The vast city of London boasts 32 boroughs in addition to the historic City, the ancient core founded on the left bank of the Thames, about seventy kilometers from its estuary.
Westminster
Among the thousands of attractions, certain highlights are a must-see: Westminster and Whitehall, the political and religious heart of London for nearly a millennium. Here you’ll find England’s largest abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and Downing Street, home to the Prime Minister since 1732. Westminster Abbey is the masterpiece of English Gothic architecture and, since 1066, the coronation site for monarchs. Many illustrious figures such as Shakespeare and Dickens are buried here, along with British nobles and distinguished citizens. With a paid entry, the abbey welcomes around five million visitors every year.
Piccadilly
In Piccadilly and St. James, you’ll come to Buckingham Palace, the official residence of Queen Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip. Purchased by George III in 1762, it officially became a royal residence after the 1826 makeover by architect Nash. Queen Victoria was the first reigning monarch to live there, starting in 1837.
At Buckingham Palace, around 300 people work—including Royal Household staff, who organize the Queen’s public life. Out front are the iconic royal guards in red uniforms and bearskin hats. In summer, the vibrant Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place daily, making it a must for visitors.
Among the palace’s elegant spaces, don’t miss the Queen’s Gallery, the former private chapel now hosting temporary exhibitions with pieces from the royal collection. The area buzzes with shops and luxury hotels. Piccadilly earns its name from a type of collar—the pickadill—designed in the 1600s by one of the area’s historic tailors. At vibrant Piccadilly Circus, famous for its neon signs, stands the statue of Eros, crafted by Alfred Gilbert in 1892.
Trafalgar Square
North of central London, Trafalgar Square is a lively hub for entertainment with renowned theatres, restaurants, and nightlife. This 19th-century square can hold up to 50,000 people, making it a traditional spot for rallies, parades, and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Be sure to see the column topped by the statue of Admiral Nelson, who died in 1805 at the Battle of Trafalgar against Napoleon. Trafalgar Square is also home to the famed National Gallery, spanning nearly 50,000 square meters and housing some 2,300 paintings from 1260 to 1920.
St Paul’s Cathedral
Just northeast of the square stands another London icon: St Paul’s Cathedral, rebuilt between the late 1600s and early 1700s, and home to the city bishop. Distinguished figures like Nelson and Fleming are buried here. The cathedral has hosted historic occasions—among them Churchill’s funeral and the royal wedding of Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles. Not far away lies the storied Tower of London, built in 1078. Throughout the centuries, it’s been a fortress, royal residence, mint, armory, and—most notoriously—a prison known for torture and executions.
South Kensington
Don’t miss South Kensington, west of Piccadilly—one of the city’s green lungs, sprawling over 250 hectares filled with parks (Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park), embassies, consulates, prestigious shops, and grand buildings hosting colleges, museums, and galleries. Highlights include the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and Victoria and Albert Museum. South Kensington is among London’s most desirable—and expensive—residential districts.
