What to do in London? Visit Olympic venues. Attend parliamentary debates

London is a lively city, where life is in full swing around the clock. History is intertwined with modernity here, the greenery of the parks sets off majestic temples and palaces, and countless museums and entertainment attract thousands of tourists from all over the world.

What to do in London?

  • Walk along the Tower Bridge and see the Tower Fortress;
  • visit Buckingham Palace which is surrounded by a charming garden and beautiful artificial pond;
  • Visit the famous London theaters and walk along Piccadilly;
  • Go on a cruise on the Thames on a boat;
  • Go on a tour of the Harry Potter studio (you can visit the places that were mentioned in the famous saga).
  • Visit Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson on Baker Street in the museum of these characters from the works of Conan Doyle.

What to do in London?

It is worth starting your acquaintance with London with a walk along Trafalgar Square with its ancient buildings And beautiful fountains, then head south to Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. And you can start the tour from below, at Vauxhall Bridge and take a walk along the embankment along the Thames.

If you wish, you can purchase a ticket for the Big Bus sightseeing bus (it is valid for 48 hours). Taking a trip on this bus, you can see the main sights of London, as well as ride a boat from the Tower of London to Westminster Abbey for free.

Do you like to relax in nature? Go to Regent's Park: there is a rose garden, thousands of trees, an artificial lake. After visiting Hyde Park, you can ride a boat on Serpentine Lake and saddle a horse. In addition, competitions are broadcast on a large screen in the park, i.e. fans who want to watch triathlon competitions or a marathon swim can come here.

Fans of nightlife should go to the Soho area - here, literally at every step, you can meet night club, bar, Indian, Thai and Japanese restaurants. For great fun at five dance floors and delicious cocktails at four stylish bars, visit Begley's Studios. Those who go to the nightclub "The End" will be able to attend a theme party and "light up" to the sounds of electronic music.

For shopping, it is better to head to the Covent Garden area - here you can buy goods in boutiques and souvenir shops. You can also visit the Royal Opera theatre. For shops of different price segments, go to Oxford Street shopping street.

London will appeal to lovers and sightseeing holiday, and noisy entertainment: the city constantly hosts interesting events– from football games to performances by star performers.

If you are going on holiday to London, you should find out what you can do there.

This is one of the most popular cities in Europe where you can find the most unusual things.

These ideas will help you get the most out of your trip.

Climb the Tower of London

The most popular medieval fortress and the place where the royal jewels are stored has a 950-year history of brutal beheadings, imprisonment and torture, so the Tower is literally shrouded in myths and legends. This fortress was built by William the Conqueror in 1078 and consists of 22 ancient towers that create 22 acres of heavily protected space.

Spend time with the royal family at Buckingham Palace

The official residence of the British monarchy is richly furnished with luxurious furniture, works of art, and also has a large concentration of marble and gilding. Once it was private mansion Duke of Buckingham, who was later turned into luxury palace George IV.

Learn Medieval History at Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is a true triumph of the English gothic architecture and the site of all but two coronations since 1066.

This place is literally saturated with English history, from the tombs of medieval kings and queens to monuments built in honor of noble people, civil servants and poets.

Explore St. Paul's Cathedral

This cathedral has the second largest cathedral dome in the world, so it can be safely said that it towers over all the surrounding buildings and is a masterpiece of English Baroque design, both inside and out. Immediately go to the nave to find yourself in the very center of the dome towering above you.

Visit the British Museum

A lifetime is not enough to fully appreciate and explore every single piece of the amazing collection housed in this museum, which has over eight million artifacts spanning over two million years of history, so it's no surprise that this is London's most visited attraction.

Unfortunately, this is not the original theater created by Shakespeare, but only its modern version, which was built in 1997 just a few meters from its original location in the Elizabethan era.

It is worth noting that the theater was built from the same materials that were used for construction in 1599.

Wander the galleries at Tate Modern

If you are an art connoisseur, you should definitely visit the Tate Modern, as here you can see a huge collection of works of art that are constantly being replaced with new ones.

Particularly impressive is the permanent collection, which has about sixty thousand works of art.

Walk through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens

London is world famous for its impressive royal parks and if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are the perfect place.

Hyde Park is wilder and more untamed, as it used to be the hunting grounds of Henry VIII.

