What is not a London landmark? The main attractions of London

London, despite its calmness and measured way of life, attracts the attention of not only tourists, but also migrants from Europe. The UK's population is only 44% indigenous, but the rest are attracted here by the romantic rainy weather, beautiful architecture, Michelin-starred restaurants and world-famous fashion stores.

If you want to hear correct and beautiful English speech, be inspired by the history of England and see the sights of London with your own eyes, this city will best convey to you the noble and sophisticated atmosphere of this amazing country.

Historical landmarks of London

Big Ben - clock tower, which appeared precisely in London, a city whose residents value punctuality so much. Built back in 1288, the building is famous for its hundred-meter height and amazing accuracy in transmitting time - the error does not exceed more than two seconds per day.

Interestingly, the caretaker, whose clock was one second late one day, was about to be fired. Big Ben is a symbol of England; it is against its backdrop that TV reporters begin broadcasting news programs and meet people to the sound of its ringing. New Year in London.

We invite you to get acquainted with the sights of the whole UK. It will be exciting!

The British initially considered the Tower Bridge ridiculous and ugly, but now it is impossible to imagine England without this landmark of London, which is rightly considered the main decoration of the city. The architect, inspired by the Gothic culture of the Victorian era, began its 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. 8 years after the start of construction, the Prince of Wales himself and his wife attended its opening ceremony.

The Tower of London was built as a castle for King William, but during the reign of the Tudor dynasty it became a prison for the two wives of King Henry VIII, and subsequently became a prison for other prisoners. The Tower also acquired a sad reputation 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 and seventeenth-century royal jewellery, including crowns and sceptres. And the black crows flying here are to this day considered the guardians of the mysterious, and in the dark, even ominous tower.

Westminster Abbey is of great historical value for tourists and residents of the city - the coronation of all the rulers of England took place in this monastery. Now the abbey serves as a tomb for many famous personalities - Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, David Livingstone and other prominent people. A curious feature of this place is also the casts made from the faces of royal families of all generations.

The Palace of Westminster, a castle whose history dates back to 1042, has always served as a home for royal families. It has only been possible to visit this building since 2004, so if you want to visit its oldest parts, it is better to do it at the end of August, since the British Parliament sits there throughout the year. Ceremonies are held here, at which Queen Elizabeth II herself is present.

Buckingham Palace currently serves as the residence of 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 it was Queen Victoria who contributed more to the decoration of this palace than anyone else, making it glorified and making it another must-see attraction in London. More than 800 apartments, luxurious gardens, restaurants, police and hospitals turned the palace into almost an entire city for royalty.

Kensington Palace was built back in 1605 by the Earl of Nottingham. The palace was the birthplace of Queen Victoria and later became the home of 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 Anne Stuart, and the beautiful gardens near the palace.

St. Paul's Cathedral is one of the most tall buildings world, whose dome is 118 meters high. It is now the residence of the Bishop of London. Life story cathedral dates back to the 18th century, when it had to be reconstructed after being bombed during World War II. It is also famous for the burial within its walls of the greatest people of British history - Churchill, Fleming, Nelson and others.

The British Museum of Human History and Culture was founded back in 1753 and contains more than 50 thousand paintings, sculptures and other objects of art, testifying to the development of England from the era Ancient Egypt. The museum has more than 100 exhibition halls, and its visitors cannot but rejoice - 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. The building later served as the residence of King William III, and now 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 a natural 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 labyrinth of bushes almost two meters high and costumed performances.

No one will argue that London is one of the most popular places on the map among tourists; almost every traveler wants to visit this rainy and perhaps a little gloomy, but such an attractive city with a magical atmosphere. This is the capital of dreams, memorable at first glance for its unique character and color expressed in every detail.

The banks of the Thames amaze with the number of interesting sights, because to form even a superficial opinion about this wonderful metropolis, you will need to spend at least a week here.

Moreover, unlike some other cities that are invariably included in the list of must-see places in the world, London does not have a clearly defined center that would unite the main attractions on its territory. Here famous places scattered across various areas.

Add to list worth a visit places in the English capital include not only museums, castles and other historical buildings, but also rich nature, picturesque parks, as well as modern buildings, for example, skyscrapers, striking in their originality and impressiveness.

