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Sightseeing in London

First on your list should be one of the most important museums in the world, the British Museum, which highlights the history of the world’s peoples and civilisation, housing 7,000,000 exhibits from the entire planet, including the famous ‘Parthenon marbles’’.
Address: Great Russell St, tel.: +44 (0) 20 7323 8000, https://www.britishmuseum.org

The imposing Tower of London stands majestically on the banks of the River Thames. Since it was first built in 1078 as a royal residence it has had a long and chequered history, as a long line of English monarchs have lived, and even executed their opponents there. Today it is the best-maintained fortress in London. Aside from its impenetrable walls and interior gardens, it is also a showcase for the dazzling Crown Jewels.
Address: Tower Hill, Telephone: +44 (0) 870 756 6060, https://www.hrp.org.uk/toweroflondon

Perhaps London’s most famous landmark is Big Ben, located on the banks of the Thames, near Tower Bridge. Big Ben is the nickname for the great bell and clock at the north end of the palace of Westminster in London. Construction of the clock tower, which is the third tallest in the world, was completed on 10 April 1858.

Buckingham Palace, the official residence of Britain’s royal family, was built in 1703. It has hundreds of rooms and is decorated with famous works of art. It has been open to the public since 1993 and is worth visiting on Sunday mornings to see the changing of the guard. Why not combine it with a walk-in scenic Saint James’s Park, which is right beside it.

Enjoy the panoramic view from the modern symbol of London, the London Eye, a giant Ferris wheel erected on the banks of the River Thames. Book a ticket early to get on.
Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, tel.: +44 (0) 870 990 8883, https://www.londoneye.com

It is worth visiting the Tate Modern Gallery, housed in the old Bankside power station on the banks of the Thames, featuring masterpieces from the international contemporary art scene. With free admission you can admire works by great masters like Matisse, Picasso, Dalí, Rothko and Pollock. Make sure you also go up to the Tate Modern Café to admire the unobstructed view of the city.
Address: Bankside, London SE1 9T, tel.: +44 (0) 207887 8888, https://www.tate.org.uk

You should definitely take a stroll through Trafalgar Square. This landmark square was created to commemorate the British naval victory over France and Spain. Admire the impressive fountains and Nelson’s column, (dedicated to the British admiral who died in the battle and is guarded by four magnificent marble lions). See also the National Gallery, housing masterpieces from the 13th to 20th century, created by great European masters, including Da Vinci, Giotto, van Eyck, Michelangelo, Canaletto, Rembrandt and Raphael.
Address: Trafalgar Square, tel. +44 (0) 20 7747 2885, https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk

Visit Westminster Abbey, the site of coronations and burials of British monarchs. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has stood behind the Houses of Parliament since 1245. The Gothic church, built by Henry III, is one of the most architecturally breathtaking monuments of the city, impressing with the rich plethora of monuments and art works housed there including the tombstones of famous figures like Newton, Darwin, Handel, Chaucer and Dickens.

See also the iconic Saint Paul’s Cathedral, in the heart of the city, which is imprinted in pop culture from the song “Feed the birds” in the film, ‘’Mary Poppins’’, but also known around the world as where the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana took place. It is the only Baroque Church in England with a dome, one of the largest in the world. Make the effort to climb to the outer galleries of the dome to enjoy the magnificent view.

The Palace of Westminster is another of the city’s emblems, known also as the British Houses of Parliament. Housed in an impressive Victorian neo-Baroque 19th century palace, it is open to visitors on Saturdays and during the Christmas, Easter and summer holidays.

Things to do in London

Discover the outdoor markets of London. At the popular, busy Camden Market, Portobello Market, Greenwich Market and Covent Garden Market you can find antiques, clothes, records, books and even fresh produce.

Go for a walk in hipster Soho with its numerous bar-restaurants and trendy shops, where London’s most hype crowd congregate.

London is famous for its amazing parks, and here you are really spoilt for choice, starting with the popular Hyde Park where you can stroll around or go horse riding. A number of others like Green Park, St James’s Park, Regent’s Park and Battersea Park or Alexandra Palace Park offer you the chance to enjoy nature. Another exceptionally beautiful area is Greenwich park.

The famous West End, the theatre district, is the place to go for theatre-lovers. Why not see a musical or theatre show? It is best to book in advance.

Shopping

A global centre for fashion and commerce, London is a metropolis with unrivalled shopping opportunities to satisfy every need.

Most shoppers gravitate to the triangle formed by Oxford street, Regent Street and Old Bond Street. Oxford street is full of department stores, while Old Bond Street, with the impressive architecture of its buildings, is the address of the famous fashion houses.

You can find smaller, chic boutiques too, most of which in Chelsea.

Why not visit also the alternative Dover Street Market, created in 2004 as a unique combination of art gallery and department store.

Before you leave London, be sure to stock up on the famous English Tea. You can visit the renowned Fortnum’s & Mason (181 Piccadilly, https://www.fortnumandmason.coms) the Queen’s official supplier for the last 150 years!

Another ‘’must’’ is a visit to the stores of English designers Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood, and to the famous Harrod’s, as well as to Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop, the tiny shop with vintage toys in the heart of Covent Garden.

Food in London

London has rightly been dubbed one of the most important gastronomic capitals of Europe as it offers countless options for every taste and budget. From the traditional pubs and the ubiquitous typically British fish and chips, to the Michelin-starred restaurants in Chelsea, atmospheric bar-restaurants in Soho, Chinese establishments in Chinatown and Lebanese places on Edgware Road.

Transport from the airport to London

In London you will land at one of the three following airports: Heathrow, Luton or Stansted. Heathrow airport is 32 km from the city centre. The quickest and easiest way to reach the city is by the Heathrow Express train that takes you into London Paddington Station, or by underground via the Piccadilly Line.

Stansted airport is 48 km from the city centre. To get there you can take the Stansted Express train or bus.

Luton airport is 60 km from the city centre and is connected to central London by train from Luton Airport Parkway station.

You could always take a taxi, but they are quite expensive.

London is an inexhaustible destination, and every time you visit it you will uncover new secrets. Fly to London with Olympic Air and get into the swing of Europe’s most exciting metropolis.