home Migration registration The main attractions of London in English. Sights of London (in English)

The main attractions of London in English. Sights of London (in English)

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 capital of Great Britain a rich, arrogant and brilliant city, stuffed with architectural masterpieces, magnificent concert halls and fashionable shops.

London is a desirable destination not only for countless immigrants, but also for tourists from all over the world. The city's lush Victorian neighborhoods, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey are among the world's most visited attractions. Michelin-starred restaurants and fashionable clubs in London's Soho district attract the most sophisticated, progressive, elite crowd.

The best hotels and inns at affordable prices.

from 500 rubles/day

What to see and where to go in London?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.

A swing bridge over the River Thames, designed by the 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 capital of Great Britain, although Londoners initially considered it ugly and ridiculous. There is a museum on the top floor of one of the galleries.

Another recognizable city symbol. Big Ben is the nickname given to the bell of the famous clock tower on the grounds of the Palace of Westminster; more often this is the name given to the entire tower along with the famous clock dial. The tower was built by the architect O. Pugin in 1859; the height of the structure reaches 96 meters. Since 2012, Big Ben has been officially renamed the Elizabeth Tower in honor of the reigning queen.

The fortress, located on the northern bank of the Thames, is more than 900 years old. The Tower is known as a prison for nobles and royal prisoners. From time to time it became the residence of monarchs. At various times, the famous humanist Thomas More, the wives of Henry VIII Catherine Howard and Anne Boleyn, the “bloody” Queen Mary Tudor and many others were prisoners of the castle. Only in the middle of the 20th century did the Tower cease to serve as a prison.

The Royal Palace, the official residence 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 the royals: 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 purchased by King George III. It became the official residence after Queen Victoria came to the throne.

The place where the British Parliament has met since the 16th century. Until 1530 it was the royal residence (until Henry VIII moved to Whitehall). The palace stands on the banks of the Thames in the heart of the capital. Since the 11th century, English kings have settled here. Over many centuries, the façade of the building was rebuilt, updated, and new buildings were added. The last reconstruction was carried out in the middle of the 19th century after a fire. Tourists can only get inside during the summer parliamentary recess.

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 (more of a mansion compared to other royal palaces) is located in one of the western boroughs of London. Nowadays, the families of the Duke of Kent and Gloucester live there.

The main church of Great Britain, not only an important religious center, but also the coronation and burial place 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 the kings of Great Britain have been crowned here. The abbey is open to tourists and often hosts classical music concerts and exhibitions.

The Anglican Church standing on Ludgate Hill. Since the early Middle Ages, Christian churches have been built in this place. The last Catholic cathedral fell into disrepair after the reforms of Henry VIII, leaving only ruins on the hilltop. In the 17th century Construction began on a completely new cathedral designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Many iconic figures of British history are buried in the temple: W. Churchill, Admiral Nelson, A. Fleming and others.

The famous square in central London, a favorite symbol of the city among tourists and the place where the British “zero kilometer” passes. Numerous holidays and festivals are held here; in winter, the country's main Christmas tree is erected. The square appeared in 1820 on the site of the old Whitehall stables. The place is named after the British victory in 1805 at the naval battle off Cape Trafalgar.

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 stores with mass market goods.

The street got its name from the lace collars that Robert Baker sold. Previously it was called Portuguese. Piccadilly is known for the fact that for more than 300 years the richest and noblest 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.

The street gained popularity due to the fact that part of it was immortalized on the cover of the Beatles record (the album was called “Abbey Road”). A recording company was also located here, where the famous group recorded their songs. Decades later, fans continue their pilgrimage to Abbey Road. Beatlemaniacs are breathlessly photographed in “the very place” depicted on the cover.

A structure made of metal and glass structures in the modern center of London, shaped like a cucumber (there is also such a tower in Barcelona). 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 dollars were spent on construction. The height of the structure reaches 180 meters and contains 40 floors.

A high-rise building built for the opening of the 2012 Olympic Games. The structure is a glass pyramid resembling a piece of ice 310 meters high (72 floors). Inside there are offices, hotels, recreation areas, and private apartments. Tourists strive to get into the skyscraper to the observation deck located at the 70th floor level, from where they can admire London lying in full view.

