London is an ancient city, which in 43 BC. e. founded by the Romans, calling it Londilium. Over time, the settlement grew rich and developed. Throughout its history, London has given the world many great physicists, mathematicians, engineers and other people of science. For the development of scientific thought, the British were among the first for centuries.
First-time tourists in London are quick to notice the red telephone booths and double decker plying the city streets, as well as the abundance of cyclists. At first, left-hand traffic is also surprising. London has many beautiful parks and gardens. Many galleries and museums have free admission here. But first of all, everyone is attracted by the most famous sights of the ancient English capital.
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1. Tower
Since this fortress is already 900 years old, it has witnessed most of English history, for which it has been a royal residence, a prison, and a menagerie. On the territory of the Tower was located the royal treasury and the mint, which have now become an interesting museum complex. Here, not only interiors and medieval architecture have been preserved, but also ancient ceremonies and traditions, and ancient prophecies and legends are remembered to this day. Court crows have become the symbol of the Tower; since the time of King Charles II, they have been supported by the state. The ghosts of Anne Boleyn and the monarchs beheaded in the Tower are said to haunt the local halls.
2. Westminster Abbey
This is a real English shrine in which monarchs were crowned and found eternal rest. In terms of architecture, the abbey building is an example of early English Gothic. It was built over a number of centuries. An organ is installed here, many paintings, sculptures and jewelry are kept. From 1066 onward, nearly all English kings were crowned at Westminster. The company of the departed monarchs here was the flower of the nation, including renowned scientists, poets and military leaders. On the grounds of Westminster Abbey are the churches of St. Margaret and St. Peter, built in the Gothic style. It is impossible to take your eyes off the slender graceful towers directed upward, at the same time austere and elegant. It is hard to believe that the openwork interior vaults are made of simple stone and are the creation of human hands.
3. British Museum
By decision of Parliament in 1753, the British Museum was opened in London, which has since become a godsend for history buffs. The museum has 94 galleries, of which a row of 4 kilometers could be built. The British Museum is famous for its huge collection of historical artifacts and documents; interesting things were brought here from all over the world, when the British Empire ruled half of the world. Wandering through the museum halls, you can come across its unusual guardians of rarities and talismans - cats dressed in uniforms. It will take about a week to visit all the galleries of the museum, which occupies an area of 6 hectares. The British Museum boasts the most significant collection of Egyptian antiquities. The famous Rosetta stone was brought here, which served as a key to unraveling the Egyptian writing; a huge number of mummies, luxury goods and household items are also collected here. Ancient Greece and Rome are also highlighted in sufficient detail, objects of art of the peoples of Asia and Africa are widely represented.
4. Buckingham Palace
The most important attraction of London is Buckingham Palace, which serves as the official residence for Elizabeth II. The palace, together with the adjoining garden, spreads across the city quite widely, occupying 20 hectares of territory. This is where the Queen's receptions of foreign heads of state take place, and here she arranges her gala dinners. There are only 775 rooms in the palace, so there was a place for the Royal Art Gallery, which is open for visits. In August-September, Buckingham Palace is open for visits, since the queen is not there, but many tourists come here to see how the record-breaking monarch lives. The performance begins already at the gate of the palace, where the royal guard stands. In the halls of the palace you can see the personal collection of Elizabeth II, which includes masterpieces by Michelangelo, Van Dyck, Rembrandt, Vermeer, collections of antique furniture and porcelain. For £ 8, you can visit the royal stable, which houses the monarch's carriages (open landau for weddings, golden carriage) and the queen's horses.
5. London Eye
Relatively recently, a huge 135-meter high Ferris wheel appeared on the banks of the Thames in London. It can accommodate 800 people at a time. The name "London Eye" justifies itself, because from the height of the attraction you can see everything at a distance of 40 kilometers. Each booth, weighing 10 tons, has a sufficient number of seats and a cinema with a three-dimensional picture. The wheel has a unique illumination, so that it looks spectacular at night. The rotation of the wheel is very slow and non-stop, so the boarding and disembarking of the next visitors takes place "on the go", and it is slowed down only for the disabled and the elderly.
6. Elizabeth Tower
More recently, the clock tower of Westminster Palace, on which the famous Big Ben bell is installed, has become so called. This symbol of the kingdom was built in 1859. In 2012, in honor of the 60th anniversary of the reign of Elizabeth II, the parliament decided to rename the clock tower. The world's largest 4-sided clock with a chiming is fixed on the Elizabeth Tower. Their sophisticated clockwork is located at an altitude of 55 m. The attendants are sensitive to its technical condition, because even changes in the state of the atmosphere affect its accuracy. To correct the course of the clock, coins are sometimes placed on the pendulum. For the safety of the clockwork, tourists are not allowed into the tower. The coming of the New Year, Londoners celebrate the battle of Big Ben.
7. Tower Bridge
This bridge earned in 1894 in the presence of Prince Edward of Wales and his wife. The unique design with counterweights allowed the bridge flaps to be opened without significant energy consumption in just a minute. In the two towers there are not only stairs, but also lifts leading to the upper gallery, through which, as it was assumed, the inhabitants of the city could cross the river even with a raised bridge. But the people preferred to wait for the shutters to drop, and the gallery turned into an observation deck and an exhibition dedicated to the history of the bridge. Here you can go down to the engine room to see the old lifting mechanisms. The bridge gallery offers wonderful panoramas of London. At night, the lights on the bridge are turned on, making it very beautiful.
8. Madame Tussauds Museum
2.5 million people visit this wax museum every year. The doubles of celebrities displayed in the halls of the museum are made incredibly realistic, they are very easy to confuse with the originals. Madame Tussauds began to make her twin figures back in 1835, although unofficially this date is postponed to the second half of the 18th century. The "Cabinet of Horrors" especially attracts visitors. During the excursion, visitors look at copies of famous personalities of the present and past, here you can also virtually ride in an old London cab. Who is not there: from Shakespeare and Jack the Ripper to Lady Gaga, from athletes and businessmen to politicians and crowned heads. Those who wish can take a picture with Elizabeth II herself, kiss Brad Pitt or pose with Muhammad Ali.
9. Trafalgar Square
This famous square was created in the center of London in honor of the victory of the British fleet over the Spanish and French in 1805 near Trafalgar. In its center stands the column of Admiral Nelson, surrounded by metal lions and fountains. Along the perimeter of the square there are four pedestals, on three of which there are statues of the great Englishmen, and the fourth was used only in 2005, placing the main tree of Britain on it before the New Year (the Norwegians send it annually for help during the last war). Until recently, pigeons reigned in this area, the flock of which numbered up to 45 thousand heads. But due to problems with clearing the area from pigeon droppings, the authorities banned feeding the birds here. But nowadays Trafalgar Square has been chosen by tourists and demonstrators.
10. St. Paul's Cathedral
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At the highest point in London, Langeith Hill, stands St. Paul's Cathedral, whose round dome rises above the city. This largest Anglican cathedral in Europe is the seat of the Bishop of London. It was officially opened in 1708, and before it there were 4 previous temples in succession, three of which were destroyed by fires, and one was destroyed in 961 during the Viking raid. There is an observation deck on the tower of the cathedral, which gives an excellent view of the city, no worse than from the "London Eye". Under the dome of the temple there are three amazing galleries: made of stone, gilded, as well as a whisper gallery, in which very interesting acoustic effects are observed. The dome of the cathedral is a copy of the dome of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, making it one of the recognizable London landmarks. There are 17 bells on the bell tower of the temple, and concerts of sacred music are often held in it. In 1860, the interior of the cathedral was changed, for which the parishioners had to organize a special fund. The current interiors of the temple attract with sculptures, openwork lattices, magnificent mosaics. It was here that the wedding of Prince of Wales Charles and Diana Spencer took place.
