Rare sights of London. The main attractions of London: photos with names and descriptions
London Attractions attract many tourists. The capital of Great Britain is located in its southeast, at the mouth of the River Thames. The city with a population exceeding 8 million is one of the largest in the world. It is one of the leading financial centers of the planet.
Piccadilly Circus, 1946
City `s history
starting point history of the creation of the city of London it is generally accepted that the appearance in 43 AD. e. Romans on British Isles. At the end of the 1st century the Roman trading settlement acquired a fortress wall, beyond which the city did not cross for a whole millennium. With the fall of the Roman Empire, London also experienced desolation. Then the North Germanic tribes began to move here - the Angles, Saxons, Jutes, Frisians, who gradually suppressed the resistance of the local Celtic tribes of the Britons. The first signs of revival are noted with the beginning of the 7th century. For the next several centuries, the Normans (Vikings) and Anglo-Saxons alternately owned the city.
In 1066, the army of the Duke of Normandy, William the Conqueror, landed on the British Isles. Having defeated the Anglo-Saxons at the Battle of Hastings, he was crowned the first English king in London's new building, Westminster Abbey. Then a royal residence was built in the city, later called the Tower, the Palace of Westminster and a stone bridge. Over the next few centuries, the Anglo-Saxons and Normans (not to be confused with the Normans) merged into a single English nation.
Piccadilly Circus, 1972
In the Middle Ages, London experienced a brief French invasion, the plague of 1348 that wiped out half the population, and sack by rebellious peasants led by Wat Tyler. The decline was interrupted in the 16th century. This was facilitated by the defeat of rivals at sea - Antwerp, and especially Spain, whose "Great Armada" was defeated by the British in 1588. The country became the mistress of the seas.
Another blow to the city was dealt by a grandiose fire in 1666, which destroyed many medieval buildings. Burnt Cathedral of St. Paul was restored at the beginning of the 18th century, then landmark buildings were erected - Westminster Bridge and Buckingham Palace. Railway, the first subway (in 1863) and, especially, the sewerage (in 1865), which put an end to cholera outbreaks, gave a new impetus to the development of the city. Industrialization turned London into a major industrial center and the population passed the million mark.
The Victorian era (most of the 19th century) is the heyday of London. It was intensively built up, and the population reached 6 million. But many buildings were destroyed by German bombing at the beginning of World War II. The post-war period is characterized by large immigration from the former colonies of the British Empire. And already in the XXI century. several ultra-modern structures were built in the city, which will be discussed below.
The main historical and archaeological museum of the British Empire
London Attractions
TO main classical architectural and historical sights of London relate.
- Westminster.
- Tower.
- Cathedral of St. Paul.
- British museum.
Tomb of Elizabeth I
Westminster
This historic district is the political center of Great Britain. Here are located top sights in london:
- royal residence - Buckingham Palace;
- Parliament sitting at the Palace of Westminster;
- Westminster Abbey;
- Trafalgar Square.
Inspection of the iconic places of the area can be started by reaching London Underground to the St James Park stop.
The parade of the Horse Guards and the colorful changing of the guard ceremony take place daily from 11 a.m. They were observed by almost everyone who visited London. But few of them saw the luxurious interiors of the palace. Collections of paintings from the royal collection are exhibited in the Gallery of the same name during the Queen's holidays in August and September from 10 am to 6 pm. Ticket price - 16.5 GBP (pound sterling).
The symbol of London is the Palace of Westminster with the bell tower Big Ben. It was successfully recreated in the 19th century. instead of the original building, which burned down in the Great Fire of 1666. On the opposite side, the palace is crowned by the Victoria Tower, through the gates of which the queen passes to deliver her throne speech in Parliament. Other traditions are honored as well. So, the Lord Chancellor is still sitting on a bag of wool, and parliamentarians who address the speaker must wear hats. The easiest way to get to the Palace of Westminster is by tube, getting off at Westminster or Victoria stations.
Cathedral Church of St. Petra is the official name. This outstanding monument of English Gothic was founded in 1065 and completed until the 16th century. The facade and interiors of the building compete in splendor. The cathedral is the place of coronations and burials of British kings. In the "Poets' Corner" - the graves (not always real) of famous Englishmen - Newton, Dickens, Shakespeare, Thackeray, Milton, Chaucer, Burns, Handel and others.
Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton
You can visit the cathedral for 20 GBP from 9:30 to 16:30, on Wednesday - until 19:00, and on Saturday - until 14:30. Sunday services are held for parishioners. The nearest tube stations are St James's Park or Westminster.
The central square of London was named in honor of the battle won by the English fleet near Cape Trafalgar. On a high column in the center is a 5-meter figure of the hero of the battle, Admiral Nelson. Around the statue are beautiful sculptures and fountains. In the corner of the square there is a model of the ship on which the admiral was mortally wounded. And from the monument to King Charles I, all London distances are measured. Near the square are Charing Cross, Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square metro stations.
Traditional poppy field in front of the walls of the fortress
Other attractions
The palace and fortress in London's Tower Hamlets is a thousand years old. long time the building was a prison and even a place of execution of noble people, including kings. Some visitors say that they saw the ghosts of the executed here. The current Tower is a royal treasury, an armory and a residence for elite guests. Guardians of the building in luxurious uniforms are guides and living exhibits for visitors. Not far from the Tower is the bridge of the same name - a landmark of the British capital. It is especially beautiful in night illumination.
You can get to the Tower by metro to Tower Hill station or by buses No. 15, 42, 78, 100, RV1. Opening hours are from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m. (depending on the season), and on Sunday and Monday from 10 a.m. A regular entry ticket costs 25 GBP.
