London, the capital of the United Kingdom of Great Britain, is one of the most visited cities in the world. Here you will find anything you want, in any range. From passers-by of various ethnic backgrounds to tall buildings dating back to Roman times and magnificent palaces and museums with exquisite artifacts, from green parks to exclusive shops. London has it all. It is famous for the fact that the restaurants, pubs, bars and clubs that are located here are some of the best in the world. It is also famous for its theatres, museums and art galleries. It is also home to some of the world's most prestigious colleges and universities.

With an extensive network of buses, taxis, trains and tubes, London is easy and accessible for travellers. Situated on the banks of the Thames River, this city dates back to 43 AD. During its existence, the city has greatly changed its appearance and modernized, but it still retains its culture and royal dignity.

London can't be fully explored in a day or two, but we've rounded up the 10 best places to visit in London for you.

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The Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London, is famous for its location on the Prime Meridian. The meridian divides the Earth into the eastern and western hemispheres. Here you will find a planetarium and an astronomy center. You can visit astronomical exhibitions, go on a space safari, learn about life on the International Space Station and details of space flights, watch interactive shows about life beyond our planet, learn the history of time and astronomy, and take a tour of the observatory. The observatory is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Tickets cost £22.50 for adults, £11.50 for children and free entry for children under 5 years of age.

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Buckingham Palace stands tall in London as a landmark of the royal family and home of the British monarch. The palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens and sculptures and is a must visit.

The traditional Changing of the Guard ceremony, which dates back to the 1800s, takes place in the palace courtyard and is visible from the outside. This colorful event attracts many tourists and is the most famous ceremony in London. It lasts about 45 minutes and typically occurs daily at 11:30 am from April to the end of July and every other day the rest of the year. You can also visit the rooms inside the palace. Buckingham Palace is open to tourists in August and September, during the absence of the monarch. Typically this excursion lasts about 2.5 hours and costs £37 for adults and £33 for children.

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The Natural History Museum in London is a must-see for its huge display of artefacts and exhibits related to the fields of botany, entomology, mineralogy, palaeontology, zoology, geology and taxonomy. The most striking exhibit of the museum is the skeleton of a dinosaur, which is located in the central hall.

The museum is divided into four zones: red, green, blue and orange. The Red Zone is an earth laboratory, a treasury of the Earth and exhibitions of volcanoes and earthquakes. The green area is dedicated to ecology, including birds and reptiles, fossil minerals and gemstones. The Blue Zone will teach you about mammals, dinosaurs, human biology and marine life. The Orange Zone is a wildlife garden and the center of Darwin, which also houses valuable collections. The museum is open from 10 to 17-30, admission is free.

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The Tower of London, also called Her Majesty the Queen's Palace and Keep, is an important landmark in the history of London and is also home to the British Armory and Treasury, the Royal Mint and the home of the Crown Jewels of England. The famous Kohinoor, the diamond, is also located in this tower, which attracts tourists here and makes the Tower a must-see. Throughout its history, this castle

used as a prison and royal residence. The main attractions are the coronation regalia, Yeoman Warden tours, the White Tower, Raven's Fortress. The Tower is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 9.00-17.30, Sunday and Monday from 10.00-17.30. Entry costs £25 for adults and £12 for children under 15.

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All art lovers should definitely check out the National Art Gallery in Trafalgar Square. More than 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century are on display here. This is one of the most visited art museums in the world. There are paintings by Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent Van Gogh, Michelangelo, Merisi da Caravaggio and Johannes Vermeer.

There is also a cafe and shopping center in the gallery. This is a popular location for filming. For example, you will see this building in the latest James Bond film “Skyfall” starring Daniel Craig and Whishaw. Entrance to the museum is free daily from 10 to 18 and on Fridays from 10 to 21.

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Everyone should visit Madame Tussauds, where famous wax works are exhibited. Wax figures of famous politicians, singers, athletes, actors and other celebrities are collected here. Also in the museum you can find the Hulk, Spider-Man, Iron Man, Wolverine and Captain America. Famous Star Wars heroes, villains and locations built in wax will leave you spellbound. Tickets range from £25 to £70 and come in Standard, Priority and VIP categories.

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Hyde Park covers an area of almost 1.5 square meters. km and is one of London's eight royal parks. It is home to several famous landmarks such as the Serpentine Lake, Speakers' Corner and the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain. The park also hosts many interesting events, such as Winter Wonderland and summer concerts.

It is a place for recreation and recreational activities such as horse riding and boating. The park boasts a variety of flora and fauna. The park's landscape mainly consists of memorials, fountains and statues. If you're looking for a place to relax and have fun, then Hyde Park is the place to be. Admission is free and the park is open from 5am to midnight.

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For cricket fans, London offers a visit to the “Home of Cricket,” Lord’s Cricket Ground, a cricket stadium that dates back to the 18th century and seats more than 28,000 spectators.

Lord's also has an extensive library, considered to be the largest cricket library in the world. Another great place is Lord's, which is the oldest sports museum in the world, with a huge and rare collection of cricket-related artifacts. Exhibitions and theatrical performances about the game of cricket are also held here. The stadium is open for tours for adults for £20 and for children under 15 for £12.

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Notting Hill

If you're looking for a great experience, London has plenty of options, but Notting Hill is the best place to go. There are theaters, restaurants, bookstores, shopping centers and galleries here. If you visit London in August, don't miss the street carnival, which is the largest of its kind in Europe.

Portobello Market, which mainly runs on Fridays and Saturdays, offers a wide range of products. This famous and huge street market offers its visitors everything from bread and fruit to clothing, antiques, posters and jewelry. The area also has some very famous restaurants, bars, cinemas and theaters.