Let's take a closer look at the objects that no self-respecting guest from another state should pass by.

One of the first historical buildings that you definitely can’t ignore is Big Ben. There is probably not a traveler who has not seen the world’s most famous watches on postcards or stationery.

The construction of the tower took place under Queen Victoria in the mid-19th century, and its height reaches 97 meters. Since then, the clock has never tired of faithfully counting time, serving as a guide for all residents of London.

It should be mentioned that there is a widespread misconception regarding the name of the building. “Big Ben” is not the name of the legendary clock tower or the clock itself, it is the most impressive bell in size located in the tower.

This giant differs from its five brothers in its amazing weight - 13.5 tons. But due to the simplicity of the name, its easy perception, both visitors and local residents The name “Big Ben” is often applied to both the clock and the tower as a whole.

The official and correct name of the main symbol of the English capital is the Elizabeth Tower. This honorary name was assigned only in 2012, and the occasion was the 60th anniversary of the queen’s reign. Until then, the tower was given the name St. Stephen's Tower.

Let us turn to the milestones of the existence of the historical site: previously, this building served as a prison intended for political prisoners - parliamentarians, whose opinions contradicted the views of the authorities. However, in fact, the tower practically did not fulfill its functions; in its entire history, only one prisoner was imprisoned within these walls.

The tower invariably finds its place in popular culture. In 2012, the chimes signaled the opening of the Olympics, and in the most famous films and even cartoons the tower becomes the star of close-ups - “Flood”, “Mars Attacks” and other Hollywood masterpieces.

And a number of cartoons even contain scenes in which Big Ben becomes the setting - “101 Dalmatians” or “Peter Pan”.

As you know, Big Ben is an integral part, one of the towers of the grandiose Palace of Westminster, which is another major attraction. The history of the palace is full of tragedies - until the 14th century it was assigned the role of a royal residence, but fate had a surprise in store for it.

In 1834, a terrible fire broke out, causing the loss of most of the structure. There are also a few surviving fragments of the palace - Westminster Hall, where lavish receptions were held, and the Tower of Jewels.

It was only in the mid-19th century that a new palace building was built to replace the burnt apartments. Parliament meetings are held here today. The style in which it was built modern palace, can be defined as neo-Gothic.

The impressive characteristics that distinguish the majestic structure are that the total length of its corridors is about five kilometers, and the number of rooms almost reaches 1200.

Westminster Hall requires special attention, since it is not just one of the halls, but a most valuable monument of the Middle Ages, which preserved the spirit of those years and survived the fire.

The hall was created in the 11th century and was distinguished by its luxury, and the original project was reconstructed 300 years later: the walls were lined with stone, and wooden ceilings were added. It must be said that not only did this hall go through a monstrous fire, but also through the German bombings in 1941, because the neighboring hall was completely destroyed by them.

The dimensions of Westminster Hall are awe-inspiring - the ceiling height is 28 meters, and total area about 1800 sq.m. Not always, however, exclusively ceremonial receptions took place here; this room served as a courtroom until the end of the 19th century - it was here that the Supreme Court of the state handed down the death sentence to a number of famous personalities, including, for example, the thinker Thomas More .

The next point on the itinerary of an inquisitive tourist is Westminster Abbey, which can be found to the west of the Palace of Westminster. Another, less popular, name for the building is the Church of St. Peter.

The duration of the construction process of this building in the Gothic style is striking - exactly 5 centuries, although there were short breaks. Statues of martyrs adorn the western façade of the majestic church.

Westminster Abbey boasts the constancy of its functions - it is the only place where British monarchs ascend to the throne, as well as the territory of their burial. In addition to royalty, prominent Britons whose activities glorified England also find eternal rest in the abbey.

For example, in the Poets' Corner you can find the burial places of Dickens, Chaucer and other literary geniuses. The graves of such famous scientists as Darwin and Newton are also located here. Great honor to find here last refuge turns out only to outstanding citizens.

Buckingham Palace

You can’t ignore the residence of Elizabeth II - the magnificent Buckingham Palace. It was founded in 1703, and received its name after the surname of the original owner - the Duke of Buckingham.

There are more than 600 rooms inside the palace. The northern part of the castle is occupied by the current queen and her husband. Tourists can instantly determine whether the monarch is present at the residence or has temporarily left it by the British flag, which either flies over the structure or is lowered.

