City break London - British capital on the Thames
London is the political, cultural and economic centre of the United Kingdom. The metropolis is located in the south-east of England on the River Thames. The city has been around for almost 2,000 years and was founded by the Romans as the fortress of Londinium. At the height of the British Empire's power, in the 18th and 19th centuries, London was just about the absolute centre of power in the world. Today, the metropolis has around 8 million inhabitants.
What is London famous for?
A city break to London is high on the wish list of many holidaymakers. London is known for its numerous historic buildings, museums and monuments. During a city break to London, a visit to absolute highlights such as Westminster Abbey, St Paul's Cathedral, Kew Gardens, Hyde Park and The Palace of Westminster should not be missed.
The city can be reached quickly and comfortably from the mainland by high-speed trains via the Channel Tunnel. Those who love shopping can therefore spend a day shopping in London and be back home in the evening. Around Christmas time, a visit to one of London's atmospheric Christmas markets is highly recommended. Unfortunately, you have to take the crowds with you....
Is London an expensive city?
London is a relatively expensive city. Prices of food, drinks and hotels are even slightly higher than in, say, Amsterdam or Paris. Of course, this is also due to the pound sterling and Brexit. Still, don't be put off: there are plenty of opportunities to have a cool London city break even 'on-a-budget'. You'll find fantastic Indian food at relatively modest prices, for instance, and it's teeming with hostels. A take-away coffee or lunch in a park is much cheaper than in a café or restaurant.
How many days do you need to visit London?
To discover all the beauty of London, you will need a week. At least. London is huge and distances are considerable, so don't expect to know the city in two days. No need, just come back again! To really absorb the city, you need at least 3 or 4 days. 1 night is really not enough, in fact, so is 2 nights. So opt for a 3-night city trip! Read on below for all the highlights of London.
Ultimate sights in London
A stay in London is not complete if you skip the 'must sees' in the city. Below are the most important sights in the British capital.
Palace of Westminster
The Palace of Westminster is a huge historic palace on the banks of the Thames. The building is of great political significance, as this is where the British Parliament meets. The palace is therefore also known as 'The Houses of Parliament'. The House of Lords (House of Lords) and House of Commons (House of Commons) each have their own meeting rooms, which can be visited on certain days. Of the three towers, the Elizabeth Tower on the north side is undoubtedly the most famous. Indeed, this clock tower houses the famous clock Big Ben. Walk via Westminster Bridge to the other bank of the Thames to get the best view of The Palace of Westminster.
Big Ben and The Palace of Westminster.
Buckingham Palace
Within walking distance of The Palace of Westminster is Buckingham Palace, the official royal residence since 1837. The first part of the royal palace was built in 1705 for the Duke of Buckingham and was originally called Buckingham House. The building has been owned by the British royal family since 1761, who expanded and renovated it several times. The main extensions occurred in the 19th century when three wings were built around the courtyard.
The palace is open to the public during the summer months, when the royal family stays elsewhere. On a tour of Buckingham Palace, you can see the throne room (State Room), the magnificent staircase (Grand Staircase) and works of art by Rembrandt, Vermeer and others.
Tip: Book tickets & sightseeing tours for all major London attractions here in advance so you don't have to wait in line!
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is a gothic church visited by over a million people every year. The church is used for important national events such as royal funerals and wedding ceremonies.
The Coronation Chair is among the main attractions at Westminster Abbey. This centuries-old wooden chair has been used for the coronations of British monarchs since the 14th century. You will also find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the church. The Abbey Museum houses statues of Charles II and Lord Nelson, among others.
Outside the Abbey, you step straight into a piece of history. The College Gardens have been used to grow medicinal plants for over 900 years. In Chapter House, the King's Council met from 1257 to 1574. The frescoes in the building date back to the 14th century.
St Paul's Cathedral
One of the most impressive buildings in London is St Paul's Cathedral. The building is the largest cathedral in London and has the second largest dome in the world. Construction of St Paul's Cathedral began in 1675 and was part of the rebuilding of London after the Great Fire in 1666.
St Paul's Cathedral and the Millennium Bridge.
If you don't mind a tough climb, a staircase can take you up to the impressive dome. On the way, you'll pass the Whispering Gallery, a circular balcony along the inside of the dome. Climb further up, and you'll arrive at the Stone Gallery. Here you can go outside to enjoy the impressive views over London. However, the best view is from the Golden Gallery, which is at the very top.