Hands to feet... Subscribe to our groupLondon- a city with a rich cultural heritage, history, a 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, a unique museum complex is located here. 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. The richest collection from Ancient Egypt is kept here. The ancient history of Rome, Greece, Asia and Africa is widely represented.
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, despite its calmness and measured way of life, attracts the attention of not only tourists, but also migrants from Europe. The population of Great Britain is only 44% of the indigenous people, while the rest are attracted by romantic rainy weather, beautiful architecture, Michelin-starred restaurants and fashionable shops, famous all over the world.
If you want to hear correct and beautiful English speech, imbued with the history of England and see the sights of London with your own eyes, this city will convey to you the noble and refined atmosphere of this amazing country better than others.
Historic landmarks of London
Big Ben is a clock tower that appeared precisely in London, a city whose residents value punctuality so much. Built back in 1288, the building is famous for its 100-meter height and amazing time accuracy - the error does not exceed two seconds per day.
It is interesting that the caretaker, during whose work the clock was once one second late, was about to be fired. Big Ben is a symbol of England, it is against its background that TV reporters begin to conduct news programs and, to its ringing, they celebrate the New Year in London.
We offer you to get acquainted with the sights of the whole UK. It will be fun!
The British initially considered Tower Bridge to be ridiculous and ugly, but now England cannot be imagined without this London landmark, which is rightly considered the main decoration of the city. An architect inspired by the Gothic culture of the Victorian era began construction back in 1886.
It received this name due to the fact that it has a similar design to the Tower of London, which is located nearby. Eight years after the start of construction, the Prince of Wales himself and his wife attended the opening ceremony.
The Tower of London was built as a castle for King William, but under the rule of the Tudor dynasty it became a dungeon for the two wives of King Henry VIII, and later became a prison for other prisoners. The Tower acquired a sad reputation also due to the 22 executions that took place here, according to official sources.
At one time, this building functioned as a mint and a royal menagerie. It now houses an armory, royal jewelery from the seventeenth century, including crowns and scepters. And the black crows flying here are still considered the keepers of the mysterious, and in the dark even the ominous tower.
Westminster Abbey is of great historical value for tourists and residents of the city - in this monastery all the rulers of England were crowned. Now the abbey serves as a tomb for many famous personalities - Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, David Livingston and other prominent people. An interesting feature of this place is also the casts taken from the faces of the royal families of all generations.
Palace of Westminster - a castle whose history dates back to 1042, has always served as a home for royal families. This building has become possible to visit only since 2004, so if you want to visit the oldest parts of it, then it is better to do this at the end of August, since the British Parliament sits there throughout the year. Here, solemn ceremonies are held, at which Queen Elizabeth II herself is present.
Buckingham Palace currently serves as the residence for the Queen of Great Britain, Elizabeth II, and in the 18th century it was built for the Duke of Buckingham, who was later bought from him by the King of England, George III, and settled there with his family.
But Queen Victoria contributed more to the decoration of this palace than made it famous and another must-see attraction in London. More than 800 apartments, lush gardens, restaurants, police and hospitals made the palace almost a city for royalty.
Kensington Palace was built back in 1605 by the Earl of Nottingham. Queen Victoria was born in the palace and later became the residence for Princess Diana and Prince Charles. Many parts of it can be visited - the reception hall, the apartments of Queen Mary II, the royal dressing room of the youngest daughter of Charles I, the famous 18th century fashionista Anna Stewart, and the beautiful gardens by the palace.
St. Paul's Cathedral is one of the tallest buildings in the world, with a dome of 118 meters high. Now it is the seat of the Bishop of London. The history of the life of the cathedral begins in the 18th century, when it had to be reconstructed after the bombing during the Second World War. It is also known for burying within its walls the greatest people of British history - Churchill, Fleming, Nelson and others.
The British Museum of the History and Culture of Humanity was founded in 1753 and contains more than 50 thousand paintings, sculptures and other objects of art, testifying to the development of England from the era of Ancient Egypt. The museum has more than 100 exhibition halls and what cannot but please its visitors - museums in London are free, so you can safely set aside a few days to study the exhibits.
Hampton Court is a palace donated to King Henry VIII in 1529, the interior of which was commissioned by the monarch himself. Later, the building served as a residence for King William III, and now it houses the Royal Chapel, where services are held. There are many mystical stories about this London landmark, and there is even a book about the ghosts of Hampton Court.
It is believed that the spirits of wives who did not die of their own death still roam the castle, but the most sinister remains King Henry III, who appears only during a thunderstorm. Children will be interested in a maze of shrubs with a height of almost two meters and costumed performances.
During the rise of the mighty British Empire, London became practically the center of the world. The fabulous capital and resources flowing into the metropolis from numerous overseas colonies have made the UK capital a wealthy, arrogant and glittering city filled with architectural masterpieces, magnificent concert halls and fashionable shops.
London is a coveted destination not only for countless flows of immigrants, but also for tourists from all over the world. The lush Victorian city quarters, Buckingham Palace, The Tower and Westminster Abbey are among the world's most visited landmarks. Michelin-starred restaurants and trendy clubs in London's Soho area attract the most advanced, progressive, select public.
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What to see and where to go in London?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
1. Tower Bridge
Drawbridge over the River Thames, designed by architect H. Jones and built at the end of the 19th century. The structure consists of two powerful "Gothic" towers 64 meters high, connected by galleries and hanging spans. Tower Bridge is one of the most recognizable symbols of the British capital, although initially Londoners considered it ugly and ridiculous. There is a museum on the top floor of one of the galleries.
2. Tower of London
The fortress, standing on the north bank of the Thames, is over 900 years old. The Tower is known as a prison for noble people and prisoners of royal blood. From time to time it became the residence of the monarchs. At different times, the famous humanist Thomas More, the wives of Henry VIII Catherine Howard and Anne Boleyn, the "bloody" Queen Mary Tudor and many others have been prisoners of the castle. Only in the middle of the 20th century did the Tower cease to function as a prison.
3. London Eye Ferris wheel
One of the largest attractions of this type in Europe. The height of the structure is 136 m, which approximately corresponds to a 45-storey building. The wheel is installed on the banks of the Thames, overlooking the whole of London. Passengers can be accommodated in one of 32 closed capsule cabins, which symbolize 32 urban areas. A complete revolution is completed in half an hour. The attraction was opened in 1999.
4. Buckingham Palace
Royal Palace, the official seat of the ruling dynasty in London. The building has about 800 rooms, around a perimeter of 20 hectares there is a whole "city" for the internal use of royalty: a hospital, a police station, a post office, a restaurant. The palace was built for the Duke of Buckingham in the 18th century, but was bought by King George III. It became an official residence after Queen Victoria's accession to the throne.
