Subscribe Now! National Geographic Magazine $15
Visit our Online Shops

Sign up for free

Newsletters

Once a month
get new photos
and expert tips.

London Part of the Places of a Lifetime series from Traveler magazine

Photo: Guards at Buckingham Palace
Photograph by Will van Overbeek

The United Kingdom’s capital city—covering 610 square miles (1,580 square kilometers)—is huge. Founded in A.D. 43, it’s also old. And powerful. London is a hub of culture, business, and politics—and center of the once glorious British Empire that can still throw its weight around the globe. Served by a fabulous subway system, numerous tour buses, and the iconic black taxis, London is not difficult to find your way around in. And despite the city’s enormity, the center is small enough to make walking a good option—just mind the warnings painted on the curb to look right when crossing the street. Drivers come at you, unexpectedly, along the left side of the road.

Read My London by Sir Richard Eyre

Best of London

Photo: Hotel room Great London hotels sorted by price range.
Photo: Restaurant Your dining guide from budget eats to four-star restaurants.
Photo: Bar From dance clubs to cozy jazz, stay out late in London.
Photo: Theater sign From cinema clubs to royal theater, the best of London entertainment.
Photo: Big Ben Big Ben calls you to these must-see London sights.
Photo: Man playing bagpipes Enjoy the best of London's multicultural festivals.
Button: See more

London Multimedia

Know Before You Go: London

All About London

All Places of a Lifetime

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Photo: Puerto Escondido

Mexico via Pacifico

Find unusual vacation spots and journey through Mexico.

Photo: Road sign

Signspotting

Take a tour of the world's quirkiest signs.

right-rail

London Guidebook

Photo: Travel Guides covers

Explore London with National Geographic experts and get over 100 years of travel experience at your fingertips.

Travel Clock

Photo: Travel clock

Don't miss a minute of your trip! Get this National Geographic travel clock and get an early start to every day.