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. Since the foundation of the gallery in 1824, the canvases have been placed in the order in which they were painted, and at the moment the number of masterpieces of painting exceeds 2,000. 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 in the world in the field of fashion, architecture and graphics - Design Museum - was located. 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's world-famous Natural History Museum includes several collections and invites lovers of botany, zoology, mineralogy and antiquities to take free tours. 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 the inventions of 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 products of decorative art, but also theatrical exhibits, sculptures, paintings, samples of fabrics 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 funds expanded significantly 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, building kits, dollhouses 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 of retail space accommodate up to 330 different departments 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 luxurious 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, embodied successful marketing moves in the organization of 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 London Public Transport Museum, 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 round-the-clock 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 prepared 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 an ideal 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 shops and supermarkets, but traditional Chinese souvenir shops and Chinese restaurants have actively replaced the former owners. Now all the institutions 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 of 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 purchase traditional 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 appreciated 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.
The place where the heart of Great Britain beats is, of course, called London. In this multi-million city of luxury and British tradition, you can find a huge number of attractions that can outshine other historical relics of the world. Let's consider them in more detail.
The famous clock on the main tower
Sometimes tourists wonder where in London to look for Big Ben? The world-famous clock tower is located in the Palace of Westminster. The palace itself is the seat of both houses of the British Parliament.
Big Ben is considered a real gem of London architecture. The tower got its name thanks to the bell located in it. This bell strikes every hour, telling Londoners of the time.
The tower stretches to the sky at 96 meters in height. At its top there is an observation deck, to which 334 steps lead..
Big Ben is still one of the largest clockworks in the world. His work began in 1859. For safety reasons, excursions for a wide range of visitors to Big Ben are not carried out, but it is still possible to view the tower up close.
Historic London Museum
In 1753 Parliament approved the founding of the British Museum. Its 94 galleries with expositions are devoted to history and archeology. The institution received the main collections from Earl Harley, doctor Sloan and antiquary Cotton.
The British Museum has unusual workers - cats. Six cats there are approved and registered rat-catchers..
Colonial Britain, Africa and the East are only a small part of the directions in which the exhibits are presented in the museum. There are also many Greek relics and other European antiquities. The Russell Square tube station is located next to the museum.
The Queen's current palace
There are not many palaces left in the world where the royal family would live in real mode. Buckingham Palace is a pleasant exception here, and is also considered the current residence of the Queen of England.
Buckingham Palace Complex can be called a small town. Indeed, in addition to the main building with luxurious halls and presentable rooms, there is a post office, a police station and even a pub.
The palace has 775 rooms that serve 700 people. The total area of the complex with a garden is 20 hectares.
Tours of the palace are held in August and September. The changing of the guard in front of the palace is an entertainment accessible to tourists at any time of the year. Near the palace is the metro station St James Park.
Westminster and its history
In the 11th century, Westminster Abbey was outside the center of London. Then Buckingham Palace was rebuilt nearby, and Westminster itself received an important political status.
Today, within the walls of this castle is the House of Lords, as well as the House of Commons..
Near Westminster there are a huge number of "royal" attractions. Near the former abbey there is now a metro station of the same name.
Free Speech Park
Hyde Park is considered a favorite place for Londoners. There they walk along the alleys, relax on the grass, and can also speak at a special podium to speak out. The only restriction during a speech can be swear words and calls for violence, and you can speak publicly on any topic.
There is Serpentine Lake in the park area. Swimming is allowed.
The park is located near Kensington Palace. Hyde Park is connected to the palace park by a common area.
ferris wheel to the millennium
The height of the "London Eye" or the main Ferris wheel in London is 135 meters. This wheel, resembling an eye from afar, has only 32 cabins with transparent windows, which can accommodate up to 800 people at a time.
The London Eye service is top notch. There you can order champagne and strawberries. It is also possible to rent a cabin for two.
The revolution of the huge wheel ends in 30 minutes. The wheel is located in the Lambert area.
Tussauds and wax figures in London
The most famous and modern wax museum, which was invented by Madame Tussauds, is located in London. It was in the heart of Britain that the Frenchwoman moved her collection to escape the war.
The museum displays figures of various celebrities and historical figures. All of them are made of wax and plastic with amazing precision. Many exhibits are animated.
The museum is located on Marylebone Rd. In this institution, at the entrance, visitors are greeted by the famous Madame herself, made of wax, of course, and many exhibits can be touched.