5. Westminster Palace and Big Ben
The seat of the British Parliament since the 16th century. The palace stands on the banks of the Thames in the heart of the capital. Since the 11th century, English kings have settled here. For many centuries, the facade of the building was rebuilt, renewed, new buildings were added. Tourists can only get inside during the summer parliamentary break. Big Ben is the bell of the famous clock tower on the territory of the Palace of Westminster, more often this is the name of the entire tower together with the famous clock face. The tower was built by the architect O. Pujin in 1859; the building is 96 meters high. Since 2012, Big Ben has been officially renamed Elizabeth Tower in honor of the reigning queen.
6. Kensington Palace
Another royal residence, the smallest of all the palaces belonging to the ruling family. The building was built in the 17th century. for the Earl of Nottingham, but King William of Orange bought it and made it his summer country estate. Kensington Palace (rather a mansion compared to other royal palaces) is located in one of the western districts of London. In our time, the families of the Duke of Kent and Gloucester live there.
7. Westminster Abbey
The main church in Great Britain, not only an important religious center, but also the place of coronation and burial of British monarchs. The abbey was founded by Edward the Confessor at the beginning of the 11th century, and acquired its modern appearance in the 15th century. Since Harold II, all kings of Great Britain have been crowned here. The abbey is open to tourists and often hosts classical music concerts and exhibitions.
8. St. Paul's Cathedral
Anglican Church, standing on Ludgate Hill. Since the early Middle Ages, Christian churches were built in this place. The last Catholic cathedral fell into disrepair after the reforms of Henry VIII, only ruins remained on the top of the hill. In the XVII century. construction began on a completely new cathedral designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Many iconic personalities of British history are buried in the temple: W. Churchill, Admiral Nelson, A. Fleming and others.
9. Trafalgar Square
The famous square in central London, the beloved symbol of the city and the home of Britain's Kilometer Zero. Numerous holidays and festivals are held here, and the country's main Christmas tree is set up in winter. The square appeared in 1820 on the site of the old Whitehall stables. The place is named in honor of the victory of the British in 1805 in the naval battle at Cape Trafalgar.
10. Oxford Street
One of London's most famous shopping streets. More than 100 million people visit it annually. First of all, visiting the street is interesting for everyone who follows fashion and loves shopping. In a relatively small space (Oxford Street is only 2.4 km long), there are more than 500 stores, including boutiques of world brands, large family supermarkets and mass-market stores.
11. Street and Piccadilly Circus
The street got its name from the lace collars that Robert Baker sold. It was previously called Portuguese. Piccadilly Circus is known for the fact that for more than 300 years the richest and most distinguished representatives of the world "elite" have settled here: bankers, stars, members of powerful financial clans. The most expensive and luxurious mansions, hotels and apartments are located here.
12. Abbey Road
The street gained popularity due to the fact that part of it was immortalized on the cover of the album "The Beatles" (the album was called - "Abbey Road"). There was also a record company where the famous group recorded their songs. Several decades later, fans continue their pilgrimage to Abbey Road. The Beatles are aspirated and photographed in the "very place" that is depicted on the cover.
13. Skyscraper Mary Ax 30
A building of metal and glass structures in modern central London, shaped like a cucumber (Barcelona also has such a tower). The building is used as the headquarters of the Swiss company Swiss Reinsurance. The tower was built from 2001 to 2004. designed by the architect Sir N. Foster. $ 400 million was spent on the construction. The structure is 180 meters high and contains 40 floors.
14. Skyscraper Shard
A high-rise building built for the opening of the 2012 Olympic Games. The structure is a glass pyramid that resembles a block of ice 310 meters high (72 floors). Inside there are offices, hotels, recreation areas, private apartments. Tourists tend to get into the skyscraper to the observation deck, located at the 70th floor, from where you can admire London at a glance.
15. British Museum
The main historical and archaeological museum of the country, one of the largest in the world. There are about 100 exhibition halls in the building, where exhibits from all over the world - the former colonies of the British Empire are presented. There are also ancient Egyptian and antique artifacts. Many countries demand the return of exhibits to their homeland, as it is believed that they got to the British Museum in a not entirely honest way.
16. London National Gallery
The largest museum in the country, where more than 2,000 samples of Western European painting are exhibited, dating back to the XII century. The gallery was created in 1839, since then the collection has been constantly replenished. Like many similar places, the museum cannot be bypassed in one visit; you will need to return to it several times to look at all the expositions. Also in the London Gallery you can listen to audiobooks and lectures on art.
17. Churchill's War Rooms Museum
An underground bunker from which Churchill and his entourage ran a military company during World War II. Its construction was completed shortly before the start of the war. In 1989, Margaret Thatcher inaugurated the bunker for everyone to see. Equipment, personal belongings of the leaders of the country, photos and documents were left inside as exhibits. The museum is located under the Treasury building, next to Westminster Palace, and is a branch of the Imperial War Museum.
18. Victoria and Albert Museum
The world's largest museum of design and arts and crafts. It was opened a year after the World's Fair of 1851, as the event was very successful. The Museum of Products, as the collection was originally called, was renamed in 1899 in honor of Queen Victoria and her husband Albert. The royal couple provided comprehensive assistance in replenishing the collection, consisting of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, medieval rarities, fabrics and theatrical props.
19. Museum of Natural History
Opened in 1881, the exposition is based on the collection of the Natural History Department of the British Museum. The total number of exhibits exceeds 80 million (botany, zoology, mineralogy, paleontology). Many can be touched with hands and studied; there are information stands in different languages. The most impressive hall is the central one: it contains the original skeletons of dinosaurs in full growth.
20. London Madame Tussauds
A branch of the most famous wax museum in the world (there are branches in Amsterdam, Hong Kong, New York, Copenhagen). Maria Tussauds inherited the wax figures from her teacher Curtis and gradually added new characters to the collection. Until 1835, she toured all over England like circus performers, then opened a permanent exhibition at the insistence of her sons.
21.Sherlock Holmes Museum
Home and Museum of the popular detective at 221b Baker Street. It was here, according to the idea of the writer Arthur Conan Doyle, that Sherlock Holmes and his assistant, Dr. Watson, rented rooms. The building was bought by a society of fans of this literary work. The museum was opened relatively recently - in 1990. The rooms have recreated the furnishings that exactly correspond to the author's description of A.K. Doyle.
22. Tate British Gallery
A gallery of contemporary art that attracts millions of tourists every year. It is considered one of the largest in the world. The collection is made up of works from the early 20th century. to this day. The modern building opened to visitors in 2000. It consists of seven floors, each of which has its own exposition. The museum is housed in a rebuilt former power plant.
23. Theater Royal, Covent Garden
One of the most prestigious opera venues where the best performers and orchestras strive to enter. Before the construction of a modern building in 1858, there were two theaters on this site, which burned down in fires. Previously, all theatrical genres were staged at Covent Garden, but later it began to specialize only in musical performances: operas, oratorios, ballets, concerts.
24. Albert Hall
A concert hall reminiscent of the Roman Colosseum, hosting a variety of events from musicals and awards ceremonies to charity receptions. The hall was erected in the period 1867-1871. as conceived by Prince Albert. To recoup the construction costs, the creators sold tickets for future events, which gave them the right to attend the Albert Hall for 999 years. Some people still go to the gym with these tickets.
25. Globus Theater
The theater, created with the participation of the great playwright W. Shakespeare at the end of the 16th century. Almost all of the author's works were put here, but the building lasted only 14 years and was destroyed by fire. The rebuilt theater existed until 1642 (then the troupe was disbanded by order of the Puritan government, and two years later the building itself was demolished). The modern "Globe" is a reconstruction based on fragments found during excavations.
