The capital of Great Britain, a landmark city and stronghold of English traditions, London is the most popular destination for British "excursions". And this is despite the noticeable high traffic of the area and the obvious modesty of most hotels. Seeing the Royal Guardsmen and hearing the beat of Big Ben, feeding the ravens in the Tower and seeing the city from the "London Eye" - these are the must-do activities of the capital's sightseers (as well as the traditional "Friday cup" in the jam-packed pubs of Soho).
London, the capital of England and the whole of Great Britain, is worth visiting just because it is the birthplace of Sherlock Holmes. Not enough? Here's another reason: there are many interesting museums with free admission. Is that not enough? Then - read by the letters: there is always exceptionally delicious beer in London!
In July 2012 the 30th Olympic Games were held in London.
WEATHER
The city of fogs, rains and winds can appear completely different: clear, sunny and even hot. The famous smog has gone into the past along with furnace heating and factories that no longer smoke in the central part (the country is sensitive to environmental standards).
London's climate is changeable and exceptionally "moderate" (the difference between winter and summer temperatures rarely exceeds 15 degrees). Snow lies for several days during the entire winter period, summer is not too hot.
The rainy season comes in the fall, the rains continue in December and January, and then, at the end of April, resume until June inclusive. At the same time, there is no sharp transition from a "dry" month to a rainy one here and in the pass. Precipitation is distributed throughout the year almost as evenly as degrees.
DISTRICTS OF LONDON
The city, familiar to everyone from childhood, cannot be studied using guidebooks: it is exactly the same as in millions of pictures, and at the same time it is shockingly different, alive, colorful. On the one hand, it is one of the greenest capitals in Europe, where each district has its own park, or even several. However, when you get into disadvantaged neighborhoods built with council housing (a council house is an analogue of social housing for the poor), you only see a not-so-tidy stone jungle.
We are not surprised by anything. On the way to Trafalgar Square, you can find yourself in the Indian or Chinese quarter ("Chinatown" in Soho). Having buried your nose in the map, you suddenly go to the hipster "market": in an alley where there are rows of benches with strange clothes and comics. And all this will happen to you in the most touristic center, somewhere in Westminster or south Camden.
"Excuse me, where is Big Ben"?
The heart of London, the area from which it is easiest to start the report, is considered the City: it is a kind of city within a city, a separate administrative unit, with self-government that has survived since the Middle Ages. In addition to the City, Greater London has 32 administrative districts: one more city (city of Westminster), three royal boroughs (borough - translated from English as "town"), which include Greenwich, Kingston-upon-Thames, and Kensington and Chelsea; all other 28 are in the "just borough" category.
According to its own regulations, London is divided into inner and outer. The inner one, divided by the Thames, is essentially the central part of the city; he does not go beyond the boundaries of the former county of London, that is, he lives within 12 districts (Westminster, Greenwich, Islington, Camden, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Wandsworth, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham), territorially they add here independent City.
In order to quickly find your way around, it is enough to look at how the city subway is divided into zones: Inner London is found in the central circle of zones 1-2. The next circle (zones 3-4) already covers several dozen areas, including the world-famous "sporting" Wimbledon and Wembley, Greenwich ("the sea gate of the capital", the only one of the remote areas where the sights are enough for a full day of sightseeing), Tottenham and others. The final circle of zones 5-6 surrounds Greater London, including the nearest suburbs and Heathrow Airport. "The same London" is concentrated here.
So, there are three historical centers (in Inner London, of course, since most of the Outer until the beginning of the 20th century remained forests and bogs), from which the city grew - all of them have been settlements since time immemorial (that is, counting from pre-Christian or early Christian). On the left, northern, bank of the Thames are Westminster and the City, on the right - Southwark, connected to them by the Tower Bridge (no epithets: we reverently walk, look, blown by a heavy wind). The city center on the northern bank almost did not preserve monuments before 1666 - the year due to a huge fire. The southern shore generally preserved only a few ancient monuments and left great memories.