Holmes and his museum
The museum of the legendary literary character is located in the house, whose number is determined as 239. Thanks to concessions from the authorities, this house was nevertheless assigned the number from the books of Arthur Conan Doyle 221b.
In the museum building, Holmes and Watson's rooms reconstructed from books, as well as Mrs. Hudson's apartments, are located on three floors. On the fourth floor there is an exhibition of wax figures.
You can find Sherlock Holmes' modern house on London's Baker Street. Near the museum there is a metro station of the same name with the street.
The largest gallery in the UK
All the best art in London is collected in one place - in the London National Gallery. There you can look at paintings from all over Western Europe, from the 12th century to the 20th century.
Today the gallery is located in the north of Trafalgar Square..
The new building of the gallery houses bars with excellent coffee. There you can buy books and posters in the gift shop. Tours with audio guides are organized for tourists.
One of the most famous streets
Piccadilly is mentioned more than once in numerous literary works. This street is the heart of Westminster. This avenue always looks lively, well-groomed and colorful.
The street got its name from a tailor who made piccadilly collars there..
This street has its own square and the Royal Academy. Both sides of Piccadilly are lined with trendy cafes and interesting shops.
City, Thames and architecture
The financial heart of London beats in the old part of the City. It is there that the Tower, the Mary Ax skyscraper, St. Paul's Cathedral are located.
The City is a freaky combination of architectural styles. Antiquity there harmoniously coexists with modern new buildings.
It is difficult to find residential buildings in the City, the London Stock Exchange, banks and offices are located there. The City is an area created not for life, but for work.
The most fashionable area
It so happened that Soho is one of the most expensive and fashionable parts of London. The area does not sleep even at night, it is there that the most reckless and extravagant parties are held.
In the 17th century, what is now Soho was a hunting ground. It is believed that the name of the area came from the hunting call "so-ho".
Soho has a huge number of bars. There is a gay quarter, as well as apartments where artists and creative bohemians like to live. Leicester Square Underground Station is located near the area.
Fortress on the banks of the Thames
The Tower is a real old fortress on the north bank of the Thames. After the construction, the fortress served as a defensive structure, then it was a mint and even a zoo.
The height of the towers of the Tower is 30 meters. Built an ancient fortress in 1078.
Today the Tower is a royal residence. There is a museum on the first floor of the fortress, where the iconic treasures of the British crown are exhibited. There is also an armory and a skating rink in the fortress, which is open from November until the end of winter.
London main bridge
The complex construction of the Tower Bridge is no less admirable than the views from its observation deck. When the bridge is raised for navigation, the pedestrian part of the structure remains untouched.
Today there is a museum on the ancient bridge. From the Tower Bridge you can see the best city panoramas of London.
The bridge was commissioned in 1894. Since then, its 244 meters long structure has been used for traffic and pedestrians.
Theater Globe
The old and famous Globe Theater hosts performances and performances from April to October. The rest of the time there are guided tours.
The theater is a reconstruction of a theater building from the 16th century. Performances are shown in natural light. The theater has no seating and a thatched roof only partially covers half of the stage.
The Globe is located on Bankside Street. Despite its historical surroundings, there are always long queues at the box office.
Opera House of the Kings
Covent Garden is a luxurious stronghold of the Royal Opera in London. The royal ballet and the royal troupe perform there. The theater acquired the final architectural version in 1990.
The auditorium can accommodate approximately 2,200 people. The ballet of this theater is patronized by the Queen herself, and the cast is patronized by the Prince of Wales.
Covent Garden is located on Covent Garden Piazza. You can get to it by buses number 9, 13, 153 from Piccadilly Street.
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is not only a beautiful place to relax, but also an interchange for many modes of transport. It is on this square that the main Christmas tree of the country is lit every year.
The square is named after the victory at Trafalgar. An event took place in 1805.
There are many interesting and unusual sights in this historic square. Nearby is the underground station "Charing Cross".
The best place to buy groceries
The highest quality and freshest products in London are only in the Borough Market building. The best chefs of fashionable restaurants in the capital are bought there for themselves, and not for their business. This indicates the excellent quality of farm products in the Borough Market.
The oldest market in London has been operating since the 13th century. It sells ready-made food made according to family recipes and the freshest meat, as well as fish, milk, cheeses and other gastronomic delights..
True English products are available for purchase on Wednesday and Thursday, as well as on Friday and Saturday. Trading in the market starts at 9 am, and unofficially ends at 3 pm. London Bridge station is located next to the market. From the metro to get to the market, you have to walk for 10 minutes.