26. Hyde Park
City park, where it is always crowded and lively. Tourists tend to come here to see with their own eyes the embodiment of democracy "Speakers' Corner", where everyone can express any thoughts. True, you cannot use microphones, so you have to strain your larynx. Hyde Park is a typical English landscape park with fountains, ornately clipped trees and neat lawns.
27. St. James's Park
It is part of the green belt of central London. On different sides, the oldest park in the British capital is bounded by the Foreign Office, Buckingham and St. James Palaces. There used to be swamps here, which were drained and a canal was built. The design, imitating the Versailles Gardens, did not last long: the territory was planted with trees, and a pond became the main waterway. To the north is the Mall - a street for ceremonies with the participation of the royal family.
28. Highgate Cemetery
In the first half of the century before last, it became necessary to create a network of cemeteries in London. The former belonged to churches and were already filled. The plan for Highgate Cemetery was completed in 1839. The architecture of the buildings and mausoleums is colorful, most of the tombstones in the Victorian style. The sections under the names "Egyptian Street" and "Lebanese Circle" stand out especially. The most famous burial place is the tomb of Karl Marx. The territory is full of wild greenery from flowers to large trees.
29. River Thames
The river artery of the capital, crossing the entire city and passing through its central part. Perhaps this is one of the most popular rivers in the world, passing within the city. Largely due to the possibility of navigation on the Thames, London began to develop as an industrial and later a financial center. Back in the days of the Roman Empire, there was a port here. The Thames is an independent attraction visited by millions of tourists.
30. St Pancras station
Railway junction in central London. It was built by the architect W. Henry in the 19th century. The station building is a typical example of the Neo-Gothic style characteristic of the Victorian era. Trains arrive here from continental Europe and neighboring counties. A single architectural ensemble of red brick together with the train station makes up the five-star Renaissance Hotel.
31. Wembley Stadium
A well-known and even legendary stadium among football fans, the symbol of England football. For the first time its gates were opened under King George V in 1923, in the same year the FA Cup was played at the stadium. By the 60s. XX century Wembley becomes the main football arena in the country. In addition to games, concerts of Madonna, Michael Jackson, Metallica, Oasis, AC / DC and other world stars took place here.
32. Harrods Department Store
A real "Mecca" of fashion fans and shopaholics, it is one of the three most visited London attractions. Harrods occupies 18,000 m² and has 300 shops selling everything in the world. Here shopping is at its highest. The building itself is distinguished by the luxury of interior decoration and the monumentality of architectural forms.
33. Camden Market
Every weekend, the Camden market, divided into segments, is visited by about 100 thousand people. The market works on weekdays, but some of the outlets are closed for most of the week. Some sellers rent shops, others are in tents or in the open air. It sells original gifts, clothes, things from independent designers. There are also pubs and restaurants on the main street.
34. Portobello Flea Market
Located in Notting Hill (West London). Here, the collapse of antiques, shops with second-hand clothes coexist with expensive boutiques. On the market you can buy unusual clothes, vintage interior items and furniture, interesting hand-made souvenirs. Many people go here not for shopping, but for the special atmosphere of antiquity, history and strong traditions.
35. Telephone booth and double-decker bus
Symbols of the British capital recognized all over the world. Previously, the booths were used for their intended purpose, but with the invention of mobile communication they became just cultural objects (some houses mini-libraries). The red bus became the prototype for the tourist bus in almost all world capitals, its model was invented in Britain in 1956.
London attracts people with its unique architecture and beauty. The city of fogs is very popular with tourists from different parts of our planet. The Greenwich meridian passes in the capital of Great Britain. Here you can be in two parts of the world in just a few minutes. Only in this city the bus evokes a storm of emotions among tourists. After all, the red bus is already a symbol of Great Britain. We will tell you about the popular sights of London, what to see and where to go.
The Royal Albert Hall of Arts and Sciences is located in Westminster. He is famous enough all over the world. The structure is named after Queen Victoria's late consort, Prince Albert. The Albert Hall is elliptical. The red brick building is crowned with a glass dome on a metal frame, and quotations from the Bible are laid out on the facade of the concert hall using mosaics. Inside, the Albert Hall is designed like an amphitheater. The building can accommodate up to 5500 thousand people. The second largest organ in the whole country is installed here.
The Albert Hall hosts art exhibitions, various events, and sports competitions. But the building gained its fame thanks to the numerous concerts of popular musical groups. Since the opening of the Albert Hall, there have been big problems with acoustics. However, over time, this issue was resolved with the help of special panels. They were reinforced under the ceiling of the building.
Local residents have already nicknamed the panels "flying saucers". You can get to Albert Hall by tube to South Kensington Station. Or by bus number 9, 10. It is simply impossible not to notice the structure. Opening hours from 9 to 21 hours daily. A ticket to the Albert Hall for adults costs about 13 euros, for children about 6 euros, a family ticket can be purchased for about 30 euros. The tour lasts 70 minutes.
Big Ben
The huge clock tower towering over the Thames is the symbol of the city. Many believe that it is she who bears the name "Big Ben". However, in reality, Big Ben is a huge bell on top of a tower. In ancient times, the bells were given names. So they named the symbol "Ben", in honor of Benjamin Hall. It is said that it was this man who supervised the installation of the huge bell.
Subsequently, the tower itself was called by this name. Although its real name is "The Clock Tower of the Palace of Westminster." The height of the structure reaches 96.3 meters. The clock on it is the largest in the world. There are 4 dials, which are turned to 4 cardinal directions. Big Ben's clocks are the most accurate in the world. The huge bell will crack. As a result, his sound became peculiar.
The tower looks majestic and beautiful. In the dark, it all glows especially gorgeous. It is always crowded near the sight. In addition, there is a lot of car traffic here. The situation escalates on weekends. If you decide to visit this place, it is better to go on weekdays. You can get to Big Ben by taking the metro to Westminster station.
Or take a bus to the “Parliamentary Square” stop. Tourists cannot climb the tower itself. Since it is part of the Westminster complex, which belongs to a government agency. Only allowed for UK citizens. The tour lasts about 1.5 hours.
British museum
This is the place of the collection of works of art from Ancient Greece, Rome, Ancient Egypt. The works of masters from all over the world are kept here. Engravings, drawings, ethnography, coins and medals - all this can be seen in one of the largest museums in the world. The building has been under construction for 24 years. But during World War II, the museum was partially destroyed. Therefore, many exhibits were taken out of here. The restoration of the structure and the return of the works of art took many more years. In museums, you can see wooden sarcophagi with animal mummies. Reliefs depicting scenes of battles and hunting evoke delight and greatness.
Only in the British Museum there is an opportunity to see the sculptural portraits of the emperors Augustus and Hadrian. Numismatics lovers should definitely visit the coin room. And connoisseurs of painting will be glad to see the works of Michelangelo, Botticelli, Durer, Raphael, Van Gogh and Rembrandt here. You can get to the museum by tube to Tottenham Court Road or Holborn stops. Or take a bus in that direction. Opening hours from 10 to 17.30 every day.
On Friday, some departments are on duty until 20.30. The entrance to the museum is free. Russian-speaking guides work here. Nights at the Museum are very popular at the British Museum. They take place here 4 times a year. Each time a new topic is set. During such an excursion, there is an opportunity to listen to interesting stories all night long. It is simply impossible to inspect all the exhibits at one time. There is a cafe and a souvenir shop on the territory of the museum.
