With its unique architecture, museums and historical past, London is one of the most important capitals of the world, where more than 8 million people live today. Founded by the Romans nearly two thousand years ago on the banks of the Thames, this cosmopolitan city has witnessed the world’s political, cultural, sociological and artistic meetings throughout its history, and is the world’s largest city in almost every respect.
Far Eastern, Indian, Balkan, people from all over the world live together in London, which is a multinational, multilingual, multicultural and multicolored city. For the reflections of this union, you need to see Soho with its bars, nightclubs and restaurants both day and night, walk from Carnaby Street to Chinatown and take a look at the splendor of Oxford Street.
London is a volatile and exciting city with some of the world’s best sights and attractions. You can go up on the London Eye and see London from above, meet celebrities at Madame Tussauds, go on a world history journey at the British Museum, or come face-to-face with dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum.
London Travel Guide
London, the city with the highest number of non-Caucasian people in Europe, consists of a complete ethnic mix. With a population of 8 and a half million, 50% of London’s residents were born outside the UK. Almost half of the city is green space. Young people and tourists fill the green spaces in Europe’s most dense education city with 43 universities. There are 143 parks and gardens in the city.
Designed by architect Giles Gilbert Scott in 1935 to commemorate King George V’s 25th year on the throne, 70,000 red telephone booths, which are the symbol of England, are placed all over the city. Pose in these huts, which are objects of nostalgia today, and share them on your social media accounts with your smartphone. Combine nostalgia and technology.
With its museums, lush parks, festivals, nightlife and bustling shopping centers, life never stops in London. I think there are very few cities that can compete with London when it comes to nightlife.
Hundreds of restaurants, pubs, cinemas, theaters, nightclubs, live music and comedy programs are waiting for their guests in the city. Whatever the weather, there is always something special to do in London at any time of the day.
Every part of London consists of places that appeal to different tastes. It is possible to come across many restaurants serving world cuisine in every corner. The best tastes from Chinese, Indian, Japanese, South American, Turkish, African and many other cuisines are waiting for you.
One of the menus that comes to mind when England is mentioned is fish and chips. This food, which you can find in restaurants or buffets in England, is both economical and healthy.
London Attractions
If you don’t have much time in London, the classic places you should see are Knights Bridge, Natural History Museum, River Thames, Buckingham Palace, Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, Admiral Nelson’s Monument, National Gallery and Picadilly Circus.
If you have time, get on the London Eye locker and watch the view of the city from above, see the wax statues of historical and famous people in Madame Tussauds museum, which are almost like living replicas, join the Thames Cruise Tour and see the city from the river. Don’t forget to visit Hyde Park, the largest of the Royal Parks. Places to visit in London , I explained the places to see in more detail in my blog post.
London Attractions
- Big Ben Clock Tower and Palace of Westminster
- British Museum
- The London Eye
- Westminster Abbey
- Buckingham Palace
- Hyde Park
- Victoria and Albert Museum
- Tower of London
- Tower Bridge
- National Gallery
- London Madame Tussauds Museum
1. Big Ben Clock Tower and Palace of Westminster
The Palace of Westminster houses the British Parliament, which consists of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. At the corner of the magnificent Parliament Building, which stretches along the River Thames, is London’s most famous landmark, the Big Ben Clock Tower .
Visitors are not allowed to the Big Ben Clock Tower and the Houses of Parliament, except for UK citizens.
2. British Museum
The British Museum should be your first stop in London. If you have time to visit only one museum in the city, use this right in favor of the British Museum, one of the most important museums in England.
Extraordinary historical artifacts from the Ancient Greek and Roman periods, the most important pieces of Eastern culture, and ancient artifacts from prehistoric times are exhibited here. It is possible to see archaeological finds collected from all over the world, including some parts of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the 7 wonders of the world, and the Nereid Monument, which was excavated from our UNESCO-listed ancient city of Xanthos , between Fethiye and Kaş.
The museum can be visited between 10.00-17.30 on 6 days a week, except Fridays, and between 10.00-20.30 on Fridays. The museum is closed to visitors on January 1 and December 24-26. There is no admission fee for British Museum visitors.
3. The London Eye
The London Eye is a technological masterpiece that has managed to attract millions of tourists every year since its opening in 2000. It offers a magnificent city view with 32 capsules inside the giant wheel and the capacity to carry 25 people in each capsule.