The main historical and archaeological museum of the country, one of the largest in the world. The building has about 100 exhibition halls, where exhibits are presented from all over the world - former colonies of the British Empire. There are also ancient Egyptian and antique artifacts. Many countries are demanding that the exhibits be returned to their homeland, as it is believed that they got to the British Museum in a less than honest manner.

The largest museum in the country, where more than 2,000 examples of Western European painting are exhibited, dating back to the 12th century. The gallery was created in 1839, and since then the collection has been constantly updated. Like many similar places, the museum cannot be visited in one visit; you will need to return to it several times to look at all the exhibitions. You can also listen to audiobooks and lectures about art at the London Gallery.

A branch of the most famous wax museum in the world (it has branches in Amsterdam, Hong Kong, New York, Copenhagen). Marie Tussaud inherited wax figures from her teacher Curtis and gradually added new characters to the collection. Until 1835, she toured throughout England like circus performers, then opened a permanent exhibition at the insistence of her sons.

House-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 purchased by a society of fans of this literary work. The museum opened relatively recently - in 1990. The rooms have a recreated environment that exactly matches the author’s description by A.K. Doyle.

A gallery of contemporary art that attracts millions of tourists every year. It is considered one of the largest in the world. The collection consists of works from the period of 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 exhibition. The museum is housed in a converted former power plant building.

One of the most prestigious opera venues, where the best performers and orchestras strive to attend. Before the construction of the 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.

A concert hall reminiscent of the Roman Colosseum, where events ranging from musicals and awards ceremonies to charity receptions are held. The hall was erected in the period 1867-1871. designed by Prince Albert. To recoup the construction costs, the creators sold tickets to future events, which gave them the right to visit the Albert Hall for 999 years. Some people still go to the hall using these tickets.

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 staged here, but the building lasted only 14 years and was destroyed by fire. The newly 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.

A city park where it is always crowded and lively. Tourists flock here to see with their own eyes the personification of democracy, “Speakers’ Corner,” where everyone can express any thoughts. True, you can’t use microphones, so you’ll have to strain your larynx. Hyde Park is a typical English landscaped park with fountains, shaped trees and neat lawns.

One of the largest attractions of this type in Europe. The height of the structure is 136 m, which approximately corresponds to a 45-story building. The wheel is installed on the banks of the Thames, overlooking the whole of London. Passengers can stay in one of 32 enclosed capsule cabins, which symbolize 32 city districts. A full revolution is completed in half an hour. The attraction opened in 1999.

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 thanks to the possibility of navigation along the Thames, London began to develop as an industrial and, later, financial center. Even during the Roman Empire, there was a port here. The Thames is an attraction in its own right, visited by millions of tourists.

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 station, makes up the five-star Renaissance Hotel.

A well-known and even legendary stadium among football fans, a symbol of England football. Its gates first opened under King George V in 1923, and in the same year the FA Cup was played at the stadium. By the 60s. In the 20th century, Wembley became the country's main football arena. In addition to games, concerts by Madonna, Michael Jackson, Metallica, Oasis, AC/DC and other world stars took place here.

A real “mecca” for fashion lovers and shopaholics, it is one of the three most visited London attractions. Harrods occupies 18,000 m² and has 300 stores selling everything under the sun. Here shopping is taken to its highest level. The building itself is distinguished by the luxury of its interior decoration and monumental architectural forms.

Located in Notting Hill (West London). Here, antique items are in ruins, shops with second-hand clothes coexist with expensive boutiques. At the market you can buy unusual clothes, vintage interior items and furniture, and interesting handmade souvenirs. Many people come here not for shopping, but for the special atmosphere of antiquity, history and strong traditions.

Symbols of the British capital that are recognizable throughout the world. Previously, the booths were used for their intended purpose, but with the invention of mobile communications they became simply cultural objects (some housed mini-libraries). The red bus became the prototype for the tourist bus in almost all the world's capitals; its model was invented in Britain in 1956.

The capital of Great Britain is full of popular and world-famous tourist attractions, both educational and entertaining. Most of them are located close to the river Thames, others are in different parts of London and in its suburbs. The city was founded about 2,000 years ago, so there are a lot of interesting historic and architectural sights.

