London sightseeing reporting. The main attractions of London: photos with names and descriptions

Create a personal itinerary and travel to the most interesting places the capital of foggy Albion. Don't forget your umbrella and raincoat!

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London is a city of global importance, and there are enough attractions to attract the attention of the most discerning tourist. Experienced travelers choose bike tours to explore the city, which are 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; You can spend a lifetime in this city and never see everything it has to offer - which is why we recommend compiling a personal travel guide based on the attractions you want to visit and their distance from each other.

Popular sightseeing routes

Sightseeing will probably be the first item on the list of "How to spend time in London". 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 sharpness of movement and impeccable self-control (try to make them laugh - you will not succeed!); London Eye ( ), from which a dizzying view opens up - and that's not all ...

If you are interested in British history, visit 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 guided tour of literary London. You should visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum, located, of course, on Baker Street (next to the metro station of the same name). Fans of Great Expectations, Oliver Twist and A Tale of Two Cities will undoubtedly love the trip to the Charles Dickens Museum. Shakespeare fans can attend a performance at the Globe Theater or take a day trip to nearby Stratford-upon-Avon to get to know the great playwright's hometown.

London tourist map

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

Shopping

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

Entertainment for children

For family vacation Madame Tussauds Wax Museum ( Madame Tussaud "s Wax Museum), Museum of Natural History ( Natural History Museum) and London Zoo ( ). For active rest parents can bring their children to any of the city parks, including Regent's Park ( Regent "s Park), Hampstead Hit ( Hampstead Heath) and Kensington Gardens ( Kensington gardens). Dungeons of London ( London dungeon) frighten the fearful and excite the daredevils. Parents should be wise when deciding to bring their children here, because interactive museum reveals the dark side of city life, from the story of Jack the Ripper ( Jack the ripper) before the Great Fire of London ( Great fire of london).

Theaters

Museums

London is the kingdom of museums. Contemporary works are presented in the Tate Modern gallery ( Tate modern) in Southwark ( Southwark). At the National Gallery ( National Gallery) in Trafalgar Square ( Trafalgar Square) exhibited canvases by a number of artists, from van Eyck to Georges Seurat. British museum ( British Museum) in 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 provides an opportunity to not only watch, but also take part in the sporting life - 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 Clarkenwell ( 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 city parks. At the same time, spring, like summer, is a high season, and the surge in tourist activity is reflected in the prices of flights and accommodation. In the fall and winter, it’s easier to save on airfare and hotels, but be prepared for low temperatures. Also, whenever you travel to London, bring an umbrella with you. There are fogs and torrential rains in London all year round(company raincoats Burberry appeared for a reason!).

Public transport in London

London Underground, which has a name the Tube, - perhaps the most convenient way to get around the city. The tube is available from London Heathrow Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, to the city center. The metro system that spans and extends beyond the city is efficient and relatively easy to use. To make the process of movement even easier, you should purchase the Oyster card ( Oyster card): you can pay with it for trips by metro, city buses and other types of transport. Tourists are also advised to bring a comfortable pair of shoes as hiking Is the best way to feel the atmosphere of the city.

Underground	London Underground, also known as the tube, allows you to create routes within the city and to neighboring counties. It's easy to use. It is best to pay with the Oyster card, which gives you the right to move around six metro zones - however, a significant part of the sights is concentrated in the first (central) and second zones. Even if you do not plan to use the metro throughout your stay in the city, buying an Oyster card will be cheaper than paying for one trip. For example, a ride in the first zone costs £ 4.50 (about $ 7), while the card fee will be £ 2.10 (about $ 3). Do not forget to hold your card against the yellow card reader not only when entering the metro station, but also when exiting the city.
Buses	The beauty of bus travel is that it allows sightseeing. The metro is underground, which makes it impossible for you to enjoy the views of the city. Please note that the cost of a bus ride depends on the distance of the trip (and the driver does not give change), so it is better to have a replenished Oyster card with you.
Taxi	The famous London black cabs ( black cabs) can be "caught" both on a city street and in special parking lots near busy metro stations, near airports and hotels. If you hail a taxi on the street, keep in mind that a lit taxi sign means it is free. Cabs are equipped with taximeters and the minimum fee is £ 2.40. You can pay in cash ( quid, as the British also say); many cabs also accept credit cards, but with a surcharge. You can leave a tip, the amount is at your discretion, but most passengers will round the amount to the nearest pound. Avoid cabs without a license, especially if the driver is too intrusive about his services: traveling in such a taxi can be dangerous.

Top 10 attractions in London

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

Where can you get close to celebrities and royalty?

The 10th place is occupied by the Madame Tussauds Museum.