The oldest zoo in the world
Londoners can be proud to be the first to offer visitors a trip to an excellent zoo, aquarium, insectarium and serpentarium.
The world's first zoo appeared in Great Britain in 1828. Today it has collected more than 16 thousand animals..
The oldest zoo was founded by Thomas Raffles. It is located in central London, next to Regent's Park tube station.
Skyscraper for the Olympic Games
The Shard glass skyscraper was built in 2012 before the start of the Olympic Games. The height of the skyscraper is 309 meters. There are 72 floors in the building.
From the 68th to the 72nd floor, the Shard turns into a giant observation deck.
A high-speed elevator takes tourists to the top of the skyscraper. In 2012, the Shard was considered the tallest European skyscraper. The shard is at 32 London Bridge Street.
Chinatown in London
Chinatown is a small metropolitan area inhabited predominantly by Chinese families. The Chinese have lived in the area since Hong Kong was a British colony.
The Chinese area is very bright and colorful. It has an Asian vibe and sells some of the best Chinese food in London.
Today, the area has evolved into a restaurant and shopping option. There are few residents from China who own apartments there, but shops and cafes can be found in abundance.
Regent's Park and its beauty
The classic royal park in the English style appeared thanks to Henry the Eighth's passion for hunting. Smooth alleys, geometric flower beds and a standard set of trees do not make this park boring, but rather give it an aristocratic charm.
A beautiful lake and 400 varieties of roses are the real highlight of the park.
Regent's Park opens unusually early - at 5 am. There is a place for walking and relaxing until late at night. Next to it is a metro station with the same name.
highgate cemetery
Sad and beautiful, the site is the resting place of many famous Londoners. The cemetery began to work in the Victorian era. Initially, it was built up with Gothic tombs.
Several centuries ago, Londoners believed that one could quite meet a vampire in this cemetery at night. The surroundings of this place are a little sinister, but they are distinguished by a special gloomy beauty. There is a cemetery on Swain's Ln.
Cathedral of All Saints
All Saints Church in London is over 1500 years old. This impressive building is located in the center of the capital, and pleases the eye with its dissimilarity to modern buildings.
The church was built in 675. Before this period there was a settlement of the Romans.
Brass engravings and Roman mosaics on the floor harmoniously connect the different stylistic eras that this church has experienced in its history. Wooden statues of the fifteenth century will be of particular interest to tourists, because it is difficult to imagine that a tree can keep its appearance for so long. The temple is located in the City next to the Tower Bridge.
Theater of one play
Many tourists visit London every day. This is a city with an interesting history. Every traveler dreams of visiting the famous and famous sights of London. Here, anyone will find something to see: historical, architectural, cultural sights and wonders will not leave anyone indifferent.
Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Hyde Park, the Wax Museum, ancient structures and modern buildings attract tourists from all over the world. The sights of London with their grandeur and beauty captivate, enchant, make you admire unique monuments, intriguing with numerous legends and interesting stories. This city forever captivates the hearts of tourists who have visited it, and therefore they return here again and again to admire its beauty and discover interesting places.
TOP 20 attractions in London
The historical sights of London belong mainly to the Victorian era. So called the times when the country was ruled by Queen Victoria (1837 - 1901). Few of the earlier buildings have survived, since many buildings were destroyed in a fire in 1666. The surviving main sights of London are the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and Banqueting House.
No one will argue that London is one of the most popular points on the map among tourists; almost every traveler wants to visit this rainy and perhaps a little gloomy, but such an attractive city with a magical atmosphere. This is the capital of dreams, memorable at first sight with its unique character, color, expressed in every detail.
The banks of the Thames amaze with the number of interesting sights, because in order to form at least a superficial opinion about this wonderful metropolis, you will need to spend at least a week here.
Moreover, unlike some other cities that are invariably included in the list of must-see places in the world, London does not have a clearly defined center that would unite the main attractions on its territory. Here, famous places are scattered in different areas.
The list of places worth visiting in the English capital can include not only museums, castles and other historical buildings, but also rich nature, picturesque parks, as well as modern buildings, for example, skyscrapers, striking in their originality and impressiveness.
Let us consider in more detail the objects that no self-respecting guest from another state should pass by.
One of the first historical buildings, which you definitely cannot bypass, is Big Ben. There is, perhaps, no traveler who has not seen the most famous clock in the world on postcards or stationery.
