London Travel Guide

London

From Big Ben, Nelson’s Column, to the Tower of London and Abbey Road, London has a story to tell behind every corner of this sprawling metropolis.

Home to more than 8 million people, the city of London is one of the world’s most iconic metropolises. Boasting the oldest Underground service in the world, London’s vast subterranean networks are the arteries of this extraordinary city, constantly on the move.

An eclectic mix of old and new, the London city skyline carries an incomparable outline. Whilst the city’s old treasures; Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Tower Bridge still sit majestically along the banks of the River Thames, London has a variety of slim and chic new structures that inject a sense of immortality into this stunning skyline. Truly the pinnacle of innovative architectural engineering, the recently developed Shard building and the affectionately named “Gherkin” skyscraper are not to be missed. View all of this from the comfort of the city’s largest observation wheel, the London Eye.

Art and history buffs will not be disappointed with what London has on offer. Visitors are treated to the world famous British Museum displaying hundreds of artefacts from around the world. The Tate Modern is an absolute must-see for art lovers.

With over 270 different nationalities living in the city, this multi-cultural hub is a paradise for food lovers. Visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out in London, from the Michelin-star restaurants in Kensington, Chelsea and Knightsbridge to the lively bistros in Notting Hill and Soho, there is a taste to satisfy every palate. Grab a plate of paella in Covent Garden or tuck into an authentic Indian curry on Brick Lane.

With thousands of shops and outlets, from Harrods in Knightsbridge to Selfridges on Oxford Street, shopping enthusiasts will be in their element in this cosmopolitan retail paradise.

Watch the world roll by at Trafalgar Square or witness the chaos at Piccadilly Circus from the comfort of a nearby café. As one of London’s largest green spaces, Hyde Park is the perfect place to relax, take a picnic or to rest weary feet after a hard day’s sightseeing.

Finally, for a true taste of tradition, take a trip down to Buckingham Palace at 11:15 a.m. sharp, and witness the changing of the guard.

Guide to Exploring London

Big Ben

Arguably one of London’s most famous monuments, this prominent landmark is a national icon, adored by generations of Britons.

Buckingham Palace

This luxury residence of the oldest royal family in the world is still a national icon, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

London Eye

For the best views of the London cityscape, climb aboard this impressive observation wheel and view the great British capital in all its glory.

Covent Garden

Lose yourself in the maze of boutiques and bars or pull up a chair and watch the numerous street performers work their magic in this entertaining district.

Trafalgar Square

A fantastic reference point for locals and visitors, this bustling square is home to one of the nation’s most treasured monuments.

Piccadilly Circus

This bustling, energetic area of London has been likened to Times Square in the US. It's also the perfect place to start your London sightseeing adventure.

Tower Bridge

A marvel of engineering, this iconic landmark has for centuries been at the forefront of London’s epic skyline.

Westminster Abbey

The true soul of London’s beating heart, this magnificent gothic cathedral is at the centre national occasions.

Hyde Park

Once the private hunting grounds of a king, London's most famous park is today a place where everyone can enjoy gardens, monuments and music performances.

Royal Albert Hall

One of the world’s most prestigious concert venues, this stunning 19th century tribute to Prince Albert is one of London’s most adored architectural treasures.

St. James Park

This wide open green space is a perfect location for relaxing amid the backdrop of Royal luxury and pomp.

West End

This bustling, cosmopolitan area of London is one of Europe’s busiest retail areas. Discover Britain’s eclectic shopping scene or catch a popular musical.

Kensington Gardens

The former gardens of Kensington Palace, where Queen Victoria was born, continue to provide a picturesque area of trees and lakes in the center of the city.

Kensington Palace

Journey though history and learn about the lives of the British Royal Family at this official London residence, set in the magnificent Kensington Gardens.

St. Paul's Cathedral

Visit this cathedral to learn about the history behind London’s most iconic church and its Baroque dome that overlooks the city.

Southbank Centre

Enjoy a range of cultural events on show by the River Thames at one of the largest centers of art in the world.

Tate Modern

Visit Britain’s most prestigious art gallery, housed in an abandoned power station on the banks of the River Thames.

The British Museum

This colossal treasure chest houses some of the world’s most precious artefacts. Today, it is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in the world.

Oxford Street

Browse hundreds of reputable shops, cafés and restaurants in one of the busiest shopping streets in Europe.

The Gherkin

Marvel at this innovative building with a spiral design that resembles a pickled cucumber in the center of London’s skyline.

The Mall

Walk along this grand road, which stretches from Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace and is frequently used for royal processions.

Leadenhall Market

Shop for fresh produce, fine cheeses, flowers and many other items in one of the oldest covered markets in London.

Bloomsbury Square

Sit on a bench and admire the magnificent architecture that surrounds this leafy square situated in one of London’s most handsome districts.

Lambeth Bridge

Discover memorial gardens, art galleries and historic buildings and admire the winding River Thames from this arched bridge.

Victoria Embankment Gardens

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life with a trip to this scenic park in the heart of London.

