The main attractions of London. Sights of London - interesting places

Every day London is visited by many tourists. This is a city with an interesting history. Every traveler dreams of visiting the famous and famous sights of London. Here, anyone will find something to see: historical, architectural, cultural sights and wonders will not leave anyone indifferent.

Buckingham Palace, Tower, Westminster Abbey, Hyde Park, wax museum, ancient buildings and modern buildings attract tourists from all over the world. The sights of London with their grandeur and beauty fascinate, fascinate, make you admire unique monuments, intriguing with numerous legends and interesting stories. This city forever captivates the hearts of tourists who visit it, and therefore they return here again and again to admire its beauty and discover interesting places.

TOP 20 London attractions

London's historical sites belong mainly to the Victorian era. This is the name given to the times when Queen Victoria ruled the country (1837 – 1901). Few earlier buildings have survived, since many buildings were destroyed during the fire of 1666. The surviving main attractions of London are the Tower Fortress, Westminster Abbey, and Banqueting House.

One can talk and talk about the capital of Great Britain for hours. But, as we say, “It’s better to see once.” And there really is something to see. Here is a list of the brightest places and buildings in the city.

Tourists should definitely visit Tower Bridge, located near the famous prison. This is another symbol of the capital of Great Britain, featured in many photos. The length of the attraction is almost 250 m, the height of the towers is 65 m. Between the towers there is a span, the length of which is 61 m. It is divided into two parts, rising to allow sea transport to pass.

The bridge is designed so that pedestrians can cross it even when the spans are being opened. For this purpose, there are galleries connecting the towers high above the river. A pedestrian can get here by climbing the spiral staircase of one of the towers. Since 1982, pedestrian galleries have housed exhibitions. You can also go up here to explore the surrounding area.

2. Elizabeth Tower or Big Ben

It is the most famous tower in London. It has clocks on all four sides. The diameter of the clock is 7 meters, due to such a large size the clock is considered the main clock of London. The Elizabeth Tower is located on the grounds of the Palace of Westminster, where the British Parliament meets.

The Tower is one of London's most famous landmarks. The fortress is located on the Thames coast, at EC3N 4AB. The first tower appeared here in 1078 by order of the Norman Duke William I to intimidate the conquered local residents. At first it was a wooden building, which was then replaced with stone. In the second half of the 12th century. Several more towers and fortress walls appeared around the Tower, along which a deep ditch was dug from the outside.

The Tower of London became famous as a dungeon that held aristocrats as prisoners, many of whom served life sentences or were executed. The rulers of Scotland and France sat here, the three wives of Henry VIII spent their last days, and the future Queen of England, Elizabeth I, spent several months.

The Tower housed more than just a dungeon. For several hundred years, royal jewelry was also kept here, an arsenal, a mint, an observatory, and archives were located here. Until 1830, within the walls of the fort there was a zoo where bears and other animals lived.

Now the Tower is a museum, an arsenal, and the treasures of the British crown are located here. Officially, the fort is listed among the royal residences. There are several apartments where Tower employees and honored guests live.

Buckingham Palace is the official residence of British kings. Located at: London SW1A 1AA. Construction of the building began in 1703 by order of the Duke of Buckingham, who planned to settle here. In 1762, the landmark was acquired by monarch George III, who was no longer satisfied with St. James's Palace, and therefore was looking for a new residence. Over the next century, a huge amount of money was spent on furnishing the palace, and the castle itself underwent significant transformations.

The total area of ​​Buckingham Palace occupies 20 hectares. This is not only the main building, but also a garden, stables, two post offices, a swimming pool, a cinema, and also a royal garden where pink flamingos live. The British consider the most important place in the palace to be the balcony, from which monarchs and their families address their subjects on holidays.

Tourists can visit the palace from August to September, when members of the royal family are away. At this time, the castle is a museum where you can see paintings by famous artists, ancient watches, antiques, a collection of porcelain and many other interesting things. Here you can also visit the famous Royal Mews, the most famous exhibit of which is a gilded carriage created in the 18th century. Near the palace, anyone can watch the changing of the guard, which happens every day at Buckingham Palace.

5. Palace of Westminster

The Palace of Westminster is located on the banks of the Thames, at SW1A 0AA. Until the beginning of the 16th century. here was the residence of the English monarchs. The first English parliament met here in 1295, and since then the country's government has been sitting here. At the beginning of the 19th century. There was a big fire, because of which the castle had to be rebuilt. All that remains of the old building is the reception hall, where judges met, and the Tower of Jewels, which housed the treasury of Edward III.

The most famous tower of the palace is Big Ben. In fact, this structure is called the Elizabeth Tower. Big Ben is the name of the large bell located here, weighing 13.7 tons. The landmark was built in 1859, its height together with the spire reaches 96.3 m. The clock mechanism located on the tower is the third largest four-sided striking clock in the world . Their lower part is located 55 m above the ground, the total weight is 5 tons, the diameter of the dial is 7 m.

Tourists can only get to the Palace of Westminster on Saturdays as part of a tour, or on other days when Parliament is not in session. As a museum, Big Ben is currently closed until at least 2020 due to renovations.

The Collegiate Church of St Peter, known as Westminster Abbey, is located across the road from the Palace of Westminster, at SW1P 3PA, London, Deans Yd, 20. Traditionally, this landmark is the site of the coronation, marriage and burial of English monarchs.

The abbey was built on the site of a Benedictine church built in the 7th century. The attraction is considered an example of early English Gothic architecture: its construction began in 1245. Over the centuries, the abbey was rebuilt more than once, and acquired its final appearance in 1745.

In the Abbey Museum, tourists can see the queen's diamond galleries, paintings by famous artists, sculptures, statues, tapestries, and church utensils. St. Peter's Church is famous not only for its skillful decor, but also for the people who found their last refuge here. These are not only representatives of the royal family, but also the graves of famous writers (Geoffrey Chaucer, Edmund Spenser, Charles Dickens). Music fans will also like it here: concerts are often organized here.

A historical architectural monument in the Gothic style, founded in 1065. The western facade of the Benedictine abbey is decorated with sculptures of 10 martyrs of the last century. For many centuries, Westminster Abbey was the traditional place of coronation of Norman rulers and, thanks to generous donations to the community of monks, gradually strengthened its influence on official power from the 12th century. The two western towers of the abbey, known throughout the world, are considered the standard of beauty and style of the Gothic Revival. Until the 19th century, Westminster Abbey was called one of the three most significant scientific centers in England after and.

MUSEUMS

London National Gallery (London) and Trafalgar Square

The intersection of the main streets of Westminster is united by Trafalgar Square, often called the “heart of England”. The middle of the square is decorated with the 44-meter Nelson's Column, and around it are embassies, the Admiralty Arch and the world famous art museum - the London National Gallery. Since the gallery was founded in 1824, the paintings have been placed in the order they were painted, and at the moment the number of painting masterpieces exceeds 2 thousand. The National Gallery is especially proud of the works of Raphael, Rubens, Van Dyck, Vincent van Gogh, Rembrandt and Titian. The collection represents all areas of Western European painting from the 13th to the 20th centuries. During the war, the building with the paintings was hit by air bombs several times, but not a single artistic creation was damaged.