For those who like to watch the changing of the guard of honor, this opportunity is provided daily half an hour before noon on the palace square.

Fortress Tower

The next most important point is tower fortress, playing the role of another main symbol of the capital. The building is ancient, the date of construction is 1078.

Unlike Westminster Abbey, which was permanent in its purpose, the ancient Tower was a fortress, a royal residence, an observatory, a zoo, a mint, and a prison. It was the latter that made it an infamous historical point.

Second World War became the period of the Tower's return to its prison past - Germans taken prisoner were held here, including Rudolf Hess.

Currently, the complex includes several buildings, including the museum of jewelry and the armory, which are the most significant.

The bridge of the same name - Tower Bridge - is located near the fortress. It was in honor of her that he acquired such a name. The bridge was opened in 1894. This is a large-scale steel structure in the Gothic style, spanning the Thames.

The Tower Bridge is a structure of two towers (65 meters each), which are connected by a passage. The wings of the passage can rise up to 83 degrees to allow large ships to pass under the bridge.

An interesting fact is that the bridge is extremely convenient for pedestrians due to special paths that are provided even at the time of its opening.

Using the stairs located in each tower, you can climb to a height of 44 meters and move to the other side of the river, despite the wings being fixed at an angle. The bridge also provides Observation deck, which is located at the top of the bridge. From there, tourists can admire the magical English city.

Trafalgar Square

Let us now turn to the famous squares. Most known to travelers- Trafalgar Square. This attraction is located directly in the center of the capital. You can find the square by the column installed on it, topped with a statue of Admiral Nelson.

The height of the column is 44 meters, and the material for its creation was gray granite. Nowadays, the square becomes home to London's main Christmas tree every year. Read about it here.

Piccadilly Circus

Another ancient square is Piccadilly Circus, its history goes back more than 200 years. Here you can find a famous cafe called “Royal”, which served as a gathering place for creative personalities - artists, poets. The main highlight of the square is the fountain topped with a statue of the Greek god Anteros.

Another interesting detail is the underground theater hall with 600 seats (Criterion Theatre), which has been in operation since 1874. Also, some tourists come here wanting to visit the Cupids of London museum. This is already a modern cultural point, which appeared in 2007.

A fun fact about Piccadilly Circus is that it was one of the first squares to feature the first neon signs, over 100 years ago.

Madame Tussauds museum

Let's move on to museums. London is famous all over the world thanks to its exhibition, which allows you not only to take pictures, but also to touch show business stars, historical figures, royalty - this is Madame Tussauds. This wonderful place is located on Marylebone Road.

The exhibition includes more than four hundred realistic exhibits, including such personalities as Michael Jackson, the Beatles and other people who left their bright mark on history. The craftsmanship with which the figures are made often leaves one speechless, since it is quite difficult to distinguish them from living prototypes.

This seemingly harmless museum also has a corner for those who like to tickle their nerves. This is the Chamber of Horrors - a room where images of British criminals who have committed monstrous deeds over the past 5 centuries are collected.

Sherlock Holmes Museum

It is impossible not to pay attention to this museum on Baker Street. It is clear to everyone that this exhibition is dedicated to the favorite literary hero of the people of England - Sherlock Holmes. The building in which the museum is located was built in 1815. It has four floors, the first of which houses a souvenir shop and a hall.

On the second, tourists can find the detective's room and the living room, and the third is occupied by the chambers of Mrs. Hudson and Dr. Watson. The top floor serves as a platform for wax figures of the main characters of the Holmes works.

The setting was recreated with particular precision - the British paid close attention to detail, placing in the chambers a violin, the detective’s smoking pipe, as well as other things that reflect his hobbies. A tourist can even spend time by the fireplace in Sherlock’s favorite chair, immersing himself in an atmosphere of carelessness and disorder, creating the effect of the owner’s recent presence in the room.

Residential complex One Hyde Park

Finally, let's take a look at the city's modern attractions. Travelers are often attracted to the unattainable and luxurious. One of these places is an elite residential complex located in the Knightsbridge area. Of course, you won’t find any special beauty or historical atmosphere here.

This complex consists of four separate buildings made of reinforced concrete and glass. However, the complex gained worldwide fame due to its cost. The most expensive apartment on the planet is located right here; the owner bought it for $220 million.