City and Tower Hamlet
In the City, London appears gloomy and majestic (the congregation of St. Paul's Cathedral, St Bridge Church), as well as office and modern: skyscrapers Broadgate Tower, St Mary Ax, etc. Sometimes the Tower Hamlet district (of the city and fortress of the same name) is mistakenly adjacent to the City
Museums of London
The capital of Britain is also called the world capital of museums. Some of them were collected in rich collections, the entrance fee was canceled. Others, such as the Tower Bridge museum or the Cutty Sark museum ship, were included in the London Pass system, and the third became a real attraction: why does London have its own Disneyland, when there is a museum on Baker Street, Madame Tussauds, Harry Potter Museum at Warner Bros. . Even the most classical of London museums are arranged in such a way that the visitor can not only look, but also almost participate in the exposition.
The main museums of the capital are free for Englishmen and visitors from other countries. There is usually free Wi-Fi, free toilets, reasonably priced cafes (you can bring your own food but eat outside the cafe) and even free printed materials in different languages. In this case, it is customary to leave a donation, the recommended amount of which is indicated here.
The British Museum is often compared to the Louvre and the St. Petersburg Hermitage. A rich collection of antiquities is kept here: fragments and sculptures from the Parthenon in Athens and other temples; mummies and sarcophagi exported from Egypt (as well as papyrus scrolls, grandiose sculptures, utensils); funeral, cult, household items from Ancient Mesopotamia (Assyria, Akkad, Sumer, Babylon).
The Museum of Natural History is famous for its collection of ancient animals (skeletons and interactive models of dinosaurs, saber-toothed tigers and other prehistoric creatures). For comparison, in St. Petersburg something similar can be seen in the Kuntskamer and the Zoological Museum of the Russian Academy of Sciences, but here the exhibits have multi-colored lighting, make sounds, and simulate movement.
During the school holidays, there is a queue at the main entrance, so it is better to use the additional one from the Exhibition Road side. And everyone, be prepared for a large number of school groups, as children are brought here for both lessons and excursions.
A few steps away is the Science Museum, where all exhibits (planes, ships, cars, various engines and household appliances) are designed and assembled in such a way that visitors spin, launch and touch them with their hands.
The Victoria and Albert Museum is the largest museum of "decorative and applied art" in London: completely different objects of artistic value are collected here under one roof. From tapestries and figurines to balconies and balustrades.
They go to the London National Gallery to finally see the paintings: here the collection is full of names and masterpieces (more than 2,000 paintings in total). These are Western European artists - paintings from the 13th century to the beginning of the 20th century (Titian, Raphael, Rubens, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Reynolds, Van Dyck, Velasquez, Botticelli, Bosch, van Gogh, da Vinci).
The Tate Modern Gallery is a place to get acquainted with modern painting (works written after 1900) and beyond. In the building of a former power station on the south bank of the Thames, there is enough space for large-scale installations, sometimes outrageous and always original. The gallery has existed since 2000 and is among the ten most visited in the world.
Madame Tussauds is another face of London, this time skillfully sculpted from wax for the public to enjoy. The posthumous masks of those executed on the guillotine in Paris (1845) brought the museum popularity. Since then, technologies have changed, wax figures began to be stored much longer, treated with special compositions - but the horror room is still in place, only the figures began to move, smells and sounds were added.
Fun fact: you can take pictures with the sculptures for free (with the exception of the British royal family, members of which are photographed by a special photographer).
The Museum of Sherlock Holmes fully corresponds to the spirit of Conan Doyle's stories, they tried to make it quite authentic. Here you can take a picture in Sherlock's cap, sit in his chair, read a newspaper by the fireplace.
It is worth visiting the "London Dungeon" museum for the sake of the medieval capital of England, when stench and filth were an integral part of the streets, and public executions were a favorite sight of the crowd.