Explore Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court is one of the largest and most impressive British royal palaces and boasts some of the finest Tudor architecture in the world. It is literally steeped in history. For example, you should definitely visit the Great Hall, the Tudor kitchens, as well as the luxurious royal apartments and ornate gardens.

Admire world-famous works of art at the National Gallery

Since opening in 1824, Britain's largest art collection at the National Gallery has grown dramatically to include over 2,300 world masterpieces, including works by the likes of Eyck, Holbein, Turner and Van Gogh. When you visit this gallery, be sure to use the audio guide.

Take an afternoon tea break

The tradition of afternoon tea originated in England in the forties of the nineteenth century, and today this primordially British tradition has again become a very fashionable ritual. afternoon tea is usually held at four o'clock in the evening, and the best service is used for it.

Enjoy Indian Cuisine on Brick Lane

Thanks to the influx of immigrants, Brick Lane is now known for London's highest concentration of curries and the best Indian food outside of India. Chittagong Bengali sailors originally settled here in the mid-twentieth century, and half of today's establishments are run by Bengali people.

Get inspired at the Victoria and Albert Museum

This museum offers an extensive collection of over 2.3 million items - it is one of the greatest museums decorative arts and design in the world. Here you will find absolutely everything, from items related to early Christianity to the modernist chrome teapots of Naum Slutsky.

Get a bird's eye view of London from the London Eye

If you want to get a unique bird's eye view of the city and its surroundings, you should take a ride on the world's highest Ferris wheel.

The design of the London Eye allows you to get a 360-degree view without any obstruction that opens from one of the glass capsules.

Have a drink in historic pubs

The history of London's pubs and taverns is the history of the city itself. From the ancient Romans drinking wine to the gin-crazy Georgians, social change through the ages can be measured by what and how Londoners drank. Head to historic pubs for a unique glimpse into London's past.

Explore the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben

Officially known as the Palace of Westminster, the neo-Gothic Houses of Parliament contain the House of Commons and Lords (this legislatures Great Britain), as well as a giant clock tower, which houses Big Ben - one of the most beloved and legendary attractions of the city.

Stroll through Covent Garden

Covent Garden is considered the very heart of London thanks to its markets, pubs, restaurants, museums, theaters, cafes under open sky, boutiques, street performers and more. It was originally a thirteenth-century garden for the monks of Westminster Abbey, which gradually developed into the largest market for flowers and vegetables.

Walk through the galleries in East London

East London has one of the highest concentrations of artists in Europe, so if you're into contemporary art then you should definitely visit this part of the city to stroll through the galleries as there are around 150 of them.

Go shopping in Portobello and the Borough Markets

From gourmet foods to antiques, you can find everything at London's world-famous street markets, Notting Hill's Portobello Market and South Bank's Borough Market. Portobello, for example, was discovered in the distant seventies of the nineteenth century.

Go to the theater in the West End

With London being home to some of the best actors and directors in the world, the city's contribution to world development theater leaves Broadway far behind.

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Great Britain, England - have you dreamed of visiting this magical place all your life? The dream has come true and you are already at the airport? How to get maximum impressions and emotions from the trip?

Remember we talked about the most popular? Today we will talk about what to do in London during a trip. We promise - our tips will help you get the most out of your trip.

1. Drink traditional black tea with milk - "5 o "clock tea"

Perhaps this is the first thing to do upon arrival in London, and after that - to repeat daily. Listen and write down the basic rules: the clock must be 5 p.m., and tea must be with milk. At the same time, this is not an ordinary tea drinking, it is accompanied by a number of attributes, thanks to which the tradition can be called a real tea ceremony. A tea set and a snow-white tablecloth are a must (drinking tea from everyday dishes is bad manners!), A cover for a teapot and strainers with a sugar bowl are also desirable.

By the way, it was from this tradition that “tips” came to us. Previously, such ceremonies were held in the gardens, where a large number of guests gathered, and everyone wanted his cup to be full, for this the servants were given a small amount - “tips” so that they poured tea more diligently.

To enjoy the tea tradition to the fullest, we advise you to visit the restaurant of the Ritz Hotel, which is located at 150 Piccadilly. This elite place is famous for holding tea ceremonies. The classic dress code is strictly observed here, and the meal is accompanied by live music.

