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Visit London, a vibrant tapestry of experiences

“There’s nowhere else like London. Nothing at all, anywhere,” Vivienne Westwood once said. It’s historic and modern, diverse and traditional, loud and serene, classic and bold, huge and intimate. A cultural epicenter, a global financial powerhouse, a treasure trove of history and a foodie’s paradise. 

It’s a place where amidst the grandeur of iconic landmarks like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace, you’re bound to discover something unexpected no matter how many times you’ve visited. Perhaps a quaint bookshop tucked away on a quiet side street, a market bursting with flavors from around the world or a small gallery showcasing the latest in art and design. The UK’s capital city is many things, but dull is certainly not one of them.

A very brief introduction to the sprawling city of London

London, founded by the Romans, has adorned the banks of the River Thames for two millennia. It has withstood wars and plagues, political upheavals and economic downturns, only to emerge stronger from every challenge. This rich history is interwoven into the very fabric of the city, evident at every turn. 

Stroll through the financial district, known as the Square Mile or simply the City, and you’ll find remnants of ancient Roman walls whispering tales of yesteryear. Standing tall amidst this area is the iconic St. Paul’s Cathedral, a symbol of London’s indomitable spirit. It was ravaged by the Great Fire of London, rebuilt from scratch and amazingly survived the bombings of the Blitz unscathed. Adjacent to the City lies Westminster, where you can find many of central London’s tourist attractions such as Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Hyde Park and Piccadilly Circus.

Beyond its bustling city center, London is a mosaic of 32 boroughs, each with its own distinct character. Wander through the leafy lanes of Richmond upon Thames, get lost in the colorful market stalls of Camden, immerse yourself in the artsy vibe of Hackney, or admire the timeless elegance of Kensington and Chelsea. You might also want to take a trip to Greenwich, home to the Prime Meridian, where east meets west and time literally begins. Then hop on a boat down the Thames to experience the captivating story of London, unfolding from its industrial roots to its majestic grandeur.

Historic London attractions: the Tower of London and royal must-sees

Probably the most famous of London’s historic sights, the Tower of London is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the world. Built by William the Conqueror, it’s served as a royal palace, prison, execution site and even a zoo over the centuries. Don’t skip a visit to the Waterloo Barracks, where the crown jewels are housed, including the sacred Coronation Regalia adorned with over 23,000 gemstones.

Speaking of royalty, no visit to London is complete without a trip to Buckingham Palace, the King’s official London residence. Time your visit for the morning to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony – be sure to check the schedule online to avoid disappointment. If you fancy a peek inside, the State Rooms are open to visitors from July to September. 

Continue your royal tour at Kensington Palace, the birthplace of Queen Victoria and beloved home of Princess Diana. Or step into Westminster Abbey, whose Gothic halls are a veritable who’s who of British history – almost every English monarch since William The Conqueror has been crowned in this royal church, which also serves as the final resting place or memorial for more than 3,300 kings, queens, scientists, poets and musicians.

Then there’s the British Museum. Home to over eight million artifacts spanning the entire history of human civilization, it’s one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious museums. From ancient Egyptian mummies to the iconic Rosetta Stone and even pieces of the Parthenon, this museum is a must-visit for any history buff. The best part? It’s completely free. 

Contemporary London: from the London Eye to Tate Modern

In the modern era, London’s skyline has been reshaped with glittering skyscrapers and modern architectural gems. Among these, the London Eye stands as a symbol of the city’s innovative character on the South Bank. Step inside one of its glass capsules and ascend to a dizzying height of 135 meters, where you’ll be treated to a 360-degree view of the city. Spot top London sights like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, as well as new additions like the sleek, 72-storey Shard and The Gherkin, another emblem of contemporary London. 

Once you’ve descended back to ground level, immerse yourself in the city’s modern art scene. If you only have time for one gallery, make it the Tate Modern. Housed in a revamped power station (itself a sight to behold), it boasts an incredibly diverse collection of modern and contemporary artworks from across the globe. Its permanent exhibitions feature such names as Picasso, Dali, Matisse and Warhol, attracting 5 million visitors annually. If your art cravings are still not satisfied, check out other pioneering, yet lesser-known, galleries such as the Whitechapel Gallery and the Serpentine Galleries.

Multicultural eats

If there’s one place that epitomizes London’s diverse culinary landscape, it’s undoubtedly Borough Market at the foot of London Bridge. A bustling hub for traders for over 1,000 years, it offers a delightful array of artisanal food products and street food that you can relish while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. Indulge in a wide array of choices, including Persian mazeh plates, Taiwanese Bao buns, slow-cooked meat baguettes, gooey raclettes and beer-battered fish & chips. Or why not try Guinness and oyster pie?

Brick Lane, the heart of London’s Bangladeshi community, is another popular destination for foodies, one that’s become synonymous with curry and perhaps surprisingly, bagels. The street is lined with curry houses, many with meal deals and a bring-your-own-booze policy. A word to the wise: although each claims to be the best in the area, the quality can vary significantly, so a little research goes a long way. Now, about those legendary bagels on Brick Lane. A true East London institution, the 24-hour Beigel Bake has been serving up a slice of New York since the ‘70s and its popularity is only growing. Prepare to queue, but most importantly, don’t miss the moist salt beef.

Navigating London’s public transport system

The sheer size of the city can make getting around quite a daunting task for visitors. But worry not, London has an extensive public transport network that will help you get from A to B day and night. The most common mode of transportation is the London Underground, or the Tube, the oldest of its kind in the world, with 11 different color-coded lines covering over 400 kilometers and serving 272 stations.

If you prefer to stay above ground, London’s red double-decker buses can take you to most places in the city with a bit of sightseeing along the way. Routes 9, 11 and 24 are particularly scenic. Another popular option is the London Overground, which connects outer areas with central London.

It’s possible to buy tickets for single journeys at ticket offices and self-service machines, but it’s cheaper and much more convenient to use either contactless payment or a prepaid Oyster card. 

How to get to and from London Stansted Airport

The third busiest airport of London, England, after Heathrow and Gatwick, London Stansted is located in the county of Essex, approximately 60 kilometers northeast of the capital with easy travel links to central London. Stansted Express is the quickest option, taking you to London Liverpool Street in just 50 minutes. There are coaches and buses available to London and the rest of the UK, as well as car hire and taxi services.