Big Ben is the most famous iconic clock tower of the Houses of Parliament. Behind this long and beautiful building stands medieval Westminster Abbey where many historic weddings, coronations and burials took place. The Tower of London has rich history as a royal palace, a fortress, a prison and a place of execution. Not far from the Tower guests can see the magnificent architecture of St Paul’s Cathedral, originally designed by Sir Christopher Wren. In the middle of Trafalgar Square tourists stop to admire a 52-meter Nelson’s column dedicated to Admiral Lord Nelson. Buckingham Palace has been the official residence of British monarchs since the reign of Queen Victoria.

London is famous for its wonderful museums and art galleries. In British Museum one can see ancient paintings, sculptures and even Egyptian mummies. London's National Gallery has the greatest collection of paintings of Van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci, Renoir and many others. The Natural History Museum boasts its fabulous dinosaur exhibition. Tate Modern is a unique museum with the works of Picasso, Dali and other modern artists. The Science Museum is a technology thought-provoking museum with interactive galleries dedicated to many fields of science: from space travel to psychology.

Translation

The UK's capital is full of popular and world-famous tourist attractions, both educational and entertainment. Most of them are located near the River Thames, others are in different parts of London and its environs. The city was founded about 2000 years ago, so there are many interesting historical and architectural sites.

Big Ben is the most famous iconic clock tower in the Houses of Parliament. Behind this long and beautiful building stands the medieval Westminster Abbey, where many historically important weddings, coronations and burials took place. The Tower of London has a rich history as a royal palace, fortress, prison and execution site. Not far from the Tower, guests can see the magnificent architecture of St. Paul's Cathedral, originally designed by Sir Christopher Wren. In the center of Trafalgar Square, tourists stop to admire the 52-meter Nelson's Column, dedicated to Admiral Nelson. Buckingham Palace has been the official residence of British monarchs since the reign of Queen Victoria.

London is famous for its wonderful museums and art galleries. In the British Museum you can see ancient paintings, sculptures and even Egyptian mummies. The National Gallery in London houses the greatest collection of paintings by Van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci, Renoir and others. The Natural History Museum boasts a delightful dinosaur exhibition. Tate Modern is a unique museum with works by Picasso, Dali and other modern artists. The Science Museum is a hands-on, thought-provoking museum with interactive galleries covering many areas of science, from space flight to psychology.

When it comes to entertainment, it's impossible to get bored in London. Traditional English parks and gardens are considered the best places for a relaxing holiday. Favorites among tourists were Kew Gardens, Hyde Park, St. James's Park, Green Park and Kensington Gardens. Right in the heart of the capital you can find London Zoo and Aquarium. At Madame Tussauds, visitors come face to face with hundreds of celebrities, from Shakespeare to Lady Gaga, as it houses an amazing collection of wax figures. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is an incredible tour of the history of the magical Harry Potter films. The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel that takes visitors in one of its capsules on a thrilling adventure above the city and its attractions.

London is a modern, rapidly developing metropolis with all its pros and cons, where the traditional sights of London in English with translation coexist with entire Pakistani and Chinese quarters. Globalization had a clear impact on the capital of Foggy Albion, but did not change its appearance, and most importantly, did not break its spirit. The spirit of imperial grandeur and true aristocracy.

A day, a week or even a month is not enough to see all the sights of London, since they are literally at every step, in every building. Therefore, even before traveling to the British capital, it is advisable to make a list of those places where you would definitely like to visit, not forgetting to include architectural monuments (Tower of London and Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace), natural monuments (Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens), as well as museums (Madame Tussauds, British Museum), many of which are free to visit.

London Eye Ferris wheel

One of the largest Ferris wheels in Europe, with a height of 135 meters and including 32 capsule cabins, each of which can accommodate up to 25 passengers. The number 32 was not chosen by chance - this is exactly how many suburbs the English capital has. Interestingly, the 13th booth does not exist due to the superstition of the creators.

The opening of this attraction was timed to coincide with the beginning of the new millennium and took place on the last day of 1999. The London Eye was originally planned to be a temporary structure that would be dismantled in 2005, however, this Ferris wheel, from which almost the entire city is visible, quickly gained popularity among locals and tourists, becoming one of London's top attractions. Therefore, it was decided to leave him.

The wheel is located opposite the Houses of Parliament on the south bank of the Thames. The attraction is open all year round, with the exception of December 25th. Ticket prices range from 17 to 38 euros.

“I went here with my family on an excursion and we really enjoyed it. Thanks to the transparent capsule, it was possible to see everything around. In addition to visual impressions and indescribable delight, we received a lot of interesting information during the 30-minute excursion.”