Westminster
The Westminster House of Parliament is world famous. This is a huge and beautiful complex located on the banks of the Thames. Its two famous towers, Big Ben and Victoria, stretch high into the sky. The construction of impressive size is striking in its beauty. He senses the strength and power of Great Britain. For many years Westminster was open only to the rule of Great Britain.
Excursions to the House of Parliament were allowed only in 2004. Visitors are admitted here during parliamentary holidays from August 7 to September 16, throughout the year on Saturdays. Inside the building, you can see the royal gallery with paintings and sculptures, the royal wardrobe, the chamber for disputes. The main attraction of the House of Parliament is Westminster Hall.
You can get to Westminster by metro to the station of the same name. The tour is free. It begins when a group of 16 people or more is recruited. The visiting hours of the House of Parliament are from 10 am to 4 pm from Monday to Friday. Saturday from 08.45 a.m. to 4.45 p.m. To avoid queues, tickets can be booked online in advance.
The cost of the tour is around € 30 for adults. A child ticket can be purchased for 13 euros. Children under 5 years old are free to enter. Discounts are provided for students, pensioners, and groups of 10 people or more. If you want to save money, you can order an audio tour. Its price is 10 euros cheaper.
Sherlock Holmes Museum
The Sherlock Holmes Museum is located at 221B Baker Street in Westminster County. It is located in a very ordinary 4-storey building. From afar, the museum is not noticeable, it can only be recognized by the signboard and the queues of tourists. There is a gift shop at the bottom of the house-museum. Above is Sir's living room and bedroom.
The third floor houses the rooms of the owner of the house, Mrs. Hudson and Dr. Watson. On the top floor there is an exhibition of wax figures. It consists of numerous heroes of detective stories. Here you can meet Professor Mariarty himself, Irene Adler, the Baskerville dog or a corpse on the floor. There is a bathroom in the attic. Taking pictures in the museum is allowed.
Visitors are happy to pose against the backdrop of the dwelling of their beloved hero. Here it is allowed to sit in armchairs by the fireplace. And on a special table, the requisites are always ready: Sherlock's cap, pipe and magnifying glass. You can get to the museum by taking the tube to Baker Street station. It takes only a few minutes to get to it. The museum is open every day except for the Christmas holidays.
A ticket to it costs about 7 euros for an adult and 5 euros for a child. It is better to go here on an excursion in the morning. There are many who want to see the house of Sherlock Holmes. With a large crowd of people, it is rather difficult to move around the museum. And photographing anything is even more difficult. Working hours from 9.30 to 18.00 hours.
Piccadilly street
Piccadilly is the most famous street. It is located in one of the oldest districts of the city - Westminster. The street is always quite busy, it is full of people, tourists and residents of the capital. Piccadilly was named after the tailor Robert Baker. He made his fortune by sewing piccadilla collars. Baker purchased a plot in the area and built a house called Piccadilly Hall. As a result, the streets were built up with rich mansions of wealthy people. Such houses became known as "Piccadilly". Here and nowadays there are many club houses, the entrance to which is forbidden to ordinary people.
Anyone visiting the capital of Great Britain should take a walk in Piccadilly. The street is huge, clean, with incredibly beautiful houses and shops. It is especially beautiful here in the evening. When the city lights up, the Piccadilly mansions flare up with multi-colored backlights. And boutiques cannot fail to attract attention. Shop windows are carefully decorated here. Each little thing, jar, casket draws special attention to itself. The square of the same name on Piccadilly Circus is one of the favorite meeting places for the British. Here, very often appointments or just friendly meetings.
The well-known Royal cafe is located on the street. Creative people like to meet here: artists, writers, poets. It is not difficult to get to Piccadilly. The transport interchange here is one of the best in the world. Several large roads lead to it. The fastest way to get to the famous street is to take the metro to Picadilly Circus or Green Park stations.
City District
The City of London is another of the most ancient areas. It is located in the heart of the capital of England. The area has an amazing status, it does not obey the royal power. The head of the City is its mayor. And, if someone from the royal power decides to come to this area, they can do it only with the permission of the head of the City. It has its own rules and laws.
The City is officially the smallest county in the UK. The borders of the district are separated by special posts. The population of the City is also the smallest, about 10,000 people. The area was founded by the Romans about 2000 years ago. Then Great Britain was still part of the Roman Empire. Many streets of the City follow the roads that were laid by the ancient Romans.
There is a large accumulation of historical monuments in the region. Here are the Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Royal Exchange, Leadenhall Market. Old buildings in the City alternate with new ones. Infrastructure development has not stopped here. There are many office towers in the area: Heron, Lloyd's, Mary Ax 30, Walkie Talkie, Tower 42. The largest complex of the capital, the Barbican Center, is built here. The architecture of the City is an incredible mix of all ages and styles.
You should definitely visit this area. There is no point in visiting the attraction on weekends or in the evening. It may happen that you are alone all over the street. The area is beautiful when the work is in full swing. However, during rush hours, the metro suffers from a large number of people. Therefore, choose the time of your visit carefully. It is convenient to get to the area by metro. There are quite a few stations: Barbican, Tower Hill, Liverpool, Mansion House.
The tower
The Tower of London complex is located on the north bank of the Thames. It is considered the most preserved building in Europe. Throughout its long history, the Tower has not been able to be taken by storm. Its walls are 4.5 meters thick. The castle has a difficult history. The complex was inhabited by royalty. Noble and wealthy people were imprisoned here too. The Tower was both a home and a prison at the same time. It keeps in itself the traces of human tragedies and deaths.
The Tower is surrounded by myths and legends that are difficult to distinguish from the real history of the castle. The black crow is considered a symbol of the complex's misfortune and misfortune. According to legend, he appears on the territory of the complex before any tragedy. The castle is leading in the number of ghosts living in it. The British claim that the ghosts of royals who met death live here on the territory of the complex.
The Tower fascinates and frightens at the same time. A huge castle, which repulsed many enemies, rises above the Thames. It is especially beautiful at sunset. Roads on the territory of the complex are made of stone blocks. Therefore, you should take care of comfortable shoes. There are many tourists in the Tower. Those with a London pass are skipped out of line. Otherwise, it is better to buy tickets in advance. Opening hours of the complex from March to October: from 9 am to 5.30 pm from Tuesday to Saturday.
From November to February, the castle is open from 9 am to 4:30 pm. On Sunday and Monday, the Tower receives tourists from 10 to 17.30, regardless of the season. The castle is closed during the Christmas holidays. A ticket for adults costs about 5 euros, for children about 4. A family ticket costs about 15 euros. You can get to the castle by metro to Tower Hill station or by bus number 15, 42, 78, 100.
Tower Bridge
Another symbol of England, austere and beautiful at the same time, is the famous Tower Bridge. It captivates visitors at first sight with its imposing size and stunning architecture. The bridge was built in the 19th century when London became an imposing commercial and industrial center. The two Gothic towers of the building, in the best possible way, convey the entire English spirit.
The bridge is in harmony with the adjacent Tower. It becomes its continuation. Inside the bridge, between the towers, there is a museum. Previously, it was a pedestrian zone, but later it was closed due to the increased incidence of thefts in such a deserted place. The towers can be reached by stairs or an elevator. The lifting mechanism can also be viewed. It is huge.
