May 11th, 2019 | Updated on March 19th, 2020
London is an enormous city. It is divided into thirty-two boroughs, although information on this page is divided between districts, inner boroughs and outer boroughs of the city. These district and borough articles contain sightseeing, restaurant, nightlife and accommodation listings — consider printing them all.
Noisy, vibrant and truly multicultural, London is a megalopolis of people, ideas and frenetic energy. The capital and largest city of both England and of the United Kingdom, it is also the largest city in Western Europe and the European Union. Most residents of Greater London are very proud of their capital, the multiculturalism of the city, and their membership of the European Union, despite 52% of the UK population as a whole who voted in a recent referendum choosing to leave the EU. It is unclear what the outcome of the referendum will be on London.
Situated on the River Thames in South-East England, Greater London has an official population of a little over 8 million. However, London’s urban area stretched to 9,787,426 in 2011, while the figure of 14 million for the city’s wider metropolitan area more accurately reflects its size and importance. Considered one of the world’s leading “global cities”, London remains an international capital of culture, music, education, fashion, politics, finance and trade.
Source: Wikitravel
1. The British Museum
The country’s largest museum and one of the oldest and finest in the world, this famous museum opened in 1759 and boasts vast Egyptian, Etruscan, Greek, Roman, European and Middle Eastern galleries, among others. It’s London’s most visited attraction, drawing 5.9 million people annually.
Don’t miss the Rosetta Stone, the key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphics; the controversial Parthenon sculptures, taken from Athens’ Acropolis by Lord Elgin (British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire at the time); and the large collection of Egyptian mummies.
2. Tower Of London
The unmissable Tower of London (actually a castle of 22 towers) offers a window into a gruesome and compelling history. A former royal residence, treasury, mint, armoury and zoo, it’s perhaps now most remembered as the prison where a king, three queens and many nobles met their deaths.
Come here to see the colourful Yeoman Warders (or Beefeaters), the spectacular Crown Jewels, the soothsaying ravens and armour fit for a very large king.
3. Churchill War Rooms
Former Prime Minister Winston Churchill helped coordinate the Allied resistance against Nazi Germany on a Bakelite telephone from this underground complex during WWII.
The Cabinet War Rooms remain much as they were when the lights were switched off in 1945, capturing the drama and dogged spirit of the time, while the modern multimedia Churchill Museum affords intriguing insights into the life and times of the resolute, cigar-smoking wartime leader.
4. Tower Bridge
One of London’s most recognisable sights, familiar from dozens of movies, Tower Bridge doesn’t disappoint in real life. Its neo-Gothic towers and sky-blue suspension struts add extraordinary elegance to what is a supremely functional structure.
London was a thriving port in 1894 when it was built as a much-needed crossing point in the east, equipped with a then-revolutionary steam-driven bascule (counterbalance) mechanism that could raise the roadway to make way for oncoming ships in just three minutes.
5. National Gallery
With more than 2300 European masterpieces in its collection, this is one of the world’s great galleries, with seminal works from the 13th to the mid-20th century, including masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Titian, Vincent van Gogh and Auguste Renoir.
Many visitors flock to the eastern rooms on the main floor (1700–1930), where works by British artists such as Thomas Gainsborough, John Constable and JMW Turner, and Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces by Van Gogh, Renoir and Claude Monet await.
6. Westminster Abbey
A splendid mixture of architectural styles, Westminster Abbey is considered the finest example of Early English Gothic. It’s not merely a beautiful place of worship – the Abbey is still a working church and the stage on which history unfolds.
For centuries, the country’s greatest have been interred here, including 17 monarchs from King Henry III (died 1272) to King George II (1760). Much of the Abbey’s architecture is from the 13th century, but it was founded much earlier, in AD 960.