By the way, over 250 precise measurements are required to create a wax figure.

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Do you want to travel to the center of time and space?

In 9th place, the Royal Museums Greenwich is a group of four attractions in the area that 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 has served as lavish backdrops for numerous feature films, climb aboard the Cutty Sark, the last surviving tea clipper, and jump from one hemisphere of our planet to the other. Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich.

Have you ever been illuminated by the splendor 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 in the very spot where Anne Boleyn, one of the six wives of Henry VIII, 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 over 3,000 years of fashion, art and design history. Sculpture, jewelry, textiles, photography - get ready for a spectacle that will inspire you.

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

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

From steam locomotives to space rockets, travel through time to celebrate the greatest inventions in human history.

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Where can you enjoy the 25-mile skyline of the city?

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 Egyptian pyramids taken together.

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Which art gallery once powered the city?

"Tate Modern" (Tate Modern) in 4th place.

Historical background: the museum was opened in 2000 in the premises of the former Bankside Power Station.

From Damien Hirst to Mark Rothko - prepare for impressive scale contemporary art.

Next is the place where 70 million exhibits can be seen, ranging from microscopic to gigantic.

Number 3 - Museum of Natural History (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 - get ready to even meet dinosaurs!

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

At the National Gallery (the National Gallery), which took the 2nd place in our rating.

In the building of the gallery, which took a prominent place in Trafalgar Square, more than 2,300 of the most outstanding paintings in the world are collected.

So, what's next for us at the top of the list?

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

Number 1 - the unique British Museum (the British Museum).

The museum tells the history of human culture from its origins to the present day and keeps famous objects such as sculptures of the Parthenon and the Rosetta Stone.

Things to do in London: 10 unusual things to do

Five star food - budget for one: Vincent rooms

“Vincent rooms"Near Victoria Station ( Victoria Station) Is an elegant restaurant staffed exclusively by college students Westminster Kingsway... Students work under the supervision of experienced professionals, the result is a great modern European lunch at a reasonable price.

Lost in Time: Dennis Severs' Home

Imagine that you are on a painting of one of the old masters. At Dennis Severs' house ( Dennis Severs' House) you feel that way. The house is furnished in the style of East London 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 the family of an 18th century weaver: a half-eaten dinner, the wood is still crackling, and even a chamber pot is not emptied. A truly unique experience.

Treasures from the sale in Princess may

One of the most successful places where you can replenish your wardrobe with what was fashionable 100 years ago and update your home with old things is the school playground in Stoke Newington ( Stoke Newington), which turns into a flea market on weekends Princess may... Here is a paradise for fans of vintage, vinyl and other retro. The market opens at 8 am on Saturdays and 7 am on Sundays.

Eating toast at Clapham

Connoisseurs of food rich in carbohydrates will find 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 there are towers of still hot breads of all shapes and sizes from all types of cereals known to mankind. And on each table there is a personal toaster so that you make your morning toast exactly the way you like it. While toast is delicious and dry-boiled, look out for the wide variety of oils and jams.

Plunge into the aquatic world of the Lee Valley Center

During the 2012 London Olympics Water center Lee Valley ( Lee valley white water center) hosted rowing competitions. Now it offers a wide variety of water activities: canoeing, kayaking and - for those who lack adrenaline - rafting. The latter costs only £ 30 per person (nine-person raft during low-traffic times); the price includes basic instruction and equipment rental.

Spritz on the roof of the car park

More than an aperol spritz (a cocktail of aperol, prosecco and soda), London's fashionable youth only loves to hang out in some unusual and strange, at first glance, place. Bar Frank's Café in Peckham ( Peckham) will satisfy both of these addictions - firstly, it is located on the roof of a multi-storey car park, and secondly, spritz is served here: under open air, surrounded by amazing views of London, especially spectacular at sunrise. Landscapes that open from the roof Frank's, truly unforgettable, and this is not an exaggeration for once.

The place where Karl Marx rests

A walk among the graves is a rather unusual way to spend a day off, but to the chaotically sprawling Highgate Cemetery ( Highgate cemetery) is really worth seeing. A reservation is required to visit the West Cemetery, entrance to the East Cemetery costs £ 3 and is payable locally. It is here that you will find the final resting place of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, author of Douglas Adams, and artist Patrick Caulfield. DEAD”,“ Dead ”) and the founder of socialism Karl Marx.

Coffee in a public toilet

Don't worry, this old Victorian toilet was thoroughly cleaned before it was installed as a dining facility. The cafe opened in 2013 Attendant invites its visitors to reinforce their strength - where London gentlemen could once ease the soul. The place has already become popular: here you can taste special roasted coffee, sandwiches, salads and desserts.