Trafalgar Square

The largest and busiest square of the capital of Foggy Albion, located in its very center. It is here that the three main streets of Westminster meet: Mae, Strand and Whitehall.

Since the thirteenth century, there have been premises in which the royal hawks were kept, and later the royal stables were built. In the first half of the nineteenth century, the square was redeveloped and the National Gallery was built. The central architectural element is the 56-meter Nelson's Column, erected in honor of the famous admiral and topped with his monument. There are also four different sculptures located at the corners of the square.

Initially, Trafalgar Square was named after William the Fourth, in honor of England's victory in 1805 over the Franco-Spanish flotilla in the iconic Battle of Trafalgar.

“This is a rather small area when compared, for example, with Red Square in Moscow. However, this is an incredibly beautiful place with many sculptures and fountains, with its own unique atmosphere. It’s definitely worth visiting here.”

Madame Tussaud's London

The largest and most famous museum of wax sculptures, founded in 1835 by the Frenchwoman Marie Tussaud, who moved to London at the beginning of the nineteenth century. Over a thousand wax copies of a wide variety of people are collected here: from maniacs and serial killers to royalty and show business stars.

This is one of the most popular attractions in London, which not a single tourist who comes to the city passes by. During the existence of the museum, more than 500 million people visited here.

The museum is located on Marylebone Road, near Baker Street tube station. Visitors are accepted daily. Tickets start from £15.

“It’s impossible to get here during the daytime - you have to stand in line for several hours. Having put off going to the museum until the evening, I made the right decision, as I only waited about five minutes. However, even before closing there are a lot of people here, and in order to photograph some exhibit, you again had to wait patiently for people to leave. I really liked the museum itself: the sculptures are really masterfully made and look incredibly realistic.”

Tower of London

One of the main symbols and attractions not only of London, but of the whole of Britain. During its existence (since 1066), this building was used as a defensive fortress, a prison, a mint, a royal treasury, a weapons arsenal, an observatory and a zoo.

To this day, the Tower of London has managed to survive almost in its original form, and its main buildings are a museum with an armory, where the famous treasures of the British Empire are located. In addition to ancient buildings and artifacts, tourists are attracted to this London landmark by its inhabitants - crows, who remained to live here after the zoo was transferred to Regent's Park in 1831. There is a legend that the foundations of Britain will remain unshakable as long as the ravens remain in the Tower. The castle is guarded by 37 yeomen - royal guards.

The fortress is located in the historical center of London, on the north bank of the Thames. Tickets cost £10-£25.

“We bought tickets to the Tower in advance via the Internet - it’s cheaper and you don’t have to stand in lines. The most vivid impression of the excursion is, of course, visiting the treasury, especially for girls. Crowns, rings and other symbols of the power of monarchs are an amazing combination of beauty and greatness! At the exit from the treasury there is a souvenir shop, as well as a store for children, where you can buy interesting little things as souvenirs.”

Buckingham Palace

The building was built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham, and 59 years later it was purchased by King George III and began to be used as a private residence. The palace received the status of the official residence of monarchs only in 1837, when Queen Victoria was crowned, whose monument now stands in front of the palace entrance. During the reign of Victoria, Buckingham Palace was put in order and acquired the appearance familiar to everyone today. Also, many traditions appeared under her, which continue to be observed to this day. One of them is the mandatory raising of the royal standard if the monarch is in residence. But visitors from all over the world are primarily attracted here by another ritual - the ceremonial changing of the guard, which takes place daily half an hour before noon in the summer.

The palace itself, located opposite Pall Mall and Green Park, can only be entered during August-September, when the monarchs rest. Ticket price: 12-37 pounds sterling.

“The scale and luxury of this palace is amazing. Just think about it: 775 rooms! And all of them are decorated with the rarest materials, decorated with paintings, tapestries and sculptures. The changing of the guard is a fascinating spectacle, but the crowds of tourists with whom you have to fight for the right to see the action somewhat spoil the impression.”

The British Museum

The main British museum of historical and architectural orientation, second only to the Louvre in the world in terms of the number of visitors. It was founded by George the Second in 1753 at the behest of the naturalist and physician Hans Sloan, who during his life collected over 71 thousand various exhibits. Today, the British Museum's collection includes more than 13 million objects brought from all continents and representing human history from Paleolithic times to the present.