The construction of the tower took place under Queen Victoria in the middle of the 19th century, and its height reaches 97 meters. Since then, the clock has been faithfully counting the time, acting as a guide for all residents of London.
It should be mentioned that there is a widespread misconception regarding the name of the building. "Big Ben" is not the name of the legendary clock tower or the clock itself, it is the most impressive bell located in the tower.
This giant differs from five brothers in its striking weight - 13.5 tons. But due to the simplicity of the name, its easy perception, both visitors and local residents often use the name "Big Ben" both for the clock and for the tower as a whole.
The official and correct name of the main symbol of the English capital is Elizabeth Tower. This honorary name was assigned only in 2012, and the occasion was the 60th anniversary of the Queen's reign. Until then, the name of St. Stephen's Tower was assigned to the tower.
Let's turn to the milestones of the existence of a historical object: before this building served as a prison intended for political prisoners - parliamentarians, whose opinion contradicted the views of the authorities. However, in fact, the tower practically did not fulfill its functions; in the entire history, only one prisoner was imprisoned within these walls.
In popular culture, the tower invariably finds its place. In 2012, the chimes gave a sign to the opening of the Olympics, and in the most famous films and even cartoons, the tower becomes the star of close-ups - "Flood", "Mars Attacks" and other Hollywood masterpieces.
And a number of cartoons even contain scenes set in Big Ben - "101 Dalmatians" or "Peter Pan".
As you know, Big Ben is an integral part, one of the towers of the grandiose Palace of Westminster, which is another major attraction. The history of the palace is full of tragedies - until the 14th century it was assigned the role of a royal residence, but fate prepared a surprise for it.
In 1834, a terrible fire broke out, causing the loss of most of the building. There are also a few surviving fragments of the palace - Westminster Hall, where magnificent receptions were held, and the Tower of Jewels.
Only in the middle of the 19th century, a new building of the palace was built to replace the burnt-out apartments. Today, parliamentary sessions are held here. The style in which the modern palace was built can be defined as neo-Gothic.
The characteristics that distinguish the majestic building are impressive - the total length of its corridors is about five kilometers, and the number of rooms almost reaches 1200.
Westminster Hall requires special attention, since it is not just one of the halls, but the most valuable monument of the Middle Ages, which preserved the spirit of those years and survived the fire.
The hall was created in the 11th century, it was luxurious, and the original project was rebuilt 300 years later: the walls were lined with stone, and wooden floors were added. I must say that not only this hall went through a monstrous fire, but also through the bombing of the Germans in 1941, because the neighboring hall was completely destroyed by them.
The dimensions of Westminster Hall evoke awe - the ceiling height is 28 meters, and the total area is about 1800 sq.m. Not always, however, only solemn receptions were held here, this room served as a courtroom until the end of the 19th century - it was here that the Supreme Court of the state ruled a death sentence to a number of famous personalities, among which, for example, the thinker Thomas More.
The next point on the route of an inquisitive tourist is Westminster Abbey, which can be found to the west of the Palace of Westminster. Another, less popular, name of the building is St. Peter's Church.
The duration of the process of erecting this building in the Gothic style is striking - exactly 5 centuries, although there were short breaks. Statues of martyrs adorn the western façade of the majestic church.
Westminster Abbey can boast of the constancy of its functions - this is the only place where British monarchs ascend the throne, as well as the territory of their burial. In addition to royalty, the abbey also finds eternal rest for prominent Britons, whose work glorified England.
For example, in Poets' Corner you can find the burial places of Dickens, Chaucer and other literary geniuses. The graves of such famous scientists as Darwin and Newton are also located here. It is a great honor to find the last refuge here only for outstanding citizens.
Buckingham Palace
You can not ignore the residence of Elizabeth II - the magnificent Buckingham Palace. It was founded in 1703 and named after the original owner, the Duke of Buckingham.
There are more than 600 rooms inside the palace. The northern part of the castle is occupied by the current queen and her husband. Tourists can instantly determine whether the monarch is present at the residence or has temporarily left it by the British flag, which either flutters over the structure or falls.
For those who like to watch the changing of the guard of honor, such an opportunity is provided daily for half an hour before noon on the palace square.
Fortress Tower
The next most important point is the Tower fortress, which plays the role of another main symbol of the capital. The structure is ancient, the date of construction is 1078.
