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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 as a major settlement, it remains a global centre of finance, government, and culture.

Quick facts

Population
8,908,083 (city)
Currency
British pound (GBP)
Language
English
Timezone
GMT (UTC+0)
Local time now
22:25:22

Hotels in London

London offers a range of hotels across the city, with several premium options located in central areas. Properties like The Trafalgar St. James London, Hotel The Grand at Trafalgar Square, and Club Quarters Hotel provide convenient bases for exploring the capital's landmarks and attractions. 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, each playing an important role in the city's aviation infrastructure. From London City Airport to smaller facilities like Elstree Aerodrome and Kenley Airfield, these locations provide various aviation services to the capital and surrounding regions. 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

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Hertz
1.6 km from centre
Sixt
1.7 km from centre
Enterprise
1.8 km from centre
SIXT
1.9 km from centre

Things to Do in London

London offers countless attractions for visitors to explore, from the historic Nelson's Column to monuments commemorating figures like Charles I, Horatio Nelson, and Henry Havelock. Whether you're interested in landmarks, cultural sites, or discovering the Mileage Central Point of London Plaque, the city provides diverse experiences for every traveller. 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 diverse dining scene with restaurants ranging from casual eateries to speciality establishments. Whether you're looking for authentic pizza at 50 Kalo di Ciro Salvo Pizzeria or contemporary dining options like Bianco43, the city's restaurant scene caters to every taste and preference. See all restaurants →

Swimming Pools in London

London offers a variety of swimming pools for residents and visitors to enjoy. From dedicated facilities like Golden Lane Pool and Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre Swimming Pool to innovative venues such as Sky Pool, there are numerous options available across the city 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

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Anya Spa
3.4 km from centre
Wayang Centre
3.7 km from centre
Robert Thai Therapy & Spa
4.5 km from centre

Nightlife in London

London offers a diverse and dynamic nightlife scene with venues ranging from established clubs like Heaven and Zoo Bar & Club to intimate spots such as The Pigalle Club and 404 Club Not Found. Whether you're looking for dancing, live music, or late-night socializing, the city's nightlife districts have options to suit every taste. See all nightlife →

Bars in London

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The Rooftop St. James
95 m from centre
Boyds Grill & Wine Bar
160 m from centre
Gravity
232 m from centre

Cafes in London

London's cafe culture offers something for everyone, from well-known chains like Caffè Nero and Costa to independent favourites such as Caffe Concerto, The Grand Caffè, and Muriel's Kitchen. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to work or a bustling atmosphere to meet friends, the capital's diverse cafe scene provides the perfect setting. See all cafes →

Shopping in London

London offers world-class shopping experiences across diverse venues and styles. From historic arcades like Burlington Arcade and Fortnum & Mason to modern shopping centres such as The Arches Shopping, the city caters to every shopper's taste and budget. 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 visitors and residents alike numerous opportunities to experience nature and wildlife within the city. From the carefully cultivated gardens of Whitehall Garden and Waterloo Place to the green spaces of Leicester Square, the capital provides serene natural retreats amidst its urban landscape. 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 oceanic climate with mild winters and cool summers. Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, with autumn and winter months tending to be wetter and greyer than the brighter summer months.

Interesting Facts About London — Weird & Wonderful

  • London's ancient core, the City of London, was founded by the Romans as Londinium and has retained its medieval boundaries to this day.
  • The City of Westminster, west of the City of London, has been the site of national government and parliament for centuries.
  • London grew rapidly in the 19th century and became the world's largest city at that time.
  • London's wider metropolitan area is the largest in Western Europe, with a population of 15.4 million people.

Frequently Asked Questions About London

What currency is used in London?

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

What language is spoken in London?

English is the primary language spoken in London and throughout the United Kingdom.

How many people live in London?

London has a population of 9.14 million people within the city itself, with its wider metropolitan area home to 15.4 million people, making it the largest metropolitan area in Western Europe.

Where is London located?

London is located in southeast England on the River Thames, at the head of a 50-mile tidal estuary down to the North Sea. Since 1965, Greater London has comprised an administrative area governed by 33 local authorities and the Greater London Authority.

What is the City of London?

The City of London is London's ancient core and financial centre, founded by the Romans as Londinium. It has retained its medieval boundaries and remains distinct from the surrounding Greater London area.

Map of London

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