London

Top 10 Attractions

Check out London's most popular tourist attractions, including the London Eye, the National Gallery and Tower of London.

Many are free London attractions so there's no better place to soak up some culture. Whether you prefer a historical sight, or modern art, you'll find it here.

The capital's top 10 attractions are listed below in order of popularity based on visitor numbers in 2008 or latest available numbers in the case of the London Eye (2005) and Madame Tussauds (2000).

British Museum

The imposing British Museum exhibits the works of man from prehistoric to modern times with collections drawn from all around the world. Famous objects include the Rosetta Stone, sculptures from the Parthenon and the Portland Vase.

Tate Modern

The impressive Tate Modern is Britain's national museum of modern art. Housed in the former Bankside Power Station on the banks of the River Thames, the gallery displays major works by Matisse and Picasso as well as contemporary work, exhibitions and installations.

National Gallery

The National Gallery houses one of the greatest collections of European painting in the world. With paintings ranging from 1250 to 1900, the collection includes work by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Turner, Cezanne and Van Gogh.

Natural History Museum

As well as the permanent dinosaur exhibition, the Natural History Museum boasts a collection of the biggest, tallest and rarest animals in the world. Don't miss the life-sized Blue Whale model, the 40-million-year-old spider, the earthquake simulator and an elephant bird egg. And new this September is the impressive Darwin Centre.

The London Eye

The London Eye is a major feature of London's skyline. It is the world's highest observation wheel and offers passengers spectacular views of over 55 of London's most famous landmarks - all in just 30 minutes.
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Science Museum

See, touch and experience the major scientific advances of the last 300 years at the largest museum of its kind in the world. The Science Museum has over 40 galleries and 2000 hands-on exhibits, step into the future in the Wellcome Wing, visit the IMAX cinema and virtual reality simulator.

The Victoria & Albert Museum

The V&A celebrates all things art and design, and is home to 3,000 years worth of amazing artefacts from many of the world's richest cultures. See their amazing collection of ceramics, furniture, fashion, glass, jewellery, photographs, sculpture, textiles and paintings.

Madame Tussauds

At Madame Tussauds, you'll come face-to-face with some of the world’s most famous faces. From Shakespeare to Britney you'll meet influential figures from showbiz, sport, politics and even Royalty. Sing along with Kylie; strike a penalty with Rooney or receive a once-in-a-lifetime audience with Her Majesty the Queen.

The Tower of London

Take a guided tour with one of the Yeoman Warders around one of the most famous fortified buildings in the world. Discover its 900 year history as a royal palace and fortress, prison and place of execution, mint, arsenal, menagerie and jewel house.
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National Maritime Museum

One of the greatest maritime museums of the world containing models, displays, paintings and trophies from every continent of the world. Children find plenty to engage them in the All Hands gallery and have a go on the professional ship simulator.

Top Shopping Destinations in London

London has a number of distinct shopping districts, some of which have their own themes or specialities.

Here's our guide to London's top shopping areas – whatever you're looking to buy in London, you're sure to find the shopping solution here.

Oxford Street

Bustling Oxford Street has about 300 shops and landmark stores. Home to the legendary Selfridges, it also has a range of recognised department stores among every well-known high street chain imaginable.

Slip into a side street, however, and it's pretty easy to leave the crowds behind. Check out St Christopher's Place, South Molton Street and Berwick Street for some real treats.

Nearest tube: Oxford Circus

Regent Street and Jermyn Street

An impressive shopping street, Regent Street offers a good range of mid-priced fashion stores including some of the city's oldest and most famous shops. Historic Jermyn Street has long been renowned for its men's clothing shops, particularly bespoke shirtmakers.

Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus

New Bond Street

If you have plenty of money to spend and want to sport the very best in designer clothes then Bond Street is the ideal place to go for some expensive retail therapy. Popular with celebrities on a spree, it is one of London's most exclusive shopping areas.

Nearest Tube: Bond Street

Carnaby Street

The birthplace of the fashion and cultural revolution of the Swinging Sixties, Carnaby Street is still home to some of the world's most exciting fashion and design talent. More than just the world-famous street itself, the Carnaby area in fact consists of 12 streets of fantastic shopping. You'll find shops selling urban and street clothing, stunning shoes, designer boutiques, as well as cafes and restaurants. It's the place to go for a trendy atmosphere.

Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus or Piccadilly Circus

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is a great place to shop, packed with speciality stores and quirky finds. You can stock up with the latest urban street wear or buy some gourmet food. Check out the arts and crafts at Covent Garden Market.

Try the stores in Floral Street, Monmouth Gardens, Shorts Gardens, Seven Dials and Neal's Yard for a taste of how hip the neighbourhood can be.

Nearest Tube: Covent Garden or Leicester Square

King's Road

King's Road is a more leisurely shopping option, with new stores and cafés and a good blend of high street and designer shops thrown into the mix. With unique labels, it's also home to some top designer stores, and a great place for inspirational interior design.

Nearest Tube: Sloane Square

Knightsbridge

Visitors from around the world flock to Knightsbridge and Brompton Road to see the illustrious shops and department stores. This is the place to head to if you are looking for prestigious brands and up-to-the-minute trends from the world's fashion elite.

Nearest Tube: Knightsbridge

Notting Hill

If you're in search of unusual or vintage clothing, rare antiques and a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere, then Notting Hill is for you. It has a good selection of eclectic and alternative shops, but is also famous for its market, which takes place along Portobello Road.

Nearest Tube: Notting Hill Gate, Ladbroke Grove or Westbourne Park

Canary Wharf

Canada Square in the heart of Docklands is home to many of the UK's leading businesses, but it also has a great shopping centre open seven days a week. Sleek and modern, it has over 200 shops, cafés and restaurants offering a relaxed shopping experience with a good combination of high street and designer stores.

Nearest Tube: Canary Wharf

Westfield London

More than a shopping centre, Westfield London is an innovative and dynamic place to shop, to eat, and to meet. Inside the largest urban shopping centre in Europe, you'll find five anchor stores: Debenhams, Next, Marks and Spencer, House of Fraser, and Waitrose, alongside more than 265 luxury, premium and high street retailers from more than 15 different countries.

Nearest tube: White City