Unlike Westminster Abbey, which is permanent in its purpose, the old Tower has been a fortress, a royal residence, an observatory, a zoo, a mint, and a prison. It was the latter that made it an infamous historical point.
The Second World War was the period of the return of the Tower to the prison past - the Germans taken prisoner were kept here, including Rudolf Hess.
At present, the complex includes several buildings, including the museum of jewels and the armory, which are the most significant.
The bridge with the same name - Tower Bridge - is located near the fortress. It was in honor of her that he acquired such a name. The bridge was opened in 1894. This is a large-scale Gothic-style steel movable structure spanning the River Thames.
It is a Tower Bridge structure of two towers (65 meters each), which are connected by a passage. The crossing wings can be raised up to 83 degrees to allow large vessels to pass under the bridge.
An interesting fact is that the bridge is extremely convenient for pedestrians due to special paths that are provided even at the time of its breeding.
On the stairs located in each tower, you can climb to a height of 44 meters and move to the other side of the river, despite the wings fixed at an angle. Also on the bridge there is an observation deck, which is located in the upper part of the bridge. From there, tourists can admire the magical English city.
Trafalgar Square
Let us now turn to the famous squares. The most famous for travelers is Trafalgar Square. This attraction is located directly in the center of the capital. You can find the square by the column installed on it, topped with a statue of Admiral Nelson.
The height of the column is 44 meters, and gray granite served as the material for its creation. The square is now home to London's main Christmas tree every year. Read about here.
piccadilly circus
Another old square is Piccadilly Circus, its history goes back over 200 years. Here you can find a famous cafe called "Royal", which served as a gathering place for creative personalities - artists, poets. The main highlight of the square is the fountain crowned with a statue of the Greek god Anteros.
Another interesting detail is the underground theater hall with 600 seats (Criterion Theatre), which has been operating since 1874. Also, some tourists come here, wanting to visit the museum "Cupids of London". This is a modern cultural point, which appeared in 2007.
A fun fact about Piccadilly Circus is that it was one of the first squares where the first neon signs found their place over 100 years ago.
Madame Tussauds museum
Let's move on to museums. London is famous all over the world, thanks to the exposition that allows not only to take pictures, but also to touch the stars of show business, historical figures, royalty - this is Madame Tussauds Museum. This wonderful place is located on Marylebone Road.
The exhibition has more than four hundred realistic exhibits, including personalities such as Michael Jackson, the Beatles and other people who left their bright mark on history. The skill with which the figures are made is often just numb, since it is quite difficult to distinguish them from living prototypes.
There is in this, harmless at first glance, the museum and a corner for those who like to tickle their nerves. This is the Chamber of Horrors - a room where images of British criminals who have done monstrous deeds for the past 5 centuries are collected.
Sherlock Holmes Museum
It is impossible not to pay attention to this museum on Baker Street. It is clear to everyone that this exposition is dedicated to the favorite literary hero of the inhabitants of England - Sherlock Holmes. The building that houses the museum was built in 1815. It has four floors, the first of which contains a souvenir shop and a hall.
On the second, tourists can find the detective's room and the living room, and the third is occupied by the chambers of Mrs. Hudson and Dr. Watson. The last floor serves as a platform for wax figures of the main characters of works about Holmes.
The situation is recreated with particular accuracy - the British carefully approached the details, placing in the chambers a violin, a detective's smoking pipe, as well as other things reflecting his hobbies. A tourist can even spend time by the fireplace in Sherlock's favorite chair, immersed in an atmosphere of carelessness and disorder, creating the effect of the owner's recent presence in the room.
Residential complex One Hyde Park
Finally, we note the modern sights of the city. Travelers are often attracted by the unattainable and luxurious. One of these places is a luxury residential complex located in the Knightsbridge area. Of course, there are no special beauties or historical atmosphere to be found here.
This complex consists of four separate buildings made of reinforced concrete and glass. However, the complex gained world fame due to its cost. The most expensive apartment on the planet is located here, the owner bought it for $220 million.
Luxurious housing, unfortunately, is the prerogative of only billionaires. A tourist can only walk around the prestigious quarter and take a photo against its background.
Naturally, these are not all the sights of London, but only a minimum that every tourist must visit. In addition to the above, plan a visit to the National Art Gallery, famous for its collection of works by da Vinci, Monet, Rubens and other world-famous artists.
Take a walk along the Avenue of Stars - an analogue of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which keeps the handprints of famous Englishmen. Fans of entertainment and shopping should head to the Soho area.