Luxurious housing, unfortunately, is the prerogative of only billionaires. A tourist can only walk around the prestigious quarter and take a photo against its background.

Naturally, these are not all the attractions of London, but only the minimum that every tourist must visit. In addition to the above, plan a visit to the National Art Gallery, famous for its collection of works by da Vinci, Monet, Rubens and other world-famous artists.

Take a walk along the Avenue of Stars - an analogue of the Walk of Fame in Hollywood, containing the handprints of famous Englishmen. Lovers of entertainment and shopping should head to the Soho area.

Create a personal itinerary and go on a journey through the most interesting places capital of Foggy Albion. Don't forget your umbrella and raincoat!

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Classmates

London is a city of global importance and has enough attractions to attract the attention of the most discerning tourist. To get to know the city experienced travelers choose cycling tours 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; It's possible to spend your entire life in this city and never see everything it has to offer, which is why we recommend creating a personalized guide based on the attractions you want to visit and their distance from each other.

Popular excursion routes

On the list of “How to spend time in London”, sightseeing will probably be the first item. 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 precise movements and impeccable composure (try to make them laugh - you won’t succeed!); London Eye ( ), which offers a dizzying view - and that’s not all...

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

London tourist map

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

Shopping

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

Entertainment for children

For family vacation suitable for Madame Tussauds Wax Museum ( Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum), Natural History Museum ( Natural History Museum) and London Zoo ( ). For active rest Parents can bring their children to any of the city's parks, including Regent's Park ( Regent's Park), Hampstead Heath ( Hampstead Heath) and Kensington Gardens ( Kensington Gardens). London Dungeons ( London Dungeon) frighten the timid and excite the brave. Parents should be wise when deciding to bring their children here, as the interactive museum reveals the dark side of the city, from the story of Jack the Ripper ( Jack the Ripper) before the Great Fire of London ( Great Fire of London).

Theaters

Museums

London is a kingdom of museums. Contemporary works are presented at the Tate Modern gallery ( Tate Modern) in Southwark ( Southwark). IN National Gallery (National Gallery) in Trafalgar Square ( Trafalgar Square) exhibits paintings by a range of artists, from van Eyck to Georges Seurat. British museum ( British Museum) to 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 the most different types 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 offers opportunities to not only watch but also take part in sporting activities - 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 Clerkenwell ( 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 the city parks. At the same time, spring, like summer, is a high season, and the surge in tourist activity is reflected in prices for flights and accommodation. It's easier to save money on airfare and hotels in fall and winter, but be prepared for cold temperatures. Also, whenever you go to London, take an umbrella with you. In London there are fogs and heavy rains all year round (raincoats from Burberry appeared for a reason!).

Public transport in London

The London Underground, which has a name attached to it the Tube, is perhaps the most convenient way to get around the city. You can take the Tube from London Heathrow Airport, one of the world's busiest airports, to the city centre. The metro system, which covers the city and extends beyond it, is efficient and relatively easy to use. To make traveling even easier, you should purchase an Oyster card ( Oyster card): You can use it to pay for trips on the metro, city buses and other types of transport. Tourists are also advised to bring a comfortable pair of shoes as hiking is a The best way feel the atmosphere of the city.

Metro	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 an Oyster card, which gives you the right to move around six metro zones - however, a significant part of the attractions are concentrated in the first (central) and second zones. Even if you don't plan to use the metro for the entire time you're in the city, buying an Oyster card will be cheaper than paying for one trip. For example, a trip in the first zone costs £4.50 (about $7), while the card fee will be £2.10 (about $3). Don't forget to swipe your card on the yellow reader not only when you enter the metro station, but also when you exit the city.
Buses	The beauty of traveling by bus is that it allows you to see the sights. The metro is underground, which deprives you of the opportunity to enjoy the views of the city. Please note that the cost of bus travel depends on the distance of the trip (and the driver does not give change), so it is better to have a top-up 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 catch a taxi on the street, keep in mind: a lighted sign on a taxi means that it is free. Cabs are equipped with taxi meters and the minimum charge is £2.40. You can pay in cash ( quid, as the British also say); Many cabs also accept credit cards, but at an additional cost. You can leave a tip, the amount is at your discretion, but most passengers round up the amount to the nearest pound. Avoid unlicensed cabs, especially if the driver is too intrusive in offering his services: traveling in such a taxi can be dangerous.