Cinema under the stars

London open-air cinemas are usually open from late spring to 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 per membership and can watch movies for free.

Across the Thames on the "cable car"

Part tourist attraction, part artsy public transport, Emirates air line(and this is what is officially called cable car from Greenwich Peninsula to Royal Docks) has hardly been used for its intended purpose since opening in 2012. Oddly enough, not many Londoners use it to get to and from their work. back side This unpopularity lies in the fact that, unlike almost any other attraction with a city view, you do not have to queue up here. And you will spend little money - with the Oyster card, a 20-minute round trip will cost you only £ 6.40. The benefits are clear.

If you are passionate about history and enjoy viewing unusual, impressive buildings, then London is the perfect destination for your next trip. This city easily falls in love with fans of contemporary art. In the capital of Great Britain, you can find many interesting objects and places that, in the literal sense of the word, breathe history. And this is not surprising, because London is a city founded by the Romans in the first century AD. A city with almost two thousand years of history.

The historically significant capital of Great Britain boasts many attractions to see. Let's now move on to the most famous of them:

The capital of Great Britain is famous for a bright combination of different styles... Firstly, the English queen lives there and many attractions are associated with the royal family. London with a population of ten million can rightfully be considered one of the largest cities in Europe. Tourists from all over the world come here for new impressions of old English architecture.

Trafalgar Square is considered the beating heart of London and the best starting point for exploring central London. The place got its name after the Battle of Trafalgar on October 21, 1805. Today's view of Trafalgar Square is thanks to the architect Charles Barry, who at one time worked on the building of the British Parliament.

The square is also known as a favorite spot for the hundreds of pigeons that Londoners have fed here since time immemorial. For several years now, bird feeding has been prohibited by law, as bird droppings have nothing to do with London's attractions. Another well-known tradition in the square is the annual planting of a New Year tree brought from Oslo in gratitude for the help of the British for Norway during the Second World War.

Address: Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN.

The most famous and photogenic bridge in London is the Tower Bridge. It gets its name from two neo-Gothic towers that serve as pillars. For moving big ships on the Thames, the middle part of the bridge rises.

Construction on the bridge began in 1886 with over 400 workers under the direction of architects Horace Jones and John-Barry Wilf. At one time, Tower Bridge was the most difficult drawbridge in the world, which was very difficult to manage. The original hydraulic equipment of the bridge can be seen even now if you go there on an excursion. Most tourists, while walking along the bridge, being in a state of euphoria, devote all their attention only to it, not paying attention to the surroundings.

If you walk a little further along south coast to the end of the bridge, you can reach Shad Thames street. Across the river at the other end of the bridge, you can get to the Docks of St. Catherine, which is a harbor with sails along with residential buildings.

Address: Tower Bridge Road.

Big Ben is a famous symbol of the city. This richly decorated tower belongs to the Parliament building and is famous for its bell. The original 16 kg bell was cast in 1856, then cracked and re-cast, weighing 13.8 tons, which it still is. Interesting is the fact that Big Ben is described as the heaviest bell in the UK, while it is the third after the bell in St. Paul's Cathedral and Liverpool Cathedral.

The Big Ben building was designed in the Victorian-Gothic style and today is the pride of the capital of England. Big Ben's clock was also considered the largest in the world at one time. They consisted of 312 pieces of glass and the lower part of the dial had the inscription: Domine salvam fac reginam nostram Victoriam primam (from Latin means the Lord protects our Queen Victoria I). The watch is renowned for its reliability. Their accuracy was preserved despite the bombing during the Second World War.

Address: Elizabeth Tower, Houses of Parliamen.

This attraction is located in the heart of London and is one of the largest Ferris wheels in the world. It was opened on December 31 in 1999 and soon after its opening became the most visited attraction in the whole UK.

The 135-meter-high attraction is considered the tallest in Europe. Until 2006, it even surpassed the Chinese Star of Nanchang. One revolution of the wheel around the axle lasts about 30 minutes... Interestingly, the wheel does not stop for passengers to board, because the movement is so slow that passengers can disembark or, conversely, sit on the attraction slowly and comfortably. The London Eye moves at a speed of 26 cm per second. For comparison, a turtle moves twice as slow.

Address: Lambeth, SE1 7PB.

Westminster Abbey is primarily a religious and historic building. For centuries, it has hosted the most important ceremonies in English history. A thrill is overwhelmed just by looking at the majestic facade of the building.

The abbey also serves as a religious shrine and a place of eternal rest for prominent British figures and rulers. For example, Charles Darwin, the father of nuclear physics Ernest Rutherford, the writer Rudyard Kipling (author of the Jengley Book) and Charles Dickens rested here. The most famous grave belongs to Sir Isaac Newton. The new growth in popularity of the building was brought by the novel The Da Vinci Code, which was published in 2003 and at one time angered the leaders of the Christian church around the world.

