Cultural and historical sights of London briefly. Tussauds and wax figures in London. Elizabeth Tower or Big Ben

It is unlikely that anyone will argue with the fact that London is one of the main tourist destinations in the world. According to official statistics, London attracts over 15 million visitors a year. The British capital is a vibrant concentration of art, entertainment, music and numerous monuments. The British are rightly proud of the huge concentration of cultural attractions in London. From royal palaces to the Houses of Parliament, Roman ruins, castles and cathedrals, you can spend many days exploring London's landmarks and always find something new and interesting. The capital of England and the United Kingdom is also the most densely populated city in the UK with over 9 million inhabitants. The history of London goes back over 2,000 years when the Romans first established here ancient city Londinium. Numerous tourists come here throughout the year, and if you plan to be among them, here is a list of the top 17 London attractions for the active traveler.

British museum

Located in the Bloomsbury area, the British Museum is dedicated to human history and culture. Its permanent collection of approximately 8 million works is one of the largest and most comprehensive exhibitions in the world, spanning the history of all continents. The British Museum illustrates and documents the history of human culture from its inception to the present day. Visiting the museum is free, but sometimes there are small queues.

Palace of Westminster

The Palace of Westminster (more commonly known as the House of Commons and the House of Lords) is the Houses of Parliament in the United Kingdom. The history of the House of Commons and the House of Lords spans over 900 years, from the time of the Anglo-Saxons to the present day. The current building was built in the 19th century, restored after a fire in the magnificent tradition of Victorian neo-Gothic architecture. The appearance of the Palace of Westminster is decorated with Big Ben - the legendary clock tower on the banks of the River Thames. This landmark of london recognizable all over the world and is one of the most visited places in London.

Tate Modern

Tate Modern is the UK's national gallery for international contemporary art. She is part of the Tate Group (along with Tate Britain, Tate Liverpool, Tate St Ives and Tate Online). Tate Modern is the most visited contemporary art gallery in the world, with 4.7 million visitors a year. Admission to the Tate Modern is absolutely free, with the exception of some special exhibitions.

Tower of London

The Tower of London is a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London. This famous landmark is located in London's Tower Hamlets, separated from eastern edge london city square open space Tower Hill. The Tower was founded towards the end of 1066, in honor of the Norman conquest of England. In general, this is a complex of several buildings in two rings of protective walls and a moat. The Tower of London has played a very important role in English history.

Madame Tussauds museum

Madame Tussauds is a wax museum in London with branches in many major cities on four continents. It was founded by the wax sculptor Marie Tussauds, becoming one of the main attractions in London. Wax figures of historical and royal figures, movie stars, sports stars and even infamous assassins are on display here.

Science Museum

The Science Museum is the largest museum on Exhibition Road in South Kensington. It was founded in 1857 and today is one of the most visited places in the city, attracting 3.3 million visitors annually. Here you can experience the main scientific achievements past 300 years, as well as visit the stunning IMAX cinema. Entrance to the Science Museum is absolutely free.

Museum of Natural History

The museum is entirely devoted to earth sciences and includes approximately 80 million exhibits in five main groups: botany, entomology, mineralogy, paleontology and zoology. The Museum of Natural History is a world-renowned research center specializing in the taxonomy, identification and conservation of the riches of the earth. Considering the age of the institution, many of the exhibits have a very great historical as well as scientific value. Some specimens were collected by Charles Darwin himself. Like all other museums in London, the Natural History Museum does not require any entrance fee.

"London Eye"

A modern but already very popular attraction in London is the "London Eye" - a giant ferris wheel located in the Jubilee Gardens on the South Bank of the Thames. The 135 meters high Ferris Wheel was created in honor of the millennium of London. On a clear day, visibility from the summit is 40 kilometers.

Victoria and Albert Museum

London's Victoria and Albert Museum is the world's largest museum of decorative arts and design, with a permanent collection of over 4.5 million items. It was founded in 1852 and named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Permission to V&A is free except for special exhibitions and events.

National Gallery

The National Gallery is an art museum on Trafalgar Square in London, founded in 1824. It houses the national collection of art in the Western European tradition from the 13th to the 19th centuries. It is one of the most visited museums in the world, after the Louvre in Paris, the British Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square - large Town Square, founded in honor of the victory of Lord Horatio Nelson over Napoleon's navy at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The central monument of the square is tall pole with the figure of Nelson contemplating London. His monument is surrounded by four lions and a series of large fountains. This landmark of London got its name in honor of the Battle of Trafalgar - a British naval victory during the Napoleonic Wars, which took place on October 21, 1805 off the coast of Cape Trafalgar.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is a large Gothic church in the city of Westminster, not far from the Palace of Westminster. Westminster Abbey has been around for over a thousand years. Benedictine monks first settled the site in the middle of the tenth century, establishing a tradition of daily worship that continues to this day. In 1066, the church became the site for the coronation and is the burial place of seventeen monarchs. The existing structure was built by Henry III in 1245 and became one of the most important Gothic buildings. Admission to Westminster Abbey is free.