Museum of Modern Art: Tate Modern – Art Gallery

London's Tate Modern, although officially called a “modern museum,” has been housing the brilliant creations of masters since 1900. The museum, located on the south bank of the Thames, is visited annually by more than 5 million art fans. Since the opening of the Turbine Hall, which previously housed the generators of a closed power plant, its exhibitions have been seen by about 30 million visitors. This is a special museum project in which contemporary authors can present unusual creations. A great opportunity to see the whole of London at a glance is a visit to the café-bar on the 7th floor. The observation deck offers views of St. Paul's Cathedral, the Thames and the central part of the city. There is no entrance fee to Tate Modern. The museum has several permanent free exhibitions, but some exhibitions of outstanding artists require payment.

The British Museum

1753 was the year of the unification in London of three most valuable literary and historical collections and the creation of the British Museum. Repeated moves and expansion of storage facilities led to the separation of numismatic values, the Natural History Museum, the department of ancient oriental art samples and, in fact, the British Library into separate components. The most valuable masterpieces of the collection are considered to be the antiquities of Egypt, Greece, Mesopotamia and Ancient Rome. The museum's library rightfully bears the title of one of the richest in the world, containing more than 150 million printed publications in different languages. The library's treasury contains the only handwritten recording of the epic Beowulf, first editions of the Guttenberg Bible and da Vinci's personal notes.

Design Museum

“Someday some other museums will display these exhibits.”

In 1989, on the picturesque banks of the Thames, one of the best museums in the world in the field of fashion, architecture and graphics - the Design Museum - was located. This is one of the few London art repositories that provides paid admission for fans of beauty. About 200 thousand people annually visit the museum's Art Nouveau building, appreciating exhibitions of designer shoes, the development of video games, the history of clothing in different decades and collections of graphic works. The museum regularly holds lectures by famous designers and fashion designers, and there is an “educational department” for schoolchildren and students of design schools. At the local café you can have leisurely conversations about the world of fashion or admire the view of Tower Bridge.

National History Museum

London's world-famous Natural History Museum includes several collections and invites lovers of botany, zoology, mineralogy and researchers of antiquities to free tours. The museum's repository includes up to 6 million specimens of flora, 55 million representatives of animal fauna and up to 500 thousand minerals. The central hall of the museum presents a huge collection of dinosaur skeletons; here you can see the bones of a life-size diplodocus or a mobile specimen of a tyrannosaurus. The Mammal Hall is decorated with a real-size model of a whale and skeletons of many sea animals. For young visitors, the museum provides up to 10 popular science excursions and programs (“star animals”, “dinosaurs”, “create a volcano”, “draw nature”) to activate the children’s research interest.

Science Museum, London

The Science Museum is considered the most interesting and educational museum in London, where all exhibits are of practical importance. The central hall leads to many galleries dedicated to the inventions of human genius - from ancient Egyptian to modern technical innovations. In the clock hall, visitors can not only learn how ancient Roman clocks worked, but also see the working mechanisms of current models. The telephone hall will allow you to study phones from different years and even make a “call” in person. On the top floor you can compare several aircraft and find out how a person defeated the force of gravity. Not all exhibitions presented are permanent, so even with repeated visits to the Science Museum, you can make many incredible and unexpected discoveries.

Victoria and Albert Museum: V&A

In 1852, a museum of decorative arts and design was founded in London. When it opened, the small gallery was called the Museum of Products, but thanks to Queen Victoria and her husband, the vaults were quickly filled with unique examples of decorative art, and now the Victoria and Albert Museum is one of the twenty best museum treasures in the world. Up to 3 million people visit his exhibitions annually. The halls display not only decorative arts, but also theatrical exhibits, sculptures, paintings, and textile samples from different eras. The museum was created to improve the level of education of the general public and was supposed to contribute to the emergence of new ideas among British fashion designers. The museum has not abandoned these lofty goals even today and invites you to numerous exhibitions completely free of charge.

Museum of Childhood in London

The process of separating the Museum of Childhood from the larger Victoria and Albert Museum in London began in 1922, when the children's exhibition holdings expanded significantly and the museum's new curator decided to separate it into a separate building. Every year, about 30 thousand young spectators can get acquainted with children's exhibits covering the period from the 17th century to the present day. The Museum of Childhood features decorative and real furniture for babies, toys and games, construction sets, doll houses and their inhabitants, clothing for little ones, from changing sets to funny dresses for boys, which were used until the 1920s. The museum pays great attention to art exhibitions for schoolchildren, placing paintings below the usual level for the convenience of “short visitors.”

Madame Tussauds Museum

The idea of ​​creating the London Wax Museum was realized by the French sculptor Marie Tussaud, and now the museum has branches in 14 cities around the world. In 1777, Maria created her first wax figurine, depicting Voltaire, and already in 1835 she opened a permanent exhibition of her collection in London. Significant public interest was attracted by the Cabinet of Horrors, which consisted of figures of participants in the French Revolution, and a collection of wax figures of celebrities - philosophers, politicians, military men. Since 1984, Madame Tussauds has been located on Marylebone Road, and is visited annually by more than 2.6 million people who dream of taking a closer look at famous personalities and taking unusual photographs.

The Sherlock Holmes Museum

By the time A. Conan Doyle wrote his stories and stories, the address where the brilliant detective lived did not exist. But over time, Baker Street was extended, and the address “221b Baker Street” became embodied in real life. It was to this address that fans of Sherlock Holmes sent numerous letters and made excursions. Later, the Sherlock Holmes Museum was created on the street in a 4-story building, and a sign appeared on the facade informing passers-by about living here in 1881 - 1904. detective S. Holmes. The great detective's rooms can be viewed on the second floor, while Dr. John Watson and Mrs. Hudson "lived" on the third floor. Visitors can see here objects familiar from A. Conan Doyle's stories: the detective's violin, letters, his hat. Also at SherlockHolmesMuseum you can sit in a chair by the fireplace or take a photo in the setting of a 19th century tenement house.

Parks

Hyde Park

The name of the central London park comes from the unit of measurement for area. This royal park covers up to 1.4 square meters. km and is a favorite place of English politicians and speakers, who prefer here to communicate with opponents and defend their own philosophical ideas. Previously, historical parades were held here, and in 1822, London’s first sculpture of a naked Achilles was installed in Hyde Park, which caused a storm of protests from citizens.

Regent's Park and London Zoo

One of the largest parks in London, which previously served as the hunting grounds of Henry VIII. The park has been accessible to ordinary Londoners since 1838, and in the mid-19th century the Bishop's Observatory operated here. The park is a popular holiday destination for city residents thanks to its numerous lakes, central rose garden and fields for active sports. In the northeast of the park, a zoo is open to those interested, which is the oldest in the world. In 1828, a small zoo collection for scientific purposes appeared here, and now London Zoo has up to 20 thousand animals from all over the world. Back in the 19th century, separate insectariums, an aquarium, and a serpentarium were built. Later, a children's zoo, a “round house” for primates, and enclosures for large animals were separated into independent groups.

