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London
United Kingdom
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Visit London
London, the vibrant capital of the United Kingdom, is a city steeped in history and bustling with modern life. A visit to London offers an extraordinary blend of ancient landmarks, royal heritage, and cutting-edge culture. From the majestic Houses of Parliament and the iconic Big Ben to the modern marvel of the London Eye, the city's skyline is a testament to its rich past and dynamic present. The Thames River, winding through the city, adds a serene touch to the bustling metropolis, providing a picturesque setting for a leisurely cruise or a scenic walk along its banks.
Exploring London's diverse neighborhoods is like visiting different worlds. The historic charm of Covent Garden, known for its fashionable boutiques, street performers, and the Royal Opera House, contrasts sharply with the edgy and eclectic Camden Town, a haven for lovers of alternative music and fashion. Notting Hill, with its colorful townhouses and the famous Portobello Road Market, offers a quieter, more bohemian vibe. Each area boasts its own unique character, making London a city of endless discovery.
No trip to London would be complete without delving into its rich cultural scene. The city is home to some of the world's most prestigious museums and galleries, including the British Museum, where you can explore human history and culture from around the globe, and the Tate Modern, which houses an impressive collection of contemporary artworks. Theatre enthusiasts will be drawn to the West End, where a multitude of theaters offer performances ranging from classic Shakespearean plays to modern musicals. With countless dining options that span the spectrum from traditional British pubs to Michelin-starred restaurants, London also offers a culinary adventure for every palate.
Whether you're a history buff, art lover, foodie, or simply in search of a vibrant urban experience, London promises an array of activities and sights that cater to all interests. The city's blend of historical grandeur and contemporary buzz, along with its cultural diversity and innovative spirit, makes it a must-visit destination on any traveler's list.
London Monthly Weather Conditions
LOW
TEMP
HIGH
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DAYS OF PRECIP.
January
33°F
43°F
19
February
34°F
46°F
10
March
39°F
53°F
11
April
43°F
60°F
11
May
49°F
66°F
11
June
55°F
71°F
11
July
57°F
75°F
11
August
57°F
75°F
11
September
57°F
66°F
11
October
50°F
64°F
11
November
42°F
54°F
11
December
36°F
48°F
11
Need to Know Before You Go To London
Nickname:
The Big Smoke
Primary Language:
English
Time Zone:
Europe/London
Current Time:
Electric Plug Type:
Type G
Annual Visitors:
31.5 million
Primary Export:
Financial services
Busiest Travel Months:
July, August, June
Quietest Travel Months:
January, November, February
Find your Next Adventure in London
Explore London
Iconic Landmarks
Buckingham Palace
- The official London residence of the UK's sovereigns since 1837, this iconic palace is also the administrative headquarters of the monarch.
The Tower of London
- A historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames, this landmark has served variously as a royal palace, fortress, prison, and treasury.
Big Ben
- The nickname for the Great Bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster, Big Ben is often extended to also refer to both the clock and the clock tower.
The British Museum
- Established in 1753, this comprehensive museum is dedicated to human history, art, and culture, with a collection of over 8 million works.
The Shard
- Standing 309.6 meters high, The Shard is the tallest building in the United Kingdom, offering panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.
London Eye
- A major feature of London's skyline, this giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames offers spectacular views of the capital city.
Cultural Experiences
West End Theatre
Experience world-class live performances ranging from musicals to classic plays in London's equivalent of Broadway.
British Museum
Explore a vast collection of world art and artifacts, including the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles.
Afternoon Tea
Indulge in this quintessential British tradition at places like The Ritz or Fortnum & Mason for a taste of refined British hospitality.
Borough Market
Dive into London's oldest food market where you can sample gourmet foods and fresh produce from around the world.
Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London
Witness this ancient ritual, which has been performed every night without fail for over 700 years, marking the official locking of the Tower of London.
Notting Hill Carnival
Celebrate Caribbean culture, music, and food at this vibrant, colorful street festival held every August.
Outdoor Adventures
Hiking in Hampstead Heath
Explore vast meadows, woodlands, and ponds in one of London's largest parks, offering stunning views from Parliament Hill.
Kayaking on the Thames
Paddle along the River Thames to see some of London’s most iconic landmarks from a unique, watery perspective.
Cycling in Richmond Park
Cycle through this large park, famous for its deer and protected vistas, which offers a perfect escape from city life.
Go Ape in Battersea Park
Experience treetop crossings, zip wires, and rope swings in this adventure park located right in the heart of London.
Horse Riding in Hyde Park
Enjoy horseback riding along the famous Rotten Row and other bridleways in one of London’s most historic and beautiful parks.
Birdwatching in the London Wetland Centre
Spot a variety of bird species in these carefully managed wetlands that provide a serene break from urban hustle.
Off the Beaten Path
Eel Pie Island
- A private island on the Thames with a rich music history and a vibrant artist community, accessible only by footbridge or boat.
Seven Noses of Soho
- Scattered around Soho are seven sculpted noses created by artist Rick Buckley in 1997 as a form of artistic protest.
The Hunterian Museum
- Located within the Royal College of Surgeons, this museum showcases medical specimens, surgical instruments, and oddities.
Wilton’s Music Hall
- The world's oldest surviving music hall, offering a range of live performances in a beautifully restored Victorian setting.
God’s Own Junkyard
- A colorful wonderland in Walthamstow featuring a dazzling collection of neon signs and artworks.
The Seven Dials Mystery
- A network of seven atmospheric streets that converge at a central pillar, known for its unique independent shops and boutiques.
London Fun Facts
- Big Ben is not actually the name of the clock or the tower; it's the name of the 13-ton bell inside the tower.
- London buses were not always red. Before 1907, different routes had different colored buses.
- The London Underground is the oldest underground railway network in the world, opening in 1863.
- There are over 300 languages spoken in London, making it one of the most linguistically diverse cities in the world.
- The Great Fire of London in 1666 destroyed much of the medieval city, leading to the modern city layout we know today.
- The exact center of London is marked by a plaque in the Church of St. Martin's in the Fields indicating the Millennium of the City of London.
- The Tower of London houses six ravens and, according to legend, if the ravens ever leave, the kingdom will fall.
- London has hosted the Summer Olympic Games three times: in 1908, 1948, and 2012.
- The London Eye, erected in 2000, was initially intended as a temporary structure, but it proved so popular that it became a permanent fixture.
- The British Museum in London holds around 8 million objects and is one of the largest and most comprehensive in existence, documenting the story of human culture from its beginnings to the present.
Featured Picture Gallery
Explore Iconic Landmarks Such As Big Ben
Reach New Heights While Riding on the London Eye
Visit The Shard and View London From The Skydeck
Drive Through the Famous London Bridge
Visit Big Ben and The Houses of Parliament
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