You can take pictures on the bridge. But metal structures and glass hinder this very much. Therefore, most knowledgeable tourists do not climb the towers. Beautiful landscapes can be seen from other bridges as well. The gallery of the building houses an exposition of photographs with various bridges of the world. There is also information about them.
Tower Bridge is open every day from April to September from 10 am to 6.30 pm. From October to March from 9.30 am to 6 pm. A ticket for adults costs about 10 euros, for children - about 4. A child under 5 years old admission is free. Tower Bridge is in the center, next to Tower Castle. Tower Hill metro stop or bus number 42, 100, 15, 78.
Globus theatre
The Globe is the very first theater in the capital of Great Britain. It was erected in the place where its predecessor was earlier. At the beginning of its history, the Globe was only a small area in the shape of a circle, surrounded by a fence. This building burned down completely. And the authorities erected a house in its place. The new theater building was built a few meters from the old one. It was opened in 1997. The architects tried to make the theater as close as possible to the very first building.
Inside there are three tiers of balconies with seating. Near the stage, you can only enjoy the performances while standing. The way poor people watched performances in the old days, who did not have money for sitting tickets. In principle, microphones and spotlights are not used in the Globe. To create an atmosphere similar to that of the old theater.
You can buy tickets online or buy in advance. Despite the fact that Globus does not work in winter, excursions to it are still held. The theater is open from 9 am to 5.30 pm daily. Times vary during the theater season. Admission for adults costs about 18 euros, for children - about 11. Admission is free for a child under 5 years old. You can get to Globus by metro to the stop "Cannon" or "Mansion House".
Theater Royal Covent Garden
Covent Garden is considered the largest opera house in Great Britain. It got its name in honor of the square on which the theater was erected. In 1808, the building burned down. But in just 9 months it was restored. To recover the money spent on repairs, the authorities raised the price of tickets. However, after a 2-month boycott of the audience and disruptions of performances, they gave up and were forced to reduce prices to the old level. Once again, the 1986 fire destroyed Covent Garden for the second time. In this case, the restoration took about two years.
There are two excursions to Covent Garden. The first is called "Backstage at the Theater". She acquaints tourists with the everyday life of actors and preparations for new works. A ticket for adults costs about 14 euros, for children - about 10 euros, for students and pensioners - about 13 euros. The second excursion is called Velvet, Gilding and Glamor. It introduces travelers to the architecture and history of the building. A ticket for adults costs about 12 euros, for children - about 10 euros, for students and pensioners - about 9 euros. You can examine the interior of the theater, and at the same time enjoy the opera, from 18 to 217 euros. You can get to Covent Garden by bus 9, 13, 15, 23, 139 and 153. Or to Covent Garden by tube.
Trafalgar Square
The main square of the capital of Great Britain - Trafalgar Square - gathers residents of the city for all the big holidays of the country. It is named after the Trafalgar victory by Admiral Horatio Nelson. The monument to the admiral is located in the center of the square, surrounded by 6-meter lions. Each beast is a symbol of Nelson's victories in battles. Also here you can see the monument to Charles I.
The British consider distances from him. The monument is located in the central point of the capital. There are 4 pedestals in the 4 corners of the square. On the tops of 3 of them are monuments to George IV, General Napier and Henry Havelock. Surprisingly, pedestal 4 was empty until 2005. After it was replaced by various sculptures, including living ones.
Until in 2010, a model of the ship "Victoria" was installed on the pedestal, where Admiral Nelson heroically died. Pigeons were one of the symbols of the square. Over the years, thousands of birds have lived on it. Until 2007, the authorities banned feeding them. Now there are almost no pigeons there. The square is located in the center of the capital at the intersection of three streets: Mall, Strand and Whitehall. You can get to it by bus number 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 24 and many others. You can get by metro to the stations "Charing Cross", "Embankment".
Abbey Road
Abbey Road may well be called "the street where dreams come true." This place is loved by young people and creative people. The British gave it a second name, which sounds like "Home of Love and Art." Fans of The Beatles, Pink Floyd and Duran Duran come here to see the place where their idols recorded their songs. Abbey Road is home to the world famous Amy recording studio.
The most popular spot on the street is the intersection, which was featured on the latest disc of The Beatles. All tourists are photographed here. Even drivers are sympathetic to this, giving way. The zebra in this place is the only one in the world that has a live webcam on the Internet.
The building at the intersection of Abbey Road and Grove End Road is an unofficial monument to the Beatles. Here you can see a sign that reads: "Abbey Road NW8 City of Westminster". She was very often stolen by the fans of the group. Therefore, the sign had to be firmly mounted into the building at a sufficiently high height. The building near the inscription is painted every three months, but graffiti depicting "The Beatles" appears again and again. You can get to Abbey Road by metro to St. John's Wood ". There is a bus stop nearby - Abbey Road Grove End Road. Abbey Road is free to walk. But if you want to listen to information and entertaining stories, you can purchase a tour of the streets. Its cost is about 88 euros.
Westminster Abbey
The world famous monastery - Westminster abbey - is the main shrine of Great Britain. It is next to the Palace of Westminster. Here the royal people of Great Britain are crowned, married and rest. It is a very large and beautiful building in the shape of a Latin cross. The monastery has two large towers and a wide variety of carved arches.
The rich interior is decorated with wonderful stained-glass windows. Here you can see magnificent frescoes from the 12th century. The floor of the abbey amazes with its wonderful mosaics. Inside, the monastery looks more like a tomb. There are over three thousand gravestones here. Among them, the tombs of kings, monarchs and great men of the kingdom. Charles Dickens, Isaae Newton, Lord Byron, Charles Darwin, Robert Burns found their rest in the abbey.
There is a coronation throne in the monastery, which is called the "Stone of Destiny". Brass concerts are often held in the abbey. Inside the cathedral, photographing and filming are not permitted. When deciding to visit the cathedral, you need to take care of your clothes. In shorts and short skirts, you will not be allowed there. The abbey also has a rule that advises not to bring preschool children in to avoid unnecessary noise. The monastery is located in the center of Westminster.
You can get there by metro to Westminster or St. James's Park ". The abbey is open from Monday to Friday from 9.30 to 15.30 hours, Wednesday from 9.30 to 18 hours, Saturday from 9.30 to 12.30 hours. Entrance fee is around 23 euros for adults. For children, a ticket can be bought for about 7 euros. Admission for a child under 11 is free.
Buckingham Palace
This palace differs from hundreds of similar monuments in the fact that it is still an active royal residence. The palace was originally owned by the Duke of Buckingham, who later sold it to George III. Construction and decoration stretched for nearly a century - and the ballroom was completely finished only by the middle of the nineteenth century. Over the years, the interiors of the palace have changed the scenery more than once, only luxury has remained unchanged.
Not only the palace itself is a landmark, but also the traditions that “surround” it. For example, the changing of the guard, which is perhaps the most recognizable ceremony in the world. Adults (over 17 years old) will cost £ 24.00 to visit the ceremonial halls. A visit to the palace is possible from 09.30. But the closing time varies. This usually happens closer to 18.00.
Kensington palace
This is the most modest and cozy of the modern royal residences in England. Today it belongs to the Prince and Princess of Cambridge. It is noteworthy that women are always the owners of the palace. Moreover, women who changed history. Once upon a time, it was under its vaults that Queen Victoria was born, and a little later, the resounding echo of Princess Diana's footsteps began to echo through the spacious halls. But behind the seemingly completely inconspicuous facade there are picturesque canvases, unique interiors and historical halls. Pay particular attention to tapestries and wall and ceiling paintings.