Eastern part of the Cathedral
Cathedral of St. Pavla is located in the City area. The construction was built according to the project of the architect Christopher Wren from 1675 to 1710. Outside, the grandiose triple dome 120 m high attracts the attention of tourists. Many surprising things can be seen inside - columns breaking to the ceiling, a false second floor, the famous Gallery of Whispers heard within a radius of 30 m, the best English organ. In the right tower is the main bell "Big Paul", the sound of which is carried for 37 km. Two prominent military leaders are buried in the cathedral - the Duke of Wellington and Admiral Nelson.
Tourists who have overcome 560 steps to the Golden Gallery are rewarded with a wonderful panorama of the city. You can get to the Cathedral by metro to St. Paul's. Opening hours - from 9:30 to 16:30, except for Sunday reserved for services. The ticket costs 14.5 GBP.
Many are interesting museums in london. The most famous - has been operating since 1753. The geography of its 7 million exhibits is incomparably wider than the name. In chapter ancient egypt the Rosetta Stone and the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II stand out. In the ancient Greek exposition, one can see, in particular, Parthenon marble slabs. The museum can be visited from 10:00 to 17:30 for free. And you can get to it by getting off at the Russell Square, Holborn metro stations, or by buses No. 7, 55, 19, 22b, 8, 38, 25, 98.
Museum building and entry line
Private museums
In London, there is the main wax museum, founded back in 1835 by a sculptor. In its exposition there are over a thousand well-known characters, classified by type of activity. The organizers did their best when creating the "Cabinet of Horrors". In it, in the semi-darkness, maniacs and death masks of those executed on the guillotine are presented. To enhance the impression, museum attendants in dark robes suddenly jump out of the darkness and grab the hands of visitors. Those of them who especially liked it here are given the opportunity to spend the night for 100 GBP.
To visit the museum, which is open from 10 to 17:30, you need to purchase a ticket for 28.8 GBP. And you can get here by metro to the Baker Street station, or by buses No. 13, 18, 27, 30, 74, 82, 113, 139 and 274.
Another famous museum is dedicated to Sherlock Holmes. Letters to the famous detective at 221B Baker Street are still coming. Now this apartment has also moved to the museum, located nearby - in building 239. The museum, which is open from 10:30 to 18 hours, can be visited by paying 6 GBP. Directions - by subway to Baker Street.
City Hall lobby
In the current century, several buildings in the postmodern style have been built in London. Modern London architecture causes a lot of controversy. Adherents consider these buildings new sights, and opponents say that they spoil the architectural appearance of the city. Two buildings were built according to the designs of one of the founders of the high-tech style, architect Norman Foster. He explains the unusual shape of his buildings with environmental considerations.
The new building of London City Hall - City Hall, was built next to Tower Bridge. It was put into operation in 2002. The twisted facade of the 10-story building is reminiscent of a sliced egg. The narrowness of the upper floors contributes to better illumination of the lower ones. There are no air conditioners in City Hall either: in summer the building is cooled by groundwater coming from a special well.
Mary Ax Tower
Foster's other creation is the 40-story City Tower, opened in 2004. The Gherkin's mesh structure has a maximum width of 57m at the 17th floor, narrowing to 25m at the very top. The green glass panels allow the sun's rays to pass freely, and the rounded design minimizes wind currents. A third of the building's glass panels are darkened, giving it a swirling effect. The nearest metro station is Aldgate. You can only get inside during Open House London days in September.
Skyscraper "Shard", reaching 310 m - the tallest building in Western Europe. The building, designed by the Italian Renzo Piano, has been operating since 2013. The name (“Shard of Glass”) fully reflects it appearance. The last 4 of the 72 floors are reserved for sky-high (in the truest sense of the word) viewing platforms for visitors.
It is better to purchase tickets in advance, after checking the weather forecast: heavy cloud cover can interfere with a long-range view.
The nearest metro station is London Bridge, buses No. 43, 48, 141, 149, 521. Visiting hours are from 10 to 18, and on Thursday-Saturday - until 21 hours. Ticket price - 26 GBP.
Evening on Leicester Square
Things to do in London
Evening relaxation in London
The British capital is interesting not only for its architectural and historical sights. Where to go in London at night? The most popular among tourists are several options.
Where can you go from London on a free day? Excursions are organized from the city to see nearby attractions. You can also visit them on your own.
- The famous Stonehenge (train to Salisbury, from there by shuttle bus). There are no cafes in its vicinity, so you need to bring food with you. You have to pay 15 GBP for the ticket.
- Dover (by train from St Pancras station), where you can see the famous chalk cliffs, as well as ancient castle, a ticket for which costs 17 GBP.
- Windsor (Waterloo Station to Windsor & Eaton Riverside). The city castle is one of the royal residences. At 11 o'clock there is a changing of the guard. You can get inside from 10 am to 4 pm only if there is no royal family in it. The price is 15 GBP.
- Canterbury (by train from St Pancras or Waterloo East), where the main Anglican church, Canterbury Cathedral, is located. Price entrance ticket– 7 GBP.
Westminster Abbey
Historical architectural monument in the Gothic style, founded in 1065. The western facade of the Benedictine abbey is decorated with sculptures of 10 martyrs of the last century. For many centuries, Westminster Abbey was the traditional coronation site of the Norman rulers and, thanks to generous donations to the community of monks, from the 12th century gradually strengthened its influence on official power. The two western towers of the abbey, known throughout the world, are considered the standard of beauty and style of the Gothic Revival. Until the 19th century, Westminster Abbey was called one of the three most significant scientific centers in England after and.
