London is one of the most attractive for tourist cities in the world. According to statistics, London is the second most visited by tourist city in the world (Paris is in the first place and the third is New York). In 2010 London was visited by more than 14.6 million foreign tourists. This city is very popular among tourists from the United States. What attracts tourists to London? Why should visit London?
London is capital of the United Kingdom. This not world largest country was one of the most influential world powers for centuries. Great Britain citizens were traveling around the world, influenced the development of many countries and brought to London cultural and historical treasures from around the world. United Kingdom residents have the opportunity to become acquainted with the cultural traditions of many nationalities. Throughout the centuries, London was one of the main centers of the world economy, culture, art, fashion and education. The capital of Great Britain has not lost its importance now. You can see the cultural and historical values of all time in the museums of London. Many young people from around the world come to study in London. Here sounds very modern music. The shops in London sell the most advanced and fashionable products. In the summer of 2012 the city for the third time will host the Olympic Games. Here you will certainly find something interesting for yourself. You can get to most European cities from London by train. The trip from London to Paris by train will take only a few hours.
Statistical information
From which countries tourists most often come to London?
United States citizens make up a large part of the visiting London tourists. They account about 13 percent of foreign tourists. In second place are France residents (11%). Information about the number of tourists (in percent) from other countries: Germany - 8%, Spain - 7%, Italy, Ireland and the Netherlands - 5%, Australia - 4%, Canada and Poland - 3%. In recent years is increasing number of tourists from countries such as India, China and Russia. London is the number destination 1 in Europe for tourists from the United States.
The most visited tourist sites in London
The most popular free sites in London
Data according to the year 2009. In brackets is shown the number of visitors (2009) in millions of people. The main exhibition of this museums and galleries are free. To access the temporary exhibitions you usually should buy a ticket.
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British Museum (5,8). The London British Museum is one of the largest museums in the world. Its permanent collection consists about eight million items. In the British Museum you can see the rare and valuable artifacts from all continents, illustrating the history of human culture from its beginnings to the present. It is the most popular museum in London. Address: Great Russell Street, London WC1, England, UK.
The nearest underground stations: Holborn, Russell Square, Goodge Street.
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National Gallery (4,7). The London National Gallery contains more than 2000 works of Western European painting. It is located on Trafalgar Square.
The nearest metro station is Charing Cross.
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Tate Modern (4,7). Tate Modern is popular contemporary art gallery in London. The museum is located in the former Bankside Power Station power plant on the south bank of the Thames. Entrance to some of the exhibition is fee.
The nearest metro stations: Southward, London Bridge.
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Natural History Museum (4,1). Natural History Museum is one of the three famous museums, located on the street Exhibition Road in South Kensington. The museum has exhibits on topics: botany, zoology, paleontology, mineralogy. There is a large collection of insects. The museum is known for its collection of dinosaur skeletons.
The nearest metro station is South Kensington.
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Science Museum (2,7). The Science Museum is one of the three famous museums of the Victorian era on the street Exhibition Road in South Kensington. The museum is part of the National Museum of Science and Industry. This is one of the most popular museums in London.
The nearest metro station is South Kensington. Admission is free (except for the cinema IMAX, flight simulators and temporary exhibitions). Address: Exhibition Road, London SW7.
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Victoria and Albert Museum (2,2). Victoria and Albert Museum (V & A Museum) is the largest museum of decorative arts and design. The museum was named after of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria. The museum themes: ceramics, furniture, articles of fashion, glass, jewelry, metalwork, photography, sculpture, textiles and paintings of all time. The museum has more than 4.5 million items. Address: Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL. Nearest Metro station: South Kensington. The station is situated on the underground lines Piccadilly, Circle and District. Entrance to the permanent exhibitions is free.
National Portrait Gallery (1,9). National Portrait Gallery in London is the oldest portrait gallery in the world. It was founded in 1856. Address: St Martin's Place, WC2, England. The nearest underground stations: Charing Cross, Leicester Square, Embankment.