Buckingham Palace

This is the London residence and the main workplace of the Queen of Great Britain. Located in the city of Westminster, the palace is the venue for official ceremonies and a symbol of royal hospitality. Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of British sovereigns since 1837, and despite being used for many official events and receptions, the State Rooms of the Palace are open to visitors throughout the year.

Hampton Court

Hampton Court is one of the most famous palaces in Europe. Its Grand Hall dates back to the reign of Henry VIII. This is the place where Elizabeth I learned about the defeat of the Spanish Armada. Other points of interest include the Clock Hall with its spectacular 1540 astronomical clock, the Chapel, the Royal Chambers and the Tudor tennis court. The Hampton Gardens are also worth a visit, especially in mid-May when they are in full bloom. The Garden Complex includes the Secret Garden, the Lakes, the Elizabethan Garden, the Wilderness and the famous Palace Labyrinth.

Piccadilly Circus

The two most famous tourist areas in London are located not far from each other. Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus are popular for attractions such as the Soho Locks, the London Theater and the Entertainment District. Piccadilly Circus is the intersection of several busy streets - Piccadilly, Regent Street, Haymarket, and Shaftesbury Avenue. London's most famous sculpture, Winged Eros, is a finely balanced masterpiece of art on this lively site.

covent garden

The covered markets of Covent Garden are just the beginning of a large complex encompassing the shops and restaurants of Long Acre with neighboring streets, as well as the Central Square with its street performers. The halls and galleries of Covent Garden Market, with their specialty shops and stalls, attract a lot of tourists. Absolutely everything is sold here, from fine handicrafts to small souvenirs. In the building of the former flower market you will find the London Transport Museum with historical exhibits - vintage cars, trams and buses. This area is also home to the Royal Opera theatre- Another famous landmark of London.

Greenwich and Docklands

For centuries, Greenwich and the Docklands has been the main base of the British Navy. ---- Greenwich is best known to tourists as the home of Cutty Sark----. It is also home to the Greenwich Visitor Center with its exhibitions showcasing more than 500 years of maritime history and the Pallas Athena style mansion known as the Queen's House. Impressive exhibits of the National Maritime Museum, the most big museum of this type in the world, illustrate the history of the Royal Navy of Great Britain. The lively Docklands is located on the other side of the river. It has been transformed into an international business district and is filled with the most gourmet restaurants London. The excellent Docklands Museum, housed in old Georgian warehouses, is dedicated to the river port and its history since Roman times. Interactive information displays are especially interesting for children.

Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens - officially called the Royal botanical garden. It is located in southwest London on the south bank of the Thames. This wonderful place to spend time enjoying the many plants on an impressive 300 acres. Established in 1759, the gardens became a government park in 1841. In 1897, Queen Victoria added the Queen's House and the surrounding woodland to the site. Many tours of the park are completely free, and Kew Gardens hosts numerous concerts and cultural events throughout the year.

Churchill War Rooms

Among London's most exciting historical sights is the well-preserved command center from which Prime Minister Winston Churchill directed British military campaigns during World War II. Their spartan simplicity and limited conditions highlight the difficulties that England experienced during the expansion of Nazi power throughout Europe. Here you will see the tiny room where Churchill slept and the makeshift radio room where he broadcast his famous war speeches. Numerous simple details, such as Clementine Churchill yarn and maps of Europe with markers, create an indescribable atmosphere.

One of the most visited cities in the world has something for everyone, so don't miss the chance to visit the capital of England at least once in your life to experience all the highlights of London.

London Attractions attract many tourists. The capital of Great Britain is located in its southeast, at the mouth of the River Thames. The city with a population exceeding 8 million is one of the largest in the world. It is one of the leading financial centers of the planet.

Piccadilly Circus, 1946

City `s history

starting point history of the creation of the city of London it is generally accepted that the appearance in 43 AD. e. Romans on British Isles. At the end of the 1st century the Roman trading settlement acquired a fortress wall, beyond which the city did not cross for a whole millennium. With the fall of the Roman Empire, London also experienced desolation. Then the North Germanic tribes began to move here - the Angles, Saxons, Jutes, Frisians, who gradually suppressed the resistance of the local Celtic tribes of the Britons. The first signs of revival are noted with the beginning of the 7th century. For the next several centuries, the Normans (Vikings) and Anglo-Saxons alternately owned the city.

In 1066, the army of the Duke of Normandy, William the Conqueror, landed on the British Isles. Having defeated the Anglo-Saxons at the Battle of Hastings, he was crowned the first English king in London's new building, Westminster Abbey. Then the city was built royal residence, later called the Tower, the Palace of Westminster and a stone bridge. Over the next few centuries, the Anglo-Saxons and Normans (not to be confused with the Normans) merged into a single English nation.