Palaces of London and its surroundings
London palaces are strongly associated with the royal family. Therefore, London has something to object to guests from St. Petersburg: "Peterhof, fountains, lions? And we have a queen living here, can you see the flag well? »
Buckingham Palace
No matter how much you talk about the fact that the palace itself is painted, gray and boring, and the queue of tourists is endless. The Queen goes to Scotland for just a couple of months - usually in August-September. All this time, the entrance to the ceremonial halls is open to visitors. They can also be launched on extracurricular days, when the monarch is away (this is indicated by the lowered flag above the palace). The Green Living Room, dining room, throne room, and gallery are open for inspection. Sometimes exhibitions are held, there is a souvenir shop at the exit.
It is possible not to push through around the palace, that is, not to approach the fence. This happens during the hours of the guard change (at 11:30 every other day). Tourists are happy to take pictures of guardsmen in tall bear hats and at all other times.
It is possible not to push through around the palace, that is, not to approach the fence. This happens during the hours of the guard change (at 11:30 every other day). Tourists are happy to take pictures of guardsmen in tall bear hats and at all other times. Again, an immovable symbol of royal Britain. On the square in front of the palace, you can see mounted policemen in no less interesting headdresses.
Palace of Westminster
Like Buckingham Palace, this palace is open to visitors for a limited period - from the beginning of August to mid-September, when the parliament sitting here goes on vacation. The building was built back in the 11th century, and was completely restored after a fire in the second half of the 19th. So it is not a fierce antiquity, but a "pseudo-gothic" style. If Buckingham is famous for the Queen, then Westminster is for being near Big Ben. I wonder which of them will be known more "in person" outside of England?
Windsor Castle
Another royal residence, this time the private rooms of the royal family. You have to watch the flag to see if you can go inside. As a rule, during the week, none of the royal persons are there, but on the weekend the flag can fly proudly. According to the strict royal schedule, Elizabeth lives here in March, April and a week in June.
This is an old fortress (11th century) that looks like a fortress should look. A classic park with royal gardens is laid out here. Inside there are dozens of interesting places (which is worth only Queen Mary's dollhouse, the grand interiors of St. George's Hall or Waterloo Hall, chapels, heraldic sculptures).
Visiting Windsor (and without queuing for an hour or more) is included in the London Pass attractions program.
Kensington Palace
This miniature palace in the heart of the city can also be visited with a skip-the-line London Pass. The palace became a royal residence from the 17th century; younger members of the royal family lived and still live in it. Today it is the official residence of the most famous couple in the world - William and Kate, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Prince Harry lives here.
The palace is distinguished by Victorian interiors, art objects (for example, 16th century frescoes with images of the royal court); around it is a 20-hectare garden and a unique greenhouse right there. It is a real Mecca for all those who are not indifferent to the royal house. The palace has a separate exhibition of royal outfits from the end of the 18th century to the present day. It was Kensington Palace that remained the home of Princess Diana: her wedding dress is on display in the exposition.
LONDON FOR CHILDREN
London is very friendly to children of all ages. Its parks, squares, museums, even the main attractions are designed for people to play and run around here, on foot and in a cart.
One of the largest royal parks in London, Regent's Park, as well as St. James Park, Hyde Park or Green Park, is perfect for walking with children: everywhere there are playgrounds, ponds with unusual waterfowl, cheeky squirrels, flower gardens , rose gardens, lawns for recreation.
The "big" zoo is now in Whipsnade (remaining, however, a branch of the London Zoo), and here compactly grouped glazed enclosures. A pool with penguins, a serpentarium, pygmy hippos, tropical birds, a "room" of nocturnal animals - this is only a small part of the inhabitants of London Zoo. There are games and activities for children, but visitors often say the entrance fee is high.
Three of London's most popular museums (Natural History, Science and Victoria and Albert), which are next to each other, are also child-oriented: everything spins, opens, buzzes and invites you to play. Many animals and dinosaurs in the Museum of Natural History are basically mechanical toys, and the Diplodocus can be changed in general. Once in the department where experiments are conducted, the child receives a badge and instructions (including in Russian). The Victoria and Albert Museum is a pleasure for older children, it exhibits costumes, decorations, and ceremonial weapons.
The British Museum has children's days and programs for children. Starting from primary school age, children are usually already sent to meet mummies. And in the souvenir shop there are a lot of toys - pencil cases-sarcophagi, ancient swords and much more.