Lambeth Palace

Take a tour of the historic palace, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s official residence in London, and enjoy a stroll around the peaceful surrounding gardens.

National Gallery

This impressive neoclassical building displays one of the world’s finest collections of Western European paintings.

Houses of Parliament

Delve into British politics at this historic complex, the meeting place of the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Westminster Cathedral

Peer down over London from the summit of the tower and examine the intricate mosaics and exquisite marble designs of the cathedral interior.

Royal National Theatre

Attend fascinating talks, see acclaimed shows and enjoy lunch at this concrete playhouse in the vibrant South Bank area.

Parliament Square

Visit this grassy plaza for a view of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and other historic structures that are synonymous with London.

Green Park

Less crowded than neighboring St. James’s Park, this triangular grassy space is known for its pretty walking paths and mature trees.

Waterloo Bridge

Stroll along the Ladies Bridge for some of the best views in London and go for dinner in the vibrant South Bank area.

London Palladium Theatre

Watch internationally acclaimed musicals, attend live music performances and learn about the rich history of this Grade II-listed West End theater.

Marble Arch

Admire the intricate sculptures on this grand three-arched monument, which is modeled on Rome’s Arch of Constantine.

Apollo Victoria Theatre

Watch acclaimed performances of world-famous musicals at this art deco-style venue set in the heart of London’s animated theater district.

Westminster Bridge

Visit this historic bridge, which spans the River Thames and connects Westminster on the north side to Lambeth on the south side.

Admiralty Arch

This grand structure marks the entrance to the Mall and was commissioned by King Edward VII as a memorial to his mother Queen Victoria.

Leicester Square

Thrill to London's eclectic nightlife in one of its most famous locations, a vibrant square that's been an entertainment hub since the 19th century.

Epping Forest

Rent a mountain bike and ride beneath the forest canopy or go bird-watching along the many hiking trails that wind through this ancient forest.

Albert Memorial

Richly adorned with artistic and historical references, this tribute to Prince Albert represents Gothic Revival architecture at its most ornate.

Richmond

Known for its gardens, theaters and galleries, this lush suburban town has been a popular royal retreat for centuries.

O2 Arena

Attend music and sports events, see a movie or go bowling in one of the busiest arenas in the world, situated inside this iconic dome by the River Thames.

Royal Exchange

Browse upmarket boutiques and dine in upscale restaurants in this grandiose building, which once functioned as a center of trade.

Wallace Collection

Peruse an assortment of antiques and artworks, including armory and French 18th-century paintings, across 25 galleries of this national museum.

Holland Park

Admire a Japanese-style garden, stroll through quiet woodland and watch open-air theater and opera productions in summer at this beautiful public park.

London City Hall

Engage with London’s politics in this innovative building that is shaped like a slanted egg made almost entirely of glass.

Prince of Wales Theatre

In the heart of London’s lively West End district is this 19th-century theater, which has a year-round schedule of popular musicals.

Old Spitalfields Market

Relish the bohemian vibe in this niche indoor market, which features an assortment of stalls and restaurants.

Queen's House

This regal residence is known for its elegant classical architecture and for the collection of nautical-themed paintings it hosts.

Kennington Oval

Tour the grounds, watch international cricket matches and learn about the historic sporting events held at this well-known cricket stadium.

London Guildhall

Explore this majestic 15th-century structure, which encompasses several museums, as well as medieval crypts, a grand hall and a library.

Barbican Arts Centre

Discover an eclectic schedule of art, cinema, dance, music and theater events at one of the largest performing arts centers in Europe.

London Millennium Footbridge

Cross this steel suspension bridge for spectacular views of the River Thames and other iconic London attractions.

One Canada Square (Canary Wharf Tower)

Enjoy views of the boats in this dockland area while visiting one of the tallest structures in the U.K.’s capital city.

Cutty Sark

Investigate the decks and hull of this handsome 19th-century wooden sailing ship, the last remaining tea clipper in the world.

Bank of England Museum

Browse collections of historic monetary artifacts as you take an educational journey through the 300-year-old history of the Bank of England.

HMS Belfast

Glean fascinating insights into the U.K.’s naval heritage when you tour this Royal Navy cruiser, which saw action in World War II.

Kensington Roof Gardens

Rise above the hustle and bustle of London’s streets and join flamingos and other birds in these tranquil themed roof gardens.

The Monument

Climb 311 spiral steps to see the views from the top of this memorial, which is dedicated to the devastating Great Fire of London.

Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum

See life-size wax sculptures of Hollywood celebrities, historical figures and sporting stars at this famous wax museum in London.

London Bridge

Known for its association with a well-known nursery rhyme, this iconic bridge has existed in various forms for more than 2,000 years.

The Shard

Ascend to the observation deck of one of the tallest skyscrapers in Europe for unparalleled views of the London cityscape.

Tower of London

One of the world’s most well-preserved medieval castles, this historic building is known for its fascinating and gruesome history.

London Natural History Museum

Explore the wonders of the natural world for free in this fascinating museum. Learn about dinosaurs, creatures of the deep, our planet’s interior and much more.