The London Eye can be visited between 10:00 and 20:30 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and between 10:00 and 18:00 on other days of the week. London Eye entrance fee is 30£, student ticket is 27£, full ticket for online purchases is 27£, student ticket is 16£.
4. Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is London’s oldest church, where English kings and queens were crowned. The main cathedral of the city, St. Paul, the Byzantine-like appearance and colorful mosaics of Westminster Cathedral are a must-see. The structure, which has the largest dome and the second widest dome in Europe, displays a commanding view of the sky.
The church in Gothic architecture also has impressive tombs as it is the final resting place of the British royalty. The cathedral is open to visitors 7 days a week, between 09:30 and 15:00. Westminster Abbey entrance fee is £21, student ticket £20.
5. Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is a palace located in the Westminster district of London, built in 1702 to be the London residence of the Duke of Buckingham. Today, it is used as the home and office of the British Monarchy for state affairs and to host foreign guests of the royal family. Buckingham Palace has been flooded with visitors since 1993, when it was opened to the public.
Don’t miss the changing of the guard ceremony, which is the most interesting part of the palace! The palace is open to visitors between 09.30-19.30 between July 25 and August 31, and between 09.30 and 18.30 between September 1 and August 31 (ticket sale ends at 16:15). Buckingham Palace entrance fee is £26.50, student ticket is £24.
6. Hyde Park
Hyde Park is the most famous park in London, covering an area of 350 hectares. One of the 8 royal parks in England, the park was a region where King Henry VIII and the royal members went hunting together in 1536. The public was forbidden to enter this beautiful park until it was opened to outside visitors by the King and James I.
Nowadays, Hyde Park is one of the most popular places in London. There are many things in the park, where everyone finds something for themselves, such as entertainment venues, activities, swimming in the lake, boating, bicycle tours, skating, educational shows, restaurants, and transportation vehicles that are always available.
In addition to its unique breathtaking beauty, it also has many touristic areas. Concerts such as British Summer Time hosted by Barclaycard are held regularly. There are many varieties from ice cream to hot meals in cafes and fast food kiosks in the park.
7. Victoria and Albert Museum
The Victoria and Albert Museum stands out as the largest museum in the world in terms of decorative arts. Its most popular exhibits are clothing collections dating back to the 17th century. The rooms are decorated as in the Victorian era. At the same time, it is possible to see the most magnificent Indian works made outside of India here.
The museum is open to visitors every season of the year, except on Fridays, between 10:00 and 17:45, and on Fridays between 10:00 and 22:00. There is no entrance fee to the Victoria and Albert Museum.
8. Tower of London
The Tower of London is the most visited place in London. The building, which is a medieval castle, also houses a collection of crowns, jewels and armor from the same period. With its 900-year history, the Tower of London , located by the River Thames, is one of the oldest and most frightening structures in the city. Throughout its history, this tower, where the jewels of the Royal Family were kept, was also used as a prison and armory. Those who opposed the monarchy were imprisoned and executed here.
The tower can be visited from Tuesday to Saturday between 09.00-17.30 and on Sundays and Mondays between 10.00-17.30 during the summer period (March 1 – October 31). Ticket sale ends half an hour before closing time. The Tower of London entrance fee is £24.70, and the student ticket is £19.30.
9. Tower Bridge
You can see many other symbols of the city over the Tower Bridge , which is one of the symbols of the city from the 19th century . The Tower Bridge, built in 1894, is also an ornate example of the Victorian Era. The bridge is open to visitors between 09:30 and 17:00 throughout the year. The bridge, which opened at 10.00 on January 1, is closed to visitors on 24-26 December. Tower Bridge entrance fee is £9.80, student ticket £6.80.
10. National Gallery
Enjoy the rich collections of London’s National Gallery . The gallery, which is the most important museum in London with more than 2200 paintings on permanent display, stands out with its early Italian Renaissance and 17th century Spanish paintings. Leonardo’s ‘Black Pencil’ and Francesca’s ‘The Prophet. The Baptism of Christ paintings are among the most valuable works of the museum.
The gallery is open to visitors between 10:00 and 18:00 except on Fridays and between 10:00 and 21:00 on Fridays. The gallery is closed to visitors from January 1 to December 24-26. There is no charge to enter the National Gallery.