Top 10 London attractions

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

Where can you get up close and personal with celebrities and royals?

In 10th place is Madame Tussauds.

By the way, to create a wax figure, it is necessary to take more than 250 precise measurements.

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Do you want to take a trip to the center of time and space?

In 9th place Royal Museums Royal Museums Greenwich is a group of four attractions in the area, which 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 served as a luxurious backdrop for numerous feature films, climb aboard the Cutty Sark, the last surviving tea clipper, jump from one hemisphere of our planet to the other hemisphere across the zero meridian at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich.

Have you ever been struck by the brilliance 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 on the very spot where Anne Boleyn, one of Henry VIII's six wives, 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 more than 3,000 years of fashion, art and design history. Sculpture, jewelry, textiles, photography—get ready for a sight that will inspire you.

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

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

From steam locomotives to space rockets, take a journey through time that celebrates the greatest inventions in human history.

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Where can you enjoy the city's 25-mile panorama?

In 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 note: The museum opened in 2000 in the former Bankside Power Station.

From Damien Hirst to Mark Rothko, get ready for an impressive scope of contemporary art.

Next up is a place where you can see 70 million exhibits, from microscopic to gigantic.

At number 3 - Natural History Museum (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 - even get ready to meet dinosaurs!

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

In the National Gallery (the National Gallery), which is in 2nd place in our ranking.

The gallery building, which occupies a prominent place in Trafalgar Square, houses more than 2,300 of the world's most outstanding paintings.

So, what awaits us at the top of the list?

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

At number 1 is the unique British Museum (the British Museum).

The museum tells the story of human culture from its origins to the present day and houses world-famous objects such as the Parthenon sculptures and the Rosetta Stone.

Things to do in London: 10 unusual suggestions

Five star food - one budget: Vincent Rooms

“Vincent Rooms”near Victoria Station ( Victoria Station) is an elegant restaurant staffed entirely by college students Westminster Kingsway. Students work under the supervision of experienced professionals, the result is an excellent modern European lunch at an affordable price.

Lost in Time: The House of Dennis Severs

Imagine that you are in a painting by one of the old masters. At the house of Dennis Severs ( Dennis Severs' House) you feel exactly like that. The house is furnished in the East London style 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 an 18th-century weaver's family: half-eaten dinner, the firewood still crackling, and even the chamber pot standing unemptied. A truly unique experience.

Treasures from sale in Princess May

One of the best places to replenish your wardrobe with what was fashionable 100 years ago and refurbish your home with old items is the school playground in Stoke Newington ( Stoke Newington), which turns into a flea market on weekends Princess May. This is a paradise for fans of vintage, vinyl and other retro things. The market opens at 8am on Saturdays and 7am on Sundays.

Eating toast in Clapham

Connoisseurs of food rich in carbohydrates will be treated to 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 are towers of still-hot breads of every shape and size from every type of grain known to mankind. And on each table there is a personal toaster, so you can prepare your morning toast exactly the way you like it. And although toast is delicious when dry, pay attention to wide choose butters and jams.

Immerse yourself in the aquatic world of Lee Valley Center

During the 2012 London Olympics Aquatic center"Lee Valley" ( Lee Valley White Water Center) hosted rowing competitions. Now it offers a wide variety water activities: canoeing, kayaking and - for those who lack adrenaline - rafting. The latter costs just £30 per person (raft for nine people during off-peak periods); The price includes basic instruction and equipment rental.

Spritz on the roof of a parking lot

More than the Aperol Spritz (a cocktail made from Aperol, Prosecco and soda), London's fashionable youth love nothing more than to hang out in some unusual and strange, at first glance, place. Bar Frank's Cafe in Peckham ( Peckham) will satisfy both of these cravings - firstly, it is located on the roof of a multi-storey car park, and secondly, it serves spritz: under open air, surrounded by amazing views of London, especially spectacular at sunrise. Landscapes that open from the roof Frank's, truly unforgettable, and for once this is not an exaggeration.