Piccadilly Circus, 1972

In the Middle Ages, London experienced a brief French invasion, the plague of 1348 that wiped out half the population, and sack by rebellious peasants led by Wat Tyler. The decline was interrupted in the 16th century. This was facilitated by the defeat of rivals at sea - Antwerp, and especially Spain, whose "Great Armada" was defeated by the British in 1588. The country became the mistress of the seas.

Another blow to the city was dealt by a grandiose fire in 1666, which destroyed many medieval buildings. Burnt Cathedral of St. Paul was restored at the beginning of the 18th century, then landmark buildings were erected - Westminster Bridge and Buckingham Palace. The railway, the first subway (in 1863) and, especially, the sewerage system (in 1865), which put an end to cholera outbreaks, gave a new impetus to the development of the city. Industrialization turned London into a major industrial center and the population passed the million mark.

The Victorian era (most of the 19th century) is the heyday of London. It was intensively built up, and the population reached 6 million. But many buildings were destroyed by German bombing at the beginning of World War II. The post-war period is characterized by large immigration from the former colonies. british empire. And already in the XXI century. several ultra-modern structures were built in the city, which will be discussed below.

The main historical and archaeological museum of the British Empire

London Attractions

TO main classical architectural and historical sights of London relate.

• Westminster.
• Tower.
• Cathedral of St. Paul.
• British museum.

Tomb of Elizabeth I

Westminster

This historic district is the political center of Great Britain. Here are located top sights in london:

• royal residence - Buckingham Palace;
• Parliament sitting at the Palace of Westminster;
• Westminster Abbey;
• Trafalgar Square.

Inspection iconic places area can be started by taking the London Underground to the St James Park stop.

The parade of the Horse Guards and the colorful changing of the guard ceremony take place daily from 11 a.m. They were observed by almost everyone who visited London. But few of them saw the luxurious interiors of the palace. Collections of paintings from the royal collection are exhibited in the Gallery of the same name during the Queen's holidays in August and September from 10 am to 6 pm. Ticket price - 16.5 GBP (pound sterling).

The symbol of London is the Palace of Westminster with the bell tower Big Ben. It was successfully recreated in the 19th century. instead of the original building, which burned down in the Great Fire of 1666. On the opposite side, the palace is crowned by the Victoria Tower, through the gates of which the queen passes to deliver the throne speech in Parliament. Other traditions are honored as well. So, the Lord Chancellor is still sitting on a bag of wool, and parliamentarians who address the speaker must wear hats. The easiest way to get to the Palace of Westminster is by tube, getting off at Westminster or Victoria stations.

Cathedral Church of St. Petra is the official name. This outstanding monument of English Gothic was founded in 1065 and completed until the 16th century. The facade and interiors of the building compete in splendor. The cathedral is the place of coronations and burials of British kings. In Poets' Corner there are graves (not always real) of famous Englishmen - Newton, Dickens, Shakespeare, Thackeray, Milton, Chaucer, Burns, Handel and others.

Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton

You can visit the cathedral for 20 GBP from 9:30 to 16:30, on Wednesday - until 19:00, and on Saturday - until 14:30. Sunday services are held for parishioners. The nearest tube stations are St James's Park or Westminster.

The central square of London was named in honor of the battle won by the English fleet near Cape Trafalgar. On a high column in the center is a 5-meter figure of the hero of the battle, Admiral Nelson. Around the statue are beautiful sculptures and fountains. In the corner of the square there is a model of the ship on which the admiral was mortally wounded. And from the monument to King Charles I, all London distances are measured. Near the square are Charing Cross metro stations, Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square.

Traditional poppy field in front of the walls of the fortress

Other attractions

The palace and fortress in London's Tower Hamlets is a thousand years old. For a long time the building was a prison and even a place of execution of noble people, including kings. Some visitors say that they saw the ghosts of the executed here. The current Tower is a royal treasury, an armory and a residence for elite guests. Guardians of the building in luxurious uniforms are guides and living exhibits for visitors. Not far from the Tower is the bridge of the same name - a landmark of the British capital. It is especially beautiful in night illumination.

You can get to the Tower by metro to Tower Hill station or by buses No. 15, 42, 78, 100, RV1. Opening hours are from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m. (depending on the season), and on Sunday and Monday from 10 a.m. A regular entry ticket costs 25 GBP.