St. James's Park

London's oldest royal St. James's Park faces Buckingham Palace to the west and St James's Palace to the north. The park was named after a charitable institution for the sick and poor named after St. James (James). Significant changes to the appearance of the park were made by Kings Henry VIII, James I Stuart and Charles II, who drained the local swamps, placed a menagerie with exotic African and Asian animals and laid out the “Gardens of Versailles” in the park. At the beginning of the 19th century, the appearance of the park was transformed by the planting of new tree species and the creation of a small pond.

Green Park

Royal Park, connecting two others: Hyde Park and St. James's. Not far from the park are the famous Kensington Gardens. Green Park owes its founding history to Henry VIII. During the times of duels, aristocrats preferred to hold fights in Green Park as the least crowded central park of the city. Since 1826, the park has become a favorite place for walks for Londoners and a natural studio for local artists. Green Park cannot boast of numerous monuments or famous buildings, and the area is green meadows.

Shopping

Harrods and Knightsbridge area

One of the largest department stores in the world, Harrods, is considered the central shopping destination in London. 90 thousand square meters of retail space accommodate up to 330 different departments offering goods for every taste. And although the department store’s famous motto is “Omnia Omnibus Ubique,” ​​not “every” consumer can shop here, but only those who have passed the strict dress code. Since 1989, it has been illegal to enter Harrods wearing work clothes or dirty clothes. London's most famous department store is located in Knightsbridge, a neighborhood of luxury restaurants, major banks and fashion boutiques. The quarter is ruled by a spirit of exclusivity, sophistication and expensive things. Designer stores Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Zara, Prada and many others attract tourists from all over the world to this wealthy quarter.

Selfridges and Oxford Street

Oxford Street is one of Westminster's main shopping streets, bringing together many branded shops and department stores. The length of the street is up to 2.4 km, on which there are more than 550 retail spaces. One of the most famous department stores on Oxford Street is the century-old Selfridges. The founder of the trading giant, Henry Selfridge, implemented successful marketing moves when organizing trade and was able to convince customers that shopping was not an everyday necessity, but a time of wonderful discoveries. The principle of “the customer is always right” and the decoration of shop windows in the style of a magical holiday helped the founder to expand his trading business. In 2010, Selfridges was voted the best modern store in the world. 50 thousand sq. meters there are fashion boutiques, beauty salons, furniture departments, perfume salons and jewelry stores. In London Selfridges you can find absolutely everything, just as its founder dreamed.

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is considered a London landmark thanks to the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden Historical Market and Drury Lane Theater Royal. Also in the quarter, tourists can explore the London Public Transport Museum, opened in a Victorian building in 1980. In the 17th century, the famous “actor’s” church, the Church of St. Paul, was built in the quarter. Covent Garden has a history of entertainment, with 13 theaters and over 60 pubs. The local market is mentioned in J.B. Shaw's play Pygmalion.

Camden Town and Camden Markets

Tourists visit Camden Town to experience alternative culture, pop art and feel the spirit of freedom and creativity. This quarter in north London is called a 24-hour underground paradise, where everyone can learn more about goth culture, emo, alternative religions and new philosophical movements. Several Camden markets line the same street from different directions, introducing tourists to fashionable clothes and designer items. Each Camden market has its own specialty and style. Tourists and Londoners can take a break from tiring shopping in pubs and restaurants in the unique style of different cultures. More than 10 million shoppers visit Camden Markets a year.

Carnaby Street

The name of the London street comes from the Karnaby House building, located a little to the east. The foundations of Carnaby Street were laid in 1685-1686, and the street was finally built up at the end of the 17th century. In the second half of the 20th century, this pedestrian street was called the center of independent youth fashion, underground clubs and “swinging London”. Nowadays, most boutiques and designer shops on Carnaby Street sell clothes for the masses.

Westfield London

One of the largest shopping centers in London has combined 150 sq. meters from luxury brands such as Prada and Chanel, and quite affordable Marks&Spencer, Zara, Esprit or Next. Now on the territory of the center there are more than 370 stores of jewelry, children's clothing, books, pet products, furniture, hobby goods, art salons, pharmacies and even one dental clinic. This is a fairly young shopping center, built in 2008. Thanks to the wide range of services and goods offered and its convenient location (Ariel Way, White City), the Westfield shopping center is very popular among tourists and local residents. When it opened, it was called the second largest shopping center after Metro Center.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS

All bar one

The Allbarone group of bars includes more than 50 establishments in Britain and Germany. The main concept of the founders is to create a comfortable and friendly place where single people can enjoy pleasant music and relax after work. Open space, glass facades, natural wood floors and a huge selection of cocktails have made Allbarone a favorite spot for working women. The first Allbarone opened in 1994 in London's Sutton. The bar has rapidly expanded its presence in central London and there are now 47 Allbarone branches in the heart of the city. Many customers appreciate this bar for its soft music, which allows them to chat with friends, and delicious food. Bar managers target more mature customers; youth under 21 are not served in most Allbarone.

Gaucho

The Gaucho chain is considered the best London restaurants where real Argentine steaks are prepared and fine Argentine wine is served. The flagship restaurant of the Piccadilly chain in 2013 won the Argentine Wine Association award as the best “house of wine” outside Argentina. Last year, the Gaucho Group opened 14 restaurants and wine pubs in Britain alone. Gaucho restaurants present themselves as an ideal place for official meetings, business lunches and private parties. Each of the restaurants includes a separate wine room where guests can taste drinks. As visitors note, Cavas de Gaucho is considered the best “wine boutique” in the chain.

Hakassan

The best ethnic restaurant in the West End is considered Hakassan with traditional Chinese cuisine. The interior and planning of the hall were created by the French designer Christian Liagre, who organically combined the traditions of China and modern architectural solutions. In 2008, only 5 London restaurants were represented in the world's list of the world's 50 best restaurants. One of them was Hakassan, which took 19th place. In 2013, the owners of Hakassan decided to “refresh” the restaurant concept through a partnership with a nightclub at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. Now the Hakassan restaurant chain is a recognized leader in the music and restaurant business.

Ice Bar

China Town London

Previously, Chinese settlements in cities around the world were called “Chinatown” neighborhoods, but now they are tourist districts, including entertainment venues and ethnic restaurant chains. In London, ChinaTown is located in the Soho quarter, and its origins are considered to be the 70s of the 20th century. Previously, Soho was famous for its coffee shops and supermarkets, but traditional Chinese souvenir shops and Chinese restaurants have actively displaced their former owners. Now all establishments in the quarter are marked with signs in hieroglyphs and provide for the popularization of Chinese culture. Chinese New Year celebrations take place in London's Chinatown with theatrical performances, processions of mythical animals and a lantern festival. Numerous tourists specially visit London these days to participate in the annual ceremony.

