The London Travel Guide gives an insight in to one of the most famous cities in the world. It is also one of the most cosmopolitan places on earth, with many different nationalities and languages spoken in the capital. There are many different aspects to London from the exclusive Knightsbridge, Chelsea and Notting Hill to bohemian quirky Camden, there is fashionable Islington in the north and dynamic Clapham to the south. Visitors have a huge range of attractions to choose from, our guide highlights a number of top visitor attractions and provides useful tourist information and tips.
Overview and Attractions
Central London is teeming with some of the world’s best known districts; Piccadilly, Covent Garden, Soho, Mayfair and Westminster are all relatively close together. The preferred way many tourists see these areas are by foot using the underground network that connects all of these areas. London Shopping offers shoppers a huge choice like few other cities, there is Oxford Circus, Regent Street, Bond Street and others.
There is the hip Carnaby Street that came to symbolise the swinging sixties. There are a range of Markets in London ranging from well known ones such as Portobello Road and Covent Garden Market to smaller markets offering visitors with plenty of choice.
The city of London square mile area is the centre of the financial institutions based in London. There is an extraordinary concentration of banks from around the world, insurance firms and financial institutions of all descriptions. Many people from all over the UK and the world flock to the square mile each year in search of work opportunities and to make their fortune.
Westminster is home to some of the most famous sights in the capital, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben, the Horse Guards Parade, Downing Street - the home of the prime minister. There are also some famous parks in the area including St. James' Park and Green Park. Buckingham Palace is also in the area, one of the official residences of the queen, there are tours available for visitors to see inside the palace.
The West End is seen by many as the heartbeat of London, there is plenty to see and do. If you like shopping there are the shops of Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street. There are also many bars, restaurants and theatres to visit. London is famous for its theatres and will suit most tastes, good value tickets can sometimes be obtained on the day if you can be flexible on timings. See Theatre Breaks for details on theatre offers and to search for tickets at top shows.
The capital is steeped in history and has a number of World Heritage Sites these include the Tower of London a favourite among visitors. The historic fortress dates back many centuries having witnessed a number of historical events of great importance of the years. The tower is home to the famous crown jewels, a spectacular collection of treasures that have been worn by royalty over the centuries.
Another world heritage site is Westminster AbbeyWestminster Abbey among the most famous of London’s landmarks, it is well known as the coronation church and is the final resting place for several monarchs over the years. The history of the church goes back to the 10th century, it has been the venue of Royal weddings and houses many statues and monuments.
Among the contemporary attractions is the London Eye, built for the millennium celebrations back in 2000. It has become a firm favourite among tourists, it is the number one paid for attraction in the capital. A trip on the London Eye takes approx 45 minutes and offers some truly stunning views of London and the surrounding areas, it is possible to see for many miles on a clear day.
The Madame Tussauds wax museum is an internationally renowned attraction with a large number of visitors each day. The wax work figures are updated on an on going basis, there are figures from the ancient past to modern figures. There are figures from royalty to cultural and sporting icons. The Spirit of London offers visitors the chance to sit in an iconic famous black cab and take a trip in to 400 years of London life and sounds.
A favourite tourist spot is Trafalgar Square famous for Nelson's Column and the pigeons seen there. Covent Garden, formally a covered flower market, is now made up of trendy, designer shops, bars and street side cafes making it one of the most desirable areas in London.
For further information on a range of London Attractions and combining Short Breaks in London with visiting attractions please see: London Attractions Breaks
With so many things to see and do in London, getting around is very important. There are various options, a lot of London can be seen by foot so for those that like to explore there is the opportunity to see the great sights & sounds of London and keep fit! Seeing London by foot usually is combined with taking the Tube (Underground), the network is extensive especially in central London and a combination of Tube and walking will mean you can just about everything there is to see. See public transport timetables for more information.
There are various ways to see the sights, the sightseeing bus tours where you can get off and on at various locations all over London is a great way to see the sights. All of the major tourist sights and attractions are covered and guided commentaries in various languages are available.
Given London has more than its fair share of world renowned sights and attractions it is well worth considering a London Pass. The pass entitles you to get free entry to 55 top London attractions. If you are a sightseeing fan then this represents great value for money, you also get discounts in shops, restaurants and entertainment places. See London Pass for more information.
The Great British Heritage Pass is equally worth considering, it allows you to see the many places of interest in the UK (including London). Including Castles, Gardens, Monuments & others. You can visit a total of 600 UK attractions for free with the Great British Heritage Pass.
London has much to offer everyone, due to the variety of things to see and do, it is likely to have an appeal to just about everybody. It is recommended that prior to coming visitors do their research and ensure things like famous sights are actually open on the days you intend on coming. The transport is also worth checking as maintenance and engineering works can mean a restricted service on public transport. Overall London offers a great experience for the visitor that leaves many visitors coming back for more.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