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London Eye

Do you want to see an unforgettable panorama of London? Visit the London Eye. This 135-meter giant Ferris wheel stands on the banks of the Thames. Its slow-moving capsules promise you a unique panoramic view of London that you won't see anywhere else. It is a 2-minute walk from Big Ben, located in the heart of the city.

The attraction is open from 10am to 9pm. A standard ticket costs £27. You can make your wheel experience more memorable by adding wine or champagne to your tour. You can also order a separate capsule.

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Conclusion

This was an article TOP 10 places worth visiting in London. Thank you for your attention!

London, despite its calmness and measured way of life, attracts the attention of not only tourists, but also migrants from Europe. The UK's population is only 44% indigenous, but the rest are attracted here by the romantic rainy weather, beautiful architecture, Michelin-starred restaurants and world-famous fashion stores. If you want to hear correct and beautiful English speech, be inspired by the history of England and see the sights of London with your own eyes, this city will best convey to you the noble and sophisticated atmosphere of this amazing country.

Historical landmarks of London

Big Ben is a clock tower that appeared in London, a city whose residents value punctuality so much. Built back in 1288, the building is famous for its hundred-meter height and amazing accuracy in transmitting time - the error does not exceed more than two seconds per day.

Interestingly, the caretaker, whose clock was one second late one day, was about to be fired. Big Ben is a symbol of England; it is against its backdrop that TV reporters begin broadcasting news programs and celebrate the New Year in London to the sound of its ringing.

We invite you to get acquainted with the sights of the whole UK. It will be exciting!

The British initially considered the Tower Bridge ridiculous and ugly, but now it is impossible to imagine England without this landmark of London, which is rightly considered the main decoration of the city. The architect, inspired by the Gothic culture of the Victorian era, began its construction back in 1886.

It received this name due to the fact that it has a similar design to the Tower of London, which is located nearby. 8 years after the start of construction, the Prince of Wales himself and his wife attended its opening ceremony.

The Tower of London was built as a castle for King William, but during the reign of the Tudor dynasty it became a prison for the two wives of King Henry VIII, and subsequently became a prison for other prisoners. The Tower also acquired a sad reputation due to the 22 executions that took place here, according to official sources.

At one time, this building functioned as a mint and a royal menagerie. It now houses an armory and seventeenth-century royal jewellery, including crowns and sceptres. And the black crows flying here are to this day considered the guardians of the mysterious, and in the dark, even ominous tower.

Westminster Abbey is of great historical value for tourists and residents of the city - the coronation of all the rulers of England took place in this monastery. Now the abbey serves as a tomb for many famous personalities - Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, David Livingstone and other prominent people. A curious feature of this place is also the casts made of the faces of the royal families of all generations.

The Palace of Westminster, a castle whose history dates back to 1042, has always served as a home for royal families. It has only been possible to visit this building since 2004, so if you want to visit its oldest parts, it is better to do it at the end of August, since the British Parliament sits there throughout the year. Ceremonies are held here, at which Queen Elizabeth II herself is present.

Buckingham Palace currently serves as the residence of the Queen of Great Britain, Elizabeth II, and in the 18th century it was built for the Duke of Buckingham, who was later bought from him by the King of England, George III, and settled there with his family. But it was Queen Victoria who contributed more to the decoration of this palace than anyone else, making it glorified and making it another must-see attraction in London. More than 800 apartments, luxurious gardens, restaurants, police and hospitals turned the palace into almost an entire city for royalty.

Kensington Palace was built back in 1605 by the Earl of Nottingham. The palace was the birthplace of Queen Victoria and later became the home of Princess Diana and Prince Charles. Many parts of it can be visited - the reception hall, the apartments of Queen Mary II, the royal dressing room of the youngest daughter of Charles I, the famous 18th century fashionista Anne Stuart, and the beautiful gardens near the palace.

St. Paul's Cathedral is one of the tallest buildings in the world, whose dome is 118 meters high. It is now the residence of the Bishop of London. The life history of the cathedral begins in the 18th century, when it had to be reconstructed after bombing during the Second World War. It is also famous for the burial within its walls of the greatest people of British history - Churchill, Fleming, Nelson and others.

The British Museum of Human History and Culture was founded back in 1753 and contains more than 50 thousand paintings, sculptures and other objects of art, testifying to the development of England since the era of Ancient Egypt. The museum has more than 100 exhibition halls, and its visitors cannot but rejoice - museums in London are free, so you can safely set aside a few days to study the exhibits.

Hampton Court is a palace donated to King Henry VIII in 1529, the interior of which was commissioned by the monarch himself. The building later served as the residence of King William III, and now houses the Royal Chapel, where services are held. There are many mystical stories about this London landmark and there is even a book about the ghosts of Hampton Court.

It is believed that the spirits of wives who did not die a natural death still roam the castle, but the most sinister remains King Henry III, who appears only during a thunderstorm. Children will be interested in a labyrinth of bushes almost two meters high and costumed performances.

London is the capital of the United Kingdom and one of the most visited cities in the world. The multicultural city is home to many modern buildings, Roman monuments, magnificent palaces, museums with exquisite exhibits, fragrant green parks and high-end shopping. On top of all this, the city is home to some of the best restaurants, pubs, bars and clubs in the world. London is also famous for its art and theatre, exhibitions and art galleries, and the most prestigious colleges and universities in the world. All of London's monuments are easily accessible thanks to the extensive public transport network. Situated on the banks of the Thames River, the metropolis dates back to 43 AD. e. and despite constant modernization, still retains its historical charm and culture. It's impossible to explore all these wonders in one day, but I suggest you take a virtual tour and visit 10 London monuments in photographs.