The museum is located in Bloomsbury, on Great Russell Street. Entrance for visitors is free.

“Large, beautiful and conveniently located building. But most of the exhibition is occupied by all kinds of plates, vases and jugs - a kind of museum for girls. Perhaps, only the Egyptian halls with mummies and sarcophagi were truly interesting to me.”

Tower Bridge

An iconic landmark of London, without which it is impossible to imagine a visit to the British capital. A drawbridge across the Thames was built in 1894 east of London Bridge due to increased traffic volumes. The structure is made of metal with stone cladding and is made in the form of a 244-meter long crossing with two support towers in the Gothic style. The designers provided for the possibility of pedestrians crossing the bridge through special galleries between the towers, located at a 44-meter height, however, now they serve as a museum and observation deck.

“One of the main London attractions that we simply had no right not to visit, and in the end we did not regret our time at all. There is an interesting museum inside; you can see how the lifting mechanism works. Well, and, of course, the view from the bridge is magnificent.”

London National Gallery

One of the most famous art museums in the world, the history of which began in 1824 with the acquisition of a collection of 38 paintings that belonged to a native of Russia, John Julius Agerstein. The gallery itself was opened later, in 1839. To date, over two thousand works of art written by Western European painters in the 12th–20th centuries have been collected here. All masterpieces are presented in the exhibition in accordance with chronology.

The National Gallery has several cafes where you can drink coffee and relax, souvenir shops and art shops offering a variety of souvenirs, books and copies of paintings from the gallery.

The museum is located in Trafalgar Square. Admission is free, but you can leave a small donation.

“A truly worthwhile place, a must-see even for those who do not consider themselves big admirers of painting. I couldn’t get around the entire exhibition in one day, so I returned on the second day and didn’t regret the time spent at all. I was pleased with the free entry."

Westminster Abbey

A majestic temple in the Gothic style, built with some interruptions from 1245 to 1745 in the London district of Westminster. Traditionally used as a place for coronation and wedding ceremonies of monarchs, as well as their burial.

Representatives of royal dynasties, clergy, noble people and writers found their peace in the abbey. It also houses the relics of Edward the Confessor in the hotel chapel named after him.

One of the attractions for tourists is the majestic throne on which British kings are crowned, located between the chapels of Henry the Seventh and St. Edward. There is a special niche under the seat into which the so-called stone of fate is placed, which is kept in Edinburgh Castle.

The Abbey is located in central London, near the Thames embankment and next to the Palace of Westminster. Ticket prices are £9–20.

“Undoubtedly, it’s worth visiting here once for a general understanding of English culture and history, but this place did not excite me. In essence, this abbey is one big cemetery.”

Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens

Hyde Park is one of the royal parks that are connected to each other and form a large-scale green area in the center of the British capital. It was given the status of a Royal Park in 1536 after the acquisition of these lands by Henry the Eighth for the purpose of hunting here. The park became accessible to citizens in 1637 after the construction of a kind of ring that separated the park itself from the gardens in the north. The park serves as a place for citizens to gather and discuss various topics. In the very center there is a large lake, the Serpentine, where swimming is allowed.

Kensington Gardens is another royal park, located next to Hyde Park and until 1728 was part of the latter. The main attraction is the modest Kensington Palace, where Queen Victoria was born. Also eye-catching is the large 180-foot memorial dedicated to Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert the First, and a statue of Peter Pan. In addition, there is the Serpentine Museum of Contemporary Art, which occupies the premises of a former tea pavilion.

“A great place for walks and relaxation in nature from the bustle of the city. I was amazed by the number of paths for walking, running, cycling and horseback riding. If you have free time, it’s definitely worth a look here.”

London is a universal tourist city that will be interesting to anyone, regardless of their interests, preferences and temperament. Simply because there is everything here - from ancient castles with a thousand-year history to ultra-modern discos where the world's best DJs play. The best time to visit the British capital is from April to September.

Who among you does not remember the notorious phrase “London is the capital of Great Britain”? All our compatriots learned it by heart in school English lessons. But the time has come to learn something new and really interesting about London. Today we'll take you on a virtual tour of one of the world's greatest capitals to find out why London is worth visiting.