You can not only ride the Ferris wheel "London Eye", the price also includes a short 4D film: views of London from above. The huge wheel makes a circle in about 30 minutes.
Next to the "London Eye" in the summer of 2015, the DreamWork's Tours Shrek Adventure complex opened: another interactive event in which 4D animation works together with live actors, and visitors act as audience members and look for Shrek together with a donkey. The organizers claim that their park is designed for children aged 5 to 12 years, but in reality - after 10 years, children get bored here.
Do NOT push your way around the palace, i.e. DO NOT approach the fence. This happens during the hours of the Changing of the Guard (at 11:30 every other day). Tourists are happy to take pictures of Guardsmen in tall Vedmezha caps and at all other times. Still, real estate is a symbol of royal Britain. On the square in front of the palace, you can also see mounted policemen in no less interesting headdresses.
Extreme amusement park "Thorpe Park" is located in the suburbs, about 32 km from London. Here, on the contrary, there is nothing for children under the age of 12 to do, but it is included in the top five parks in the world with the "steepest" slides. Legoland, built in Windsor (43 km from London, can be combined with a visit to the castle), will be interesting for both children and adults. The main attractions are aimed at children from 3 to 12 years old. Finally, the Harry Potter Theme Park at Warner Bros. Studios. If in a similar park in Florida (USA) the emphasis is on attractions and "magical" effects, then real scenery is shown here: Dumbledore's office, potions class, library, Hogwarts interiors, Diagon Alley, etc. others.
SHOPPING
Shops of London
Pipes and caps a la guess who, handbags, ridicules, watches, English tea with the addition of bergamot or jasmine are usually brought from London. A good alcoholic souvenir is Glenfiddich malt whiskey with a golden hue and a characteristic taste of peat. Small souvenirs are sold on Piccadilly: figurines of policemen, models of Big Ben, mailboxes, locks and "double-decker" - bright red double-decker buses. In Windsor, souvenirs are bought with the image of members of the royal family, the late Princess Diana and the newly minted royal couple.
The main places for shopping: Oxford street (practically for any wallet) and the Kensington area (for wealthy ladies and gentlemen). For boutiques and brands with up to 60% off, all of London tends to head to Bicester Village. See the full list here: London stores.
There are many pickpockets in markets (especially on weekends) and in transport. Sometimes you can encounter fraud at currency exchange points and shops: a tourist will exchange only a part of the amount or give change in bills of a smaller denomination.
London markets
There are dozens of different markets in the city, most of them "flea".
Old Spitalfields Market is located in the northern part of the City, at the intersection with the East End. This is a traditional covered market, the history of which began at the end of the 17th century. Therefore, the market itself is considered a landmark of Victorian London. It works 7 days a week: shops and restaurants until the evening, food stalls - until 15: 00-16: 00. Here you can buy clothes from local designers, vintage clothes, strange jewelry and "healthy" food (organic food).
Camden Market and Camden Lock Market: north-west side of Camden away from the center (Camden Town tube station). This is the largest market in the city, which appeared on the site of stables and is famous for its color. They sell a great mix of London markets: vintage clothes and shoes, souvenirs, food, antiques, postcards / posters / drawings, CDs and vinyl and all kinds of handmade. Freaks from all over London gather here, tastings and concerts of budding artists take place.
Portobello Road Market: Kensington, or rather - Notting Hill (go to the metro station of the same name). It is the oldest and largest antique market in Europe. Expensive benches are adjacent to street trade, and if you're lucky, you can buy a pair of silver spoons or a porcelain tea set very cheaply here.
The list would be incomplete without the atmospheric Greenwich Market (arts and crafts), the food Borough Market (farms not only from England, but also from Europe), the floral Columbia Flower Market, the market "for locals" Brick Lane (everything on weekends).
CAFES AND RESTAURANTS
You can hardly find "English" restaurants in the world, but "English" pubs have opened everywhere.