CLUBS

Ministry of Sound

At the end of the last century, the first Ministry ofSound club was opened in the south-east of London, and now it is a large club chain, including the best establishments in the city. The original logo of the clubs uses symbols traditional for official British authorities, which emphasizes its elitism and high quality of music. Ministry of Sound features celebrity DJs mixing live sets on Friday and Saturday for two dance floors. Now Ministry of Sound is a trademark and is working to expand its areas of activity.

Fabric

A funny feature of one of the best nightclubs in London is the dress code, which discourages the presence of primly dressed dancegoers on the dance floor. But don’t worry - you are allowed into the club in absolutely any clothes. Fabric's policy states that the main thing in the club is the love of dance moves, and not the clothes of the club members. In 2008, DjMag magazine listed Fabric in its list of the best clubs, highlighting its huge range of music, a significant number of DJs and comfortable dance floors. According to the rules of the club, at least three stars of the world of club music present their sets every evening. Fabric tickets are inexpensive, so getting them is quite difficult. Pre-ordering will save you from unnecessary worries and allow you to enjoy the stylish minimalism of the interior and excellent music.

FAST FOOD

Pret a Manger

The first PretaManger store opened in 1984 in Hampstead, London. For gourmets, the store offered ready-to-eat food created by experienced restaurant professionals. The idea of ​​the name refers to the opportunity to purchase traditional French cuisine to take away, to be consumed in the comfort of your own home. The chain's stores also have comfortable small cafes where visitors can have a snack on the way. The company's history says that it was created because many people dream of expertly prepared favorite dishes, but cannot find them anywhere. PretaManger sees the main goal of its work as giving its customers a dream and allowing them to enjoy real, high-quality food. In 2011, Prêt-à-Manger's sales amounted to 377 million British pounds. Currently, PretaManger representative offices are open in New York, Washington, Paris, and Hong Kong.

Gourmet Burger Kitchen (GBK)

The GBK restaurant chain is usually considered gourmet fast food. The establishment of the first restaurant dates back to 2001, when New Zealand natives developed a unique menu of unusual “big” burgers and side dishes from fresh vegetables. After just 4 years of development, the GBK chain included more than 50 fast food restaurants throughout Britain. The network's franchises are now open in Ireland, Dubai, and Greece. Most visitors to GourmetBurgerKitchen leave rave reviews about the speed of service, the incredible taste of burgers, chips and signature salads.

Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus was created in 1819 as a transport hub in the Westminster area of ​​central London. The square is decorated with a statue of the twin brother of the god of love, Eros, and the “museum of passionate love”, London Amora, which opened in 2007. Nine halls of the museum are dedicated to love relationships and erotica. The exhibition was created using the latest technical innovations, projectors, and multimedia. Since the beginning of the 20th century, a metro station has been located under the square.

Leicester Square

LeicesterSquare is rightfully considered a place for fashionable and wealthy youth, the center of local show business. Here are the largest cinema halls (Empire), Swiss restaurants and watch brand stores. Sir Isaac Newton lived not far from Leicester Square, so you can see his sculpture here. Tourists visit LeicesterSquare for the mechanical display on the wall of one of the buildings. At a height of 4 meters, you can watch a 5-minute performance with figures of peasants doing ordinary household chores: mowing grass, kneading dough... At the ticket office on Leicester Square you can buy unsold tickets to West End theaters for half price.

Musicals

When visiting London, you should definitely go to a local musical. Theaters in the West End are traditionally considered to be of the highest quality in the industry and their musical performances are highly regarded by musical fans. In London, it is customary for the theater to present just one musical show for quite a long time, honing every detail to perfection. Depending on the theatre, tickets for a show can cost £15 - £80, so to save money it is better to buy unsold tickets from the Half price tickets booth at Leicester Square tube station. At musicals, spectators can take a glass of wine or ice cream into the hall.

Create a personal itinerary and go on a trip to the most interesting places in the capital of Foggy Albion. Don't forget your umbrella and raincoat!

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London is a city of global importance and has enough attractions to attract the attention of the most discerning tourist. To explore the city, experienced travelers choose cycling tours, offered by Cycle Tours of London and Fat Tire Bike Tours of London, among others. London is 600 square miles and thousands of years of history; It's possible to spend your entire life in this city and never see everything it has to offer, which is why we recommend creating a personalized guide based on the attractions you want to visit and their distance from each other.

Popular excursion routes

On the list of “how to spend time in London”, sightseeing will probably be the first item. And there is something to see in London: Piccadilly Circus ( Piccadilly Circus) with its neon signs; majestic Big Ben ( Big Ben); Changing of the Guard ( the Changing of the Guard), during which the guards demonstrate precise movements and impeccable composure (try to make them laugh - you won’t succeed!); London Eye ( ), which offers a dizzying view - and that’s not all...

If you are interested in British history, head to the Imperial War Museum, Churchill War Rooms and the British Museum. You will also be attracted by a number of historical sites: Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.

Bibliophiles will appreciate a tour of literary London. You should visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum, located, of course, on Baker Street (near the metro station of the same name). Fans of Great Expectations, Oliver Twist and A Tale of Two Cities will undoubtedly enjoy a trip to the Charles Dickens Museum. Shakespeare fans can attend a performance at the Globe Theatre, or take a day trip to nearby Stratford-upon-Avon to explore the great playwright's hometown.

London tourist map

There are really many places worth visiting. Therefore, it is best to choose those that you want to see first and develop a personal route, taking into account the amount of time you have.

Shopping

A shopaholic's paradise is located on High Street ( Oxford High Street) and in Knightsbridge ( Knightsbridge). The “Elite Three” are formed by Harrods stores ( Harrods), "Harvey Nichols" ( Harvey Nichols) and Selfridges ( Selfridges). For lower prices, head to Marks & Spencer ( Marks & Spencer) or Topshop ( Topshop). If you like the atmosphere of street trading, take a stroll through the city's open markets: Portobello Road Market, Camden Market And Old Spitalfields Market.

Entertainment for children

For a family holiday, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum ( Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum), Natural History Museum ( Natural History Museum) and London Zoo ( ). For an active holiday, parents can take their children to any of the city's parks, including Regent's Park ( Regent's Park), Hampstead Heath ( Hampstead Heath) and Kensington Gardens ( Kensington Gardens). London Dungeons ( London Dungeon) frighten the timid and excite the brave. Parents should be wise when deciding to bring their children here, as the interactive museum reveals the dark side of the city, from the story of Jack the Ripper ( Jack the Ripper) before the Great Fire of London ( Great Fire of London).