2. Take a ride on a double-decker bus

Such a trip is a must if you want to join the history of Great Britain and see the sights with your own eyes. Especially such an excursion by bus will be relevant in London rainy weather (when you suddenly find yourself cold and raining). Then the red symbolic vehicle will be more relevant than ever.

The walk becomes even more exciting if you take best places- the first rows on the second floor, offering an unforgettable view of the beauty of London's architecture and the indescribable atmosphere of the bustle of the capital.

By the way, traditional buses with an open footrest still operate in London. You will find them on route number 9 ( trafalgar squaregreen park- Kensington High street) and No. 15 (Trafalgar square - St. Paul's - Tower of London) daily during the day. You can pay the fare to the conductor or use an Oyster card.

3. Visit the house of the legendary Sherlock Holmes - Baker Street 221b

Are you a fan of world famous detectives? Then surely remember the famous address. According to Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes Dr. Watson lived in this house from 1881 to 1904. But in the days of Mr. Holmes, the numbering on Baker Street ended at the first hundred.

The confusion with the numbers has survived to this day. The famous museum is located at 239 Baker Street but has a 221b sign. But for true fans of the detective genre, such nuances make visiting a historical place even more interesting.

4. Attend parliamentary debates

Of course, this is not as spectacular as a musical in the West End, but sometimes passions seething here are not inferior to Shakespeare's tragedies.

Interested? Then we boldly go to the Palace of Westminster, popularly known as the Houses of Parliament. The tube station is Westminster, and you definitely won't get lost there!

London Parliament - business card capital, a real attraction. You can visit inside, and even for free, if you come here on Thursday from 10.30 to 18.30, that's when the parliamentary debates are open, and you can see everything with your own eyes. Agree, this is exactly what you can do only in London, isn't it?

5. Ride the London Eye

Immediately included in the Guinness Book of Records, the largest European Ferris wheel is located on south coast Thames. The huge eye resembles a bicycle wheel, and its 32 capsule cabins can accommodate 25 people. Why 32? That's how many suburbs there are in London. At the same time, capsule 13 does not exist - the superstitious British missed this number.

Before you get ready for the ferris wheel, check the weather forecast - if you get into fog and rain, you will see only a small part of the city.

To avoid queues, come here at sunset - surprisingly, there are already few people, but the beauty is incredible. And take something tasty with you - the trip lasts about 30 minutes, with your favorite delicacies they will pass even more pleasantly.

6. See London from a bird's eye view

Have you already looked at the city from the Ferris wheel? Try another way. We have already talked about observation decks. But it is impossible to ignore this object.

The new skyscraper was built quite recently, in 2012, it has a unique huge roof with a stunning view of the city. The unusual shape of the building and the all-glass coating gave the skyscraper the name "Shard". Panoramic flat glazing will allow you to see the city in a way that you could not even imagine it before. No wonder so many people spend several hours here.

Write down the address: between the two bridges - Tower and London, 2 London Bridge Street, Southwark.

7. Go shopping

Traditional places for shopping are Oxford Street and the Soho area. Check out Westfield - Huge shopping mall, where all popular shopping entertainments are presented. At the same time, queues, crowds and crushes never happen here.

If your passion is street markets and vintage, you'll love Portobello Market in Notting Hill. Sellers come from different corners peace. You can find everything here - vintage dresses, watches, hats and trinkets, various interior items and even rare books and jewelry. In this market you will not be deceived, they will not impose unnecessary purchases, the right to take a place in malls waiting for years, and shops are inherited. Local merchants value their reputation and guarantee the quality of the goods.

8. Make a wish on the zero meridian

On a free day, go to Greenwich Park After a pleasant walk along the strict English alleys and acquaintance with the Sir Christopher Wren Observatory, you can make a wish at the very place where the border of the two hemispheres passes

There are several ways to do this. The first (the easiest) is to stand on the meridian line with both feet and make a wish. Too easy! The second way, according to tourists, is the most popular - we get up so that one foot remains on the eastern hemisphere, and the second is on the western. Now we close our eyes and imagine how the meridian lines cut through the hemispheres on the world map. Now your dream will definitely come true!

Find Prime Meridian Just - exact location marked with a stainless steel line. Recently, it has been illuminated with a green laser beam.

9. Get to Hogwarts and walk around Dumbledore's office

Are you an avid Harry Potter fan, have you read all the books and watched all the movies? Then this tour is for you! We leave for the suburb of London Leavesden. Here at the Warner Brothers studio, where 8 parts of the film were shot, where the actors practically lived for several years in a row, the Potter Museum is now located.

