London is a city that needs no introduction. From the Tower of London to Tower Bridge, from royal palaces to punk rock, from Shakespearean theatre to cutting-edge contemporary art - London has shaped the modern world in countless ways. With over 170 museums (many free), 857 art galleries, and 214 Michelin-starred restaurants, you could spend a lifetime exploring and never see it all.
Top Attractions
Tower of London
Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, the Tower has served as royal palace, prison, execution ground, and treasure vault. Today it houses the Crown Jewels - including the 530-carat Cullinan I diamond. The Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters) offer free tours filled with gruesome tales of torture and beheading.
Visitor Information
- Admission: £34.80 adults (book online for discounts)
- Hours: 9am - 5:30pm (summer), 9am - 4:30pm (winter)
- Getting There: Tower Hill tube station
- Tip: Arrive at opening to see Crown Jewels without crowds
British Museum
One of the world's greatest museums, holding 8 million objects spanning human history. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, Parthenon Marbles, and Samurai armor. The Great Court, with its spectacular glass roof, is an architectural wonder in itself. Best of all - admission is free.
Westminster Abbey
Every English and British monarch since 1066 has been crowned here. The Abbey is also the final resting place of kings, queens, poets, scientists, and statesmen - including Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton, and Geoffrey Chaucer. Don't miss Poet's Corner or the stunning medieval cloisters.
Buckingham Palace
The official London residence of the British monarch has 775 rooms, including 19 state rooms open to visitors in summer. The Changing of the Guard ceremony occurs daily at 11am (April-July) or every other day (rest of year). Arrive 45 minutes early for the best spot along the palace gates.
South Bank & Borough Market
The South Bank offers London's best waterfront walk. Start at the Tate Modern (free), walk past Shakespeare's Globe and the Millennium Bridge to Borough Market - London's oldest food market (1,000+ years). Sample British cheeses, fresh oysters, and the legendary Brindisa chorizo rolls.
Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens
London's largest Royal Park spans 350 acres of meadows, forests, and formal gardens. Visit the Serpentine Gallery (free contemporary art), Speaker's Corner (Sunday morning debates), or the Diana Memorial Fountain. Rent a deck chair by the lake for the perfect British afternoon.
London Food Guide
London's food scene has undergone a revolution. Once mocked for bland cuisine, the city now boasts 74 Michelin-starred restaurants, incredible street food markets, and cuisines from every corner of the globe. The Sunday roast and afternoon tea remain quintessentially British experiences.
Must-Try Dishes
Fish & Chips
The British national dish - battered cod or haddock with thick-cut chips, mushy peas, and tartar sauce. £12-18.
Try: Poppies of Spitalfields or The Golden Hind
Full English Breakfast
Bacon, eggs, sausages, beans, mushrooms, tomatoes, black pudding, and toast. The ultimate hangover cure. £12-16.
Try: Regency Cafe or The Wolseley
Sunday Roast
Roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, vegetables, and gravy. Best enjoyed in a traditional pub. £18-25.
Try: The Harwood Arms or The Guinea Grill
Afternoon Tea
Finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and delicate pastries served with tea. £40-75.
Try: The Ritz, Claridge's, or Sketch
Pie & Mash
Traditional East End comfort food - meat pie with mashed potatoes and liquor (parsley sauce). £8-12.
Try: M. Manze (London's oldest pie shop since 1902)
Borough Market Treasures
Sample British cheeses, fresh oysters, wild game, and artisan bread. The best of British produce. Varies.
Try: Neal's Yard Dairy, Richard Haward's Oysters
Practical Information
Getting Around
- Tube: 11 lines covering most of central London. £2.80 single with Oyster/Contactless
- Oyster Card: Rechargeable card with daily cap (Zone 1-2: £8.10/day)
- Contactless: Same fares as Oyster - just tap your card
- Buses: £1.75 flat fare, great for sightseeing
- Boris Bikes: Santander Cycles - £2/30 mins after £1.65 unlock fee
Budget Guide (Per Day)
- Budget: £70-100 (hostels, free museums, supermarket meals)
- Mid-range: £150-250 (3-star hotels, restaurants, paid attractions)
- Luxury: £400+ (5-star hotels, fine dining, West End shows)
Best Time to Visit
- Apr-Jun: Spring blooms, mild weather, longer days
- Jul-Aug: Summer festivals, outdoor events, peak crowds
- Sep-Nov: Autumn colors, theatre season, fewer tourists
- Dec: Christmas markets, ice skating, festive lights
Interactive Map
Explore London's top attractions on the map. Click markers for details and directions.
Key Attractions on Map
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