MUSEUMS
London National Gallery (The National Gallery, London) and Trafalgar Square (Trafalgar Square)
The intersection of the main streets of Westminster unites Trafalgar Square, often called the "heart of England". The middle of the square is decorated with a 44-meter Nelson's Column, and around are embassies, the Admiralty Arch and the world-famous museum of art - the National Gallery of London. From the foundation of the gallery in 1824, the canvases were placed in the order they were written, and in this moment the number of masterpieces of painting exceeds 2 thousand. The National Gallery is especially proud of the works of Raphael, Rubens, Van Dyck, Vincent van Gogh, Rembrandt and Titian. The collection represents all areas of Western European painting of the 13th - 20th centuries. During the war, aerial bombs hit the building with paintings several times, but not a single artistic creation was damaged.
Museum of Modern Art: Tate Modern - Art Gallery
London's Tate Modern, although officially called a "modern museum", contains the brilliant creations of masters since 1900. The museum, located on the south bank of the Thames, is visited annually by more than 5 million art lovers. Since the opening of the Turbine Hall, which previously housed the generators of the closed power plant, about 30 million visitors have seen its expositions. This is a special project of the museum, in which contemporary authors can present unusual creations. An excellent opportunity to see all of London at a glance will be a visit to the cafe-bar on the 7th floor. The observation deck overlooks St. Paul's Cathedral, the Thames and the central part of the city. There is no entrance fee to the Tate Modern. The museum provides several permanent free exhibitions, but some exhibitions of outstanding masters require payment.
British Museum (the British Museum)
1753 was the year of the unification in London of three of the most valuable literary and historical collections and the creation of the British Museum. Repeated relocations and expansion of storage facilities led to the separation of numismatic values, the Museum of Natural History, the Department of Ancient Oriental Art Samples and, in fact, the British Library into separate components. The most valuable masterpieces of the collection are the antiquities of Egypt, Greece, Mesopotamia and Ancient Rome. The museum's library rightfully bears the title of one of the richest in the world, with more than 150 million printed publications in different languages. The library treasury contains the only handwritten version of the Beowulf epic, the first editions of the Gutenberg Bible and da Vinci's personal notes.
Design Museum
"Someday some other museums will show these exhibits"
On the picturesque bank of the Thames in 1989 one of the best museums world in the field of fashion, architecture and graphics - Design Museum. This is one of the few London art repositories that provides a paid entrance for admirers of beauty. Approximately 200,000 people visit the Art Nouveau building of the museum every year, appreciating the exhibitions of designer shoes, the development of video games, the history of clothing in different decades, and collections of graphic works. The museum regularly holds lectures by famous designers and fashion designers, there is an "educational department" for schoolchildren and students of design schools. At a local cafe, you can have leisurely conversations about the world of fashion or admire the view of the Tower Bridge.
Museum of Natural History (National History Museum)
London Worldwide famous Museum natural science includes several collections and invites lovers of botany, zoology, mineralogy and researchers of antiquities for free excursions. The museum depository includes up to 6 million samples of the plant world, 55 million representatives of the animal fauna and up to 500 thousand minerals. The central hall of the museum houses a huge collection of dinosaur skeletons, here you can see the bones of a life-sized diplodocus or a movable specimen of a Tyrannosaurus Rex. The Hall of Mammals is adorned with a real-size whale model and skeletons of many marine animals. For young visitors, the museum provides up to 10 popular science excursions and programs (“star animals”, “dinosaurs”, “create a volcano”, “draw nature”) to enhance the research interest of kids.
Science Museum, London (Science Museum)
The most interesting and educational museum in London is the Science Museum, in which all the exhibits are of practical importance. The central hall leads to many galleries dedicated to inventions human genius- from ancient Egyptian to modern technical innovations. In the clock hall, visitors can not only learn how the ancient Roman clocks worked, but also see the mechanisms of the current models. The phone room will allow you to study the devices of different years and even personally “call”. On the top floor, you can compare several aircraft and find out how a person defeated the force of gravity. Not all of the exhibitions presented are permanent, so even with repeated visits to the Museum of Science, you can make many incredible and unexpected discoveries.
Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)
In 1852, a museum of decorative arts and design skills was founded in London. At the opening, a small gallery was called the Museum of Products, but thanks to Queen Victoria and her husband, the storage was quickly filled with unique examples of decorative art, and now the Victoria and Albert Museum is one of the twenty best museum treasures in the world. Up to 3 million people visit his exhibitions a year. The halls present not only decorative art products, but also theatrical exhibits, sculptures, paintings, fabric samples from different eras. The museum was created to raise the level of education of the general public and was supposed to contribute to the emergence of new ideas among British fashion designers. The museum has not abandoned these lofty goals even today and invites you to numerous exhibitions completely free of charge.
Museum of Childhood in London (Museum of Childhood)
The process of separating the Museum of Childhood from the larger Victoria and Albert Museum in London began in 1922, when the children's exhibition was greatly expanded and the museum's new curator decided to separate it into a separate building. Every year, about 30 thousand small spectators can get acquainted with children's exhibits covering the period from the 17th century to the present day. The Museum of Childhood presents decorative and real furniture for babies, toys and games, construction kits, doll houses and their inhabitants, clothes for little ones, from swaddling sets to funny dresses for boys, which were used until the 1920s. The museum pays great attention to art exhibitions for schoolchildren, placing paintings below the usual level for the convenience of “low visitors”.
Madame Tussauds Museum (Madame Tussauds)
The idea of creating the London Wax Museum was realized by the French sculptor Marie Tussaud, and now the museum branches are located in 14 cities of the world. In 1777, Maria created her first wax figurine, depicting Voltaire, and already in 1835 she opened a permanent exhibition of her collection in London. Significant public interest was attracted by the Cabinet of Horrors, which consisted of figures of participants in the French Revolution, and a collection of wax figures of celebrities - philosophers, politicians, military men. Since 1984, Madame Tussauds has been located on Marylebone Road and is visited annually by more than 2.6 million people who dream of taking a closer look at famous personalities and taking unusual photographs.