In the center of the palace - in the midst of revived history - there is an amazing installation, which is rightfully considered a real miracle of scientific and technical thought. Of course, we are talking about the Shining Lace - a light installation, for the creation of which not only 12 thousand Swarovski crystals were spent, but also 4 kilometers of glowing wire. In the summer (from March to October) the palace is open to the public from 10.00 to 18.00, in the winter - until 16.00. An adult ticket will cost up to £ 19.50.
St Paul's Cathedral
The highest point and also the largest Anglican church in Europe is the official seat of the local bishop. The building that you can see today is the fifth variation on a similar theme - the previous three were destroyed in fires, and the fourth was completely plundered by the Vikings. The dome of the cathedral is something that you simply cannot help but pay attention to. In the original plan, it did not exist, and therefore the designers needed all their ingenuity to organically weave into the project an exact copy of the dome of the main basilica of Rome.
St. Paul's Cathedral opens its doors to tourists at half 9 am, and already at half 5 it closes. On Sundays, the cathedral is open to parishioners only. The cost of an adult admission ticket (from 18 years old) is £ 18, if you are part of an excursion group - £ 16. By booking your ticket online, you can save up to £ 2.
Oxford Street
Welcome to Europe's busiest shopping street! Sooner or later, any guest is thrown into its orbit, which, however, is not surprising - it is here that several extremely popular tourist routes pass, and the local pricing policy is such that a person of average income will leave here with a thousand rustling packages, but without significant damage to his budget. This area appeared on the map of the city in the sixteenth century, when a section of an old Roman road began to be built up with cheap houses.
This is how the city slums appeared, which at first were the site of public executions, and then (after the introduction of the corresponding ban) the center of the trading life of middle-class craftsmen. Today there are over 300 stores. Don't try to look into everything - the local policy is that the things that best reflect the establishment are installed at the door.
Therefore, you can immediately understand whether this place is right for you, or you can safely move on. Oxford Circles, Marble Arch and Bond Street - these tube stations lead onto Oxford Street and are all literally overcrowded. Take special care while walking along Oxford Street - this street breaks all petty theft records.
Charles Dickens House Museum
Today it is the last surviving house where Charles and Catherine Dickens lived. At first glance, it becomes clear that this house is the stronghold of Victorian England - its spirit, old school life. The restorers have gone to great lengths to convey the mood of a warm, nineteenth-century home with a lovely living room, a long dining table, a gorgeous canopy bed, and a variety of kitchen utensils.
There is also the writer's office with his personal belongings. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. This schedule is the same all year round, except for December, when the museum is open seven days a week. An adult ticket costs £ 9.50.
Soho District
In Soho, you can find a contingent of completely different kinds: from students to the marginalized. This area lives up to its fame as the liveliest place. His appearance is associated with Henry VIII, a fan of women and the hunt. It is believed that the name came from the hunting cry "So-ho". The atmosphere of the area has developed historically - Soho has always been a kind of buffer zone between aristocratic quarters and quarters of the mob, and therefore mainly immigrants, people of creative professions and marginals settled here.
Today there are very few residential homes here, and it is quite difficult to find these inconspicuous courtyards. Mostly clubs, bars and sex shops are concentrated here. Soho is vibrant at any time of the day or night, so if you think the party isn't over at four in the morning, feel free to head here. Soho is also worth a visit for gourmets - it has the most colorful set of cuisines and restaurants in the world at fairly liberal prices.
Skyscraper Mary Ax
The forty-story fully glazed skyscraper, Mary Ax, was named after the street on which it stands, but its official name is the gherkin, meaning "cucumber." Residents named it in a similar way because of the greenish tint of the glass and the corresponding shape. Against the backdrop of historic London, this skyscraper looks extremely futuristic. Innovative methods were used to create it. Thus, the supporting structures made in the form of a grid were used, which made the building more economical in terms of maintenance.
And the abundance of glass solved three problems at once: the problem of ventilation, heat preservation, and also lighting - after all, the building is literally filled with light during the daytime. The engineering team has received a number of prestigious European awards for the uniqueness of the project. The entrance to the tower is not open every day, but if you are lucky, admission to the observation deck is free. There are cafes and restaurants on the last three floors.
Leadenhall Market
The oldest market in Foggy Albion does not lose its relevance. Back in the days of Londinium, as the Romans called it, there were shopping areas here, and Leadenhall Market itself appeared on the city map in the fourteenth century to quickly turn into one of the fastest growing retail outlets. By the beginning of the nineteenth century, its importance could no longer be denied, and the city authorities announced a competition. The winner was given the opportunity to bring his own building design to life for Leadenhall.
As a result, we got a huge shopping pavilion with long galleries and a glass roof decorated with hundreds of details. If you experience a vague feeling of déjà vu, being under the shadow of glass vaults, know that this feeling was quite justified - it was here that the "magical" London was filmed in the first part of the Harry Potter saga.
Skyscraper Shard
Shard has become one of the newest architectural landmarks of the capital. The construction of this glass pyramid was timed to coincide with the start of the 2012 Olympic Games. "Glass Shard" fully and fully justifies its name - thousands of glass panels sparkle in the sun. As a rule, tourists can enter the skyscraper building from 10 am to 6 pm Sunday through Wednesday, from 10 am to 10 pm on other days, but these hours are unstable.
It all depends on whether there will be any events, and therefore, before visiting the skyscraper, check the working hours for the current day. The total cost of the visit (for one day) is £ 32. You can climb to the observation deck (68th to 72nd floors) and use the bar for free. If at the time of your visit it will be too cloudy, and this prevents you from enjoying the view, you will have the right to demand your money back.
London National Gallery
One of the largest art galleries in the capital looks a little more modest than the same Louvre, but it is more structured. Here canvases from the twelfth to the twentieth centuries are exhibited, and the focus is on representatives of schools exclusively in Western Europe. The gallery was opened at the beginning of the nineteenth century and has already changed its location.
The last move was forced - there were more and more paintings, and it was necessary to start the construction of a new building. Soon, at the northern end of Trafalgar Square, there was a building known to everyone by Wilkins. More than two thousand exhibits are collected in the halls, and therefore it will be almost impossible to get around everything in a day.
It is better to decide right away whether you want to get to know Van Dyck closely - one of the titans of English classical painting - or whether you will be interested in Van Gogh's paintings. If you wish, you can listen to audio lectures or contact the museum staff for additional information. The gallery is open from 10 am to 6 pm daily. It closes at 21.00 on Fridays. The entrance is free.
Madame Tussauds museum
Marie Tussauds was able to brilliantly put into practice the knowledge she received while her mother worked as a housekeeper for Philip Curtis, a recognized master of the wax figure. At first, Tussauds traveled with her silent companions around the cities, and then decided to settle in London. She originally opened her museum in Baker Street, but then moved it to Marylebone Street, where it is today. Since its opening, the museum has not changed its concept.
The rising stars of our time appear in collections immediately, but also quickly disappear if the glory of the real prototype begins to fade. The Liverpool Four, Star Wars characters, Benedict Cumberbatch and Merlin Monroe sit comfortably side by side with politicians and kings. Modern technology makes it possible to make the figures a little more alive.