Royal Observatory

Overlooking the River Thames, the Royal Observatory at Greenwich is famous for its location on the Prime Meridian, dividing the eastern and western hemispheres of the earth. The complex includes an astronomy center and a planetarium. Here you can go on a space safari tour, learn about the International Space Station and space missions, watch interactive shows about space, learn the history of astronomy, and take a tour of the observatory. The Royal Observatory of London is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00. Adult tickets cost £22.50, children's tickets cost £11.50 and children under 5 are free. Among London's attractions, the observatory occupies a special place.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace in London is a symbol of royal power and the residence of British monarchs. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and sculptures, the palace is a must-see attraction. The traditional Changing of the Guard ceremony has taken place in the palace courtyard since the 1800s. Hundreds of tourists gather to watch this outstanding performance. The ceremony lasts approximately 45 minutes and takes place daily at 11:30 am from April to the end of July, and every other day the rest of the year. You can also book a tour of the halls of Buckingham Palace, which is open to the public from July 23 to August 31 and from September 1 to October 2. A typical tour lasts for 2 hours 30 minutes and costs £37.

Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum in London is also a must-see. It houses excellent collections of exhibits from the worlds of botany, entomology, mineralogy, paleontology, zoology, geology and taxonomy. The most striking specimens of the museum are the dinosaur skeletons that dominate the central hall. The museum is divided into four zones: Red, Green, Blue and Orange. The red zone is dedicated to geology, volcanoes and earthquakes, etc. The green area embraces the world of birds, reptiles, minerals and gems. The Blue Zone is dominated by themes of mammals, dinosaurs, human biology, and marine life. The Orange Zone is home to the Wildlife Garden and the Darwin Center with its valuable collections. Entrance to the museum is free, opening hours are from 10:00 to 17:30. I also advise you to visit a selection of strange museums in London, where very interesting places are collected.

Tower of London

The Tower of London is also called Her Majesty's Royal Palace. It is an important London landmark and includes the British Armouries, the Treasury, the Royal Mint and the home of the Crown Jewels of England. The famous Kohinoor Diamond is also kept in this tower. Throughout its history, the Tower has been used as a prison, royal residence and government office. The main attractions in the tower are the Crown Jewels, the White Tower and the Fortress. The Tower is open for tours from Tuesday to Saturday, from 9.00 to 17.30, and on Sunday and Monday from 10.00 to 17.30. Entry costs £25 for adults and £12 for children under 15.

National Gallery

For art lovers, the National Art Gallery in Trafalgar Square will be very interesting - one of the must-see landmarks in London. Among the gallery's exhibits are more than 2,300 paintings from the mid-13th century. It is one of the most visited art museums in the world, with paintings by Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, Michelangelo, Merisi da Caravaggio and Johannes Vermeer. The gallery also includes a cafeteria and a shopping center. Famous films are often filmed here. Entrance to the National Gallery in London is free daily from 10:00 to 18:00.

Madame Tussauds museum

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum is also a must-see. It features wax figures of famous politicians, athletes, singers, actors and celebrities. At the Marvel Secret Command Center you can learn a lot about heroes such as the Hulk, Spider-Man, Iron Man, Wolverine and Captain America. The Star Wars section at Tussauds is entirely dedicated to famous heroes, villains and locations from Star Wars. All this is created in realistic wax figures. Standard, Priority Entry and VIP tickets are available, ranging in price from £24 to £70.

Hyde Park

Covering an area of 350 yards, Hyde Park is one of London's eight Royal Parks. It is home to some of London's famous landmarks, including the Serpentine Lake and the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain. The park hosts many attractive events, including a winter wonderland and summer concerts. It is an outstanding leisure destination for Londoners, who enjoy family picnics, horse riding and rowing in the park. Hyde Park is famous for its diverse flora and fauna. Natural landscapes are in harmony with memorials, fountains and statues. If you are looking for a good place for rest and relaxation, Hyde Park in London is the best option. The park is open from 5:00 to midnight and admission is free.

Lord's Cricket Ground

For lovers of cricket and ancient architecture, London offers a visit to the “Home of Cricket” - Lord's Cricket Stadium. The structure dates back to the 18th century and accommodates more than 28,000 spectators. The complex also includes the largest cricket library in the world. The nearby Lord's Museum is considered to be the oldest sports museum in the world, with a huge and rare collection of memorabilia. Films about the history of this fascinating game, so popular in Britain, are constantly shown here. The stadium is open daily for tours, with tickets costing £20 for adults and £12 for children under 15.

Notting Hill

Vibrant and bustling, Notting Hill is one of the most attractive places to visit in London. This area is home to many important events, theaters, restaurants, bookstores, shopping centers and galleries. If you visit Notting Hill in August, you will find yourself at one of the largest street carnivals in Europe. Portobello's famous street market runs on Fridays and Saturdays, offering a wide variety of goods - from bread and fruit to clothing, antiques, posters, jewelery and souvenirs. This area has very famous restaurants, pubs and cinemas.

London Eye

One of the best views of London can be seen from the famous Ferris wheel called the London Eye. This giant wheel, 135 meters high, stands on the banks of the River Thames. Its slow-moving capsules provide the perfect panoramic view of London. The Wheel is just 2 minutes' walk from Big Ben, in the heart of the city. The attraction is open from 10:00 to 21:00. A standard ticket costs £27. You can make your trip more memorable by adding wine or champagne to your excursion. It is also possible to book a private capsule and then take a river cruise on the Thames.