One of the most mysterious blue topaz in the world has the beautiful name London Blue. The stone received its name thanks to London gemologists, who for the first time gave it an extraordinary depth of color. In the restrained tones of topaz, romantic natures see a hazy sky somewhere over the Thames. In their opinion, this stone perfectly conveys the atmosphere of foggy and mysterious London, which we will plunge into today.

Let's continue our course in modern regional studies and explore the sights of London to understand whether this city is what we imagine it to be.

London's iconic landmarks

Let's start our journey with the iconic sights of London.

1. Big Ben

Big Ben is a real symbol and landmark of the capital of Great Britain. All guests of London rush (to head to) to the Thames embankment or to London Bridge (not to be confused with Tower Bridge) in order to catch (to catch) the most favorable angle (an angle) for a photograph against the backdrop of Big Ben - that’s what we used to call the clock a clock tower. But not everyone knows that Big Ben is actually the name of a bell, which is hidden from prying eyes and strikes the time every hour. The legendary bell is currently undergoing restoration, and until 2021, you can only enjoy its sound on special occasions.

2. Palace of Westminster

The Parliament of Great Britain consists of the House of Lords or the upper house (the House of Lords) and the House of Commons or the lower house (the House of Commons), which meet in the Palace of Westminster. In Parliament, bills are put forward for discussion (to propose new legislation for discussion), which after debate are either accepted (to pass a bill) or rejected (to defeat a bill).

3. Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge, along with Big Ben, is one of the most recognizable sights of the capital of Foggy Albion. The bridge has captivated many directors and musicians - you've probably heard about it in the song of the singer Zemfira. Tower Bridge used to be raised to raise a drawbridge about 50 times a day for the passage of cargo ships, but now this is done only a few times a week.

4. Tower of London

Few places in Britain are as steeped in legends and superstitions as this fabulous fortress. The Tower of London is not only an architectural wonder. It also houses an impressive collection of weapons (weaponry) and armor (armour). A tour of the fortress will be given to you by the magnificently dressed ceremonial guards of the castle - beefeaters. Only the most conscientious non-commissioned officers of the country's armed forces who have served for at least 22 years can join their ranks.

5. Westminster Abbey

Admirers of medieval ecclesiastic architecture should definitely visit this sublime cathedral - the hallowed coronation site of English sovereigns. Here you can see Britain's oldest door, a 900-year-old garden, a royal sarcophagus and much more. It was in Westminster Abbey that the royal wedding of Kate Middleton and Prince William took place in 2011.

6. St. Paul's Cathedral

St Paul's Cathedral is rightfully considered one of the most grandiose (majestic) buildings in London. For city residents, the dome of the 300-year-old cathedral is a source of pride and resilience. St Paul's Cathedral is also famous for its choristers.

7. Ferris wheel

From the altitude of the London Eye, a spectacular view unfolds to unfurl. As soon as you lift off, the wheel begins to rotate extremely slowly - just as the queue moves towards it - and you can slowly enjoy the London panorama. If you are staying in the city for a few days, go first to the London Eye: this way you can honestly say that you have seen all the sights.

Museums of London

London is a real treasure for lovers of museums and galleries; there are a great many of them here. You can get to know the culture and art of Great Britain better if you visit at least some of them.

1. National Gallery and British Museum

These museums are first on the list of places of worship (a must-visit) in London. The British Museum houses historical artifacts from the time when England was still a powerful maritime state with colonies under its control. And at The National Gallery you can admire paintings and sculptures of classical and avant-garde art. The main thing is not to get lost among the streams of tourists (tourist traffic) from all over the world and have time to look at the immortal masterpieces from behind the tops of the same admirers (admirers) of beauty.

2. British Tate Gallery and Tate Modern Gallery

Tate Britain and Tate Modern will allow you to plunge even deeper into the world of art. All pieces of art are arranged in chronological order, so you can track how artists changed their outlook on beauty over time and entire art movements were born from new ideas.

The Tate Gallery houses works, the earliest of which date back to the 16th century. Among the exhibits there are canvases by such artists as Rossetti, Turner, Blake and Monet.

Tate Modern has the largest exhibition hall in the world, where you can usually see large-scale art installations by contemporary artists. After visiting all the halls, don’t forget to go up to the top floor - there is a beautiful view of the city from there.