Place where Karl Marx is buried

A walk among the graves is a rather unusual way to spend a day off, but the chaotic sprawl of Highgate Cemetery ( Highgate Cemetery) is really worth a look. Reservations are required to visit the Western Cemetery, entry to the Eastern Cemetery costs £3 and is payable on the spot. It is here that you will find the final resting place of the best-selling author of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams, and the artist Patrick Caulfield (on his gravestone it is written in large letters “ DEAD”, “dead”) and the founder of socialism Karl Marx.

Coffee in a public toilet

Don't worry, this old Victorian toilet was given a good scrub before it was turned into an eating establishment. Cafe opened in 2013 Attendant invites its visitors to replenish their strength - where London gentlemen once could relieve their souls. The place has already become popular: here you can try specially roasted coffee, sandwiches, salads and desserts.

Cinema under the stars

London's open-air cinemas typically operate from late spring until 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 for membership and you can watch movies for free.

Across the Thames on the cable car

Part tourist attraction, part artsy public transport, Emirates Air Line(that’s what it’s officially called cable car from the Greenwich Peninsula to the Royal Docks) has remained largely unused since its opening in 2012. Oddly enough, not many Londoners use it to get to and from work. The downside to this lack of popularity is that, unlike almost every other city view attraction, you won't have to wait in line. And you won't spend much money either - with an Oyster card, a 20-minute round trip will cost you just £6.40. The benefit is obvious.

London- 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 many more striking attractions than those mentioned below, but nevertheless, we will focus only on the ten very best.

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 these days. The palace and the adjacent garden cover an area of ​​20 hectares. The palace welcomes heads of foreign states and hosts celebrations and dinners hosted 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 the Palace of Westminster is one of London's most recognizable symbols. The tower was built in 1859, its name was given by the large bell located inside the tower, behind the clock. Big Ben boasts the largest four-sided striking clock in the world. The condition of the watch mechanism is constantly monitored by many craftsmen. Unfortunately, tourists are not allowed to enter the tower. These measures are related to the safety of the facility. City residents celebrate the New Year with the sound of Big Ben.

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 here. Dungeons, living quarters, walls - this whole atmosphere immerses you in the centuries-old history of England like nowhere else.

4. St. Paul's Cathedral

The round dome of St. Paul's Cathedral rises above London in the most high point town, on Langate 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 it, in the same place, there were 4 more cathedrals at different times, but they were all destroyed (three by fire, one during the Viking raid on London in 961). At the top of the cathedral tower there is an observation deck from which a magnificent view of the city opens, not inferior in spectacularity 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 museum's exposition, with a total length of 4 kilometers, occupies 94 galleries. It will take at least several days to view all the exhibits. The British Museum contains a huge collection of historical antiquities, documents and artifacts, as well as objects from all over the world, brought here during the reign of the British Empire. It is here that the richest collection from Ancient Egypt is kept. Widely represented ancient history Rome, Greece, Asia and Africa.

6. Hyde Park

Hyde Park is one of the favorite parks among city residents, becoming 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 you want, with the exception of calls for violence and the use of obscene words. Celebrations, processions and parades are held in the park. The park has trails for horse riding, and there is also an artificial lake called the Serpentine.

7. Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is the main shrine of the nation, the coronation site and tomb of English monarchs. Westminster Abbey is a magnificent example of early English Gothic architecture, whose construction continued over several centuries. The abbey has an organ, works of art, jewelry, and many sculptures. Almost all coronations of British monarchs have taken place here since 1066. The Abbey houses the crown of the English nation - from kings to imperial celebrities, writers, poets and scientists.

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 very center of London. In the center of the square stands its main attraction - General Nelson's Column. On New Year's Eve, the country's main Christmas tree is installed on the square, which, according to good tradition, is always sent by the Norwegians, as a sign of gratitude for the assistance provided to them by Great Britain during the Second World War. Today Trafalgar Square is a favorite place among 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 due to the views it offers at a distance of 40 km. In order for the wheel to please everyone even in the dark, its creators equipped the “eye” with a unique backlight. The wheel rotates very slowly and does not stop - passengers land on the fly. 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 travel - it is, indeed, a full-fledged attraction of the city. And this is not surprising, because the London Underground is the oldest of all subways in the world, as well as a very practical urban transport system. The London Underground, with its famous public address system and historic stations, is much more than just a convenient way to get around London.