London is associated with a prim, sophisticated aristocrat, arrogant and domineering. A brilliant city, which is the capital of a strong, wealthy state, where the world's financial exchanges are concentrated, and cannot be different. The trail of a long dramatic, triumphal, sometimes tragic and bloody history is forever captured in monumental architectural structures, cultural and historical monuments. Among them there are very interesting places in London - the main symbols of England.

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The magnificent brick structure, lined with colored limestone, 96 m high, rests on a reliable concrete foundation 15 m deep. The dials of the famous chimes (4 of them) are assembled from glassy opal (312 pieces), the edge of the discs is covered with gilding. Cast iron hands (2.7 meters long) and copper seconds hands (4.2 meters long) are visible from afar. The weight of the pendulum (300 kg) and the clock mechanism (5 tons) is impressive. Big Ben is London's most accurate clock, striking every hour. Tourists can only view the tower from the outside; going inside is prohibited.

Tower of London

The oldest historical and architectural monument in Great Britain, the Tower Fortress is interesting not only for its authentic appearance, but also for the versatility of its purpose. Built in the 11th century. The fortress castle as a defensive structure soon began to be used as a prison for nobles who had offended the king. Here, 7 people related to the royal court were executed, including the wives of Henry 4th - A. Boleyn and K. Howard.

Ominous rumors and legends still circulate around the monumental structure. Every century the purpose of the castle changed: in addition to the prison, it housed a mint, a zoo, a mint, an arsenal, a royal treasury, and an observatory. Today, the Tower, preserved almost in its original form, is formally considered a royal residence where treasures are kept.

But at the same time, the odious castle is a popular tourist attraction, where excursions are conducted by law enforcement officers, dressed in strict Victorian uniforms on weekdays, and in elaborate costumes of Tudor times on holidays. The robes of the guards are a kind of museum exhibit.

Visiting hours: November-February (Tue-Sat, 09.00-16.30; Sun-Mon, 10.00-16.30, entrance until 16.00).

March-October - the same, but until 17.30.

Entrance: adults – 25 €; students, people over 60 years old, disabled people – 19.5 €.

Children – from 5 to 15 years – 12 €. Purchasing online gives a 15% discount.

London Eye

This name, by analogy with a huge all-seeing eye, was given to a common park attraction - the Ferris wheel. But the London Wheel is striking in its height - 135 meters and has surpassed many similar structures in the world. Such an extreme structure appeared thanks to the enthusiasm of the architect spouses - J. Barfield and D. Marks, who took part in the “Structure of the Millennium” competition dedicated to the meeting of the Millennium (2000).

The competition jury rejected their project, but the architects, inspired by their idea, found an investor. Installation of the attraction began in 1998. Huge parts of the structure were transported along the Thames by ferry, and experienced specialists worked on their connection. According to official documents, the Ferris wheel as an experimental structure was supposed to function for 5 years.

But the extraordinary popularity of the attraction among Londoners and tourists “extended the life” of the London Eye, making it a real “hit” in the entertainment industry. From 32 glass capsule cabins, accommodating 800 people at a time, the entire magnificent panorama of the British capital is visible. Those who risk rising to such heights experience unforgettable sensations.

The wheel is open every day, 10.00 – 18.00.

Ticket price: adults. – 21.5 €; children (from 4 to 15 years) – 22 €.

Chinatown area

The Asian name, which is not quite familiar to the European ear, did not appear out of nowhere in London - there is a Chinese microdistrict, China Town, almost in the center of the city. It was formed as a tiny part of the not very prosperous Soho district, in which various kinds of outcasts such as French Huguenots, Hong Kong Chinese and interned Italians initially settled.

Gradually, the settlement of foreigners turned into a kind of exotic attraction with its own way of life, traditions and flavor. The Chinese do not live here permanently; they trade and work in various establishments. Today, in a small area where ancient English buildings have acquired an Asian appearance, where a continuous line of Chinese restaurants, shops and shops with exotic goods stretch, you can see a lot of interesting things.

An exciting shopping experience awaits you here: unique Tibetan herbs, unusual spices, vegetables, herbs, exotic alcohol and other rarities are sold in local stores. In one of the restaurants you can try traditional Chinese cuisine at fairly reasonable prices.

Zoo

The London Zoological Park, opened in 1928, is not just an entertainment and entertainment establishment, but a large scientific center designed to study the animal world. The innovation of the organizers of the London Zoo is the opening of the world's first serpentarium, aquarium, insectarium and zoological corner for children. It is noteworthy that the huge zoo is maintained through the charity of individuals and organizations - the need for this institution is so great.

To explore all the sections and pavilions here and enjoy the landscape beauty of the park, you need to devote at least 3 hours to it. The 3 halls of the aquarium display numerous species of sea and ocean inhabitants. In the serpentarium you can see the most exotic reptiles, from tiny snakes to huge reptiles.

An amazing sight awaits everyone in the Gorilla House, built in the Art Nouveau style. And the collection of tropical butterflies of incredible colors in the B. U. G. S. pavilion makes a stunning impression, as does the “African Bird Safari” section.

Open to the public: September to mid-February – from 10 am to 6 pm.

02-23. 02 – from 10.00 to 17.00
02-28. 03 – 10.00-17.30
03-07. 09 – 10.00-18.00

Thames Barrier

This rather strange name is given to a wonderful coastal park, which is an excellent example of how you can improve the site of a polluting production site. This area of the royal docks, used for many years as a testing ground for the transportation of imported and exported raw materials, has become environmentally polluted for 130 years, so the London authorities turned the industrial zone into a “recreation place” for citizens, the “green lungs” of the capital.