7. V&A – Victoria And Albert Museum
Your 3 hour tour accompanied by your art historian guides begins at the main entrance to the V&A Museum in Cromwell Road at 10 am or 2 pm. This is London’s Victorian centre of Art and Crafts dedicated to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The main collection is of oil paintings and water colours (famous for Constable’s oil sketches), sculpture and architectural samples and the World’s finest collection of applied arts such as silver, jewellery, bronzes and carpets, armours and tapestries, theatrical costumes etc.
This 3 hour private walking tour will be guided for the first 1.1/2 hours by a scholar, a voluntary internal member of the V&A Museum who will present the unique and varied Departments of the Museum starting from early Medieval times arriving at the most contemporary output of modern art and design. After a 15 minute interval with a coffee offered by the guide, this will be followed by an hour with a classical art historian who will visit the Raphael cartoons and the Museum’s recently refurbished Renaissance and Baroque Galleries.
Here in the Renaissance Galleries is the largest collection of Donatello’s sculptures outside Italy, plus Michelangelo’s and Leonardo’s sketches, furniture, ironwork, floor tiles and ornaments. In the Baroque Galleries, recently opened, you will admire an amazing array of art treasures from Italy, Belgium, Germany and France.In leaving the V&A Museum you will share not only England’s fascination with the Arts and Craftsmanship of those amazing artworks but you will have lived through their creation.
8. Borough Market
Located in this spot in some form or another since the 13th century (possibly since 1014), this fantastic market is a sight in its own right.
Expect it to be crowded – even on days with limited traders (Monday and Tuesday) it always seems to be overflowing with food lovers, wide-eyed visitors and Londoners in search of inspiration for their meals.
The market specialises in high-end fresh products; there are also plenty of takeaway stalls and lots of dessert options.
9. Hyde Park
Hyde Park is central London’s largest green space, expropriated from the church in 1536 by Henry VIII and turned into a hunting ground and later a venue for duels, executions and horse racing.
The 1851 Great Exhibition was held here, and during WWII the park became an enormous potato field. These days, it’s a place to stroll and picnic, boat on the Serpentine lake, or to catch a summer concert or outdoor film during the warmer months.
10. St. Paul’s Cathedral
Towering over diminutive Ludgate Hill in a superb position that’s been a place of Christian worship for over 1400 years (and pagan before that), St Paul’s is one of London’s most magnificent buildings.
For Londoners, the vast dome is a symbol of resilience and pride, standing tall for more than 300 years. Viewing Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece from the inside and climbing to the top for sweeping views of the capital is a celestial experience.
Top Hotels In London
1. Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London
Situated opposite Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London places guests at the heart of central London. The London Eye, the London Aquarium and the city’s finest theatres, restaurants and bars are just steps away.
The contemporary guestrooms and suites include large family-friendly Studio Rooms with bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette and living space with pull-out sofa bed. Enhanced amenities and extra space are on offer in the chic Penthouses and Suites.
Dining options include Brasserie Joël, Ichi Sushi & Sashimi, 1WB Lounge & Patisserie and Primo Bar. The hotel also boasts a fitness centre with a 15-metre pool and Mandara Spa.
2. The Tower Hotel
The Tower Hotel is nestled between the River Thames, St Katharine Docks and alongside the World Heritage Site, the Tower of London, boasting unparalleled views of the iconic Tower Bridge.
Our location and excellent choice of transport connections put you at the centre of this vibrant city, making it quick, convenient and most importantly, easy to experience the very best of what London has to offer.
3. Holiday Inn Express London – Hammersmith
Holiday Inn Express London Hammersmith hotel is a short stroll from Hammersmith Tube station for direct links to Heathrow Airport and central London. Free Wi-Fi and an inclusive buffet breakfast just steps from Hammersmith’s bustling King Street. Our handy location means it’s just a few minutes’ walk to live music and comedy at the Eventim Apollo, and a short Tube journey for panoramic views on the London Eye and 2 miles to Earls Court and Olympia.