Beneath St Paul's Cathedral lies a vast crypt where the tombs of famous people can be found. Sir Christopher Wren, the cathedral's architect, was the first person to be buried in this crypt.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is the largest park in central London. The estate has a rectangular shape and covers a whopping 140 hectares. In the middle of the park is Serpentine Lake, where you can row, sail and swim. Also in Hyde Park is the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, a fountain in memory of Princess Diana.
Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park.
Concerts regularly take place in the park. At Speakers' Corner, you can listen to speeches by ordinary citizens. Here, anyone with something to proclaim has the right to share their views with park visitors.
Kew Gardens
Just outside central London, don't forget to visit Kew Gardens. This botanical garden with greenhouses covers about 120 hectares and houses the Millennial Seed Bank, the largest seed bank of wild plants in the world. The estate is more than 250 years old and houses 30,000 plants.
In the Palm House located on the impressive estate, you can view plants that are (almost) extinct in the wild. The building dates from 1844 and is built in Victorian style. Other interesting buildings in the garden include Kew Palace and the Great Pagoda, an octagonal tower consisting of no less than ten floors.
Those who prefer not to visit the various themed gardens, greenhouses and historical buildings on foot can use the Kew Explorer Land Train. A full tour takes around 40 minutes.
Other attractions in London
London Eye
At 135 metres high, the London Eye Ferris wheel offers spectacular views of London. On a clear day, you can see up to 40 kilometres away. Unfortunately, you do spend several tens of euros per ticket.
Tower Bridge
One of the most famous bridges in London is Tower Bridge. A glass walkway 42 metres high offers an impressive view of this Victorian bridge. It is possible to tour Tower Bridge's original engine rooms.
Tower of London
The famous bridge takes its name from the nearby Tower of London. This complex is 900 years old and has served as a castle, state prison, palace and royal family treasury, among other things. Nowadays, the building serves as a museum, where you can see weapons and torture instruments, in addition to the crown jewels.
Museums in London
Other interesting museums in London include the world-famous National Gallery art gallery, the Natural History Museum and the Charles Dickens Museum. The British Museum has a collection of 8 million items and is one of the largest museums in the world.
Great hall of the British Museum.
Shopping in London
London has several shopping zones, each with its own speciality. For example, you can go to Mayfair for luxury goods, while Covent Garden is known for its trinkets. However, with its more than 300 shops, Oxford Street forms the true shopping heart of London.
Oxford Street.
A must-see for shopaholics is the impressive Harrods. This shopping centre has been around for more than 160 years, has seven floors and 330 departments. Food, fashion and technology: you'll find it all in this giant shop.
City break London - 5 accommodation tips
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Hotel Marlin Waterloo ★★★★
Four-star hotel on Westminster Bridge Road, 800 metres from the Houses of Parliament. Features a gym and bar. Family rooms available. With free wifi.Coach trip Royal London
Five-day city break by comfort class coach. With visits to London's main attractions. Shopping is also included. Ferry crossing, 4 nights stay in hotel and bus rides and farewell dinner included.Bed and Breakfast Seven Dials Hotel
B&B in the heart of Covent Garden, in west London. Modern rooms with private bathrooms. With English breakfast. A 5-minute walk from the Royal Opera House. Free wifi and 24-hour reception.Hotel The Tower ★★★★
4-star hotel with a unique location opposite Tower Bridge. Features a restaurant, a bar and rooms with a seating area. Perfect location for a stroll along the Themes.Queen's Gate Apartment
Flat with 3 bedrooms, dining area and kitchen on Queen's Gate, around 400 metres from the Royal Albert Hall. Features a terrace and a garden. Harrods shopping centre a 13-minute walk away.For those seeking a comfortable stay with simple access to beautiful green stretches, the paddington park hotel is an ideal option. Nestled near Paddington Station, this accommodation offers visitors convenient links to the Heathrow Express and an easy route to exploring the rest of the city.
ghtlife in the West End
London is famous worldwide for its impressive theatre performances. Shaftesbury Avenue, Charing Cross Road and Leicester Square are streets in London's West End where you will find the big, commercial theatres. Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera and The Lion King are some of the most famous performances you can attend in the West End.
West End also includes the capital's most exclusive clubs. Another well-known neighbourhood for a night out is Soho, where glamorous clubs and LGBT bars can be found.