The Thames Barrier is also a huge dam that blocks the river across and protects the city from floods. Opened in 2000, the work of landscape art has become a favorite vacation spot for Londoners. Spread across 22 acres of land, green lawns and ornamental lawns, flower beds, and gravel areas with benches have beautified the once unsightly area.

At the entrance to the Thames Barrier, 32 fountains sparkle with crystal streams. There is a Pavilion of Memory dedicated to the local residents who died during the 2nd World War. Shaped hedges of yew, honeysuckle and other shrubs line the walking paths. The popular park has children's and basketball courts, picturesque bridges, and picnic areas.

Open to the public from 07.00 until dark.

The entrance is free.

Spencer House

A unique luxurious palace in the neoclassical style, built in the 18th century. under the Earl of the first generation of Spencers, it became especially popular with tourists after the death of Princess Diana. During her lifetime, she also had a relationship with the old mansion, renting it out, as her ancestors had done since 1895. It was Spencer House, with its elegant appearance, that laid the foundation for neoclassical architecture in London.

The highest London nobility held various celebrations in the palace, which were attended by the most famous English aristocrats. After the damage caused during the war, the mansion was carefully restored, many valuables were returned, and it again began to be rented out to various clubs, offices and receive tourists.

They can stroll around the palace, admiring its charming appearance, velvet lawns and ornamental shrubs in front of it. Inside, admire the marble sculptures, golden palm trees entwining the columns, and the magnificent interiors of the 11 rooms of the palace.

Excursions (groups up to 20 people) are held every Sunday, except January and August, from 10.30 to 17.45

Entry price: £12.

Marshalsea Prison

Anyone who has read Dickens's novel about the sad fate of Little Dorret is already familiar with the notorious Marshalsea prison, where Dickens's heroine was born and grew up. After all, Dickens himself was very familiar with this terrible place - his father was imprisoned here for debts to the baker. To free his father and pay off his debt, the teenage Dickens got a job at a blacking factory 8 km from home. After working 10 hours, he came back, and so on every day.

Now all that remains of the gloomy apartment buildings of the prison (prisoners lived in families) is one 4-meter wall, located next to the street. Borough High Street. It preserves 2 arched barred openings that served as prison gates. The wall, covered in places with moss and ivy of “oblivion,” recalls the harsh customs of the past.

You can sit on a bench in a landscaped courtyard, indulge in contemplation of the wall, and then go to the nearby Anglican church. She is also present in Dickens's novel and plays an important role in the fate of little Dorrit. It is no coincidence that there is an image of a girl on the stained glass of one of the church windows.

Coliseum Theater

The first production in the form of a variety show took place at the largest London theater, the Coliseum, on December 24, 1904, and since that time, premieres of famous performances have regularly taken place on its stage. The theater building, designed by the venerable architect F. Matchen, looks magnificent and is deservedly considered an architectural masterpiece. Its façade is decorated with graceful columns and expressive sculptures; the top of the dome is crowned with a model of a globe with the name of the theater.

The interiors captivate the viewer with their lush beauty. The luxurious velvet curtain, gilded cupids on the walls, and luxurious boxes are impressive. The huge hall seats 2358 people. Here you can hear arias from the most famous classical operas, staged by venerable directors and performed by the best opera singers.

The London public has the opportunity to listen to opera performances from almost all theaters in the world. Frequent spectators include members of the royal family, famous politicians and cultural figures. Despite the considerable age of the establishment, everything inside is technologically equipped at a modern level. 2 restaurants are open, and if desired, spectators can bring champagne and snacks to the box.

Ticket prices range from £99 to £104.

Westminster Abbey

The true British shrine, the ancient church of St. Peter or Westminster Abbey is located in the historical place of London - Westminster. Since 1987 it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 1000-year history of Christianity and England is captured within the walls of the monastery complex. The first temple was supposedly built in this place in the 7th century, when, according to legend, a local fisherman saw St. Peter in a dream.

Under King Edward the Confessor in the 11th century. the temple was rebuilt into a majestic monumental structure, and here he was buried. It was here, where the coronation throne was preserved, that the coronation of English monarchs took place and royal weddings took place (16). The most famous of them are the wedding ceremonies of Prince Albert and Elizabeth I (1923) and the current Queen Elizabeth.

The wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton (2011), which was broadcast all over the world, aroused great public interest. The ashes of great British personalities from among the rulers and church officials, scientists, poets and writers are buried within the walls of the abbey. A visit to this unique sanctuary leaves a deep impression.

Opening hours: Mon., Tue., Thu., Fri – 06.30-15.30.

Wednesday – 16.30-18.00; Sat – 09.30-13.30.

Ticket prices:

Adult – 22 pounds; children (from 6 to 16 years old) – 9 pounds
students, pension – 17 pounds; family (2 adults, 1 child) – 40 pounds
group (up to 30 people): adults – 18 f., beneficiaries – 14 f., children – 7 f.

Madame Tussauds museum

The extravagant museum, opened in 1835, is located in the north of Westminster, London's richest district. At the entrance, everyone is greeted by a small figure of an elderly lady in a black robe, with a white cap on her head - Madame Tussauds herself. What is striking here is not only the number of wax copies (more than 400), but also their extraordinary similarity to the prototypes. All celebrities look truly alive, and not like frozen mummies.

Tussaud's talented followers captured their idols in relaxed poses. It is difficult to convey in words the strong impression of visiting this unusual museum. Technological innovations have greatly expanded the possibilities for creating wax sculptures. For example, the use of modern types of plastic and artificial leather makes it possible to produce the most realistic nails and eyes.