Address: 20 Deans Yd- Westminster.

Piccadilly Circus is located between Big Ben and Tower Bridge. This square can often be seen on postcards. Piccadilly Circus is one of the busiest transport hubs in London. It was founded in the late 18th century by the architect Nash. Now this place is considered one of the main shopping areas. In the middle of the square stands a metal statue holding a bow and arrow, which confuses tourists who confuse the statue with the god of love. In fact, the statue stands for "the angel of Christian mercy."

Address: London, W1J 9HS.

Great Britain is the cradle of democracy and the country's parliament is housed in a building Palace of Westminster, which proves its importance and significance. The building is located on the left bank of the Thames right in the city center, close to the Westminster Underground.

Of the more than a thousand rooms in the palace, the most important are the House of Lords and the House of Commons. In the first chamber, the traditional opening ceremony is held annually. parliamentary year(State Opening of Parliament), where the solemn speech of the members of the government is delivered and thus the political season officially begins. The oldest part of the palace is Westminster Hall. He remembers countless ceremonies such as the coronation of King George IV or the funeral of Winston Churchill.

Between the buildings of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, you can often see the camp of strikers, who display posters with different slogans and put forward their demands to politicians.

Address: Westminster, SW1A 0AA.

For three centuries, Buckingham Palace was inhabited by the families of the British Queen. The building was built in 1703. Today, this is the official residence of the Queen and her relatives. Unfortunately, the palace was closed to the public for a long time. However, before entering, you can catch a glimpse of the royal guards. On special occasions, significant events are announced from the balcony of the palace. There is a magnificent fountain opposite the entrance.

Today the palace is open to the public and awaits tourists during the summer. Sometimes you can even see Queen Elizabeth, it is worth noting that this palace is not hers the only place residence.

Address: Road Buckingham Palace.

In the central area on the left bank of the Thames, it is impossible to miss a visit to the enormous St. Paul's Church. This cathedral is one of the largest in Europe. The church is dedicated to the Apostle Paul at the beginning of the seventh century. The temple was built in the Renaissance and Baroque style. Its huge dome is covered with lead.

Address: St. Paul's Churchyard, London-EC4M 8AD.

The Royal Albert Hall is one of the main attractions in the fashionable Kensington area. The building has a characteristic oval shape with a glass dome and was built in the style of the Italian Renaissance. The tube station is not very close here, so it is best to get to Gloucester Road and South Kensington stations, and from there take a bus to Albert Hall.

It is a great honor for everyone to sing on the stage of the Royal Albert Hall, but not everyone was lucky. For example, in 1977, the final concert tour in Europe of the legendary Abby took place, the concert of which they wished to attend 3.5 million people... Later, Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Deep Purple and Bob Dylan appeared on this scene.

Kensington Gore, Kensington

Since Lady Diana's death in 1997, no one has lived in Kensington Palace. Only now the newly-made Princess Kate has "settled in" thanks to her marriage to Prince William, after which the reconstruction of the building has begun. In two years, about £ 12,000,000 to restore the palace.

The palace gardens are ideal for picnics and sports. They can also be viewed with a guide. In June 2000, a playground for the memory of Princess Diana was opened there.

Address: Kensington Gardens, W8 4PX.

Of course, everyone should visit this place. The park is located in the very center of the metropolis, it is very large, and is rightfully considered one of the largest in the city. Its area is 1.4 km.sq... Big concerts are often organized there, for example, the Rolling Stones in 1969 or the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2004.

It takes a long time to walk through the entire park. But it's worth it, because in some places you can find interesting sights. One of them is the Marble Arch, located in the northeastern part of the park.

In total, the park occupies more than 140 hectares of land.

Address: London - W2 2UH.

London City is the oldest part of London, often called Square mile- "square mile". Only about 8000 inhabitants... The City of London is a kind of city within a city. It is best known as the international financial and business center of the capital of England. All the headquarters and major world banks are located here.

Address: Hartmann Road.

There is a place in England where time has stood still - this is Madame Tussauds. Where else can you meet Albert Einstein, Frank Sinatra or David Beckham in one place? The modern museum was opened back in 1884, since then it has been very popular not only among the British, but also among tourists around the world. Today the museum houses many figures of politicians, royalty, pop stars, actors and athletes. Thanks to its huge success, the museum has branches almost all over the world: Las Vegas, NY, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Shanghai, etc.

Address: Marylebone Road, Marylebone -NW1 5LR.

