Royal palaces, museums & theatre
London
London · Royal history & global culture
One of the world's great capitals, where a thousand years of royal history meets relentless reinvention. Red buses and black cabs weave past Westminster and the Tower, while world-class free museums, West End theatre and endlessly diverse neighborhoods keep London buzzing.
Top sightsSights
Tower of London
The historic fortress guarding the Crown Jewels, with Beefeaters and ravens.
British Museum
A vast free museum of world treasures, from the Rosetta Stone to the Parthenon marbles.
Westminster & Big Ben
The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and the famous clock tower.
Buckingham Palace
The Queen’s — now King’s — London residence and the Changing of the Guard.
The British Airways i360 / London Eye
The giant riverside observation wheel with views across the city.
What to eatFood
Fish and chips
Battered cod with thick chips and mushy peas — the classic.
Sunday roast
Roast meat, potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and gravy at a proper pub.
Afternoon tea
Scones, finger sandwiches and cakes with a pot of tea.
Good to know
- Use a contactless card or Oyster for the Tube and buses — no need for paper tickets.
- Many major museums and galleries are completely free.
- Book West End shows and the Tower ahead in peak summer.
Getting there
Six airports led by Heathrow (LHR); the Eurostar links Paris and Brussels, and rail lines fan out across Britain.
Next city
Edinburgh