It became possible to make figures moving and even talking, reacting to certain behavior of visitors. Particularly striking is the new attraction, a journey into the Middle Ages, “The Spirit of London,” when tourists in miniature “taxis” travel through halls that recreate bygone eras. Familiar characters make greeting gestures, military personnel salute.

Ticket price:

Premium - £49.
Standard – 29 f.
Family (2 adults, 2 children) – 27 f.
Group children (5-11 years old) – 12.95 f.
Group Children (11-18 years old) – 18 f.

Saatchi Gallery

Shocking, shocking, unusual, intriguing - these are the epithets that can be used to describe the Museum of Contemporary Conceptual Art - Saatchi Gallery. It was created by the collector and talented art dealer Charles Saatchi, who was passionate about works of art nouveau in painting, and collected paintings, installations, engravings and graphics by contemporary artists. His extraordinary collection, once put on public display, became the basis of a large museum, which is now located in the premises of the former barracks, occupying 4 floors.

Exhibits at museum exhibitions are a constant subject of controversy, criticism, discussion and enormous public interest. Many of the presented “masterpieces” are not very clear to most ordinary people, but they capture the imagination with their abstractness and understatement. An unusual installation with a luxury car bent in half, strung on a metal pipe, amazes and makes you think.

Busts of thinkers of the past with their eyes, hearts, and faces pierced with tridents cause a shudder and awaken thought. Abstract paintings and photographs linger for a long time with their mystery. The gallery is a venue for various art seminars.

Opening hours: daily, from 10.00 to 18.00.

Entry is free, except for individual exhibitions.

Eltham Palace

When at the beginning of the 20th century. The luxurious royal palace of Henry the 8th turned into almost ruins, the Courtauld couple decided to completely restore the “architectural treasure”. 2 young progressive architects got down to business, combining all the authentic fragments of the palace. From this foundation were built two magnificent buildings, decorated with Tudor Gothic elements and neoclassical details of Italian and French Art Deco architecture.

Both buildings were combined into one complex by an elegant rotunda with a glass dome. Visitors really like the truly royal decoration of the palace, designed by famous designers of the 30s of the 20th century - the Swede Engstrom and the Italian Malacrid. One cannot help but admire the lacquered panels made of expensive wood and the picturesque wall panels in the hall of the palace.

The main entrance is guarded by 2 people depicting ancient guards - a Roman and a Varangian. The ancient Greek motifs in the design of the dining room and the Renaissance decoration of the bathroom are impressive. Today, the architectural marvel, included in the national heritage of England, has been converted into a luxury hotel.

Opening hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun – from 10.00-17.00 (01.04-04.11).

10.00-16.00 (05.11-17.02, 23.02-28.03 on Sun).

10.00-16.00 (18.02-22.02, Mon-Wednesday).

Ticket price: adults. – 9.6 pounds, student. and pence. after 60 years – 8.6 f., children (from 5 to 15 years) – 5.8 f.

Kensington Palace

A solid, austere building, surrounded on 3 sides by a park - Kensington Palace, in fact, the cradle of English kings since the 17th century. The first owners and its creators were William of Orange and Mary II. Their portraits occupy a worthy place in the palace gallery. The famous Queen Victoria was born here, from here she led the state and lived in a happy marriage with Prince Albert. A monument to Victoria by her daughter Louise is erected on the alley leading to the palace.

The famous Princess Diana lived in the ancient chambers for 16 years with her children and husband. The latter fact especially attracts tourists here. Now Prince William’s family lives in one half of the palace, and excursions take place in the second (entrance from the park). On the right side of the alley leading to the palace, Diana’s garden is laid out, fenced along the perimeter with covered floral galleries, which are unusually cozy.

Its center is decorated with a picturesquely designed pool with fountains, around which there are densely growing white flowers - the White Garden, created by the palace gardeners for the 20th anniversary of Diana's death. Inside, a large-scale exhibition of Diana's wardrobe is organized in several rooms.

Open for visits: 10.00-17.00 (Mon-Fri).

Borough Market

As you know, the British, being disciplined in everything, are very responsible about nutrition, attaching great importance to the quality of products. That is why the oldest food market, Borough Market, which has existed since the 12th century, is so in demand in London. Successfully developing enterprise in the 15th century. received a letter of trust from King Edward the 6th and subjugated all nearby markets. It is in Boro, on the street. Dorouqh Hiqh Street Londoners rushed for fresh meat, cheese, vegetables, milk, creating huge traffic jams.

Therefore, the market was moved to Southwark Street, where it is still located. Buyers move along the bright stalls in a continuous stream, especially on the weekend - Saturday (the market is closed on Sunday). Everywhere there is perfect cleanliness, all display cases are decorated with taste. Fruit and vegetable stands are a picturesque still life, pleasing to the eye.

The choice of high-quality meat products is unusually wide: you can buy sausage of the most exotic type: from venison, wild boar, zebra, etc. The selection of seafood, cheeses, and dairy products, controlled by expert commissions, is impressive. Borough Market has been the subject of several feature films.

Opening days: daily, except Sunday.

London Dungeon

Not far from Westminster Bridge, opposite Big Ben, there is a unique museum or, as it is also called, a “theater of horror” with acting actors. The vast underground space under County Hall was turned into a museum of medieval torture in 1975, which became extremely popular among Londoners and tourists. Fans of horror and thriller films, and generally those who like to tickle the nerves, especially like it here.