London- a city with a rich cultural heritage, history, the city that once "played" the prestigious role of the capital of the world. Naturally, in cities of such a scale as London, there are much more striking sights than those mentioned below, but nevertheless, we will focus only on the ten most-most.

1. Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the main attraction of the city, the official residence of the Queen, one of the few operating royal palaces today. The palace and the adjacent garden cover an area of ​​20 hectares. The heads of foreign states are met in the palace, celebrations and dinners are held by Her Majesty. In total, Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms, and the Royal Art Gallery is also located here, open to the public.

2. Big Ben

The world famous Bell Tower of Westminster Palace is one of the most recognizable symbols of London. The tower was built in 1859, the name was given to it by a large bell located inside the tower, behind the clock. Big Ben boasts the largest four-sided striking clock in the world. The state of the clockwork is constantly monitored by many craftsmen. Unfortunately, no tourists are allowed to enter the tower. These measures are related to the safety of the facility. With the battle of Big Ben, residents of the city welcome the New Year.

3. Tower of London

The 900 year old fortress is not only a symbol of London, but of the entire United Kingdom. This famous medieval fortress "remembers" almost the entire history of England and therefore, it is not surprising that it is one of the most visited attractions in the world. The Tower was built as a defensive castle. At various times, it served as a prison, residence of kings, an arsenal, an observatory and even a zoo. Nowadays there is a unique museum complex... Dungeons, living quarters, walls - all this atmosphere immerses you in the centuries-old history of England like nowhere else.

4. St. Paul's Cathedral

The circular dome of St Paul's Cathedral rises above London at the highest point in the city, Langeith Hill. The cathedral, which is the largest Anglican church in Europe, serves as the seat of the Bishop of London. The cathedral was officially opened in the fall of 1708. Before him, at the same place, at different times there were 4 more cathedrals, but all of them were destroyed (three by fires, one during the Viking raid on London in 961). At the top of the tower of the cathedral there is an observation deck with a magnificent view of the city, which is not inferior in terms of entertainment to the view from the London Ferris wheel. By the way, it was in this cathedral that Prince Charles and Princess Diana were married.

5. British Museum

The British Museum in London was founded in 1753 with the permission of Parliament. This place is the best gift for history lovers. The exposition of the museum, with a total length of 4 kilometers, occupies 94 galleries. It will take at least several days to inspect all the exhibits. The British Museum has a huge collection of historical antiquities, documents and artifacts, as well as items from all over the world brought here during the reign of the British Empire. It is here that the richest collection of Ancient egypt... Widely represented ancient history Rome, Greece, Asia and Africa.

6. Hyde Park

Hyde Park is one of the city's favorite parks, famous as a venue for various protests and political rallies. The main local attraction is the so-called. Speakers' Corner, where everyone can express their vision of a particular situation in public. You can talk about anything your heart desires, with the exception of calling for violence and using obscene words. Holidays, processions and parades are held in the park. On the territory of the park, there are paths for horse walks, and there is also an artificial lake Serpentine.

7. Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is the main shrine of the nation, the place of coronation and the tomb of English monarchs. Westminster Abbey is a majestic example of early English Gothic architecture, the construction of which continued over several centuries. An organ works in the abbey, works of art, jewelry, many sculptures are kept. Almost all coronations of British monarchs have taken place here since 1066. The Abbey is home to the flower of the English nation - from kings to imperial celebrities, writers, poets and scholars.

8. Trafalgar Square

The square, built to commemorate the victory of the British fleet over the combined Spanish-French fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, is located in the heart of London. In the center of the square stands its main attraction - General Nelson's column. On New Year's Eve, the main Christmas tree of the country is erected on the square, which, according to a good tradition, is always sent by the Norwegians, as a token of gratitude for the help provided by Great Britain during the Second World War. Today Trafalgar Square is a favorite destination for political demonstrators and tourists.

9. London Eye

The London Eye is one of the largest Ferris wheels in the world, capable of lifting 800 people at a time to a height of over one hundred meters. The wheel got its name from the views from it at a distance of 40 km. In order for the wheel to delight everyone even in the dark, its creators have equipped the "eye" with a unique illumination. The wheel rotates very slowly and does not stop - passengers land on the move. An exception is made only for the elderly and disabled.

10. London Underground

The London Underground, called The Tube, is not just a convenient way to get around - it is indeed a full-fledged landmark of the city. And this is not surprising, because the London "underground" - the oldest of all subways in the world, as well as a very practical system of urban transport. The City Underground, with its famous public address system and historic stations, is much more than just a convenient way to get around London.

London enough Old city... It was formed by the ancient Romans in 43 BC. NS. and named 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. It was the first metro in the world. A wooden escalator still operates at one of the stations. The advanced solutions of British engineers in many areas are impressive.