Sherlock Holmes Museum (The Sherlock Holmes Museum)
By the time A. Conan Doyle wrote the stories and novels, the address where the brilliant detective lived did not exist. But over time, Baker Street was extended, and the address "221b Baker Street" found its embodiment in real life. It was to this address that Sherlock Holmes fans sent numerous letters and made excursions. Later, the Sherlock Holmes Museum was created on the street in a 4-storey building, and a sign appeared on the facade informing passers-by about living here in 1881 - 1904. detective S. Holmes. The rooms of the great detective can be viewed on the second floor, while Dr. John Watson and Mrs. Hudson "lived" on the third floor. Visitors can see here objects familiar from the stories of A. Conan Doyle: the detective's violin, letters, his hat. Also in SherlockHolmesMuseum it is possible to sit in an armchair by the fireplace or take pictures in the atmosphere of a 19th century tenement house.
parks
Hyde Park
The name of Central London Park comes from a unit of area. This royal park occupies up to 1.4 square meters. km and is a favorite place of English politicians and orators who prefer to communicate with opponents and defend their own philosophical ideas here. Previously, historical parades were held here, and in 1822, the first sculpture of naked Achilles in London was installed in Hyde Park, which caused a storm of protests from the townspeople.
Regent's Park and London Zoo
One of the largest parks in London, which previously served as the hunting grounds of Henry VIII. For ordinary Londoners, the park has been available since 1838, and in the middle of the 19th century the Bishop Observatory worked here. The park is a popular recreation area for citizens due to its numerous lakes, the central rose garden and fields for active sports. In the northeast of the park, a zoo is open for those who wish, which is the oldest in the world. In 1828, a small zoo collection for scientific purposes appeared here, and now the London Zoo has up to 20 thousand animals from all over the world. As early as the 19th century, separate insectaria, an aquarium, and a serpentarium were built. Later, a children's zoo, a "round house" for primates, and enclosures for large animals were allocated to independent groups.
St. James's Park
The oldest Royal St. in London. James's Park faces Buckingham Palace to the west and St James's Palace to the north. The name of the park was in honor of the charitable institution for the sick and the poor named after St. James (James). Significant changes were made to the appearance of the park by Kings Henry VIII, James I Stuart and Charles II, who drained the local swamps, placed a menagerie with exotic African and Asian animals, and set up the Versailles Gardens in the park. At the beginning of the 19th century, the appearance of the park was transformed by the planting of new tree species and the creation of a small pond.
Green Park
Royal Park, connecting the other two: Hyde Park and St. James. Not far from the park are the famous Kensington Gardens. The history of the founding of Green Park is due to Henry VIII. During duels, aristocrats preferred to fight in Green Park as the least crowded central park in the city. Since 1826, the park has become a favorite place for walks of Londoners and the natural workshop of local artists. Green Park cannot boast of numerous monuments or famous buildings, and the area is green meadows.
shopping
Harrods and the Knightsbridge area
The central place of shopping in London is one of the largest department stores in the world Harrods. 90 thousand square meters retail space place up to 330 different divisions offering goods for every taste. And although the department store's famous motto is "Omnia Omnibus Ubique", not "every" consumer can shop here, but only those who have passed a strict dress code. Since 1989, Harrods has not been allowed to enter Harrods in work or dirty clothes. The most famous department store in London is located in the quarter of luxury restaurants, major banks and fashion boutiques - Knightsbridge. The quarter is ruled by the spirit of exclusivity, sophistication and expensive things. Designer stores Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Zara, Prada and many others attract tourists from all over the world to this wealthy quarter.
Selfridges and Oxford Street
Oxford Street is one of the main shopping streets in Westminster, bringing together many branded shops and department stores. The length of the street is up to 2.4 km, where more than 550 retail spaces are located. One of Oxford Street's most famous department stores is the centennial Selfridges. The founder of the trading giant, Henry Selfridge, implemented successful marketing moves in organizing the trade and was able to convince buyers that buying is not an ordinary necessity, but a time of wonderful discoveries. The principle of "the customer is always right" and the decoration of windows in the style of a magical holiday helped the founder to expand the trading business. In 2010, Selfridge was named the best modern store in the world. 50 thousand sq. meters accommodate fashion boutiques, beauty salons, furniture departments, perfumery and jewelry stores. In London Selfridge you can find absolutely everything, as its founder dreamed.
Covent Garden
The Covent Garden quarter is considered a London landmark due to the Royal Opera House located here, the old Covent Garden market and the Theater Royal Drury Lane. Also in the quarter, tourists can see the Museum of London. public transport, opened in a Victorian style building in 1980. In the 17th century, the famous “acting” church, the Church of St. Paul, was built in the quarter. Covent Garden is historically associated with the entertainment industry, with 13 theaters and over 60 pubs. The local market is mentioned in J. B. Shaw's play Pygmalion.
Camden Town and Camden Markets
Tourists visit Camden Town to get acquainted with alternative culture, pop art and feel the spirit of freedom and creativity. This block in north London is called a 24-hour underground paradise, where everyone can learn more about Goth culture, emo, alternative religions and new philosophies. Several Camden markets stretch along the same street from different directions, introducing tourists to fashionable clothes and designer items. Each Camden Market has its own specialty and style. Tourists and Londoners can take a break from tiring shopping in pubs and restaurants in the unique style of different cultures. More than 10 million shoppers visit Camden Markets a year.
Carnaby Street
The name of the London street comes from the building Karnaby House, located a little to the east. The foundations of Carnaby Street were laid in 1685-1686, and the street was finally built up at the end of the 17th century. In the second half of the 20th century, this pedestrian street was called the center of independent youth fashion, underground clubs and "swinging London". Now, most of the boutiques and designer shops on Carnaby Street present clothes for the mass consumer.