Theaters

Museums

London is a kingdom of museums. Contemporary works are presented at the Tate Modern gallery ( Tate Modern) in Southwark ( Southwark). In the National Gallery ( National Gallery) in Trafalgar Square ( Trafalgar Square) exhibits paintings by a range of artists, from van Eyck to Georges Seurat. British museum ( British Museum) to Bloomsbury ( Bloomsbury) keeps Egyptian mummies and the Rosetta Stone ( Rosetta Stone). In addition there is Tate Britain ( Tate Britain) in Westminster ( WestminsterVictoria and Albert Museum, V&A) in Kensington ( Kensington), National Portrait Gallery ( National Portrait Gallery) in Trafalgar Square ( Trafalgar Square) and the Royal Academy of Arts ( Royal Academy of Arts) in Piccadilly Circus ( Piccadilly Circus).

Sports and recreation

Londoners are fans of a wide variety of sports: football, cricket, rugby, rowing. Many residents cheer for their teams in stadiums and pubs throughout the city. A number of important matches are played at Wembley Stadium ( Wembley Stadium). The city also offers opportunities to not only watch but also take part in sporting activities - try ice skating at the Natural History Museum or rafting on the Thames.

Night life

London's nightlife is mainly concentrated in the bars and pubs of the West End ( West End), although there are several popular nightclubs in the city center: Ministry of Sound in South Bank ( South Bank), for example, or Fabric in Clerkenwell ( Clerkenwell).

Best time to travel

The best time to come to London is in the spring, when it is moderately warm and everything is blooming and green in the city parks. At the same time, spring, like summer, is a high season, and the surge in tourist activity is reflected in prices for flights and accommodation. It's easier to save money on airfare and hotels in fall and winter, but be prepared for cold temperatures. Also, whenever you go to London, take an umbrella with you. In London there are fogs and heavy rains all year round (raincoats from Burberry appeared for a reason!).

Public transport in London

The London Underground, which has a name attached to it the Tube, is perhaps the most convenient way to get around the city. You can take the Tube from London Heathrow Airport, one of the world's busiest airports, to the city centre. The metro system, which covers the city and extends beyond it, is efficient and relatively easy to use. To make traveling even easier, you should purchase an Oyster card ( Oyster card): You can use it to pay for trips on the metro, city buses and other types of transport. Tourists are also advised to bring a comfortable pair of shoes, as walking is the best way to experience the city.

Top 10 London attractions

London has a ton of amazing attractions. But which ones are included in the official top 10 most popular?

Where can you get up close and personal with celebrities and royals?

In 10th place is Madame Tussauds.

By the way, to create a wax figure, it is necessary to take more than 250 precise measurements.

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Do you want to take a trip to the center of time and space?

In 9th place is the Royal Museums Greenwich, a group of four attractions in the area, which is a World Heritage Site.

Take your ship straight to the port of the National Maritime Museum ( National Maritime Museum): explore the beautiful Queen's House, which served as a luxurious backdrop for numerous feature films, climb aboard the Cutty Sark, the last surviving tea clipper, jump from one hemisphere of our planet to the other hemisphere across the zero meridian at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich.

Have you ever been struck by the brilliance of royal regalia?

The Tower of London is in 8th place.

The Tower was founded in 1066 to hold off enemy forces. If you're cool enough, you can stand on the very spot where Anne Boleyn, one of Henry VIII's six wives, was executed.

Do you know where you can see Da Vinci's notebook and Mick Jagger's tracksuit?

At the Victoria and Albert Museum, which is located at number 7.

Immerse yourself in more than 3,000 years of fashion, art and design history. Sculpture, jewelry, textiles, photography—get ready for a sight that will inspire you.

Time to travel back in time and look into the future!

In 6th place is the Science Museum ( Science Museum).

From steam locomotives to space rockets, take a journey through time that celebrates the greatest inventions in human history.

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Where can you enjoy the city's 25-mile panorama?

In 5th place - “London Eye” (London's Eye). This is one of the largest and most spectacular Ferris wheels in the world, from where you can see London in great detail. On average, the London Eye attracts more visitors per year than the Taj Mahal and the Egyptian pyramids combined.

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Which art gallery once powered the city?

Tate Modern (Tate Modern) in 4th place.

Historical note: The museum opened in 2000 in the former Bankside Power Station.

From Damien Hirst to Mark Rothko, get ready for an impressive scope of contemporary art.

Next up is a place where you can see 70 million exhibits, from microscopic to gigantic.

At number 3 - Natural History Museum (The Natural History Museum).

Explore the wonders of nature at one of London's most famous museums. Come face to face with animals from the present and the past - even get ready to meet dinosaurs!

Where can you see masterpieces by Van Gogh, Turner, Michelangelo and Rembrandt for free?

In the National Gallery (the National Gallery), which is in 2nd place in our ranking.

The gallery building, which occupies a prominent place in Trafalgar Square, houses more than 2,300 of the world's most outstanding paintings.

So, what awaits us at the top of the list?

An amazing place that tells about the history of our civilization, which arose more than 2,000,000 years ago.

At number 1 is the unique British Museum (the British Museum).

The museum tells the story of human culture from its origins to the present day and houses world-famous objects such as the Parthenon sculptures and the Rosetta Stone.

Things to do in London: 10 unusual suggestions

Five star food - one budget: Vincent Rooms

“Vincent Rooms”near Victoria Station ( Victoria Station) is an elegant restaurant staffed entirely by college students Westminster Kingsway. Students work under the supervision of experienced professionals, the result is an excellent modern European lunch at an affordable price.

Lost in Time: The House of Dennis Severs

Imagine that you are in a painting by one of the old masters. At the house of Dennis Severs ( Dennis Severs' House) you feel exactly like that. The house is furnished in the East London style of the Huguenot period. It is open to tourists throughout the year. In silence, without meeting a soul on their way, visitors move from room to room, observing the frozen life of an 18th-century weaver's family: half-eaten dinner, the firewood still crackling, and even the chamber pot standing unemptied. A truly unique experience.

Treasures from sale in Princess May

One of the best places to replenish your wardrobe with what was fashionable 100 years ago and refurbish your home with old items is the school playground in Stoke Newington ( Stoke Newington), which turns into a flea market on weekends Princess May. This is a paradise for fans of vintage, vinyl and other retro things. The market opens at 8am on Saturdays and 7am on Sundays.

Eating toast in Clapham

Connoisseurs of food rich in carbohydrates will be treated to a treat at the cafe “ Breads Etcetera” (loosely translated - “Bread and so on”), which, in addition to a cozy family atmosphere and a rich brunch menu, offers an unlimited number of different toasts. On a large table in the center of the establishment are towers of still-hot breads of every shape and size from every type of grain known to mankind. And on each table there is a personal toaster, so you can prepare your morning toast exactly the way you like it. And while the toast is delicious dry, look out for the wide selection of butters and jams.

Immerse yourself in the aquatic world of Lee Valley Center

During the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Lee Valley Aquatic Center ( Lee Valley White Water Center) hosted rowing competitions. It now offers a wide variety of water activities, including canoeing, kayaking and, for those in need of adrenaline, rafting. The latter costs just £30 per person (raft for nine people during off-peak periods); The price includes basic instruction and equipment rental.

