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What is the city of London known for?
Is London a city?
Why should you visit London?
Why is London the greatest city on Earth?
The City of London, widely referred to simply as the City, is a city, ceremonial county and local government district that contains the ancient centre, and constitutes, along with Canary Wharf, the primary central business district (CBD) of London and one of the leading financial centres of the world.
- London’s Famous Landmarks
- London Is Famous For Its Attractions
- London’s Famous Parks & Gardens
- London’s Famous Streets
- London Is Famous For Its Shopping & Dining
- London’s Famous Neighbourhoods
- London’s Famous Museums, Galleries & Theatres
- London’s Famous Quirks
1. Big Ben
Big Ben is surely one of the most recognizable things that London is known for. Little do many know, however, that Big Ben is the name of the bell that strikes on the hour, and the building itself is actually Elizabeth Tower. Nevertheless, this striking monument beside the Houses of Parliament is one of London’s most famous attractions, dating back to 1843.
2. Tower Of London
The Tower of London is perhaps one of the best examples of just how long and varied London’s history is. As the oldest part of the original building dates back to 1078, it has played a number of pivotal roles in the history of the UK, from the Norman Conquest to a prison and torture chamber, hosting everyone from Elizabeth I to the infamous London gangsters, the Kray twins. It is also the home of the Crown Jewels of England. The Tower of London certainly offers some interesting juxtaposition...
3. London Eye
The London Eye is one of London’s more recent additions, but is still known worldwide as a true landmark on the London skyline. Considering that the London Eye, or Millennium Wheel, was first unveiled on New Year’s Eve 1999, it has fast become one of London’s most popular tourist attractions – and something that London is famous for. When visiting London, a trip on the London Eye is well worth it for the spectacular views of the rest of the city.
5. Buckingham Palace
Of course, the UK is known for being one of the last remaining countries on Earth with a royal family. Whatever your stance on the monarchy, Buckingham Palace is one of the most iconic tourist attractions in London, drawing visitors from far and wide. Not only is it the home of Queen Elizabeth II, but it is a place of architectural interest as well as a must-visit for history buffs.
6. Houses Of Parliament
London is also famous for being the home of a style of government that has gone on to have longevity all over the world, with parliament being established and led by the concepts of parliamentary sovereignty and the rule of law. In this way, London is famous for being the blueprint for most modern parliamentary democracies. Not only that, but the Palace of Westminster, where the UK parliament sits, is a fantastic place to visit for its beauty and history. You can even go inside and watch the...
7. London Olympic Stadium
The Olympic Games in London in 2012 was a huge boost to the city of London, and the rest of the UK. London saw the development of a number of new spaces and stadia to host the games, and they have lasted until today as hugely popular tourist attractions. With one of the stadiums becoming the new stadium for West Ham Football Club, and the Olympic Park continuing to draw in people from the world over, these locations are a fantastic place to visit and soak up London’s very recent history.
13. Hyde Park, London
Hyde Park is one of London’s gorgeous parks. It’s popular due in part to its central location, and the fact that it is the largest of the royal parks of London. However, what makes Hyde Park particularly interesting is its famous Speaker’s Corner. At Speaker’s Corner, people stand up and make speeches freely to the passers-by who may, or may not, stop to listen and debate. These speeches can be on any topic, from contemporary political issues to their own personal manifesto, and have attracte...
14. Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens is famous for housing the largest and most diverse botanical collections in the world. If you want to visit London but escape the concrete jungle of the city center, a short trip to Kew Gardens might be just what you need to feel at one once again with nature. Opened in 1759, Kew Gardens is yet another fantastic place to discover more about London’s history, and witness some of nature’s most beautiful species for yourself.
15. Baker Street
London is also famous for its rich cultural significance, spanning art, literature, and film. Among London’s most famous literary characters is the undisputed icon of Sherlock Holmes, Arthur Conan Doyle’s super-intelligent detective. Living in the, once fictional, 221b Baker Street, a trip to this address will now land you in the Sherlock Holmes museum: a must-visit for any fan of the books, films, or any one of the TV series that this mythical figure has inspired.
16. Oxford Street
Oxford Street is London’s busiest shopping street, and probably its most well-known. Playing host to all the favorite brands and labels, Oxford Street is always a hassle to stroll down because of the throngs of people that flock there, but is also always rewarding for the resilient shopaholic. London is known for its shopping and fashion status, so no first-time trip to London is complete without a visit to Oxford Street to purchase a London souvenir.
17. Harrods
Harrods is one of London’s most famous establishments and is now a globally recognized brand. This veritable London institution has been running since the 1800s, and draws in customers due to its exclusive selection of luxury goods, famous food courts, stunning architecture, and iconic green bags that have become something of a status symbol. Whilst it is on the pricey side, Harrods is more than just a department store, but a piece of London’s fame and history.