British cuisine exists, but more often than not in the same establishment it is next door to French or Mediterranean cuisine. Many Londoners' favorite restaurants are open in the markets. For example, the cafes and restaurants of Camden Market or Old Spitalfields Market are always full of people. Many Chinese and Indian food outlets. In Chinese restaurants you can see a separate buffet - the average price tag is 10-12 GBP, in Indian - 15-18 GBP.
The cheapest way to eat is in fast food. This will cost around 6 GBP. In sandwich cafes and bars, breakfast will cost 6-7 GBP, but such cafes are open only until 12:00. In the afternoon you can have a snack at the Chippie: lunch costs £8, takeaway costs £3. Restaurants everywhere offer good food, but without special culinary masterpieces.
The establishments are open, as a rule, from lunch (11:30-12:30) and until late in the evening (22:00-22:30). It is advisable to reserve tables in the popular ones. Alternatively, you can try to come before the opening or after 9:00 p.m., when visitors start to disperse. It is customary to leave 10-15% to the waiter - but at the discretion of the client, often the tip is already included in the bill.
English pub
This is definitely a place to go - if not for British cuisine, then for the atmosphere. However, sometimes the kitchen in these establishments is also at the level, but they cook here, as a rule, from 12:00 to 19:00.
Pubs in the City are usually crowded on weekday evenings (especially Fridays), and empty on Saturdays. In the sleeping areas, on the contrary, the pubs are full on Friday and Saturday. Pubs are divided into those where they "only drink", where they "drink and eat", where they "drink and dance". Beer is good almost everywhere. There is no diluted, and you can find local, brewed by small breweries.
The pubs are usually open from lunch (11:30-12:30) and until late in the evening (22:00-22:30). It is advisable to reserve tables in the popular ones. Alternatively, you can try to come before the opening or after 9:00 p.m., when visitors start to disperse. It is customary to leave 10-15% to the waiter - but at the discretion of the client, often the tip is already included in the bill.
Icebar
In autumn 2010, Icebar opened again in London - one of the best drinking establishments in the city. The bar is the size of a large living room and the walls are made of blocks of ice, on which pictures are etched. There are also tables, chairs and glasses for cocktails made of ice (therefore, it is better to come in closed clothes, warm capes and gloves are issued at the entrance, the temperature is -5 ° C). The time of visiting the bar is limited: customers are let in every 40 minutes, heated seats are available at the exit. It is a couple of minutes' walk from Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus, at the very end of Heddon Street. Admission - about 16 GBP (depending on the day of the week), includes a couple of cocktails; all alcoholic drinks over and above what is included in the ticket price will cost you around GBP 6.
WHAT TO TRY
Some dishes of English cuisine have become such a part of everyday European life that we have not noticed them for a long time. The English have formed traditions: a hearty breakfast, eating large pieces of meat or meat pies, tea parties, and some dried muffins.
You should definitely try the continental (aka English) breakfast. It includes: cereal or muesli, buns, croissants, jam, sliced ham and cheese. English breakfast: add here fried eggs, fried bacon, stewed beans, toast, fried sausages or sausages; there can be fried mushrooms, stewed kidneys, vegetables and fried potatoes. The meaning of that breakfast is that if you survived it, you can safely skip lunch.
Another national dish is meat pie. It's a decent piece of beef tenderloin wrapped in a puff pastry roll with sauce and mushrooms. It is considered a festive treat and is served with potatoes or other vegetables. You can try "Shepherd's pie" - an even more traditional dish - a puff pastry made of lamb / beef or minced meat with mashed potatoes.
You shouldn't leave England without tasting roast beef. It must be washed down with English beer or ale. By the way, they say that bottled beer in England will be tastier than draft beer - taste it.
Fish and chips in London are offered on every corner: in cheap eateries and restaurants. These are regular French fries with breaded fish fillet. The difference in cost is decent - from 4 to 20 GBP. The sauce for it (from green peas with mayonnaise and a minimal addition of vegetables) is prepared in its own way in each establishment.
For dessert - pudding (cake in a water bath). It can be fruity, with the addition of cream, candied fruit or molasses. You should also try local cupcakes (chocolate, berry, candied) and the English version of cheesecake made from crushed cookies.