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

Cricket and equestrian polo, golf, boxing - these are the most popular entertainments of the British. And the Thames rowing regatta is a favorite sport.

London is full of beer pubs and cozy cafes. Here they traditionally eat oatmeal in the morning, like pudding and oven-baked meat.

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

London landmarks - PHOTOS

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

Nearest hotels: Tower of London

St. Peter's Church in Westminster and St. Margaret's Church are strictly in the Gothic style. It took several centuries for the masterpiece of architectural thought to become what it is today. Thin, graceful towers, rushing upward, amaze with their elegance and at the same time severity. 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, an organ works. The main Anglican church is closely associated with the royal court. Almost all the coronations of English monarchs took place here, starting from 1066. The abbey preserves the history of the whole of England; the flower of the English nation is buried here - from kings to scientists and poets.

Nearest hotels:

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

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In August and September Royal Palace open to tourists, and visiting the crowned person is an unforgettable personal holiday. The tale begins with the royal gate and the ceremony of the guard. The halls of the palace invite you to view the personal collection of the Queen, including the works of Rembrandt, Van Dyck Michelangelo, Vermeer, a collection of porcelain, antique furniture. There are 775 rooms in total. £ 8 is a guided tour royal stable, where you can see a golden carriage, a transparent carriage for weddings, and if you're lucky, even royal horses.

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

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The Big Ben Clock Tower has become not only a symbol of London, but the whole of Great Britain. It was built in 1859. The big bell behind the Big Ben clock gave its name to the tower. 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 sophisticated clock mechanism. The craftsmen constantly monitor not only the gears - the temperature, the 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. The opening ceremony was attended by Prince Edward of Wales and his wife. An advanced development for that time made it possible to open the bridge in just 1 minute. Inside the towers, in addition to stairs, there were elevators. This made it possible for residents to cross the Thames even during the passage of ships. Currently, exhibitions devoted to the history of the bridge are open in the galleries of the bridge, in the towers you can see the Victorian rooms, go down to the engine room of the bridge and look at the lifting mechanisms. Tower Bridge itself is an excellent observation deck. Great shots can be taken from here. He is very beautiful at night in garlands of illumination.

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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 in the role of a tribune, defending the most unusual ideas. Parades and processions, city holidays are held in the park. On the territory of the park there is an artificial lake in the form of a snake - Serpentine, a gallery of modern art. The paths for horse walks are broken. Sometimes an unusual cemetery is opened for tourists, where pets rest.

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In the center of the square there is a 40-meter column of General Nelson. Cast lions stand around it, fountains are gushing. 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 main Christmas tree of the country is installed here, which is always sent as a token of gratitude by the Norwegians for their help during the Second World War. Until recently, Trafalgar Square could be called pigeon square. There were up to 35 thousand birds at the same time. Due to the fact that cleaning the area has become a big problem, the city authorities have officially banned the feeding and welcoming of the animals.

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10. St. Paul's Cathedral

There are three unusual galleries under the dome of this cathedral - a stone one, a gold one, and a whisper gallery. 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 kind of London landmark. There are 17 bells in the church bell tower. Brass music concerts are often held here. The interior of the cathedral was transformed in 1860. The parishioners have established a special fund for the needs of the cathedral. Today, the interiors of the church are impressive with mosaic masterpieces, openwork lattices, and sculptures. Princess Diana and Prince Charles were married here.

The nearest hotels: St. Pauls Cathedral

The place where the heart of Great Britain beats is, of course, called London. This multimillion-dollar city of luxury and British tradition is home to a myriad of landmarks that can outshine other historic relics in the world. Let's consider them in more detail.

The famous clock on the main tower

Sometimes tourists wonder where in London to look for Big Ben? The world famous clock tower is located in the Palace of Westminster. The palace itself is the seat of both houses of the British Parliament.

Big Ben is considered a real gem of London architecture. The tower got its name thanks to the bell in it. This bell beats hourly, informing Londoners of the time.

The tower stretches to the sky at 96 meters in height. At its top there is an observation deck, to which 334 steps lead.

Big Ben is still one of the largest watch movements in the world. His work began in 1859. For safety reasons, tours for a wide range of visitors on Big Ben are not conducted, but it is still possible to inspect the tower up close.

Historical London Museum

In 1753 Parliament approved the founding of the British Museum. Its 94 galleries with exhibitions are dedicated to history and archeology. The institution received the main collections from the Earl Harley, Sloan's physician and Cotton antiquarian.

The British Museum has unusual workers - cats. Six cats there are approved and issued rat catchers..