11. London Madame Tussauds Museum
London Madame Tussauds Museum , a wax sculpture museum by Sculptor Marie Tussauds. The Madame Tussauds Museum, which exhibits wax sculptures of popular figures, features statues of Freddie Mercury, David Beckham, Audrey Hepburn, Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt, Kim Kardashian, Adolf Hitler, Lewis Hamilton, Dalai Lama, Kate Winslet and the royal family.
Wax sculptures can also change, as they are constantly updating themselves. It is possible to see the sculptures of the world’s most famous criminals in the museum. Madame Tussauds, which is among the places to visit in London, has branches in almost every important city in the world since it opened its doors 200 years ago.
Providing an environment close enough for visitors to touch the statues, the museum attracts visitors of all ages who want to take pictures alongside modern celebrities such as Michael Jackson and Kate Moss.
London eating and drinking
You can be sure that you will find whatever you are looking for in the city where all kinds of ethnic cuisines are dominant due to the cosmopolitan nature of London. Londoners are always looking to taste something new and are eagerly awaiting the latest recipes prepared by their famous chefs.
Welsh Rarebit, a famous snack consisting of fish & chips (fried fish and potatoes), baked bread with mustard, egg, cheddar cheese, spinach and beer sauce, are the flavors that must be tasted on a London trip. Beef Wellington, an excellent steak special served with vegetables, and the Sunday roast with Yorkshire pudding special, consisting of veggie roast, should also be tried.
Eton mess, a light and delicious dessert consisting of a mixture of strawberries, meringue and cream, a must-have sweet scone at tea times, and Bakewell tart, an almond pie with jam, are among the delicious desserts unique to the city. Drinks unique to London include tea, coffee, ginger ale, beer, gin and tonic, wine and cider.
10 Greek Street on 10 Greek Street, Berners Tavern on Berners Street, The Delaunay on Aldwych district and Jamie Oliver’s Diner on Shaftesbury Square are the most popular places for those who want to experience British cuisine.
There is so much competition that restaurants renew their interior decorations and update their menus to stay ahead of each other. The result is naturally the world’s top restaurants, high prices, and a table that you need to reserve well in advance.
shopping in london
One of Europe’s most important fashion and shopping centers, London is home to King’s Road, Notting Hill and Shoreditch districts in Chelsea, and W1, Kensington High, Oxford, Tottenham Court, Carnaby, Old Bond, New Bond, Conduit and Regent Streets, the most luxurious streets of the city. and its glittering stores.
Among the city and country-specific products that can be purchased in London are Big Ben, Oxford, Buckingham Palace and royal family themed souvenirs, umbrellas, second-hand books, antiques, especially Twining’s tea varieties, and fabrics in all kinds of patterns and colors from the famous Liberty store. .
Westfield London, Harrods, Fortnum & Mason, Marks & Spencer, The Brunswick and Selfridges are among the most popular and prestigious shopping centers in the city. For a more authentic shopping experience, you can visit Camden Market in the north of the city, the famous Portobello Antiques Fair, London Bridge Borough Market and Broadway Market.
Brands may be more expensive here than anywhere else, but remember that bargaining is always possible. London also attracts the attention of young people. This is a paradise for funky streetwear. Especially Camden is one of the places that attract the most attention of young people.
The Saturday program of almost everyone who lives here is the Portobello Market in Nothing Hill, with fashion, antiques, fresh vegetables and fruits. You can also find fresh produce in Covent Garden, and lots of food and gifts are also available here. Alfies for antiques and Brick Lane, where you can find anything you’re looking for, are among the places to see.
Oxford Street : If you are looking for a place that leads the street fashion, Oxford Street with more than 500 shops may be a great address for you. One of the first places that come to mind when shopping in London is Oxford Street, while watching the designer boutiques selling unique pieces and the showcases of luxury stores decorated with the latest fashion clothes and shoes, don’t forget to take into account the rapid rise of the Euro.
Bond Street : Bond Street, where giant stores of world-famous brands such as Gucci, Armani and Christian Dior are located, is a frequent destination for those who cannot give up their brand passion. You may feel as if you have fallen into heaven after seeing the sparkling showcases of these luxury brands displaying their latest designs.
Portobello Road : If you’re into antiques and second-hand items, your heart will race when you see Portobello Road. Portobello Road, a fascinating second-hand market, is closed on Sundays, with stalls that are so impressive that you can’t say ‘you can look at it in half an hour and get it out’. Since the antique market is opened on Saturdays, it is more appropriate for antique lovers who want to visit this place to make their plans accordingly.