The rather gloomy atmosphere of the interiors and the possibilities of modern lighting made it possible to create a depressing atmosphere of a real Middle Ages here. Against this backdrop, the play is “acted out” under the motto “Fear is a funny thing” with the participation of actors and visitors involved in the performance. First, everyone ends up in the “Labyrinth of Lost Souls” (a room with mirrored walls), as visitors wander among their reflections, frightened by the medieval characters who suddenly appear here and there.

Here you can meet Henry the 8th, Jack the Ripper, the barber Todd, who kills his clients, etc. You will be “sentenced” to hanging (the “Descent to the Underworld” attraction), declaring you state criminals.

Opening hours: Mon-Fri – 10.00-17.00 (Thurs – from 11.00); Sat, Sun – 10.00-18.00.

Tickets: group. – 19.5 f. (adults), 14.95 f. (children under 15).

Online tickets are 20% cheaper.

Sherlock Holmes Museum

The famous London detective is considered by many to be a real person, and not a product of Conan Doyle’s literary fiction - the image of Sherlock Holmes is so believable. Therefore, in 1990, it was on the street. Baker Street (the hero lived on it) in a 4-story mansion No. 239, a museum of a popular literary character was opened. The creators of the museum tried to recreate the environment here, exactly repeating the description of K. Doyle.

The entrance is guarded by a real policeman in 19th-century uniform, and the guides are dressed like Victorian maids. On the 1st floor there are ticket offices and a shop selling souvenirs of the relevant theme. On the 2nd floor, the furnishings of Holmes' office and bedroom are reproduced with objects well known to readers: laboratory flasks and test tubes, the detective's violin, Watson's revolver, letters and the famous pipe on the mantelpiece, etc.

Here you can sit in Sherlock's chair in front of a burning fireplace. 3rd floor - "Mrs. Hudson's" property. An exhibition of K. Doyle's literary heroes made of wax, including the head of the notorious Hound of the Baskervilles, can be seen on the 4th floor.

Open to the public - every day 09.30-18.00, except Christmas Day.

Entrance – 15 f., children under 16 years old – 10 f.

Golden doe

This beautiful name is given to a small ship - the galleon of the famous pirate and admiral, Francis Drake, who played an important role in the development of England. On the ship "Pelican" he made an expedition around the globe (1577-80), and before entering the Strait of Magellan he gave the ship the name "Golden Hind" (the coat of arms of the sponsor of Halton's voyage). Today, a modern replica of the galleon (1973) stands on the pier in Southwark, being a kind of museum since 1996.

Until this time, the galleon, just like its legendary predecessor, had conquered many ocean expanses (225 thousand km) and followed Drake’s route around the world. The ship "Golden Hind" was filmed in 3 feature films, it is used as an educational object in organizing school excursions. Teenagers are excited to “become sailors” during interactive lessons on the history of English navigation.

Wellington Arch

A magnificent structure located near Green Park, Wellington's triumphal Arch, or Constitution, was erected at the behest of George VI to commemorate the British victories in the Napoleonic Wars. In its original form, the Arch was crowned by an 8.5-meter statue of the 1st Duke of Wellington, which was removed when the structure was moved to its current location. Now its top is decorated with a bronze quadriga, controlled by the “angel of peace.”

Until 1992, a tiny police department was located inside the arched cavity, and since 1999, the premises of the arch became a museum and an object of cultural and historical heritage. Expositions on 3 floors of the 1st half introduce a detailed “biography” of the architectural monument. The 2nd part began to serve as a ventilation shaft for the London Underground after its opening. The Wellington Arch looks very impressive against the backdrop of surrounding greenery.

Greenwich Observatory

The English village of Greenwich (now the district of London) is famous for the fact that the prime meridian passes through it, from which the time of the planet’s geographic zones is counted. The Greenwich meridian is the starting point of geographic longitude, adopted in 1884. A stream of tourists comes here to visit the Greenwich Observatory, founded in 1675 under Charles II. It is located on the banks of the Thames, on the hill of Greenwich Park, from where all of London is visible.

Today, the ancient observatory buildings have been turned into the Museum of Astronomical and Navigational Devices and Instruments. The museum exhibits clearly reflect the history of the development of methods and means of measuring time and determining the location of objects using coordinates. The exhibitions “tell” about ships that disappeared in the seas and oceans when there was no time calculation and coordinate system. Modern achievements in this area are also reflected.

One of two "sewage temples" that carried sewage into the river during Queen Victoria's time. The station's unremarkable façade hides a riot of colors inside, pictures of fig trees on the walls, and four pumps with 52-ton flywheels. The station is open several times a month; the schedule and entrance ticket prices can be found on the website.

Cross Bones Cemetery

An unconsecrated cemetery for “Winchester geese” - this is the name given to prostitutes in the Middle Ages who were allowed to work in the city by the Bishop of Winchester. Beggars and homeless people also found their last refuge at the Crossbones before it closed in 1853. The site was not remembered until excavations in the 1990s. The cemetery now serves as a memorial; its gates are covered with ribbons and messages to lost loved ones.

Down the same street is Red Cross Garden, another undiscovered gem of the city. The park was opened by British social activist Octavia Hill, founder of the National Trust, which protects significant architectural and natural sites in England.

St Bride's Church

The spire of this church inspired an apprentice baker from Ludgate Hill to create the first multi-layer wedding cake in 1793. He baked the now classic pie for his bride. The church, built by Christopher Wren, is operational and open to the public.

London's smallest church

St Ethelburga's Church is the smallest building of its kind in London. Its height is 17 meters and its width is 9. The church is located in the eastern part of the City of London.

