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London, the capital of United Kingdom
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London

London is the capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom, standing on the River Thames in southeast England. With nearly 2,000 years of history, it has evolved from a Roman settlement into a global metropolis and the heart of national government.

Photo: Ilya Grigorik (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Quick facts

Population
8,908,083 (city)
Currency
British pound (GBP)
Language
English
Timezone
BST (UTC+1)
Local time now
09:08:54

Hotels in London

London offers a wide selection of hotels to suit every traveler. From luxury properties like The Trafalgar St. James London and Hotel The Grand at Trafalgar Square to convenient options such as Club Quarters Hotel and Great Scotland Yard Hotel, you'll find excellent accommodation choices throughout the city. See all hotels →

5 ★
The Trafalgar St. James London, Curio Collection by Hilton
122 m from centre
Hotel The Grand at Trafalgar Square
136 m from centre
Club Quarters Hotel
149 m from centre

Airports in London

London is served by several airports and airfields catering to different types of aviation. London City Airport offers convenient access for commercial flights, while RAF Northolt, Elstree Aerodrome, Kenley Airfield, and NPAS Lippitts Hill provide additional aviation facilities across the region. See all airports →

London City Airport
12.6 km from centre
NPAS Lippitts Hill
19.1 km from centre
RAF Northolt
20.7 km from centre

Car Hire in London

We're still gathering car hire listings for London — check back soon.

Things to Do in London

London offers an array of iconic attractions and activities for visitors. From historic monuments like Nelson's Column and statues commemorating figures such as Charles I and Horatio Nelson, to the central point of London itself, there are countless landmarks and sites to explore throughout the city. See all things to do →

Mileage Central Point of London Plaque
7 m from centre
Charles I
15 m from centre
Horatio Nelson
36 m from centre
Nelson's Column
37 m from centre
Henry Havelock
61 m from centre
Charles James Napier
63 m from centre

Restaurants in London

London offers a vibrant restaurant scene catering to every palate, from casual dining spots to specialty establishments. Whether you're seeking Italian pizza, contemporary cuisine, or classic comfort food, you'll find options like Garfunkel's, Prezzo, Bianco43, 50 Kalo di Ciro Salvo Pizzeria, and Gouqi among London's diverse dining venues. See all restaurants →

Swimming Pools in London

London offers a variety of swimming pools and leisure centres for residents and visitors. Whether you're looking for dedicated swimming facilities like Golden Lane Pool and Sky Pool, or comprehensive leisure centres such as Clapham Leisure Centre and Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre Swimming Pool, the city provides numerous options for swimming and aquatic activities. See all swimming pools →

Golden Lane Pool
2.7 km from centre
Sky Pool
2.8 km from centre
The Sky Pool
2.8 km from centre

Spas in London

We're still gathering spas listings for London — check back soon.

Nightlife in London

London's nightlife is legendary, offering everything from iconic nightclubs to intimate bars and lounges. Whether you're looking for major venues like Heaven and The Pigalle Club or discovering hidden gems like 404 Club Not Found and Zoo Bar & Club, the capital delivers an unforgettable night out across every neighbourhood. See all nightlife →

Bars in London

We're still gathering bars listings for London — check back soon.

Cafes in London

London offers a wide selection of cafes where you can enjoy quality coffee and refreshments. From established chains like Caffè Nero and Costa to independent spots such as Caffe Concerto, The Grand Caffè, and Muriel's Kitchen, there's a cafe to suit every taste and atmosphere throughout the city. See all cafes →

Shopping in London

London offers diverse shopping experiences across the city, from historic arcades like Burlington Arcade to department stores such as Fortnum & Mason and modern shopping centres like The Arches Shopping. Whether you're seeking luxury goods, high street fashion at TK Maxx, or unique boutique finds, London's retail landscape caters to every shopper. See all shopping →

The Arches Shopping
235 m from centre
TK Maxx
533 m from centre
Fortnum & Mason
725 m from centre

Nature & Wildlife in London

London offers numerous parks and gardens where visitors can experience nature within the urban landscape. From the elegant Waterloo Place East and West Gardens to Leicester Square and The Rose Garden, these green spaces provide peaceful retreats for wildlife watching and outdoor relaxation. See all nature & wildlife →

Waterloo Place East Garden
264 m from centre
Whitehall Garden
364 m from centre
Leicester Square
371 m from centre
Waterloo Place West Garden
374 m from centre
The Rose Garden
417 m from centre
Tyburn Quay
425 m from centre

Climate snapshot

London experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild winters and cool summers. Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, with the city rarely experiencing extreme temperatures in either season.

Interesting Facts About London — Weird & Wonderful

  • London's ancient core, the City of London, was founded by the Romans as Londinium nearly 2,000 years ago and has retained its medieval boundaries to this day.
  • The City of Westminster, located west of the City of London, has been the site of national government and parliament for centuries.
  • London became the world's largest city during the 19th century and its wider metropolitan area remains the largest in Western Europe.
  • The administrative area of Greater London, established in 1965, comprises 33 local authorities and is governed by the Greater London Authority.
  • London stands at the head of a 50-mile tidal estuary on the River Thames that extends to the North Sea.

Frequently Asked Questions About London

What currency is used in London?

The currency used in London is the British Pound Sterling (GBP), as London is in the United Kingdom.

What language is spoken in London?

English is the primary language spoken in London, as it is the capital of England and the United Kingdom.

How many people live in London?

London has a population of 9.1 million people as of 2024, with its wider metropolitan area having a population of 15.4 million, making it the largest in Western Europe.

What region of the UK is London in?

London is located in southeast England, standing on the River Thames at the head of a 50-mile tidal estuary leading to the North Sea.

When was London founded?

London was founded by the Romans nearly 2,000 years ago as Londinium and has been a major settlement ever since, with its ancient core retaining medieval boundaries.

Where is the UK government based in London?

The UK government and parliament are based in the City of Westminster, located west of the City of London, where they have been established for centuries.

Map of London

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