London is a great destination for a city break, romantic weekend or a family holiday as there are lots of tourist attractions both in central London and nearby.
Our London Tourist Information guide below lists all the attractions in London with links to OFFICIAL tourism websites.
London is the capital city of the United Kingdom and one of Europe’s most densely populated areas – an area of around 1,000 square miles is populated by over seven and a half million people. London is a multicultural city with approximately 300 languages spoken. The World-class tourist attractions, shopping facilities, arts and culture and history make London a great destination for a city break, romantic weekend or a family holiday. There are plenty of hotels to suit all budgets, tastes and preferred location in London, from 2 star hotels, 3 star hotels and 4 star hotels, to luxury hotels, boutique hotels or serviced apartments. London’s many World-famous tourist attractions include: Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, London Eye, Tower of London, London Dungeons and London Zoo.
Shopping in London
London is one of the World’s best shopping destinations and is often referred to as one of the fashion capitals of the world. Home of the famous Oxford Street, Europe’s largest and busiest high street, London is at the cutting edge of fashion and design. From markets like Camden, Portobello Road and Spitalfields, boutiques stores, to modern shopping centres, high street chains and flagships stores, there is something for everyone when shopping in London. The famous Harrods in Knightsbridge attracts shoppers from all over the World – up to 300,000 visitors on peak days, and you will find everything under one room on the 4.5 acre site.
Parks in London
London has over 17 main parks including Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Richmond Park, Regents Park and St James Park. Often overlooked as tourist attractions, parks in London can be enjoyed by all ages and ideal for a range of activities. From sunbathing, a casual stroll or jog around the park, a picnic and many sports activities, London’s parks have so many uses. Packed with nature and wildlife such as deer, rose gardens, nature trails and lakes, they can all be found in London parks. Peaceful green retreats from the busy London districts, best of all is that the parks in London make a great free tourist attraction!
Museums in London
London has some of the world’s best museums such as the famous British Museum, Natural History Museum and Science Museum. From dinosaurs to war history and science, there is a museum to suit every interest in London, and best of all admission is usually free! Visiting the various London museums are a great way to learn about a variety of interesting subjects and are a great activity for the whole family. The British Museum was established in 1753 and is one of the great museums of the world. A museum of human history and culture, the collections at the British Museum feature more than seven million objects on display.
Palaces in London
London is the home of many historic palaces telling the stories of thousands of years of royal history. From the famous Buckingham Palace, Hampton Court Palace, Tower of London and Houses of Parliament with Big Ben, London many must-see famous palaces. A trip to London would not be complete without seeing Buckingham Palace, situated in Westminster and the official residence of the Queen and Prince Philip. Tour the nineteen State Rooms inside the palace and you will see many treasures from the Royal Collection, or for free outside Buckingham Palace you can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Nightlife in London
London has a world famous reputation for its non-stop nightlife and party vibe, and the capital is bursting with all types of venues of all shapes and sizes. If it’s the atmosphere of a London nightclub you’re after there are plenty to choose from such as the world-famous Ministry of Sound for house music, Pacha in Victoria for a touch of Balearic style and the popular Fabric with garage and drum & bass. The wide range of clubs play a variety of musical styles throughout the capital, and there are a whole range of smaller DJ bars for a quieter and more intimate atmosphere. From the liveliest of nightclubs, stylish modern bars to plenty of traditional old London pubs, London has nightlife to appeal to all tastes and moods.
The West End is a thriving night spot in particular, with Soho one of the coolest places to drink, although still seedy in some parts. It is also the best place for gay bars and clubs with almost all of the Old Compton Street pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants are gay or very gay-friendly.
Airports near London
London is served by five major international airports: London Heathrow, London Gatwick Airport, London Stansted Airport, London City Airport and London Luton Airport.
London Heathrow Airport
Heathrow Airport is located approximately 20 miles (32km) to the west of central London.
London Gatwick Airport
Gatwick Airport is located approximately 30 miles (48km) to the south of central London.
London Stansted Airport
Stansted Airport is located 35 miles (56km) to the north east of central London.
London City Airport
London City Airport has a dedicated station on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR).
London Luton Airport
Luton Airport is located approximately 30 miles (48km) to the north of London. Luton Airport Parkway train station is close to the airport and a regular shuttle bus connects the two.
London Tourist Attractions
Houses of Parliament, London
Edward the Confessor had the original Westminster palace built in the eleventh century. The Houses of Parliament is the home of the Government of the United Kingdom and it consists of the House of Commons (elected) and the House of Lords (not elected- hereditary and nominated).
The Houses of Parliament is located on the banks of the River Thames. Big Ben is also found at the Houses of Parliament.
Admission to both houses is free. Guided tours for groups, up to 16, may be available by prior arrangement.
Big Ben, London
Big Ben is the name of the main bell housed within the Clock Tower. The Clock Tower is the largest four-faced, chiming clock in the world and it is situated at the north-eastern end of the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, London.
Buckingham Palace, London
Buckingham Palace is the Queen’s official residence. The State Rooms of Buckingham Palace are open to visitors during the Annual Summer Opening in August and September.
Tower Bridge, London
Tower Bridge was built over the River Thames in London in 1894. Vistors can enjoy breath-taking views from the high level walkways and also visit the Victorian Engine Rooms which are used to power/ lift the bridge.
St Pauls Cathedral, London
Since 604AD there has always been a Cathedral dedicated to St Paul which overlooks the City of London.
The current St Pauls Cathedral is the fourth to occupy this site and it was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and built between 1675 and 1710 after its predecessor was destroyed in the Great Fire of London.
The interior of St Pauls includes glittering mosaics and intricate stone carvings.
Tower of London
The Tower of London was a fortress, a royal palace and a prison. The Tower of London has also served as a place of execution, torture, an armoury, a treasury, a zoo, the Royal Mint, a public records office, an observatory, and since 1303, the home of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom.
Hyde Park, London
Hyde Park offers informal sports which include rollerblading, boating on the Serpentine, wildlife watching, horse riding, eating out, playgrounds, paddling pool, tennis, bowls.
London Eye
The London Eye is on the South Bank of the river Thames, opposite the Houses of Parliament.
The height of the London Eye is 135 metres!
London Zoo
London Zoo is open every day of the year except Christmas Day.
Westminster Abbey, London
Westminster Abbey is next to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
Westminster Abbey is the traditional place of coronation and burial site for English monarchs.
Royal Albert Hall, London
The Royal Albert Hall is in South Kensington, facing onto Hyde Park and close to
Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace is a working Royal residence which accommodates the offices and private apartments of a number of members of the Royal Family. Although managed by Historic Royal Palaces, Kensington Palace is furnished with items from the Royal Collection.
Wellington Arch, London
The Wellington Arch is close to the busy traffic interchange at Hyde Park Corner.
George IV originally commissioned this massive monument as a grand outer entrance to Buckingham Palace. Viewing platforms offer views of Hyde Park, Green Park and Buckingham Palace Gardens.
Theatre Royal Haymarket, London
Built by John Potter in 1720.
London Dungeons
London Dungeons is 100 metres from London Bridge Station and 400 metres from Monument/ Bank Station.