Brick Lane Market : Brick Lane Market, where vintage clothes, which is the rising fashion trend of the last period, are sold, is a very attractive market place to evaluate Sunday, but if you want to see this place, you have to give up your beauty sleep and wake up a little early. Because Brick Lane Market opens at 08:00 in the morning and closes at 14:00.
Old Spitalfields Market : If you want to both shop and see a historical place, you can go to Old Spitalfields Market, which is famous as the oldest market in London. In this market, which is a nice escape point on rainy days because it is covered, there are also stalls selling second-hand goods, handmade jewelry, records and food products.
Harrods Department Store : Located in a building designed by Charles Henry Harrod in 1834, Harrods Department Store is one of the first places that come to mind when it comes to luxury shopping. This shopping center, which serves magnificent stores of the world’s most expensive and famous brands, can be seen even just to follow the fashion, although it is not a place for every budget.
Camden Market : When you go to Camden Market, which is a very old and popular market in Camden Town, you may encounter many people whose bodies are covered with tattoos and piercings. If you are one of those who love heavy metal, rock and punk music, you can find valuable records and clothes suitable for these styles in this market.
London accommodation
Park Lane, Strand and Picadilly districts are suitable for a luxury accommodation experience in London. On the other hand, if you prefer more affordable hotels, you can take a look at the Sussex Gardens neighborhood and around Kemplay Road and Westminster Bridge Road Streets.
London nightlife
London has a colorful and dynamic nightlife atmosphere. The areas where nightlife is active in the city are Soho, Notting Hill, Old Street, Shoreditch, Camden, Angel, Brixton and Clapham. The most prestigious and popular entertainment venues to stop by include the George Inn, Cargo, Fabric, The O2 and Barbican.
London is one of the most amazing shopping cities in the world, and if you don’t plan to shop, you should at least wander its streets. Window shop in Knightsbridge and take a stroll in Covent Garden’s Piazza before heading to Camden Market. When you go to Covent Garden, stop by the traffic-free Neal Street and Neal’s Yard. You can find all kinds of things for sale in Camden, from old antiques to the latest models.
Go to Piccadilly Circus in the evening and be sure to see the famous neon-lit Soho Square. From there you can walk to Trafalgar Square and see the famous fountains and lion statues of this place where the races are held and people choose to meet.
how to get to london
England has a temperate and rainy climate throughout the year. If you want the sun to show its face in London, which is very active in terms of tourism in all four seasons, you can visit the city in spring and summer. No matter what time of the year you visit the city, but never forget to take your umbrella and raincoat with you.
In my London travel guide article, I tried to give general information about the classic London tour. I am sure that you will discover many more places that will excite you every time you come to London.
It is possible to reach London from Turkey at the end of a 4-hour non-stop flight via Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Atlasjet, Norwegian or British Airways. Located 27 km west of London city centre, Heathrow Airport is also considered one of the largest air transport hubs not only in the city but also in the world.
There are eight airports in London, but you will land at one of five – Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City. Heathrow, the world’s busiest airport, is British Airways’ main departure point. Gatwick is more used for European and international air traffic. Standsted and Luton are for low-budget and short-term flights. London City, the smallest, serves mostly private jets that commute only for business trips.
To get to the city center from Heathrow, you can use the Heathrow Express train from Paddington Station (approximately 15 minutes) or you can be in London in 40-50 minutes by subway.
There are train, metro and bus stops and connection points that provide access to the city center at the terminal exits within the airport. Trains are named separately according to which areas they go to in London and their speed. You can choose one of the lines called Heathrow Express, Heathrow Connect, SouthWest Trains or The Tube (The Picadilly Line) according to the district you will go to and you can reach the city center in an average of 30 minutes.
In addition, the paid airport buses National Express Coach, which provides transportation from the airport to the city, and the late night public bus numbered N9 are among the other transportation options. You can check out the London Underground map here.
From Gatwick you can take the rail to Victoria Station, and from Standsted you can take the train to Liverpool Street Station. If you are landing in Luton, you can reach the airport’s Parkway station in 10 minutes by shuttle bus and take the train to the city center.
The fastest means of transportation in the city is undoubtedly the metro. The only alternative after the metro, which runs until 10.30 on Sundays and 12.30 on other days, is unfortunately taxi, they are also quite expensive.