Our rooms have everything you need to relax, from comfy beds and to flat-screen TVs and tea/coffee facilities. Each room has an en-suite with power shower, nifty USB ports next to the bed and an iron and ironing board. Kids stay free in family guestrooms and you can socialise ’til late in our contemporary Lobby bar. Info: Hotel extension project commences 3rd Dec 2018. No car parking or wheelchair access to the hotel during this time.
4. London House Hotel
Charming, newly renovated Hotel in Central London situated in a quiet and charming street The London House Hotel overlooks a leafy Victorian park in the exclusive Bayswater area and offers the excellent combination of both comfort and affordability in a prime location in central London. All room are newly renovated with contemporary décor. All rooms have air condition, TV, safe, mini fridge.
5. Park Plaza London Riverbank
With landmarks such as Big Ben, the London Eye, Westminster Abbey and Tate Modern just a stone’s throw away, Park Plaza London Riverbank is the perfect base for a London adventure. The hotel’s 555 deluxe air-conditioned guestrooms include Executive Rooms and Suites with Bose CD/DVD player and a pull-out sofa bed for children. Choose the Family Getaway package for the ultimate family-friendly stay. Guests can also upgrade to the 12th floor Executive Lounge with its stunning city views. Among the additional facilities are the award-winning Chino Latino Pan-Asian Restaurant & Bar, a 24-hour Room Service menu, a modern, well-equipped fitness centre and an indoor swimming pool, steam room and sauna facilities.
Source: tripadvisor
6. Amba Hotel Charing Cross
Just steps from Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden, come and discover what a hotel stay should really be like at the New Amba Hotel Charing Cross, an oasis of calm housed within a beautiful, Grade II listed building. Every aspect of the hotel has been designed by our guests, including unlimited, fast, free Wi-Fi in all areas of the hotel, complimentary mini-bars and Nespresso™ machines in all rooms – all at no extra charge. Get more from your stay at the 4-star central London Amba Hotel Charing Cross.
Source: tripadvisor
7. St. Athans Hotel
The St. Athans Hotel, Bloomsbury, is a simple, eco-friendly, family-run bed & breakfast in the heart of London. It’s A grade II listed 200 year old Georgian terraced houses, retains many of its their original features, fitting in well with the historic area, and is within walking distance of the British Museum, the University of London, Covent Garden and the new British Library. We’re also only a short bus ride away from many major the attractions, such as of Madame Tussaud’s and London’s West End, with its many shops, theatres, bars, and restaurants.
Source: tripadvisor
8. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London -Tower of London
At DoubleTree by Hilton, we know that the little things mean everything. These days, travel can be hard. At DoubleTree by Hilton, we understand that, and every little thing we do adds up to creating a rewarding experience for our guests. This is evidenced through the signature warm chocolate chip cookies guests receive upon arrival, the advantages of the award-winning Hilton HHonors(R) guest reward program and our industry-recognized Culture of CARE that’s been part of our DNA since 1985.
Source: tripadvisor
9. Residence Inn Marriott London Kensington
Spend an extended stay at Residence Inn by Marriott London Kensington, an all-suite apartment hotel located in one of London, United Kingdom’s most desirable neighbourhoods. We are surrounded by stunning design, museums, fantastic shops and more. Our location in the heart of the city makes it easy for you to get to all of London’s top attractions and business destinations. See how enjoyable it is to work or play from our hotel, which features comfortable suites with full kitchens and large living areas.
Source: tripadvisor
10. Pullman London St Pancras Hotel
Following a £13 million transformation the hotel this 4-star upscale hotel is perfectly located for business or leisure. Only 3 minutes’ walk from the International Eurostar terminal and 5 minutes’ walk from Kings Cross or Euston Underground and train stations. Pullman London St Pancras is well placed in Central London, adjacent to the British Library. The British Museum, Covent Garden, Oxford Street, West End and The City are only 10 minutes away by Tube. Pullman St Pancras boasts the Golden Arrow restaurant and bar, as well as complimentary (standard) Wi-Fi internet access, a fitness centre, 17 meeting rooms and 24-hour room service. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook today for up to date information and events.
Source: tripadvisor
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