Eastern part of the Cathedral

Cathedral of St. Pavla is located in the City area. The structure was built according to the project of the architect Christopher Wren from 1675 to 1710. Outside, the grandiose triple dome 120 m high attracts the attention of tourists. Many surprising things can be seen inside - columns breaking to the ceiling, a false second floor, the famous Gallery of Whispers heard within a radius of 30 m, the best English organ. In the right tower is the main bell "Big Paul", the sound of which is carried for 37 km. Two prominent military leaders are buried in the cathedral - the Duke of Wellington and Admiral Nelson.

Tourists who have overcome 560 steps to the Golden Gallery are rewarded with a wonderful panorama of the city. You can get to the Cathedral by metro to St. Paul's. Opening hours - from 9:30 to 16:30, except for Sunday reserved for services. The ticket costs 14.5 GBP.

Many are interesting museums in london. The most famous - has been operating since 1753. The geography of its 7 million exhibits is incomparably wider than the name. In the Ancient Egypt section, the Rosetta Stone and the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II stand out. In the ancient Greek exposition, one can see, in particular, Parthenon marble slabs. The museum can be visited from 10:00 to 17:30 for free. And you can get to it by getting off at the Russell Square, Holborn metro stations, or by buses No. 7, 55, 19, 22b, 8, 38, 25, 98.

Museum building and entry line

Private museums

In London is main museum wax figures, founded back in 1835 by a sculptor. In its exposition there are over a thousand well-known characters, classified by type of activity. The organizers did their best when creating the "Cabinet of Horrors". In it, in the semi-darkness, maniacs and death masks of those executed on the guillotine are presented. To enhance the impression, museum attendants in dark robes suddenly jump out of the darkness and grab the hands of visitors. Those of them who especially liked it here are given the opportunity to spend the night for 100 GBP.

To visit the museum, which is open from 10 to 17:30, you need to purchase a ticket for 28.8 GBP. And you can get here by metro to the Baker Street station, or by buses No. 13, 18, 27, 30, 74, 82, 113, 139 and 274.

Another famous museum is dedicated to Sherlock Holmes. Letters to the famous detective at 221B Baker Street are still coming. Now this apartment has also moved to the museum, located nearby - in building 239. The museum, which is open from 10:30 to 18 hours, can be visited by paying 6 GBP. Directions - by subway to Baker Street.

City Hall lobby

Modern architecture

In the current century, several buildings in the postmodern style have been built in London. Modern London architecture causes a lot of controversy. Adherents consider these buildings new sights, and opponents say that they spoil the architectural appearance of the city. Two buildings were built according to the designs of one of the founders of the high-tech style, architect Norman Foster. He explains the unusual shape of his buildings with environmental considerations.

The new building of London City Hall - City Hall, was built next to Tower Bridge. It was put into operation in 2002. The twisted facade of the 10-story building is reminiscent of a sliced ​​egg. The narrowness of the upper floors contributes to better illumination of the lower ones. There are no air conditioners in City Hall either: in summer the building is cooled by groundwater coming from a special well.

Mary Ax Tower

Foster's other creation is the 40-story City Tower, opened in 2004. The Gherkin's mesh structure has a maximum width of 57m at the 17th floor, narrowing to 25m at the very top. The green glass panels allow the sun's rays to pass freely, and the rounded design minimizes wind currents. A third of the building's glass panels are darkened, giving it a swirling effect. The nearest metro station is Aldgate. You can only get inside during Open House London days in September.

Skyscraper "Shard", reaching 310 m - the tallest building in Western Europe. The building, designed by the Italian Renzo Piano, has been operating since 2013. The name (“Shard of Glass”) fully reflects its appearance. The last 4 of the 72 floors are reserved for sky-high (in literally words) viewing platforms for visitors.

It is better to purchase tickets in advance, after checking the weather forecast: heavy cloud cover can interfere with a long-range view.

The nearest metro station is London Bridge, buses No. 43, 48, 141, 149, 521. Visiting hours are from 10 to 18, and on Thursday-Saturday - until 21 hours. Ticket price - 26 GBP.

Evening on Leicester Square

Things to do in London

Evening relaxation in London

The British capital is interesting not only for its architectural and historical sights. Where to go in London at night? The most popular among tourists are several options.

Where can you go from London on a free day? Excursions are organized from the city to see nearby attractions. You can also visit them on your own.

• The famous Stonehenge (train to Salisbury, from there by shuttle bus). There are no cafes in its vicinity, so you need to bring food with you. You have to pay 15 GBP for the ticket.
• Dover (by train from St Pancras station), where you can see the famous chalk cliffs, as well as ancient castle, a ticket for which costs 17 GBP.
• Windsor (Waterloo Station to Windsor & Eaton Riverside). The city castle is one of the royal residences. At 11 o'clock there is a changing of the guard. You can get inside from 10 am to 4 pm only if there is no royal family in it. The price is 15 GBP.
• Canterbury (by train from St Pancras or Waterloo East), where the main Anglican church, Canterbury Cathedral, is located. The entrance ticket costs 7 GBP.

