In London, you’re bound to be able to spot globally recognisable landmarks (Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and more) no matter where you go. Despite this familiarity, there’s also something new around every corner – even for locals.
This is a city made for explorers, linked by “The Tube” (the dizzying underground subway), red double-decker buses and iconic black cabs. If you don’t know where to begin, head to the South Bank of the River Thames and take a turn on the London Eye. When it opened in 2000, it was the world’s tallest ferris wheel and remains a perfect way to get your bearings from above. Westminster Abbey, the House of Parliament (and Big Ben), the West End’s mouth-watering restaurants and the city centre are all within walking distance from here, as is the Tate Modern, one of the finest collections of contemporary art.
London can be cringe-worthily touristy, with Union Jack-drenched souvenir shops at every corner. This is, after all, ground central for Royal Mania – made all the more popular now with its new wave of celebrity-like princes, princesses and mega-weddings. Royal life, past and present, is on full display at Buckingham Palace (with its daily changing of the guards ceremony), Kensington Palace, the infamous Tower of London, and – for history buffs – the British Museum and Imperial War Museum.
When London’s fog and rains roll in, it’s prime time for art galleries: the Natural History Museum and hi-tech Science Museum in South Kensington or the National Gallery and neighbouring National Portrait Gallery in Trafalgar Square. Or stop for high tea or a pint at one of the city’s many pubs and bakeries.
If the sun comes out, join thousands of other Londoners in any of the city’s massive parks: Regent’s and Hyde parks, Kew Gardens, Hampstead Heath or Greenwich Park. Markets liven up the weekends – check out Portobello Road's antiques, Columbia Road's blooms and Camden's trendy vibes.
Culture is king in the West End. Its theatres and cinemas have shows for every preference, including live Shakespeare plays, which are on at the Globe. Built by Shakespeare’s original Elizabethan playhouse in 1599, the original burnt down in 1613, was rebuilt in 1614, and was then demolished in 1644 – but this is a reconstruction that remains faithful to the original design (apart from its increased capacity from 300 to 1,400 spectators).
London is also a great place to catch a stand-up comic, football and cricket matches or the Wimbledon tennis tournaments in the summer. And clubbing, did we mention all the clubs and nightlife?
Arts + Culture Lovers; Families; History Buffs; LGBTQ-friendly