Tate Britain (1,5). Tate Britain is one of a network of Tate galleries (also available are Tate Modern, Tate Liverpool and Tate St. Ives). In the gallery you can see paintings of British artists of past centuries and modern times. The nearest London underground stations: Pimlico (Victoria Line, approximately 600 meters), Westminster (Line Jubilee, District and Circle Lines, 750 meters), Vauxhall (Victoria Line, 850 meters).
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British Library (1,3). National Library of Great Britain. It is one of the largest libraries in the world. Library Collection includes more than 150 million books and journals in different languages. Location: The British Library, 96 Euston Road, London, NW1 2DB. Nearest underground station: King's Cross St. Pancras. The library has a document storage centers and reading rooms at the following addresses: British Library Newspapers, Colindale Avenue, London, NW9 5HE; The British Library Boston Spa, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS23 7BQ UK.
The most popular attractions with paid access in London
To visit these sites need to buy a ticket. In brackets is shown the quantity of visitors per year in millions of people.
The London Eye. (3,5) The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel situated on the banks of the River Thames. The entire structure of observation wheel is 135 meters tall and the wheel has a diameter of 120 meters. The London Eye, or Millennium Wheel, was officially called the British Airways London Eye and then the Merlin Entertainments London Eye. Since 20 January 2011, its official name is the EDF Energy London Eye following a three-year sponsorship deal. It is the newest attraction in London. Tickets price from 17 pounds (adult).
The nearest London Underground station is Waterloo. Westminster metro station is also within walking distance.
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Tower of London (2,3). Tower of London is one of the main attractions of the UK and one of the oldest buildings in London. Construction of the fortress began in 1078. For a long time the fortress was the residence of the kings of England, a prison, a repository of treasures. Today the Tower is a monument of history and the famous museum. Address: The Tower of London, London EC3N 4AB, UK. The nearest metro station is Tower Hill on the lines of District and Circle. Ticket cost about 20 Euro.
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St Paul's Cathedral (1,8). St. Paul's Cathedral is the largest cathedral in London. It is considered one of the best buildings, built during the Renaissance. At the top of the cathedral, next to the dome, viewing gallery offers a panoramic view of London. Ticket cost about 15 pounds. Address: St Paul's Cathedral, St Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD. The nearest metro stations: "St Paul's" on line "Central Line", "Mansion House" and "Cannon Street" on the lines of London Underground "District" and "Circle Lines".
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Westminster Abbey (1,4). The Collegiate Church of St Peter at Westminster, also known as Westminster Abbey, is a large Gothic church, in the City of Westminster, London. It is located just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. It is traditional place of coronation of the monarchs of Great Britain. Westminster Abbey is one of the main attractions of the capital of Great Britain. Nearest subway stations: St James's Park (subway line District and Circle Lines), Westminster (Subway Line Jubilee, District & Circle Lines).
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Kew Gardens (Royal Botanic Gardens) (1,3). Royal Botanic Gardens Kew is located in south-west London, approximately 10 kilometers from the city center. There is the world’s largest collection of living plants in Kew Gardens. Address: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB, UK. The nearest underground station is Kew Gardens station (District Line - Richmond branch and London Overground). Ticket cost about 15 pounds.
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ZSL London Zoo (1,05). London Zoo is the oldest scientific zoo in the world. Zoo was founded in 1828. Zoo covers an area about 15 hectares. There are about 16,000 animals in the London zoo. The nearest metro stations are Camden Town and Regent's Park. Address: ZSL London Zoo, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK. Ticket cost about 20 pounds.
Oxford Street
Shopping street, Oxford Street is also one of the most visited places in London. Together with the adjoining streets, it forms large, filled with shops, restaurants, cafes and hotels district in the western part of London. More than 100 million people come here every year! Especially lively here is before Christmas. Read more about Oxford Street ....