Colonial Britain, Africa and the East are only a small part of the directions in which the exhibits are presented in the museum. There are also many Greek relics and other European antiquities. Russell Square Underground Station is adjacent to the museum.

The Queen's current palace

There are not so many palaces left in the world where the royal family would live in real mode. Buckingham Palace is a pleasant exception here, and is also considered the current residence of the Queen of England.

Buckingham Palace can be called a small town. Indeed, in addition to the main building with luxurious halls and presentable rooms, there is a post office, a police station and even a pub.

The palace has 775 rooms that serve 700 people. The total area of ​​the complex with a garden is 20 hectares.

Guided tours of the palace are organized in August and September. Changing the guard in front of the palace is an entertainment available for tourists at any time of the year. St James Park Underground Station is located near the palace.

Westminster and its history

In the 11th century, Westminster Abbey was located outside of central London. Then Buckingham Palace was rebuilt nearby, and Westminster itself received important political status.

Today within the walls of this castle is the House of Lords, as well as the House of Commons..

There are a lot of "royal" attractions near Westminster. The metro station of the same name is now located near the former abbey.

Freedom of speech park

Hyde Park is considered a favorite place for Londoners. There they walk along the alleys, relax on the grass, and can also speak behind a special tribune to speak out. The only limitation during a speech can be swear words and calls for violence, and so you can speak publicly on any topic.

In the park area there is the Serpentine Lake. It is allowed to swim in it.

The park is located near Kensington Palace. Hyde Park is connected to the palace park by a common area.

Ferris wheel to the millennium

The height of the London Eye or the main Ferris wheel in London is 135 meters. This wheel, which looks like an eye from a distance, has a total of 32 cabins with transparent glass, which can accommodate up to 800 people at a time.

The London Eye service is top notch. Champagne and strawberries can be ordered there. It is also possible to rent a cabin for two.

The turnover of a huge wheel ends in 30 minutes. The wheel is located in the Lambert area.

Tussauds and wax figures in London

The most famous and modern wax museum, which was invented by Madame Tussauds, is located in London. It was in the heart of Britain that the Frenchwoman moved her collection to escape the war.

The museum displays figures of various celebrities and historical figures. All of them are made of wax and plastic with amazing precision. Many exhibits are animated.

The museum is located at Marylebone Rd. In this institution, at the entrance, visitors are greeted by the famous madam herself, made of wax, of course, and many of the exhibits can be touched with your hands.

Holmes and his museum

The Museum of the Legendary Literary Character is located in the house, the number of which is identified as 239. Thanks to concessions from the authorities, this house was nevertheless assigned the number 221b from the books of Arthur Conan-Doyle.

In the building of the museum, on three floors, there are Holmes and Watson's rooms reconstructed according to the books, as well as Mrs. Hudson's apartments. There is an exhibition of wax figures on the fourth floor.

You can find Sherlock Holmes' modern home on London's Baker Street. Near the museum there is a metro station of the same name with the street.

The largest gallery in the UK

All the best paintings in London are collected in one place - in the London National Gallery. There you can look at pictures from all over Western Europe from the 12th century to the 20th century.

Today the gallery is located in the north of Trafalgar Square.

In the new building of the gallery there are bars with excellent coffee. There you can buy books and posters at the souvenir shop. Guided tours with audio guides are organized for tourists.

One of the most famous streets

Piccadilly is mentioned more than once in numerous literary works. This street is the heart of Westminster. This avenue always looks lively, well-groomed and colorful.

The street got its name from a tailor who sewed piccadilly collars there..

This street has its own square and the Royal Academy. On both sides of Piccadilly, there are trendy cafes and interesting shops.

City, Thames and architecture

London's financial heart beats in the historic City district. It is there that the Tower, the Mary Ax skyscraper, and St. Paul's Cathedral are located.

City is a crazy combination architectural styles... Old buildings there harmoniously coexist with modern new buildings.

Residential buildings are hard to find in the City; the London Stock Exchange, banks and offices are located there. City is an area created not for life, but for work.

The most fashionable area

It so happens that Soho is one of the most expensive and trendy parts of London. The area does not sleep even at night, it is there that the most reckless and extravagant parties are held.

In the 17th century, hunting grounds were located on the territory of modern Soho. It is believed that the name of the area came from the hunting cry "so-ho".

Soho has a huge number of bars. There is a gay quarter, as well as apartments where artists and creative bohemians love to live. Leicester Square Tube Station is adjacent to the area.

Fortress on the banks of the Thames

The Tower is a real old fortress on the north bank of the Thames. After the construction, the fortress served as a defensive structure, then it was a mint and even a zoo.

The Tower Towers are 30 meters high. The old fortress was built in 1078.