3. Madame Tussauds

Despite the expensive tickets, the waxworks museum is so popular that it has affiliated institutions all over the world. Celebrity statues are so believable that it seems they are about to come to life (to vivify) and speak to you. If you are interested in politics, you will be interested in getting up close to the Queen of England, Barack Obama or Vladimir Putin, and if you are more attracted to show business, Lady Gaga, Daniel Craig, Britney Spears and many others.

4. Harry Potter Museum

2. Znamenny March (June)

The Queen's birthday is celebrated with pageantry, with flyovers, flag-waving marches, and fireworks.

3. Guy Fawkes Night or Bonfire Night (November)

On this night, Londoners commemorate Guy Fawkes and his foiled attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament back in 1605. People burn bonfires and have fun on the night of November 4-5. The best views of the firework displays are from Primrose Hill, Highbury Fields and Alexandra Palace.

4. Boxing Day (December)

Boxing day is one of the most important Christmas holidays, celebrated on December 26th. On this day, stores hold their biggest sales with dramatic price reductions. If you're interested in all-under-one-roof shopping, check out Westfield London.

Food

After enjoying spiritual food, it’s time to taste ordinary food. London can offer dishes to suit every taste and budget.

A universal rule (a rule of thumb) is that Londoners do not like to look for new catering establishments, preferring to dine in local gastropubs and simple eateries (no-frills cafes). It is not considered shameful to buy a sandwich at Marks & Spencer and have lunch in Hyde Park. City residents prefer to go to restaurants on special occasions. Among the favorite delicacies of Londoners are: a sandwich with French fries between two slices of bread (chip butty), salty paste (marmite), which is usually spread on toast, and jellied eel.

A full English breakfast has become something of a national brand. If you order this dish, you will find bacon, sausages, baked beans in tomato sauce, scrambled eggs or fried eggs, mushrooms ) and toast.

Also, as a breakfast, you can be served salty (savoury) or sweet porridge (porridge) with chocolate chips (chocolate crumbs). The main thing is to refrain from a witty exclamation: “Oatmeal, sir!” Previously, such breakfasts were considered poor folk’s food, but now they are a gourmet dish glammed up by restaurants.

The legendary English dish is fish and chips (fish’n’chips). If you don't try it, you won't be allowed to leave the airport. We haven’t checked it ourselves, but it’s better not to risk it. Time Out magazine has compiled a selection of 10 places in London where you can try fish’n’chips.

The British cherish and honor the heritage of their country (to embrace one’s heritage), especially afternoon tea (5 o’clock tea). To arrange it at home, prepare a tea pot, cups, saucers, a serving tray and napkins. Next, boil water (to heat the water) in a kettle, add loose tea (one teaspoon) per guest. Remember: tea bags are prohibited! Allow the tea to infuse for 3 to 5 minutes and pour into cups. The first cup must be poured by the owner or mistress of the house.

Most Londoners drink tea with milk. Previously, this was done so that cold milk would prevent hot tea from leaving cracks or stains on expensive porcelain cups. Offer guests treats: traditional English scones (scones), pancake-like flat buns made from liquid yeast dough (crumpets) or other pastries.

If you're in London, you should go to a real English tea party. The Telegraph has prepared for you a list of 10 cafes and restaurants in London where you can taste tea.

Food markets are a separate type of entertainment in London, something between art and food. You'll see cascades of fruits and vegetables, slices of pink ham and fresh hot cross buns on the shelves. And at the famous flea markets you can find deposits of rare and antique souvenirs. Let's explore the best markets in the city:

Borough Market is one of the city's oldest markets, specializing in farm and rural produce. Behind the food stalls you will find all sorts of delicacies. Blogger Mark Vince went to the market especially for you and tried the most delicious things.
Camden Market is the center of various youth subcultures. Here you can eat in food courts, listen to street musicians and wander through vintage (gitchy) boutiques. Most shops and street stands are open only on weekends.
The Portobello market is ready to delight you with craft drinks and food, handmade items from artisans, as well as clothes from both famous and niche designers.

London is famous not only for its gastronomic pleasures, but also for its bars, which is confirmed by the following fact: in 2017, London's American Bar was voted the best bar in the world. Londoners themselves have earned a bad reputation for binge drinking. But this is an exaggeration. Many of the pub habitués are gregarious and harmless people. Despite the high prices, the generosity of bartenders in London is a common place. People like to drink in beer gardens or patios.

Unusual areas of London

1. Docklands

The Docklands was once a poor port area and is now home to skyscrapers and waterside restaurants.