Spritz on the roof of a parking lot

More than the Aperol Spritz (a cocktail made from Aperol, Prosecco and soda), London's fashionable youth love nothing more than to hang out in some unusual and strange, at first glance, place. Bar Frank's Cafe in Peckham ( Peckham) will satisfy both of these cravings - firstly, it is located on the roof of a multi-storey car park, and secondly, it serves spritz: in the open air, surrounded by amazing views of London, especially spectacular at sunrise. Landscapes that open from the roof Frank's, truly unforgettable, and for once this is not an exaggeration.

Place where Karl Marx is buried

A walk among the graves is a rather unusual way to spend a day off, but the chaotic sprawl of Highgate Cemetery ( Highgate Cemetery) is really worth a look. Reservations are required to visit the Western Cemetery, entry to the Eastern Cemetery costs £3 and is payable on the spot. It is here that you will find the final resting place of the best-selling author of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams, and the artist Patrick Caulfield (on his gravestone it is written in large letters “ DEAD”, “dead”) and the founder of socialism Karl Marx.

Coffee in a public toilet

Don't worry, this old Victorian toilet was given a good scrub before it was turned into an eating establishment. Cafe opened in 2013 Attendant invites its visitors to replenish their strength - where London gentlemen once could relieve their souls. The place has already become popular: here you can try specially roasted coffee, sandwiches, salads and desserts.

Cinema under the stars

London's open-air cinemas typically operate from late spring until September; Every summer more and more new screens appear in the city. Choose: Rooftop Film Club— four cinemas in an urban setting, Luna Cinema— evening shows in beautiful parks and squares or Dalston Roof Park- £5 for membership and you can watch movies for free.

Across the Thames on the cable car

Part tourist attraction, part artsy public transport, Emirates Air Line(this is the official name of the cable car from the Greenwich Peninsula to the Royal Docks) since its opening in 2012, it has hardly been used for its intended purpose. Oddly enough, not many Londoners use it to get to and from work. The downside to this lack of popularity is that, unlike almost every other city view attraction, you won't have to wait in line. And you won't spend much money either - with an Oyster card, a 20-minute round trip will cost you just £6.40. The benefit is obvious.

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Many tourists try to visit the delightful, sophisticated and luxurious capital of Great Britain - London. This city, whose history has been shaped over many centuries, amazes with its combination of restraint and scope. It harmoniously coexists magnificent modern buildings, stunning with their original design, and ancient architectural complexes, imbued with the spirit of conservatism and strict traditions.

The sights of London fascinate and enchant, making you admire their grandeur and beauty. Many of the most popular places in the capital of England have a rich history, diluted with many legends. The city makes an indelible impression and forever captivates the hearts of people who visit it. All the sights of London, photos with names of which can be seen in this article, are difficult to visit in one day, so it is better to go to this city for a longer time to admire its beauty to the fullest.

You can’t visit London without visiting the city’s most famous building – Tower Bridge, proudly rising above the Thames. The structure was built more than 130 years ago and still amazes with the grandeur of its design. Despite the fact that the bridge is a drawbridge, pedestrians could always cross the river by walking along the second floor of the structure. Today this part of the bridge is used as an observation deck from which you can admire amazing landscapes. The towers house museums that display many interesting exhibits.

The clock tower of the Palace of Westminster, often called Big Ben, is not only a symbol of London, but of the whole of Great Britain. The huge clock on its walls has been counting down time for more than 157 years, as if symbolizing the calm, measured lifestyle of conservative Englishmen. Officially, the structure is called the Elizabeth Tower. It houses the largest bell in the United Kingdom, which is called Big Ben. Tourists and residents of the capital prefer to call the tower itself that way.

For more than 950 years, the northern bank of the Thames has been decorated with the walls of an ancient fortress - the Tower of London, which is one of the oldest buildings in Great Britain. Over its long history, the fortress was used as a palace, a treasure trove, an arsenal, and a mint. High-ranking and honorable prisoners served their sentences within its walls. This amazing structure was used as an observatory and even as a zoo. Today, the Tower of London is the historical center of the city, which attracts millions of tourists.

In the historical district of London, Westminster, above the River Thames, there is a magnificent ancient palace in which the history of the state is made. The country's parliament meets within its walls, and meetings with foreign government officials are held. There are tragic events in the history of the Palace of Westminster. In 1834, the structure was almost destroyed by a large fire. Its restoration took more than 20 years. Restoration of the building is planned in the near future, which will cost about 3.5 billion pounds sterling. The exact start date for work has not yet been determined.

Built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham, the palace is today known throughout the world as the residence of British monarchs. It can safely be called a small separate town, which has its own hospital, post office, police and other institutions at the disposal of members of the royal family. In the main square of Buckingham Palace stands a white marble pedestal on which a gilded monument to Queen Victoria is located.

The main collegiate church in Great Britain, which is located in Westminster, fascinates with its grandeur. Made in the Gothic style, it evokes admiration and a feeling of reverence. The coronation of the country's monarchs takes place in the delightful halls of Westminster Abbey. Anyone can visit the church, attend exhibitions or classical music concerts, which are often held here. It is interesting to visit the museum in Westminster Abbey, visit the poets' corner or admire the beauty of the chapter house.

When visiting London attractions, it is worth spending time on Kensington Palace, which was for a long time the summer residence of royalty. At first, the building was owned by the Earl of Nottingham, for whom it was erected in the 17th century. But the palace was soon bought and refurbished by the king. Currently, its owners are Prince William and his wife. By visiting Kensington Palace, you can admire not only the excellent architecture of the building, but also the beautiful gardens that surround it.

Tourists staying in London do not miss the opportunity to visit the huge Greenwich Park, which is located on the outskirts of London. In this place you can visit many museums that will tell you about the development of maritime affairs and astronomy in Great Britain. The Prime Meridian passes through the park, and therefore an observatory was founded here in 1675, which was responsible for clarifying the coordinates important for sailors.

By visiting the English Cathedral, tourists can not only see an excellent building made in the Baroque style, but also visit the highest point of the city. This delightful place is located on Ludgate Hill. Its construction, which started in 1675, took more than 33 years. The cathedral attracts tourists with its beautiful architecture. Under the huge dome, the building has amazing galleries. One of them amazes with its acoustics and is called whispering: if you pronounce a word in a low voice at one end of the hall, it will be clearly heard throughout the room. The golden gallery offers stunning views of the city. But to enjoy the panoramic view of London from a bird's eye view, you will have to conquer a rather steep staircase consisting of 500 steps.

A very popular attraction in London is the British Museum. In terms of attendance, it is second only to the Louvre in Paris. Its countless exhibits attract more than 6.5 million tourists a year. Unique artifacts from Britain’s numerous colonies have been collected here for centuries. Today they are exhibited in various exhibition halls of the museum, of which there are more than a hundred. Here you can admire exhibits that are thousands of years old. They are considered the pearls of the collection. The museum also has a huge library, which contains unique works, ancient Buddhist manuscripts and various manuscripts.