Visitors will see drawings, drawings and models, film sets, costumes and wigs, many items made especially for filming, learn the secrets of combined filming and special effects, and take away magical souvenirs.

10. Walk along the Thames

Remember what we were taught at school in the classroom in English? Did you talk about Parliament, the Tate Modern, the Globe Theatre, the Millennium Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral? You will see all this while walking along the Thames. Such walks can be made every day, not getting tired of the unique atmosphere of London.

In general, remember - everything is in your hands! What to do in London everyone decides for himself, and the trip will be remembered exactly the way you make it yourself. Well, we will help turn dreams into reality. The main thing - do not forget your camera to remember happy moments and share with us!

The capital of England dates back to 43 AD. e. The founder of the city is the Roman emperor Claudius. Throughout its history, London has experienced ups and downs more than once, it has been besieged, destroyed and rebuilt again. The city repeatedly passed from the hands of one ruler to another: it belonged to the Romans, the Britons, the Vikings, and even the French. But, despite almost 2,000 years of age, there is not much evidence of him in the architecture of the British capital. ancient history. At the same time, in the atmosphere of the city, its ancient spirit and national character, which distinguishes it from other megacities of the world.

In London today you will not see ancient buildings or luxurious palaces Renaissance, but it is rich in other historical monuments and wonderful architectural ensembles. The capital of Great Britain has many attractions, museums and art galleries, so the rest in 2019 can definitely be spent here with great interest. In addition, London is distinguished by its picturesque suburbs and vast parks, which gives it an additional charm.

Sightseeing

The most famous building and the visiting card of the capital - the Tower, which is the most ancient building in the city and the very place in which most of his history. The oldest part of the building is White Tower(1078 years of construction). William the Conqueror in order to protect against attack.

In the high point The city is the symbol of the capital - St. Paul's Cathedral. This Anglican Church, dedicated to the Apostle Paul, makes a really strong impression and stands out among many other buildings. Traditionally, the cathedral is the burial place of the most prominent citizens.

In addition to Saint Paul Cathedral, other important religious center city ​​is Westminster Abbey, where from the XI century. coronations and burials of English monarchs are carried out. This place of worship is a true treasury: here you can see masterpieces of painting, magnificent church utensils, amazing tapestries and other treasures.

Another must-see for tourists is Buckingham Palace, the official home of Her Majesty the Queen. If you visit the British capital in August or September, you can take the chance to see the interior decoration of some rooms. At this time, the queen leaves the residence, so the palace becomes open to visitors. And such a trip will never be forgotten.

Another important historical place Here - Trafalgar Square. It was on it that Churchill informed the Londoners about the end of hostilities in 1945. In the middle of the square there is a monument to Admiral Nelson. Here, the main New Year tree is set up annually, which, according to tradition, is always given by Norway.

The list of London attractions can be continued endlessly. Worth telling about the most interesting museums cities, some of which are included in the LondonPass system. Note that the main museums of the capital are free for visitors.

Of all the diversity, the following sights of the capital stand out.

  • The British Museum, which houses a chic collection of antiquities.
  • Museum natural history. It is characterized by rave reviews and offers a rich collection of ancient animals, among which interactive replicas of dinosaurs stand out.
  • Madame Tussauds is another highlight of London. Here are wax figures with special effects.
  • London National Gallery. In its halls, the works of many eminent artists are presented. For example, paintings by Van Gogh, Titian, Rembrandt, Da Vinci and many others.
  • The Sherlock Holmes Museum is another important face of London. It is very cozy and interesting here.

What else to see and do in London

Holidays in London can be diversified indefinitely. Seeing famous sights and visiting best museums, you need to dip a little and in real life capital Cities. And these are pubs, shady parks and many other places.

Visit Hyde Park or Green Park if you want to see how the free time residents of the metropolis. If you like shopping, then the numerous shops and boutiques of the city are at your service. Oxford Street is popular with Londoners and many visitors to the city, where many shops are concentrated. In the Knightsbridge area is the famous Harrods shopping center.

In the capital it will be interesting to taste and national cuisine. You can eat tasty and relatively inexpensive in the Soho area, where many restaurants, pubs, clubs and discos are located.