Today the Tower is the royal residence. There is a museum on the first floor of the fortress, where the iconic treasures of the British crown are exhibited. There is also an armory and a skating rink in the fortress, which is open from November until the end of winter.

London main bridge

The intricate construction of the Tower Bridge is no less awe-inspiring than the views from its observation deck... When the bridge is raised for shipping, the pedestrian part of the structure remains intact.

Today on old bridge there is a museum. Tower Bridge views London's finest cityscapes.

The bridge was commissioned in 1894. Since then, its 244 meter long structure has been used for traffic and pedestrian traffic.

Theater Globe

The old and famous Globus Theater holds performances and performances from April to October. The rest of the time there are guided tours.

The theater is a reconstruction of a 16th century theater building. The performances are shown there in natural light. The theater has no seating, and a thatched roof only partially covers half of the stage.

The Globe is located on Bankside Street. Despite its historical surroundings, there are always long queues at the box office.

Opera House of the Kings

Covent Garden is the opulent stronghold of the Royal Opera House in London. The royal ballet and the royal troupe perform there. The theater acquired the final architectural version in 1990.

The auditorium seats approximately 2,200 people. The ballet of this theater is patronized by the Queen herself, and the cast is looked after by the Prince of Wales..

Covent Garden is located at Covent Garden Piazza. You can get to it by buses numbered 9, 13, 153 from Piccadilly Street.

Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is not only a beautiful place to relax, but also a junction for many types of transport. It is on this square that the country's main Christmas tree is lit annually.

The square is named after the victory at Trafalgar. An event happened in 1805.

This historic square is home to many interesting and unusual sights. Charing Cross metro station is located nearby.

The best place to shop for groceries

The best quality and freshest food in London is only in the Borough Market building. The best chefs of the capital's fashionable restaurants buy there for themselves, not for their own business. This indicates the excellent quality of the farm produce at the Borough Market.

The oldest market in London has been operating since the 13th century. It sells ready-made meals made according to family recipes and the freshest meat, as well as fish, milk, cheeses and other gastronomic delights..

Truly English food is available on Wednesday and Thursday and Friday and Saturday. Trading in the market starts at 9 am and informally ends at 3 pm. London Bridge station is located next to the market. From the metro, to get to the market, you have to walk for 10 minutes.

The oldest zoo in the world

Londoners can be proud to be the very first to offer visitors a trip to the excellent zoo, aquarium, insectarium and serpentarium.

The world's first zoo appeared in Great Britain in 1828. Today it contains more than 16 thousand animals..

The oldest zoo was founded by Thomas Raffles. It is located in central London, next to Regent's Park tube station.

Skyscraper for the Olympic Games

The glass skyscraper Shard was erected in 2012 before the start of the Olympic Games. The height of the skyscraper is 309 meters. Floors in the building 72.

From the 68th to the 72nd floor, the Shard turns into a giant observation deck.

A high-speed elevator takes tourists up to the top of the skyscraper. In 2012, Shard was considered the tallest European skyscraper. The shard is located at 32 London Bridge Street.

Chinatown in London

Chinatown is a small metropolitan area with a predominantly Chinese population. The Chinese have lived in the area since Hong Kong was a British colony.

The Chinese region is very vibrant and colorful. There is an Asian atmosphere and some of the best Chinese food in London.

Today the area has evolved into a restaurant and shopping option. There are few Chinese residents who own apartments there, but shops and cafes can be found in abundance.

Regent's Park and its beauties

The classic royal park in the English style was born thanks to Henry VIII's passion for hunting. Smooth alleys, geometric flower beds and a standard set of trees do not make this park boring, but rather give it an aristocratic charm.

A beautiful lake and 400 varieties of roses are a real highlight of the park.

Regent's Park opens unusually early - at 5 am. There is a place for walking and relaxing until late at night. There is a metro station with the same name next to it.

Highgate cemetery

A sad and beautiful landmark is the resting place of many famous Londoners. The cemetery began to operate in the Victorian era. It was originally built up with Gothic tombs.

Several centuries ago, Londoners believed that a vampire could be found in this cemetery at night. The surroundings of this place are a bit ominous, but they are especially dark in beauty. There is a cemetery at Swain's Ln.

Cathedral of all saints

All Saints' Temple in London is over 1,500 years old. This impressive structure is located in the center of the capital, and pleases the eye with its dissimilarity to modern buildings.

The church was built in 675. Before this period, there was a settlement of the Romans.

Brass engravings and Roman mosaics on the floor harmoniously combine the different styles of the church throughout its history. Wooden statues from the fifteenth century will be especially interesting for tourists, because it is difficult to imagine that a tree can retain its appearance for so long. The temple is located in the City next to Tower Bridge.

Theater of one play