Westfield London
One of the largest shopping centers in London combined 150 sq. meters of luxury brands such as Prada and Chanel, and quite affordable Marks & Spencer, Zara, Esprit or Next. Now the center has more than 370 stores of jewelry, children's clothing, books, pet products, furniture, hobby goods, art salons, pharmacies, and even one dental clinic. This is a fairly young shopping center, built in 2008. Due to a wide range of services and goods offered and a good location (Ariel Way, White City), Westfield Shopping Center is very popular with tourists and locals. When it opened, it was named the second largest mall after the Metro Centre.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
All bar one
The Allbarone group of bars includes more than 50 establishments in Britain and Germany. The main concept of the founders is to create a comfortable and friendly place where single people can enjoy pleasant music and relax after work. Open space, glass facades, natural wood floors and a huge selection of cocktails have made Allbarone a favorite place for working women. The first Allbarone opened in 1994 in Sutton, London. At a rapid pace, the bar expanded its presence in central London, and at the moment 47 Allbarone branches can be found in the "heart of the city". Many customers appreciate this bar for soft music that allows you to chat with friends, and delicious food. Bar managers cater to more mature patrons, young people under 21 are not served in most Allbarone.
Gaucho
The best restaurants in London where real Argentinean steaks are cooked and fine Argentinean wine is served are the Gaucho network. Piccadilly's flagship restaurant won the 2013 Argentine Wine Association award as the best "house of wine" outside of Argentina. Last year, in Britain alone, the Gaucho Group opened 14 restaurants and wine pubs. Gaucho restaurants present themselves as perfect place for official meetings, business lunches and private parties. Each of the restaurants includes a separate wine room where guests can taste drinks. According to visitors, Cavas de Gaucho is considered the best "wine boutique" of the chain.
hakassan
The best ethnic West End restaurant is considered Hakassan with traditional Chinese cuisine. The interior and planning of the hall was created by the French designer Christian Liagre, who organically combined the traditions of China and modern architectural solutions. In 2008, there were only 5 London restaurants in the world list of the 50 best restaurants in the world. One of them was Hakassan, who took 19th place. In 2013, the owners of Hakassan made the decision to "upgrade" the restaurant's concept through a partnership with a nightclub at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. Now the Hakassan restaurant chain is a recognized leader in the music and restaurant business.
Ice Bar (ICE Bar)
London Chinatown (China Town London)
Previously, the settlements of the Chinese in the cities of the world were called "Chinatown" quarters, but now they are tourist quarters, including entertainment venues and ethnic restaurant chains. In London, ChinaTown is located in the Soho quarter, and the time of its birth is considered to be the 70s of the 20th century. Before that, Soho was famous for its coffee houses and supermarkets, but traditional Chinese souvenir shops and Chinese restaurants have actively replaced the former owners. Now all the establishments of the quarter are marked with hieroglyphic plates and provide for the popularization of Chinese culture. The Chinese New Year celebration takes place in London's Chinatown with theatrical performances, processions of mythical animals and a lantern festival. Numerous tourists specially visit London these days to participate in the annual ceremony.
CLUBS
Ministry of Sound (Ministry of Sound)
At the end of the last century, the first MinistryofSound club was opened in the southeast region of London, and now it is a large club chain that includes the best institutions in the city. The original logo of the clubs uses symbols traditional for the official British authorities, which emphasizes its elitism and high quality music. Ministry of Sound features celebrity DJs mixing sets live Friday and Saturday for two dance floors. Now Ministry of Sound is a trademark and is working to expand its activities.
Factory
A funny feature of one of the best nightclubs in London is the dress code, which does not encourage the presence of primly dressed dancers on the dance floor. But do not worry - absolutely any clothes are allowed into the club. It is Fabric's policy that what matters in the club is the love of the dance moves, not the clothes of the club members. In 2008, DjMag magazine named Fabric in its list of the best clubs, emphasizing its huge musical assortment, a significant number of DJs and comfortable dance floors. According to the rules of the club, at least three stars of the world of club music present their sets every evening. Tickets to Fabric are inexpensive, so getting them is quite difficult. A pre-order will save you from unnecessary worries and allow you to enjoy the stylish minimalism of the interior and great music.
FAST FOOD
Pret a Manger (Pret a Manger)
The first PretaManger store opened in 1984 in Hampstead, London. For gourmets, the store offered ready-to-eat food created by experienced restaurant craftsmen. The idea of the name indicates the opportunity to acquire traditional dishes French cuisine to take away, for consumption in a cozy home environment. The stores of the network also have comfortable small cafes where visitors can have a bite to eat “on the way”. The history of the company says that it was created because many people dream of masterfully prepared favorite dishes, but cannot find them anywhere. PretaManger sees the main goal of his work in giving his customers a dream and allowing them to enjoy real high-quality dishes. In 2011, sales of Pret-à-Manger amounted to 377 million British pounds. Now PretaManger offices are open in New York, Washington, Paris, Hong Kong.
Gourmet Burger Kitchen (GBK)
The GBK restaurant chain is generally considered to be gourmet fast food. The founding of the first restaurant dates back to 2001, when the natives of New Zealand developed a unique menu of unusual "big" hamburgers and side dishes of fresh vegetables. After 4 years of development, the GBK chain included more than 50 fast food restaurants throughout Britain. Franchises of the network are now open in Ireland, Dubai, Greece. Most visitors to GourmetBurgerKitchen leave rave reviews about the speed of service, the incredible taste of burgers, chips and signature salads.
Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus was created in 1819 as a traffic intersection in the Westminster area of central London. The square is decorated with a statue of the twin brother of the god of love, Eros, and the Museum of Passionate Love, London Amora, which opened in 2007. Nine halls of the museum are devoted to love relationships and erotica. The exposition was created with the help of the latest technical innovations, projectors, multimedia. Since the beginning of the 20th century, a metro station has been located under the square.
Leicester Square
LeicesterSquare is rightfully considered a place of fashionable and non-poor youth, the center of local show business. Here are the largest cinema halls (Empire), Swiss cuisine restaurants and branded watch stores. Sir Isaac Newton lived not far from Leicester Square, so you can see his sculpture here. Tourists visit LeicesterSquare for a mechanical representation on the wall of one of the buildings. At a height of 4 meters, you can see a 5-minute action with figures of peasants who are engaged in ordinary household chores: mowing grass, kneading dough ... At the ticket office in Leicester Square, you can buy unsold tickets to West End theaters at half price.
Musicals
During your trip to London, you should definitely go to a local musical. Theaters in the West End are traditionally considered to be of the highest professionalism in this area, and their musical performances are highly regarded by fans of musicals. In London, it is customary that the theater presents just one musical show for quite a long time, honing every detail to perfection. Depending on the theatre, tickets to a performance can cost £15-80, so to save money, it's best to take unsold tickets through the Half price tickets booth box office at Leicester Square tube station. At musicals, viewers can take a glass of wine or ice cream into the hall.
Tower of London - medieval fortress Like many of the best attractions in London, this one has a long history. The construction of the fortress, towering on the banks of the River Thames, began over 900 years ago. The building was intended for the conclusion of influential prisoners, including representatives of the royal families. Mary Tudor, Anne Boleyn, and Thomas More also visited here. In certain years, it was also used as a royal residence. The fortress lost its main purpose only in the middle of the 20th century.
2. St. Paul's Cathedral
St Paul's Cathedral in London If your trip to London is connected with the desire to meet unique architectural monuments, take a trip to the city center to this majestic cathedral. The impressive dimensions make the church of St. Peter, made in the Baroque and Renaissance styles, one of the largest in Europe and the world. The date of construction is the 7th century. Of great interest is the dome of the building, lined with lead plates.
3 London Eye
London Eye (London Eye) - a large ferris wheel Such sights of London cannot be ignored. The height of the giant Ferris wheel is 135 meters. Each of the 32 cabins, made entirely of glass (except for the floor), has air conditioning. The number of booths, in the shape of an egg, was not chosen by chance. It symbolizes the number of London Boroughs (excluding the City Borough). The wheel makes one full circle with stops every half an hour. During this time, you will have time to look at many of the main attractions of London (we will briefly list them for you).
4. Tower Bridge
London Tower Bridge Another correct option of what to see in London in 1 day is required for every guest of the city. The attraction is only a hundred years old. However, it is also considered the true symbol of the capital of Britain. By purchasing a ticket, you can visit the upper level of the structure - here guests are invited to watch a documentary film about its construction.
5. Buckingham Palace
Royal Buckingham Palace in London Even today, Buckingham Palace is home to representatives of the royal family of England. The complex, with an adjacent territory of 20 hectares, should be called a mini-city: it has its own police station, pub, post office. The main building has just under 800 halls, employing 700 workers. Please note: tours of the palace itself are held only in August-September. However, all year round and completely free of charge, you can watch the process of changing the royal guard.
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6. Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey or St Peter's Cathedral in London The date of construction of the attraction is the 11th century. Currently, the House of Commons and the House of Lords are located inside the abbey. If you don't know where to go in London, but are passionate about the architecture and history of Great Britain, come here.
7. Big Ben
London Big Ben The name of this 96-meter architectural masterpiece of 1859, which is included in all the "" lists, was given by the bell located in it. Every hour, residents and guests of the capital learn about the time, thanks to the bells. The upper part of Big Ben boasts an observation deck - in order to climb to it, you need to overcome more than three hundred steps. Today, like many years ago, the tower is the largest clock in the world. it is recommended to book excursions to Big Ben in advance: there is no free entrance to the tower for tourists.
8. Palace of Westminster
Palace of Westminster - Houses of Parliament in London Meeting place for members of the British Parliament since the 16th century. From the 11th century until then, the castle served as a residence for members of the royal family. Over the centuries, the facade of the palace has changed and reconstructed many times (the last reconstruction was carried out in the 19th century), several new buildings were attached to the main building. Pay attention to what to visit in London Westminster the palace is possible only during the period when the parliament is on vacation.
9. British Museum
British Museum in London The decision to create this grandiose museum complex was made in 1753. The museum has about a hundred galleries with exhibits on the subject of archeology and the history of the East, Africa, colonial Britain, etc. Guests can also see antiques and relics. ancient greece and other European states. By the way, in the staff of the institution there are not only people, but also six cats (they are busy catching rats).
10. London National Gallery
Visitors in the halls of the London National Gallery Herry Lawford If you want to see the world's finest works of art, come to this gallery. In the spacious halls canvases of 12-20 centuries are exhibited. The modern complex also includes a coffee shop and a souvenir shop where everyone can buy books and souvenirs. Tours are conducted with audio guides (optional).
11. Natural History Museum London
Natural History Museum in London Large museum center, whose expositions contain over 70 million samples: paleontology (archaeological remains of animals), mineralogy (a huge number of minerals and stones), zoology (insects, birds and animals), botany (plants of various types). It is necessary to allocate a whole day to see such sights.
12. Hyde Park
Hyde Park - Royal Park in London All residents of the British capital love to relax in this beautiful park area. On the territory, in addition to landscaped lawns and paths, there are beautiful lake, where you can swim, and a special platform for public speaking on any topic (in addition to calls for violence and other publicly prohibited topics).