If you are fond of history and like to look at unusual, impressive buildings, then London is perfect place for your next trip. This city easily falls in love with fans of contemporary art. In the capital of Great Britain, you can find many interesting objects and places that, in the truest sense of the word, breathe history. And this is not surprising, because London is a city founded by the Romans in the first century AD. A city with almost two thousand years of history.

The capital of the historically significant UK boasts many sights worth seeing. Let's now fast forward to the most famous of them:

The capital of Great Britain is famous bright combination of different styles. Firstly, the Queen of England lives there and many attractions are associated with the royal family. London, with a population of ten million, can rightly be considered one of the most big cities Europe. Tourists from all over the world come here for new impressions of old English architecture.

Trafalgar Square is considered the beating heart of London and the best starting point for exploring its central part. The place got its name after the Battle of Trafalgar on October 21, 1805. Today's view of Trafalgar Square is thanks to the architect Charles Barry, who once worked on the building of the British Parliament.

The square is also known as a favorite place for hundreds of pigeons, which the people of London have fed here since time immemorial. Feeding birds has been banned by law for several years now, as bird droppings have nothing to do with London attractions. Another well-known tradition on the square is the annual installation of a New Year tree brought from Oslo in gratitude for the help of the British for Norway during the Second World War.

Address: Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN.

The most famous and photogenic bridge in London is the Tower Bridge. It got its name from the two neo-gothic towers that serve as pillars. To move large ships along the Thames, the middle part of the bridge is raised.

The construction of the bridge began in 1886, with more than 400 workers working on its creation under the guidance of architect Horace Jones and John-Barry Wilf. At one time, the Tower Bridge was the most difficult drawbridge in the world, which was very difficult to manage. The original hydraulic equipment of the bridge can still be seen if you go on an excursion there. Most tourists, while walking along the bridge, being in a state of euphoria, give all their attention only to him, not paying attention to the surroundings.

If we walk a little further along south coast to the end of the bridge, you can get to Shad Thames. Across the river at the other end of the bridge you can get to St. Catherine's Docks, which is a harbor with sails along with residential buildings.

Address: Tower Bridge Road.

Big Ben is a famous symbol of the city. This richly decorated tower belongs to the Houses of Parliament and is famous for its bell. The original, 16 kg bell was cast in 1856, then it cracked and was recast, weighing 13.8 tons, which it still is. Interesting is the fact that Big Ben is described as the heaviest bell in the UK, while it is the third after the bell in St. Paul's Cathedral and Liverpool Cathedral.

The Big Ben building was designed in the Victorian-Gothic style and today is the pride of the capital of England. Big Ben's clock was also considered the largest in the world at one time. They consisted of 312 parts of glass and the lower part of the dial had the inscription: Domine salvam fac reginam nostram Victoriam primam (from Latin means the Lord protects our Queen Victoria I). Watches are known for their reliability. Their accuracy was maintained despite the bombings during World War II.

Address: Elizabeth Tower, Houses of Parliament.

This attraction is located in the heart of London and is one of the largest Ferris wheels in the world. It was opened on December 31, 1999 and soon after its opening became the most visited attraction in the whole of the UK.

The attraction with a height of 135 meters is considered the highest in Europe. Until 2006, it even surpassed the Chinese Star of Nanchang. One revolution of the wheel around the axle lasts about 30 minutes. Interestingly, the wheel does not stop for passengers to board, because the traffic is so slow that passengers can disembark or, conversely, sit on the attraction slowly and comfortably. The London Eye moves at a speed of 26 cm per second. For comparison, the turtle moves twice as slowly.

Address: Lambeth, SE1 7PB.

Westminster Abbey is primarily a religious and historic building. For many centuries, the most important ceremonies in English history took place under its roof. One is in awe just looking at the majestic façade of the building.

The abbey also serves as a religious shrine and place of eternal rest for famous British figures and rulers. For example, Charles Darwin, father of nuclear physics Ernest Rutherford, writer Rudyard Kipling (author of the Jangle Book) and Charles Dickens rested here. The most famous grave belongs to Sir Isaac Newton. The new rise in popularity of the building was brought by the novel The Da Vinci Code, which was released in 2003 and at one time outraged the leaders of the Christian church around the world.

Address: 20 Deans Yd-Westminster.

Piccadilly Circus is located between Big Ben and Tower Bridge. This area can often be seen on postcards. Piccadilly is one of the busiest transport hubs in London. It was founded at the end of the 18th century by the architect Nash. Now this place is considered one of the main shopping areas. In the middle of the square is a metal statue holding a bow and arrows, which confuses tourists who confuse the statue with the god of love. In fact, the statue means "the angel of Christian mercy."

Address: London, W1J 9HS.