18. The Savoy
London is also famous for its luxury: the sheer number of Michelin star restaurants, exclusive hotels, and designer boutiques in the city tells you that. One of London’s most well-known luxury hotels is The Savoy, which has been providing unrivaled service in the heart of London for over 130 years. Whether you want to treat yourself to a meal in its sublime restaurant or stay at The Savoy when visiting London, you will find yourself in a true institution.
19. Fish and Chips
Everyone knows that the UK is home to fish and chips, and in London, you are spoiled for choice for where to go. Whether you’re in trendy Camden or the honest East End, you will be able to find a ‘chippy’ to give you a delicious taste of authenticity.
21. Camden, London
Camden is one of London’s coolest and quirkiest neighborhoods, the stomping ground for the likes of Kate Moss and Amy Winehouse, and a firm favorite for alternative tourists to London. Explore its independent stores and vintage shops, before heading to the street food market around the canal where your senses can be overwhelmed by the sights, smells, and flavors of this delicious district.
22. Notting Hill, London
Notting Hill is another of London’s most famous, and most affluent, neighborhoods. Having risen to international fame thanks to the films of Richard Curtis (think Bridget Jones, Love Actually, etc.), Notting Hill is a quirky and colorful part of the city. Notting Hill is also known for its annual Notting Hill Carnival, one of the city’s hottest events, celebrating Caribbean culture in the best way possible.
23. Covent Garden, London
Covent Garden is another of London’s most bustling neighborhoods, boasting a covered market and a huge selection of boutiques, restaurants, and bars. It is an incredibly popular area in central London and you could spend all day exploring its cobbled streets in search of fantastic fashion and exquisite gastronomy.
24. William Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
William Shakespeare is arguably the UK’s most high-profile export so, naturally, he has left quite the mark on the capital. Although born and raised in a West Midlands town called Stratford-Upon-Avon, it was in London that Shakespeare made his fame and fortune, writing plays for the Queen, and later King, and founding his legendary theatre: The Globe. Despite being ravaged by fire in 1613, rebuilt, and then subsequently shut down again by the Puritans during the English Civil War, a modern re...
25. Tate Modern
The Tate Modern is one of four Tate art galleries in the UK, and is probably the most popular. From its iconic tower that overlooks the River Thames, to its ever-changing array of exhibits inside, the Tate Modern offers visitors a selection of the best British and international contemporary art in the world. London is revered for always being on the cutting edge of art, design, and culture, and the Tate Modern is an incredibly accessible way to see that.
26. The West End
London’s West End is famous worldwide for being one of the best places in the world for live theatre. No trip to London is complete without taking in a show in one of London’s historic theatres in its West End. Everything from hit musicals to independent plays are showcased in London’s West End, so there is always something that will appeal, featuring the best in London’s theatrical talent, and even some big names.
28. Rainy Weather
The UK, in general, is famous for its drizzly weather and London, of course, is no exception. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s nothing more atmospheric than strolling around London under its trademark grey skies, or sitting in a pub with a traditional ale as the rain splutters down the windows.
29. Red Telephone Boxes
Another of London’s most iconic sights are its red telephone boxes. People may no longer need them, thanks to the mobile phones they keep in their pockets, but you will still find these babies bedazzling almost every street in central London.
20. Black Taxi Cabs
Another of London’s iconic symbols is, of course, the black cab. These are driving all over the city at all hours of the day. Not only are they a true staple of London, but they are also actually a really useful method of transport for when you visit London.
Mar 5, 2024 · 55 Things London is Famous For. Unique Features of London Life. 1. Diversity and Multiculturalism. 2. River Thames. 3. Bad Weather. 4. Financial Centre. 5. Dodgy Money. 6. It Is Ridiculously Expensive. 7. Pubs. 8. Red Double Decker Buses. 9. London Underground. 10. Black Cabs. 11. Red Phone Boxes. 12. The Championships, Wimbledon. 13.
May 25, 2024 · The City Corporation is Britain’s oldest local government; it has the status of a county, with powers that exceed those of London’s 32 other boroughs, notably the control of its own police force. “The City,” as it is known, is only a component, relatively small in area, of the larger urban area known as London.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Luke Abrahams
- With over 2,000 years of history, there are more iconic buildings and landmarks in London than pretty much any other city in the world. © S.Borisov / Shutterstock.
- Free culture. From museums to art galleries, verdant royal parks to art house exhibitions, London is one of the few cities in the world where you can see a masterpiece for absolutely nothing at all.
- The Queen. Well, because, the Queen. She also represents over 1000 years of British tradition, values and democracy. © Shaun Jeffers / Shutterstock.
- With over 8.4 million trees, 300,000 gardens and hectares upon hectares of green space, London is pretty much the UN definition of a National Park. © S.Borisov / Shutterstock.
4 days ago · What is London known for? Where is London located? London; Thames River. The Thames River flowing through London. London, city, capital of the United Kingdom. It is among the oldest of the world’s great cities—its history spanning nearly two millennia—and one of the most cosmopolitan.
May 8, 2024 · The City of London, also known as the Square Mile, is the financial district of London. It is the ancient core from which the rest of London developed. It has been a centre for...
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