13. Churchill War Rooms
Churchill's War Rooms Bunker Museum in London Jenny Poole The complex consists of a museum and a military bunker of the great military leader of the 20th century. The "rooms" are located underground, and in 1939-1945 they were used for their intended purpose - they were a secret point for command meetings. It was from here that Churchill controlled the battles taking place on the territory of four oceans and three continents. In the collections of the museum you can see, among other things, his personal belongings.
14. Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square in London The main square and the geographical center of the city, in the middle of which is built a 50-meter column of G. Nelson. It is worth coming here, for example, for the sake of visiting the portrait and national galleries. Here you can also take excellent memorable photos - Big Ben may appear in the frame. On Trafalgar Square, temporary exhibitions of paintings by contemporary artists are organized and all kinds of folk celebrations are held, including Shrovetide.
15. London Science Museum
Science Museum London Steph Gray Another major museum center founded in 1857. The complex is located in a historic building designed by R. Ellison. If you are not fond of science, come see the original facade of the house. They don't even have such an impressive appearance. best hotels in London. As for exhibition samples, their number exceeds 300,000 units. There are interesting subjects to explore for people of all ages. Among the exhibits are the legendary locomotives Puffing Billy and Rocket.
Sights of London: what else to visit in London?
If you have already seen all those sights of London, the photos with the names and descriptions of which we have now given, we recommend that you visit such interesting places and objects of the city as:
16. Borough Market
Borough Market ("Borough Market") in London Jeremy Keith A huge food market in the capital, selling goods at retail and small wholesale. We included it in our list of attractions because it was organized (according to historians) no earlier than the 12th century. Here you can buy literally any food that only exists in the world - from fresh pastries to ready-made meat and fish delicacies. And also to feel the indescribable atmosphere of old London.
17. Madame Tussauds Museum
Madame Tussaud's London Nikos Roussos It is difficult to imagine a person who would not have heard about this great museum with wax figures. Despite the fact that Madame Tussauds herself was born in France, her famous exposition is located in the British capital. The collection contains figures of various politicians, athletes, cultural figures and celebrities. The precision of execution is amazing. Many wax figures are animated, some "stars" are allowed to be touched (for example, to take a funny photo). The figure of Madame Tussauds herself is also in the museum - it is installed at the entrance to it.
18. Sherlock Holmes Museum
Sherlock Holmes Museum in London Anders Thirsgaard Rasmussen The museum complex of the main detective from the works of Conan Doyle is located in a four-story building at number 221 b (despite the fact that the building was originally listed at number 239) on Baker Street. The decor of the rooms recreates the atmosphere of the apartments of Sherlock, Watson and their housekeeper. On the last level of the museum there is an exhibition with wax figures of heroes from books.
19. Theater Royal Covent Garden
View of one of the most prestigious opera venues in London Adrián Pérez The most famous and prestigious opera stage in the world, where the most talented and recognized orchestras and performers wish to perform. Before the current theater building was erected in 1858, there were two buildings on the same site (each was completely destroyed by fires). It should be noted that in the past, the leaders of Covent Garden allowed the performance of productions in all theatrical genres. However, later they decided that only musical performances could take place on the stage: concerts, ballets, operas, etc.
20. River Thames
Water transport on the River Thames in London Berit A natural landmark that stretches through the districts of the capital, and crosses all of London. It can be confidently said that the Thames is one of the most famous river arteries of the world, flowing within the city limits. It was thanks to her that the heart of Britain became financial and industrial center the whole country. Back in the era ancient rome there was a port. The number of tourists who visit the river every year is in the millions.
21. Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace and Queen Victoria Garden in West London If you choose the most symbolic sights of London, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square, perhaps, will be the undisputed leaders. In general, London is famous for its palaces, and each of them is unique in its own way. One of the most modest royal residences can be called Kensington Palace, well known throughout the world as the residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales. However, many people are attracted here by another moment - for many years one of the most famous persons of the last century, Princess Diana, lived here. Today, one half of the building is open to the general public, while the other half is home to Prince William's family. The palace, built in 1605, keeps the history of the last 3 centuries of the British monarchy and its most famous representatives. So, Queen Victoria, who spent 20 years of her life within these walls, is dedicated to her own exhibition, where you can find out what hobbies the royal person had.
22. Soho Quarter
Corner of Peter Street and Berwick Street in London's Soho Tom Morris 
Night life in the shopping and entertainment district of Soho in London Gotardo González In the heart of the fashionable West End, located in the west of London, the Soho quarter is located, known as a colorful and very lively place with a variety of entertainment venues. A walk around the area will especially appeal to those who want to see the not-so-famous London, strict and a little prim, and the other - carefree and riotous. Many centuries ago, an English village was located on the site of this quarter, and in 1536 a hunting park was laid out here. At the end of the 19th century, the area acquired the status of an urban slum, where immigrants, unrecognized geniuses, Jews and other sections of society who did not fit into the prosperous image of the city lived. And now, a century later, Soho is still known for its diverse population, and local pubs, boutiques and restaurants are famous for their numerous entertainment, inexpensive alcohol and affordable service.
23. Abbey Road
The famous Abbey Road pedestrian crossing in St. John's Wood, London Abbey Road is another street in London where life is in full swing. Once a couple of centuries ago, a street in St. John's Wood was called a haven of love and art - exalted ladies, actresses, true romantics lived here. Over time, establishments with alcohol and entertainment appeared here, which were in demand among respectable guests, and couples in love loved to walk in parks with lush flowers. In the 20th century, Abbey Road gained worldwide fame due to two factors - at the beginning of the century, the eponymous recording studio was founded here, giving the world musical masterpieces from such artists as Pink Floyd, Duran Duran, U2, Radiohead and many other luminaries of music. And one of the intersections of this street was immortalized on the album cover of the Liverpool Four Beatles - this album was just recorded within the walls of the Abbey Road studio, and for half a century the folk trail has not overgrown the legendary intersection.