Great Britain is the cradle of democracy, and the country's parliament is housed in the building Palace of Westminster which proves its importance and significance. The building is located on the left bank of the Thames right in the city center, close to the Westminster Underground.

Of the more than a thousand rooms in the palace, the most important are the House of Lords and the House of Commons. In the first chamber, the traditional ceremony of the beginning of parliamentary year(State Opening of Parliament), where the solemn speech of the members of the government is delivered and thus the political season officially begins. The oldest part of the palace is Westminster Hall. He remembers countless ceremonial rites, such as the coronation of King George IV or the funeral of Winston Churchill.

Between the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, you can often see a camp of strikers who display posters with various slogans and put forward their demands to politicians.

Address: Westminster, SW1A 0AA.

For three centuries, Buckingham Palace was inhabited by the families of the British Queen. The building was built in 1703. Today, it is the official residence of the queen and her relatives. Unfortunately, the palace was closed to the public for a long time. However, before entering, you can catch a glimpse of the royal guards. On special occasions, significant events are announced from the balcony of the palace. Opposite the entrance is a luxurious fountain.

Today the palace is open to the public and awaits tourists during the summer. Sometimes you can even see Queen Elizabeth, it is worth noting that this palace is not her only residence.

Address: Road Buckingham Palace.

In the central area on the left bank of the Thames, it is impossible to miss a visit to the huge St. Paul's Church. This cathedral is one of the largest in Europe. The church is dedicated to the Apostle Paul at the beginning of the seventh century. The temple was built in the Renaissance and Baroque styles. Its huge dome is covered with lead.

Address: St. Paul's Churchyard, London- EC4M 8AD.

The Royal Albert Hall is one of the main attractions of the fashionable area of ​​Kensington. The building has a characteristic oval shape with a glass dome and was built in the style of the Italian Renaissance. The underground station is not very close here, so it is best to get to Gloucester Road Station and South Kensington, and from there take a bus to the Albert Hall.

It is a great honor for everyone to sing on stage at the Royal Albert Hall, but not everyone is lucky. For example, in 1977, the final concert tour of Europe by the legendary Abby took place, whose concert they wished to attend. 3.5 million people. Later, Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Deep Purple and Bob Dylan appeared on this scene.

Kensington Gore, Kensington

Since Lady Diana's death in 1997, no one has lived in Kensington Palace. Only now, the newly-made Princess Kate, thanks to her marriage to Prince William, has “settled in” it, after which the reconstruction of the building began. Over the course of two years, about £12,000,000 for the restoration of the palace.

The palace gardens are ideal for picnics and sports. They can also be viewed with a guide. In June 2000, a platform in memory of Princess Diana was opened there.

Address: Kensington Gardens, W8 4PX.

Of course everyone should visit this place. The park is located in the very center of the metropolis, it is very large, and is rightfully considered one of the largest in the city. Its area is 1.4 sq. km. Big concerts are often organized there, such as the Rolling Stones in 1969 or the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2004.

In order to pass through the entire park, it is required a large number of time. But it's worth it, because in some places you can find interesting sights. One of them is Marble Arch, located in the northeastern part of the park.

In total, the park occupies more than 140 hectares of land.

Address: London - W2 2UH.

The City of London is the oldest part of London and is often referred to as square mile- "square mile". Only about 8000 inhabitants. The City of London is a kind of city within a city. It is best known as the international financial and business center of the capital of England. All the headquarters and major world banks are located here.

Address: Hartmann Road.

There is a place in England where time has stopped - this is Madame Tussauds. Where else can you meet Albert Einstein, Frank Sinatra or David Beckham in one place. The modern museum was opened in 1884, since then it has been very popular not only among the British, but also among tourists around the world. Today the museum houses many figures of politicians, royal families, pop stars, actors and sportsmen. Thanks to its huge success, the museum has branches almost all over the world: Las Vegas, New York, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Shanghai, etc.

Address: Marylebone Road, Marylebone -NW1 5LR.

During the rise of the mighty British Empire, London became practically the center of the world. Fabulous capital and resources flowing into the metropolis from numerous overseas colonies made the capital of Great Britain a rich, arrogant and brilliant city, stuffed with architectural masterpieces, magnificent concert halls and fashionable shops.

London is a coveted destination not only for countless immigrant flows, but also for tourists from all over the world. Lush Victorian city blocks, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey are among the world's most visited attractions. Michelin-starred restaurants and trendy clubs in London's Soho area attract here the most advanced, progressive, select audience.

The best hotels and hostels at affordable prices.

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What to see and where to go in London?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.

Drawbridge over the River Thames, designed by architect H. Jones and built at the end of the 19th century. The construction consists of two powerful "Gothic" towers 64 meters high, connected by galleries and hanging spans. Tower Bridge is one of the most recognizable symbols of the capital of Great Britain, although initially the inhabitants of London considered it ugly and ridiculous. There is a museum on the top floor of one of the galleries.