Nazi dog's grave

German Ambassador Leopold von Hoesch and his dog Giro lived in the old German Embassy building in London at 9 Carlton Terrace in the 1930s. Although von Hoesch was believed not to support Nazism, he served Hitler until his death from a heart attack in 1936. His body was sent back to Germany on the cruiser HMS Scout, but the remains of Guiraud, who died in 1934, remained on British soil. A small tombstone still stands next to the old embassy building; in a sense, this is the only monument to the Nazis in London.

St Dunstan's Church garden in the east

One of the most beautiful secret gardens in London is located among the ruins of St. Dunstan's Church on the route between London Bridge and the Tower. The church, built around the 12th century, burned down in a fire in 1666. After that, it was restored, but bombing during World War II completely destroyed the temple. In 1971, a small park was opened on its ruins.

The pub where Lenin and Stalin drank together

The Crown Tavern pub near Clerkenwell is believed to be the place where Lenin and Stalin first met. This legend is disputed by many, but it is certain that London has many attractions associated with the Bolsheviks. For example, young Stalin stayed at the inexpensive hotel The Tower House, which served as a shelter for fugitives from all over the world. The future leader arrived at the V Congress of the RSDLP in 1907.

London stone

Previously, a mysterious stone was embedded in the wall of the house at 111 Cannon Street at knee height. It is believed to be the remains of a boulder of unknown origin that has stood on the south side of the street for centuries. Some believe that these are the remains of a structure from the times of Ancient Rome, others believe that the boulder was used for occult rituals.

The stone is now in the Museum of London. The bronze plaque on it reads: “This is a fragment of a block that was set in the ground where Cannon Street Station now stands.” The stone was removed from the street in 1742, and in 1798 it was built into the wall of the church, which stood there until its demolition in 1962. Its origins and significance are unknown, but in 1188 it was reported to be associated with Mayor Henry.

Pedestrian tunnel in Greenwich

There are two good reasons to visit Island Gardens. It has wonderful views of the National Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory and Greenwich Park. In addition, the park contains one of the entrances to the pedestrian tunnel under the Thames, intended for dockers who lived along the southern part of the river. The tunnel, designed by Sir Alexander Binney, opened in 1902, but remains unknown to the general public.

London's oldest street statue

The sculpture of the goddess Sekhmet, installed above the entrance to Sotheby's auction house, is the oldest outdoor statue in London. The monument to the Egyptian goddess of heat and war dates back to 1320 BC.

Dark slot machines

Near Lincoln's Inn Fields, Novelty Automation features the inventions of Tim Hankin, an inventor known for his eccentric games. Hankin is the author of a slot machine in which you need to hit bankers on the heads, a divorce simulator, as well as a board version of Pong - one of the first computer games. Exchange money for tokens and get the opportunity to play any of these games. Hankin's games are also on display in the port town of Southwold in Suffolk.

Postmen's Park

St James's Park, Regent's Park and Victoria Embankment Gardens are beautiful but attract too many tourists. Instead, it is better to visit the inconspicuous Postman Park, which was named so because of its popularity among post office workers. It is located a stone's throw from St Paul's Cathedral but is easy to miss. The park is dedicated to ordinary people who died saving the lives of others. Several scenes of the 2004 film “Closer” were filmed on the territory of this particular park.

The first coffee shop in the city

London's first coffee shop (or, more accurately, coffee kiosk) was founded by the Greek Pasca Rose in 1652. Rose discovered the taste of coffee while serving a British merchant in Turkey. The Greek was so impressed by the taste of the exotic drink that he decided to bring it to London. His kiosk attracted people from all walks of life. Cornhill pub and tavern owners could only watch in envy as Paska sold 600 cups of coffee a day. Worse, coffee came to be portrayed as an antidote to drunkenness, violence and lust, providing clear thinking, sophistication and wit. Rosé sparked a coffee boom and its “bitter Mohammedan brew” changed London forever.

Japanese rooftop garden

You can hide from the bustle of the English capital in the Japanese garden on the roof of the University of London. The garden was opened in 2001. You can visit it when the Brunei Gallery is open - usually from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:30 to 17:00.

Bridge without river

London is usually seen as a city of one river - the old Thames. In fact, more than 20 tributaries diverge from it. Some have been taken into the sewer system and can be seen through grates in the pavement or flowing through drainage pipes. It was the Thames and its tributaries that shaped the landscape of London. Despite the fact that over time the appearance of the city has changed a lot, traces of the rivers can still be seen if you know where to look. So, at the intersection of Piccadilly and Green Park there is a place where the road crossed the Tyburn River. The Oval is so named because it was built in the Effra Bend. And the Holborn Viaduct once served as a crossing over the River Fleet, where Farringdon Street now stands.

London's oldest shop

Lock & Co. Hatters is the oldest hat shop and one of the oldest family-owned businesses in the world. Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, Admiral Nelson and other celebrities wore Lock hats. Let's not forget Firmin & Sons, a company that was unable to retain its old shop but is the third oldest business in London after The Whitechapel Bell Foundry (1570) and The London Gazette (1665). It produces belts, buttons, uniforms and insignia, and has officially supplied buttons to all British monarchs since 1796.

The smallest building in the city

The smallest listed building in London is Ostler's Hut at Lincoln's Inn Fields in the western part of the city centre. The building was built in 1860 to house the hotel's groom - a person who took care of the horses of arriving guests.

Noses Soho

Rick Buckley's nose-shaped installations are hidden all over London. The objects symbolize the growth of curiosity, in other words, the increasing spread of outdoor video surveillance. Most of them are in Soho. In 1997, Buckley installed 35 installations; now, according to rumors, there are only ten left.

Map of unusual places in London

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