In the halls of the National Gallery in London you can see many amazing works of art created by the greatest artists of all time and talented emerging artists. The collection of this art museum began to be assembled back in 1824. Its first exhibition consisted of only 38 paintings. She gave rise to the formation of the gallery. Today, thousands of works of art are presented here, which more than 6 million visitors come to admire every year.

The most famous street in London received its name thanks to Robert Baker, who was the largest manufacturer and trader of Piccadilly collars, fashionable in the 17th century. He built a mansion here, which later became known as Piccadilly Hall. His example was followed by noble people of London, who built luxurious houses on this street. People from the lower strata of society, who quickly became rich, immediately tried to build mansions for themselves. Today, apartments on this street are purchased by the richest people on the planet.

Tourists arriving in London do not miss the opportunity to visit the city's central Trafalgar Square. It is especially beautiful here during the holidays: you can admire various processions and festivals. The UK's main Christmas tree is also installed here. Previously, there were old stables on the site of the square. In 1820, they decided to establish a central square and name it in honor of the naval battle that took place at Cape Trafalgard.

More than 200 years ago, the Frenchwoman and talented sculptor Marie Tussaud began traveling around Europe with a small collection of wax figures at that time. The number of exhibits increased over time, and a building on Baker Street was allocated to house them. The museum was very popular and required expansion. The city authorities decided to allocate a building located in Marylebone for a collection of wax figures. It is there that today you can admire a huge number of wax figures of the most famous people in human history.

You can see a delightful panorama of the city from the huge Ferris wheel, which is called the London Eye. It rises on the banks of the Thames and amazes with its size. The Ferris wheel is equipped with 32 egg-shaped booths. The capsules are tightly closed and well ventilated. They are made of the strongest glass, which ensures safety for people who decide to look at the beauty of London from a bird's eye view.

The museum of the world's most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, is very popular among guests and residents of London. Despite the fact that the character is fictional, on Baker Street they recreated to the last detail the house described in the work of the famous English writer Arthur Conan Doyle. In the museum you can see the rooms in which the main characters lived and admire their wax figures. In addition, the house in which the exhibition is organized is of interest to tourists. Built in 1815, it is of architectural and historical value.

The modern symbol of the capital of Great Britain is the Mercy Ex 30 skyscraper, which is popularly called the “London Gherkin” because of its bizarre shape. This building, designed by the talented architect Foster, is one of the most environmentally friendly skyscrapers. Thanks to an excellently thought-out design, its needs require 2 times less energy than other similar structures. Anyone can admire the beauty of the lower floors of this majestic structure or visit popular restaurants located under the transparent dome of the skyscraper.

The most interesting place to visit is the Shard skyscraper, rising in the center of London. To prevent the building from disturbing the unique architecture of the city, they decided to create it from glass and metal. The skyscraper resembles a huge block of ice rushing into the heavenly heights, which determined its name. The most popular among tourists is the observation deck of the glass pyramid, from which you can see even remote areas of the huge city.

Built in 1871, the famous Albert Hall remains the most popular concert hall in the world today. More than 350 different events are organized within its walls every year. The structure, reminiscent of the Roman Colosseum, required huge costs for its construction. To complete the construction, Queen Victoria instituted the sale of tickets for future events to be held at the Royal Albert Hall. Thanks to people who revere art, the concert hall was completed. It is noteworthy that the tickets are valid for 999 years, and some English people still use them to attend events held here.

The luxurious royal theater located in Covent Garden amazes with its grandeur. Every performer or orchestra dreams of visiting its famous stage. The building was constructed in 1858. Its predecessors were two famous theaters at that time, which were damaged by fire and could not be restored. Previously, you could watch performances of almost all theatrical genres here. Today the repertoire is limited only to musical productions: ballets, concerts, operas.

Visitors of all ages can have a fun time at the famous London Natural History Museum. Over the 135-year history of its existence, the museum has collected more than 70 million exhibits. The most popular exhibition is that of dinosaur skeletons. Here you can also look at a huge collection of meteorites. Even the building itself captivates with its delightful ancient architecture. Located in South Kensington, the museum is very popular among city residents and visitors.

In 1862, a huge railway station was built on Victoria Street, designed by the architect W. Henry, which was named after Queen Victoria. This unique building, built of red bricks, was reconstructed in 1910 and still adorns the city with its unique architecture. About 70 million passengers arrive here every year.

The 121-hectare botanical gardens in southwest London are considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. All conditions for a pleasant stay are created here. On the territory of the Royal Botanical Gardens you can admire a huge variety of plants and relax in cafeterias and restaurants. Kew Gardens can also delight you with huge collections of herbariums, drawings, and seeds.

The symbol of English football is the popular Wembley Stadium. No football fan will miss the opportunity to visit this unique place. The opening of the first building took place back in 1923, where the FA Cup was immediately launched. In 2003, it was decided to build a new stadium, the construction of which took 4 years. Today, in addition to sports competitions, the new stadium hosts performances by the most popular pop stars. It was here that Madonna, Michael Jackson and many popular musical groups delighted the public with their concerts.

It is interesting to visit the Chinese district of London, Chinatown. This is a unique place where two cultures practically merged: Chinese and English. At the beginning of the 20th century, outcasts and migrants who arrived in Britain from other countries lived in this disadvantaged area of ​​the city. Soon the area was settled by the Chinese, which was clearly reflected in its appearance. London's Chinatown is often visited by tourists who want to see a piece of China in England.

The modern Globus Theater amazes with its tragic history. The first version of the structure was built in 1599, but 14 years later it was severely damaged by the fire that raged here in 1613. A year later it was restored, but this time a difficult fate awaited it: the building was abandoned and destroyed. Modern architects, having studied ancient descriptions of the theater and fragments found during excavations, recreated the building. It was in this place that the great Shakespeare staged productions of his works.

Connoisseurs of high art should definitely visit the Tate Gallery in London, where works by the best British artists are collected. The first exhibition appeared here in 1897. The Board of Trustees decided to present only works by artists working since 1790. At the beginning of the 20th century, they decided to significantly expand the gallery, creating collections of works by foreign artists. Sculptures of famous contemporary masters are also presented here.

Oxford Street is a real paradise for people who carefully follow fashion. There are about 500 different shops on this street, which are visited annually by over 100 million Londoners and city guests. Here you can see the works of famous couturiers presented in the boutiques of the most prestigious brands. This street is especially popular on the eve of the holidays, when everyone rushes to supermarkets in search of gifts for family and friends.

The Temple Church has an extremely rich history associated with the Knights Templar. It was founded back in 1185, and since then its walls have witnessed the development of London. In this ancient, majestic building, secret ceremonies were performed, during which knighting took place. This church still holds services today, during which you can listen to the singing of a choir consisting of 30 people. The church courtyard contains beautiful gardens that extend to the banks of the Thames.