2. Pop Brixton

Pop Brixton is a self-built neighborhood made from shipping containers, a hub of start-ups and a vibrant community scene. Large containers house cafes, educational spaces and offices. You can spend the whole day here.

3. Underground art space

The Vaults is a contemporary art center located underneath Waterloo tube station. Unusual exhibitions, avant-garde theatrical performances - everything for lovers of arthouse and everything non-standard.

4. London Artists' Quarter

London's Artists' Quarter is another creative cluster where you can find coffee shops, paintings, rare book stores and, of course, inspiration.

Entire books could be written about such a diverse London, and the topics for them would never end. This city is alive, it feels the mood and captures the spirit of the time, changing with it. London has something for everyone, so you can always look at the city in a new way. A selection of resources will help us with this.

Useful resources

Blogs and websites about London:

Londonist is perhaps the most popular site about the UK capital, with which you can plan your weekend in London or see

It’s the London’s largest and most fashionable park. It was once a royal hunting forest. There are restaurants and bars at each end of the Serpentine lake. Hire a boat.

Number 10, Downing Street has been the home of the British Prime Minister since 1735.

The Houses of Parliament

Its official name is the Palace of Westminster. Most of the building was built in 1840 after the fire of 1834 destroyed the old palace. At the north end of the building, by Westminster Bridge, there is the famous clock tower, Big Ben. In fact Big Ben is really the name of the bell in the tower, not of the clock.

The Tower of London

It's the London's oldest building. Since it was built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, this castle has been a Royal palace, a prison, a place of execution, a zoo, the Royal Mint, and an observatory. Today it’s a museum and houses the Crown Jewels. There is a gift shop.

The Natural Museum

It’s located in Kensington and is one of London’s greatest museums. There is a huge collection of animals and plants, including a quarter of a million butterflies, a blue whale and the famous dinosaur skeletons. There is a cafeteria, a gift shop, and a book shop.

Madame Tussauds, Morylebone Road

The famous Waxworks Museum has the models of famous people from pop stars to prime ministers, displays of battles and a Chamber of Horror.

The Royal Observatory, Greenwich

It is situated 10 miles outside London on a hill above the River Thames. The Observatory contains telescopes and displays about astronomy, including Halley's Comet and Black Holes. There is a video theater and a souvenir shop. Picnic in Greenwich Park. You can take a river boat to Greenwich from Westminster Bridge.

London Attractions

Hyde Park

This is the largest and most luxurious park in London. This was once a forest for royal hunting. Restaurants and bars line the entire shore of Lake Serpentine. You can rent a boat here.

Downing Street
Number 10 Downing Street has been the home of the British Prime Minister since 1735.

Houses of Parliament

Its official name is the Palace of Westminster. Most of the building was built in 1840, after a fire in 1834 destroyed the old palace. At the northern end of the building, near Westminster Bridge, is the famous clock tower, Big Ben. In fact, Big Ben is the name of the bell on the tower, not the clock.

Tower of London

This is the oldest building in London. Since it was built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, the castle has been a royal palace, a prison, an execution site, a zoo, a Royal Mint and an observatory. Today it is a museum housing the royal jewels. There is a gift shop here.

Museum of Nature

It is located in Kensington and is one of the largest museums in London. There is a huge collection of animals and plants, including a quarter of a million butterflies, a blue whale and the famous dinosaur skeletons. There is a cafeteria, gift shop and bookstore.

Madame Tussauds, Morilbone Road

This famous Wax Museum features images of famous people, from pop stars to prime ministers, battle panoramas and a chamber of terror.

Royal Observatory, Greenwich

It is located 10 miles from London on a hill above the River Thames. The observatory houses telescopes and hosts astronomical exhibitions, including material on Halley's Comet and Black Holes. There is a video theater and a gift shop. Relax in Greenwich Park. You can get to Greenwich by river boat from Westminster Bridge.

1. What is London’s largest and most fashionable park?
2. What street has been the home of the British Prime Minister since 1735?
3. What is one of London’s greatest museums?
4. Where can you see the famous waxworks?
5. Where is the Royal Observatory located?

Fashionable - fashionable, popular
to hire a boat - rent a boat
execution - execution
whale - whale
waxwork – wax figure
horror - horror, fear
to contain – contain
display – exhibition

(No ratings yet)