24. Oxford Street
Building between Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road in London Tiia Monto 
lively market Street Oxford Street during Christmas shopping Jean-Etienne Minh-Duy Poirrier While walking through the historic district of Westminster, a tourist guide will certainly lead you to the busiest street in London - Oxford Street, which originates from Hyde Park's Marble Triumphal Arch and stretches east for 2.4 kilometers. This street is known as one of the longest European streets, where trade flourishes with might and main: hundreds of boutiques, shopping centers, shops, salons are concentrated along Oxford Street, most of which represent world brands. Millions of buyers find here something for themselves and their families - these are clothes, household appliances and electronics from well-known manufacturers. It will take more than one or a couple of days to visit all the outlets of the street. The peak of shopping here comes in the Christmas season - the street lights up with fabulous lights, creating a delightful and atmospheric spectacle.
25. Skyscraper Mary Ex 30
40-story skyscraper in London's financial district Paste One of the symbols representing modern look London, is a 180-meter skyscraper of an original design - it is a mesh shell that expands from bottom to top and then narrows at the top. When visiting historic district the Mary Ex 30 skyscraper will not go unnoticed - it attracts attention with its extraordinary architecture and the greenish color of the facade panels, due to which it received the colloquial name "cucumber". Such an unusual shape was dictated by the peculiarities of the historical site - the design casts a minimal shadow on the objects located below, and the aerodynamic shape promotes the natural circulation of air currents. The first floors of the skyscraper are occupied by numerous boutiques, but the most interesting thing awaits visitors at the top - the best city restaurants are equipped here, and on the top floor there is Observation deck with a great overview.
26. Charles Dickens House Museum
Facade of the house-museum of the great English writer Charles Dickens in London jelm6 
Items belonging to Dickens and his family at the Charles Dickens House Museum in London Joyofmuseums There is an old house on Downey Street, which keeps within its walls the symbols of the Victorian era and a piece of the life story of the legendary writer and his family. This is the Charles Dickens House Museum, which was once an ordinary old house. But the joint efforts of the Dickens Society led to the fact that the building, which was planned for demolition, was bought out and equipped as a museum. Today, this building is the only surviving house where the famous writer once lived and worked. The restorers did their best to recreate the authentic atmosphere - some of the things really once belonged to Dickens and his family members, and the premises themselves reproduce the appearance of a typical English housing of the 19th century. On the ground floor there is a kitchen with utensils, a bedroom, a living room, on the second floor there is a creative studio where wardrobe items, manuscripts, first editions of books and other things of the writer are stored.
27. Tate British Gallery
The historic Tate building at Vauxhall Bridge in London Tony Hisgett 
Collection of works in the British Tate Gallery in London Francisco Anzola The largest in the country has found its place in London museum complex artistic profile - the British gallery Tate, which stores masterpieces of national art, starting from the 16th century. This British museum was founded in 1897 by Sir Henry Tate, a businessman known as the inventor of refined sugar and cotton candy. He was a big fan of Victorian painting, so he considered the best solution to invest his finances in art by opening a gallery of works by his favorite artists. Over time, the collection began to grow, and samples of classical painting complemented more modern creations. By the end of the last century, the exposition had grown so much that it no longer had enough space, as a result, a new Tate Modern gallery was opened, where the collection of contemporary world art was transferred. The old Tate Britain still has national classics.
28. Globe Theater
Modern building of the Globe Theater in London Ben Snooks 
Globus galleries and spectators during the performance On the south bank of the Thames is located the oldest theater in London - Shakespeare's Globe, which was given world fame for the first productions in its history based on the works of Shakespeare. The history of the Globe dates back to the end of the 16th century, and to this day the architecture of the building feels the living breath of history, despite the fact that the theater was rebuilt three times. The last reconstruction was proposed by the American director Wanamaker, who in the 70s organized a trust fund intended for the restoration of the building. The modern building of 1997 was reconstructed in accordance with the traditions of those years when the theater was first created. It is noteworthy that the building has an original thatched roof. Performances are held here in the warm season, and tours are held daily. Not far from the Globe is a theme park-museum dedicated to Shakespeare.
One of the most famous and largest concert halls in the UK is the Albert Hall in Westminster. It is designed for 10 thousand spectators and is essentially a charitable organization, the purpose of which is to promote education, science and art. The building was originally conceived by the architect F. Fowke as a Roman amphitheater, so it has an elliptical shape and is decorated in the Renaissance style, its roof is a transparent dome made of glass and metal structures, and the facade is decorated with allegorical elements. Since 1941 it has been constantly held cultural events and concerts, and at the end of the year, the largest national event is organized, tickets for which are sold out many months in advance. Often the stage of the Albert Hall is used for large social events, conferences and even sports matches.
30. Museum-ship "Cutty Sark"
Aerial view of the tea clipper Cutty Sark in dry dock at Greenwich Many people know the reverent attitude of the British to their historical past, which is represented in the country, including in the form of interesting museums. One of them is the unusual museum ship "Cutty Sark", which witnessed the glorious history of Great Britain in the 19th century - the ship set off on its first voyage in 1869, and it spent several years at sea, supplying the country with one of the British's favorite products - high-class tea. Today it is the only surviving ship of its kind in the world - at one time it was the fastest. The clipper went down in history 3 years after the first voyage - a ship loaded with tea set off from the port of Shanghai, but after a while it lost its rudder, they tried to control it downwind with improvised means, and the ship nevertheless reached the shores of London. Today, the ship's history can be explored within the walls of the museum inside, where you can see samples of cargo ranging from tea and whiskey to buffalo wool.
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