One of the world’s most visited cities, London has something for everyone, from history to culture, art, grand museums, dazzling architecture, royalty, diversity and irrepressible pizazz.
London is immersed in history. Not so much that it’s precious, but there’s sufficient antiquity and historic splendour (Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Hampton Court) to blow you away. London’s buildings are eye-catching milestones in the city’s unique and compelling biography. There’s more than enough funky innovation (the Shard, the Aquatics Centre, the Gherkin) to put a crackle in the air, but it never drowns out London’s well-preserved, centuries-old narrative. Architectural grandeur rises up all around you in the West End, ancient remains dot the City and charming pubs punctuate the Thames riverside. Take your pick.
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Diversity
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A Tale of two Cities
London is as much about high-density, sight-packed exploration (the West End, South Bank, the City) and urban dynamism as it is about wide-open spaces and leafy escapes. Central London is where you will find all the major museums, galleries and most iconic sights, but escape to Hampstead Heath or Greenwich Park to flee the crowds and put the city’s greener hues into gorgeous perspective. Alternatively, venture even further out to Kew Gardens, Richmond or Hampton Court Palace for effortlessly good-looking panoramas of riverside London. Even in the centre of town, you’ll find a city dappled with a well-tended array of parks and gardens, making it one of the world’s leafiest capital cities.Show in Lonely Planet
Ready to go?
- Grab the Lonely Planet London City Guide app, and the new Audio Walking Tours available via iTunes
- Board the original hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour
- Get another view on London from the London Eye with a glass of champagne