Another recognizable city symbol. The bell is called Big Ben famous tower with a clock on the territory of the Palace of Westminster, more often this is the name of the entire tower along with the famous clock face. The tower was built by the architect O. Pugin in 1859; the building reaches a height of 96 meters. Since 2012, Big Ben has been officially renamed Elizabeth Tower in honor of the reigning queen.

The fortress, standing on the north bank of the Thames, is over 900 years old. The Tower is known as a prison for nobles and prisoners of royal blood. From time to time it became the residence of monarchs. IN different time the famous humanist Thomas More, the wives of Henry VIII Catherine Howard and Anne Boleyn, the "bloody" Queen Mary Tudor and many others visited the castle. Only in the middle of the 20th century, the Tower ceased to serve as a prison.

The Royal Palace, the official residence of the ruling dynasty in London. There are about 800 rooms in the building, around a perimeter of 20 hectares there is a whole “city” for the internal use of the royals: a hospital, a police station, a post office, a restaurant. The palace was built for the Duke of Buckingham in the 18th century, but was bought by King George III. It became the official residence after the accession to the throne of Queen Victoria.

The seat of the British Parliament since the 16th century. Until 1530 it was the royal residence (until Henry VIII moved to Whitehall). The palace stands on the banks of the Thames in the heart of the capital. Since the 11th century, English kings have settled here. For many centuries, the facade of the building was rebuilt, updated, new buildings were added. The last reconstruction was made in the middle of the 19th century after a fire. Tourists can only get inside during the summer parliamentary recess.

Another royal residence, the smallest of all the palaces belonging to the ruling family. The building was built in the 17th century. for the Earl of Nottingham, but King William of Orange ransomed him and made him his summer country estate. Kensington Palace (rather a mansion compared to other royal palaces) is located in one of the western districts of London. In our time, the families of the Duke of Kent and Gloucester live there.

The main church of Great Britain, not only an important religious center, but also the place of coronation and burial of British monarchs. The abbey was founded by Edward the Confessor at the beginning of the 11th century, and acquired its modern look in the 15th century. Since Harold II, all the kings of Great Britain have been crowned here. The abbey is open to tourists. Classical music concerts and exhibitions are often held here.

Anglican Church standing on Ludgate Hill. Since the early Middle Ages, Christian churches have been built in this place. The last Catholic cathedral fell into disrepair after the reforms of Henry VIII, only ruins remained on the top of the hill. In the 17th century construction began on a completely new cathedral designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Many iconic personalities are buried in the temple british history: W. Churchill, Admiral Nelson, A. Fleming and others.

The famous square in central London, a favorite symbol of the city for tourists and the place where the British “zero kilometer” passes. Numerous holidays and festivals are held here, and the main Christmas tree of the country is set up in winter. The square appeared in 1820 on the site of the old Whitehall stables. The place is named after the victory of the British in 1805 in the naval battle at Cape Trafalgar.

One of London's most famous shopping streets. More than 100 million people visit it every year. First of all, visiting the street is interesting for everyone who follows fashion and loves shopping. In a relatively small area (Oxford Street is only 2.4 km long.) There are more than 500 stores, including boutiques of world brands, large family supermarkets and shops with goods of the mass market category.

The street got its name from the lace collars that Robert Baker sold. Previously, it was called Portuguese. Piccadilly is known for the fact that for more than 300 years the richest and most distinguished representatives of the world's "elite" have settled here: bankers, stars, members of powerful financial clans. Here are the most expensive and luxurious mansions, hotels and apartments.

The street gained popularity due to the fact that part of it was immortalized on the cover of the record "The Beatles" (the album was called "Abbey Road"). The record company was also located here, where the famous band recorded their songs. Decades later, fans continue their pilgrimage to Abbey Road. Beatles breathlessly photographed in "the same place" that is depicted on the cover.

A structure made of metal and glass structures in the modern center of London, shaped like a cucumber (Barcelona also has such a tower). The building is used as the headquarters of the Swiss company "Swiss Reinsurance". The tower was built from 2001 to 2004. designed by architect Sir N. Foster. 400 million dollars were spent on the construction. The structure reaches a height of 180 meters and contains 40 floors.

A high-rise building built for the opening of the 2012 Olympic Games. The structure is a glass pyramid resembling a piece of ice 310 meters high (72 floors). Inside there are offices, hotels, recreation areas, private apartments. Tourists tend to get into the skyscraper on observation deck, located at the level of the 70th floor, from where you can admire London lying in full view.

The main historical and archaeological museum of the country, one of the largest in the world. There are about 100 exhibition halls in the building, where exhibits are presented from all over the world - the former colonies of the British Empire. There are also ancient Egyptian and antique artifacts. Many countries require the return of the exhibits to their homeland, as it is believed that they came to the British Museum in a not entirely honest way.

