant observation wheel, the largest in Europe. It is one of the most popular attractions in the capital of Great Britain, built in 2000 to mark the millennium. The London Eye stands 135 metres tall and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the metropolis.
Hampton Court (Hampton Court Palace) — one of the most famous palaces in Europe, built during the reign of Henry VIII. Notable features of the building include: a 16th-century astronomical clock, an old chapel, royal apartments and a haunted gallery.
Greenwich — the centre of British naval power, known for its observatory and the impressive collections of the National Maritime Museum.
Wembley — the largest stadium in Great Britain and one of the most iconic football arenas in the world.
Warner Bros. Studio — the studios and sets from the Harry Potter films, north of Watford. Here you can walk down Diagon Alley, try Butterbeer or step inside Hogwarts.
The British Museum — one of the most famous museums in the world, housing a breathtaking collection of antiquities (over 13 million items). Its collections include finds from Ancient Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Ancient China and classical Europe.
The National Gallery — one of the finest art museums in the world, whose collections span the period from the 13th to the 20th centuries. Also on display here are masterpieces by Dutch and Italian Renaissance masters, including Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Michelangelo and Van Gogh.
London is not just a city — it is living history, pulsating to the rhythm of modern life. From magnificent palaces and historic landmarks that breathe the spirit of bygone eras to dynamic streets filled with innovation and cultural diversity, London offers an endless wealth of experiences for every visitor. Wandering its narrow medieval lanes alongside towering modern skyscrapers, one senses a unique symbiosis of past and future. Whether you are passionate about history, art, fashion, gastronomy, or simply wish to experience the atmosphere of a true metropolis,
London will inevitably leave an unforgettable mark on your memory. It is a city that never ceases to amaze and inspire, inviting you to return again and again to discover new facets of its multifaceted character. London — a journey through time and space, where everyone will find something of their own.
Why is winter in Tromsø, Norway, located above the Arctic Circle, warmer than in Kyiv,…
Our compatriots choose them as husbands more often than other foreigners. Family life with Turkish…
"Mandry-Club" shares its secrets. Detailed guides, essential life hacks, and everything you need to know…
Sometimes tourists leave the country with mixed feelings: they see more drawbacks than advantages. So…
What would life on our planet look like and would it exist at all? We…
One of the more interesting shifts in Web3 is that users are no longer impressed…