So Jennifer Lopez blushes adorable. The museum is open from 10 am to 4 pm on weekdays. On weekends, it opens at 9. A standard ticket will cost you £ 35 if you buy it at the box office, and £ 29 if you buy it online.
This is a historical museum located deep underground. Here are collected medieval instruments of torture, which continue to evoke horror. The museum opened at the end of the twentieth century. The first batch of the most terrifying humans and non-humans in history made a lasting impression on the public. Since then, little has changed - thanks to the improvement of the technical base, the museum continues to make its guests tremble with fear.
In addition to torture instruments, the modern exposition includes “live performances”. You will be able to see with your own eyes how ugly and unsightly some of the realities of medieval London were: the fire of 1666, the plague, wars. And you will find yourself in the very epicenter of events.
On Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, the museum is open from 10 am to 4 pm. Tours start at 11am on Thursdays. On Saturdays, the last tour starts at 6 pm, and on Sundays - at 5. You can order tickets directly on the website.
British gallery Tate
The gallery is based on the personal collections of Sir Henry Tate, who owned one of the world's largest collections of examples of English art from the sixteenth to the twentieth century. It is noteworthy that the opening of the gallery became possible only due to the fact that Henry Tate is the creator of cotton candy, and the expected popularity of this delicacy made him a very wealthy person.
Gradually, the collections grew so much that it became necessary to divide them: the works of the classical period remained in the old premises on Trafalgar Square, while objects of modern art moved to the new premises on the banks of the Thames.
Today the old power plant, which houses the galleries, has become a cult tourist destination. The entrance to the gallery is free. The purchase of tickets will only be required for special expositions. From Sunday to Thursday, the gallery is open from 10 am to 10 pm. On Fridays and Saturdays - until 18.00.
Hyde Park
This park usually has a rather lively atmosphere. Everyone is well aware of such a national British trait as restraint, and you must have heard the expression "hard upper lip" at least once. The faces of these people will not flinch, no matter what happens! This does not apply to two things - football and Hyde Park. As you know, English fans are one of the most furious in the world, and as for Hyde Park, there is the so-called Speakers' Corner, where anyone can climb the podium and speak on any topic.
There are only three bans: microphones, incitement to violence and foul language. So do not deny yourself the pleasure of joining the stream of sincerity. The park itself looks like a typical, slightly sloppy English park - imposing and picturesque. No French symmetry - just calmness and relative riot of nature.
In the very center of the park, there is the Serpentine Lake - people often go barefoot on its shore, and swimming is not prohibited in the lake itself. Nearby there is a small gallery of contemporary art of the same name. The park is open daily from 5 am to midnight.
The London Eye (or Millennium Wheel) was built for the start of the Millennium celebrations. By the time the construction was completed, it was the tallest Ferris wheel in the world, however, today this status has passed to a similar structure, but already in Singapore. The Ferris wheel has a total of 32 transparent cabins, each of which can simultaneously accommodate up to 25 people.
You can also choose a cabin for two and enjoy a kind of romantic stroll. London Eye start times vary quite a bit throughout the year, but it generally opens at 10am and closes between 6 and half 9pm. An adult ticket costs £ 25.20. When ordering tickets online, you can save up to 15% of the amount.
Thames
The Thames is not just another river. English monarchs built their palaces on its banks in order to quickly get home. It was this waterway that made London one of the largest port cities in Europe. The Thames has become a hotbed of inspiration more than once. Thus, the stunning impressionist Claude Monet created a whole series of landscapes on a similar theme. The English painter William Turner did not lag behind him. It was along the Thames that three well-known people with their dog traveled, and Dickens' heroes often walked along its banks.
It's time for you to enjoy the beauty of this glorious river. Buy a ticket on one of the ferries plying the water stream, and try to immerse yourself in the majestic article of bridges (Tower, London, Waterloo and others), take a look at the most striking sights from a different angle: the Globe Theater, Tate Modern, St. Paul's Cathedral and many other.
St Pancras station
After restoration in 2007, the Sant Parnas station, located right in the center of the city, quite confidently began to compete with other attractions that claimed the title of the most romantic place in the city. The building in which the station is located was built in the Victorian era and has fully retained its charm.
This is a kind of "matryoshka", because the station itself is located in an arched landing stage, and a building in the neo-Gothic style was built around it, in which the hotel was located. True, today, under the vaults of the station, not a trace of the nineteenth century remains - only naked modernity. Trains run from St Parnassus Station to the mainland.
Today it will take two hours to get from Paris to London. Kings Cross stations (known among fans of the Harry Potter universe) and St. Parnassus are united thanks to the presence of a subway station, in which the names of the stations are organically combined in the name.
Wembley stadium
Wembley is one of the largest sports grounds in the world. It was built on the site of the truly legendary 1923 arena. However, the new stadium turned out to be a worthy successor - it impresses with its size and level of technical equipment. Even on the outskirts of the stadium, a graceful arch, which is a carrier, catches the eye. It supports the roof, which opens with three petals. Even if you are not a football fan, you cannot remain indifferent.
In addition, Wembley has become a stage for world-famous stars more than once. Today, tours of the stadium are organized especially for guests. The basic ticket costs £ 19. The tour schedule is flexible. It depends not only on the type of ticket you purchased, but also on the current events. Tours start at 10 am on average. The last round, as a rule, finds its viewers by 2 o'clock in the afternoon.
Harrods Department Store
The most fashionable department store, unfortunately, is beyond the means of most guests, but a walk through it is quite comparable to a trip to a museum, because the luxury and aristocracy that the interior literally screams about resemble the decoration of royal residences. However, this is not far from the truth. Since the first third of the nineteenth century, Oscar Wilde, Princess Diana, Sigmund Freud, Elton John, Madonna and others have been clients of this department store on a permanent basis.
However, Harrods has a bit more to it than design and branding, with regular screenings, festivals and food shows. Be sure to drop by here at Christmas - the extravaganza of the action taking place here is difficult to compare with anything else. The department store is open from 10 am to 8 pm all days except Sunday. On Sundays, it opens at 12:30 am and ends at 6:00 pm.
Flea Market Portobello
Portobello Road is considered one of the most popular market streets in the world. It crosses horizontally across Notting Hill, which means more than three kilometers of outdoor stalls, shops, stalls and street vendors await its guests. But this is not how he managed to win his name. The real Portobello begins on Saturday, when antiques dealers and connoisseurs gather here.
The local market for antiques is the largest in the world. It is noteworthy that three centuries ago there was a farm on this site, which bore the very poetic name Portobello, which symbolized the victory over the Spanish city of the same name.
During the Victorian era, this site was built up with small houses - blue, red, purple - and the urban landscape slowly began to take shape. Today you can wander around the market for hours. Everything from faded Rolling Stones concert tickets to Meissen china can be found here.
Brick Lane Flea Market
Shopping fans often ignore the presence of truly colorful street markets that dictate their fashion trends. And the Brick Lane market is one of them. The street on which the market is located is part of the Bangladesh community, which was once the Jewish ghetto. Such historical realities have left their mark on the appearance of this place.
They come here for two things: curry and conceptual fashion. The local array of restaurants serving this dish will amaze you. As for fashion, you can find everything here: from vintage clothes of expensive brands (which for some reason are sold by the Japanese) to old Art Deco magazines and everything related to high art. Here, photographers and artists often appear, finding inspiration in the chaos and variegated colors of this market.