The largest museum in the country with over 2,000 examples of Western European painting dating back to the 12th century. The gallery was founded in 1839, since then the collection has been constantly replenished. Like many similar places, the museum cannot be bypassed in one visit; you will need to return to it several times to look at all the expositions. Also in the London Gallery you can listen to audio books and lectures on art.

A branch of the most famous wax museum in the world (it has branches in Amsterdam, Hong Kong, New York, Copenhagen). Marie Tussauds inherited wax figures from her teacher Curtis and gradually added new characters to the collection. Until 1835, she toured all over England like circus performers, then opened a permanent exhibition at the insistence of her sons.

House Museum of the popular detective at 221b Baker Street. It was here, according to the idea of ​​the writer Arthur Conan Doyle, that Sherlock Holmes and his assistant Dr. Watson rented rooms. The building was purchased by a society of admirers of this literary work. The museum opened relatively recently - in 1990. In the rooms, the atmosphere is recreated, exactly corresponding to the author's description of A.K. Doyle.

A contemporary art gallery that attracts millions of tourists every year. Considered one of the largest in the world. The collection is made up of works from the period of the beginning of the 20th century. and to our days. The modern building opened to visitors in 2000. It consists of seven floors, each of which has its own exposition. The museum is housed in a converted building of a former power plant.

One of the most prestigious opera venues, where the best performers and orchestras strive to get into. Before the construction of the modern building in 1858, there were two theaters on this site, which burned down in fires. Previously, all theatrical genres were staged in Covent Garden, but later it began to specialize only in musical performances: operas, oratorios, ballets, concerts.

Concert hall, reminiscent of the Roman Colosseum, hosting a variety of events from musicals and award ceremonies to charity receptions. The hall was erected in the period 1867-1871. designed by Prince Albert. To recoup construction costs, the creators sold tickets to future events that gave them the right to visit the Albert Hall for 999 years. Some still go to the hall on these tickets.

The theater, created with the participation of the great playwright W. Shakespeare at the end of the 16th century. Almost all of the author's works were staged here, but the building lasted only 14 years and was destroyed by fire. The rebuilt theater lasted until 1642 (then the troupe was disbanded by order of the Puritan government, and two years later the building itself was demolished). The modern "Globe" is a reconstruction based on fragments found during excavations.

City park, where it is always crowded and lively. Tourists tend to come here to see with their own eyes the personification of democracy "Speakers' Corner", where everyone can express any thoughts. True, you can’t use microphones, so you have to strain your larynx. Hyde Park - typical English landscape park with fountains, topiary trees and neat lawns.

One of the largest attractions of this type in Europe. The height of the structure is 136 m, which approximately corresponds to a 45-storey building. The wheel is set on the banks of the Thames, with a view of the whole of London. Passengers can be accommodated in one of 32 closed capsule cabins, which symbolize 32 city districts. A full rotation is completed in half an hour. The attraction opened in 1999.

The river artery of the capital, crossing the entire city and passing through it central part. Perhaps this is one of the most popular rivers in the world, passing through the city. Largely due to the possibility of navigation on the Thames, London began to develop as an industrial, and later a financial center. Even during the Roman Empire, there was a port here. The Thames is an independent attraction visited by millions of tourists.

Railway junction in central London. It was built by architect W. Henry in the 19th century. The station building is a typical example of the neo-Gothic style characteristic of the Victorian era. Trains arrive here from continental Europe and from neighboring counties. A single architectural ensemble of red brick, together with the station, makes up the five-star Renaissance Hotel.

A well-known and even legendary stadium among football fans, a symbol of football England. For the first time its gates were opened under King George V in 1923, in the same year the FA Cup was played at the stadium. By the 60s. XX century Wembley becomes the main football arena of the country. In addition to games, there were concerts by Madonna, Michael Jackson, Metallica, Oasis, AC / DC and other world stars.

A real "mecca" for fashion fans and shopaholics, it is one of the three most visited London attractions. Harrods occupies 18,000 m², on its territory there are 300 stores selling everything in the world. Here shopping is elevated to its highest degree. The building itself is distinguished by the luxury of interior decoration and the monumentality of architectural forms.

Located in Notting Hill (West London). Here, the collapse of antique gizmos, shops with second-hand clothes coexist with expensive boutiques. In the market you can buy unusual clothes, vintage interior items and furniture, interesting handmade souvenirs. Many people come here not for shopping, but for the special atmosphere of antiquity, history and strong traditions.

Symbols of the British capital recognizable all over the world. Previously, booths were used for their intended purpose, but with the invention of mobile communications, they have become simply cultural objects (some have mini-libraries). The red bus became the prototype for tourist bus in almost all world capitals, his model was invented in Britain in 1956.