This is just a small part of London attractions that will be of interest to all tourists. Photos and descriptions of these places will give you the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the diverse and delightful capital of Great Britain. This city is an example of how to value your history, be proud of it and preserve it in order to pass on a rich heritage to future generations.

Video – Sights of London

London is quite an old city. It was formed by the ancient Romans in 43 BC. e. and named it Londilium. The city developed and grew rich. He gave the world famous mathematicians, physicists, engineers, and other scientists. The British were ahead of many countries in the world in the development of scientific thought. The first line of the London Underground opened in 1863. This was the first metro in the world. At one of the stations there is still a wooden escalator. The advanced solutions of British engineers in many areas are impressive.

The first thing that catches your eye is the double-decker buses and red telephone booths, and a lot of cyclists. And road traffic lives by its own rules, different from our world. The large number of gardens and parks is pleasantly impressive. Many museums and galleries open their doors completely free of charge.

Cricket and horse polo, golf, boxing are the most popular entertainments of the British. And the rowing regatta on the Thames is my favorite sport.

London is full of beer pubs and cozy cafes. People here traditionally eat oatmeal in the morning and love pudding and oven-baked meat.

The modern city seems to be living in a real fairy tale. It’s hard to imagine it without Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth, princes, and princesses. Whole crowds gather to watch the ceremony of changing the guard of the court guards. It's hard to imagine London without Shakespeare, Sherlock Holmes and Baker Street. London is Westminster Abbey, the Tower, which remembers the history of the city in the smallest detail. London is home to everyone's favorite Beatles, Deep Purple, Sting.

Sights of London - PHOTO

The 900-year-old fortress remembers almost the entire history of England. At various times it had to be the residence of kings, a prison, and a zoo. On its territory there was a mint and a treasury. Now it is a unique museum complex. In addition to medieval architecture and interiors, ancient traditions and ceremonies have been preserved here; old legends and prophecies are still revered. And the court ravens, which have become a symbol of the castle, have received official permission since the reign of Charles II. They also say that in the halls of the castle you can meet the ghost of Anne Boleyn, or some other monarch who was beheaded in the Tower.

Nearest hotels: Tower of London

St. Peter's Church in Westminster and St. Margaret's Church are strictly Gothic in style. It took several centuries for the masterpiece of architectural thought to become what it is now. Thin, graceful towers, rushing upward, amaze with their elegance and simultaneous severity. The internal lace vaults make you forget that they are made of stone and by human hands. The abbey has beautiful stained glass windows, many sculptures, jewelry, unique tapestries, works of art, and a working organ. The main Anglican church is closely associated with the royal court. Almost all coronations of English monarchs took place here, starting from 1066. The Abbey preserves the history of all of England; the flower of the English nation is buried here - from kings to scientists and poets.

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In the halls of the museum you can easily see a cat in uniform - this is a museum employee and the keeper of rarities, of which there are countless numbers. To see all the exhibitions you need to spend 3-4 days; its area is 6 hectares. The museum has a lot to be proud of. The richest collection of Egyptian antiquities is located in London. The gallery stretches almost 92 m. Here you can see the Rosetta Stone, thanks to which it was possible to read ancient writings, a huge number of household items, luxury items, and a collection of mummies. The ancient history of Greece, Rome, and a large collection of art objects from Africa and Asia are quite widely represented.

Hotels near the British Museum

In August and September, the Royal Palace is open to tourists, and being a “guest” of the crowned person is an unforgettable personal holiday. The fairy tale begins with the royal gates and the guard ceremony. The halls of the palace invite you to view the queen’s personal collection, including works by Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Michelangelo, Vermeer, a collection of porcelain, and antique furniture. There are 775 rooms in total. A tour of the royal stables costs £8, where you can see the golden carriage, the transparent wedding carriage and, if you're lucky, the royal horses.

Hotels and inns:

The Ferris wheel on the banks of the Thames is capable of lifting 800 people at a time to a height of 135 meters. It was dubbed the London Eye because from here the entire city is at a glance, and can be seen for 40 km around. Each capsule weighs 10 tons and is equipped with a seat and a 4D cinema. The creators equipped the wheel with unique lighting, and in the dark the light show will bring many pleasant moments.

Hotels near the Ferris wheel

The Big Ben clock tower has become not only a symbol of London, but of the whole of Great Britain. It was built in 1859. The large bell behind the Big Ben clock gave the tower its name. However, in 2012 it was decided to rename the building in honor of Queen Elizabeth. The Clock Tower boasts the world's largest four-sided striking clock. Inside, at a height of 55 m, there is a complex clock mechanism. Masters constantly monitor not only the gears - temperature, air pressure - everything is important when it comes to the accuracy of the mechanism. Sometimes a coin is placed on the pendulum to adjust the time and restore deviations.

Nearest hotels: Big Ben

The bridge was put into operation in 1894. Prince Edward of Wales and his wife attended the opening ceremony. An advanced development for that time made it possible to raise the bridge in just 1 minute. In addition to stairs, elevators were installed inside the towers. This made it possible for residents to cross the Thames even while ships were passing. Currently, in the bridge's galleries there are exhibitions dedicated to the history of the bridge; in the towers you can explore the Victorian rooms, go down to the engine room of the bridge and look at the lifting mechanisms. Tower Bridge itself is an excellent viewing platform. From here you can take great shots. It is very beautiful at night with garlands of lighting.

Hotels near Tower Bridge

Hyde Park has become famous as a venue for political rallies and protests. The so-called Speakers' Corner officially exists here. Anyone can try themselves as a tribune, defending the most unusual ideas. Parades and processions and city festivals are held in the park. On the territory of the park there is an artificial lake in the shape of a snake - the Serpentine, a gallery of modern art. There are trails for horse riding. Sometimes an unusual cemetery is opened for tourists, where pets are buried.

Hotels near

In the center of the square stands a 40 m long column of General Nelson. Cast lions stand around her and fountains gush out. There are 4 pedestals on the sides of the square. Three have statues of great men of England. The fourth pedestal was first used only in 2005. On New Year's Eve, the country's main Christmas tree is installed here, which is always sent as a token of gratitude by the Norwegians for their help during World War II. Until recently, Trafalgar Square could be called Pigeon Square. There were up to 35 thousand birds here at the same time. Due to the fact that cleaning the area became a big problem, the city authorities officially banned feeding and grooming animals.

Hotels and inns near Trafalgar Square

10. St. Paul's Cathedral

Under the dome of this cathedral there are three unusual galleries - stone, golden and the gallery of whispers. The latter is so named because of its acoustic effects. The dome itself repeats the top of St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome and is a unique landmark of London. There are 17 bells in the church bell tower. Brass music concerts often take place here. The interior decoration of the cathedral was transformed in 1860. The parishioners established a special fund for the needs of the cathedral. Today, the interiors of the church impress with mosaic masterpieces, openwork grilles, and sculptures. Princess Diana and Prince Charles were married here.

Nearest hotels: St. Pauls Cathedral