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London, a city with historical and iconic landmarks on the banks of the River Thames

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Explore London city's famous and historical landmarks, neighborhood, markets, shopping at Bates, St. Paul's Cathedral, Notting Hill, and Tower Bridge Contunico © ZDF Enterprises GmbH, Mainz; Thumbnail © David Clarke/Dreamstime.com

London - this city on the banks of the River Thames is the New York of Europe. London is loyalist yet modern. It is reserved, as the Brits are, yet it is cosmopolitan. London isn't a reflection of outside trends, London drives them. This is where international vogue and global stars are born. With no less than 300 attractions and 39 districts visitors are spoilt for choice. That's why the first thing we'll do today is go shopping. But we're not just going anywhere, we're going to pay a visit to Bates. For some 100 years now these hat makers have been furnishing London's high society with hats, bowlers and top hats. Here you'll get top-notch expert service and genuine traditional English craftsmanship. And the longer you stay perusing the headwear, the better the chances are you'll get to see a famous face.

Now let's move from our foray into top-quality English products to culture. Since Lady Di and Prince Charles married in St. Paul's Cathedral it has been one of England's most famous and recognizable churches. Christopher Wren redesigned the church after it burnt down in the Great Fire of London in 1666. In his lifetime Wren designed 52 churches in the city of London alone. St. Paul's is certainly one of his most impressive works.

And now we're off to Notting Hill. In the 19th century this area was pasture land, now it is one of London's hippest districts. And the book store where Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant fall in love in the film "Notting Hill" really does exist. The Portobello Market has been around since 1837. Since the above-mentioned film came out this market is no longer an insider's tip but almost everything on sale here is worth taking a second look at as Portobello Market is a genuine treasure trove of antiquities.

11,000 tons of steel, Gothic architecture, 244 meters long - Tower Bridge is the trademark symbol of London. As you cross to the opposite bank of the Thames. Be quick about it, for it takes only a minute to open the drawbridge to let ships through so they can head out to the high seas. We recommend jumping in a London taxi and touring the city to get a good overview of the English capital. It isn't exactly cheap, but it is definitely worth it. Your cab driver will proudly to turn your trip into a sightseeing tour. So very British.

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London, a city with historical and iconic landmarks on the banks of the River Thames

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London - this city on the banks of the River Thames is the New York of Europe. London is loyalist yet modern. It is reserved, as the Brits are, yet it is cosmopolitan. London isn't a reflection of outside trends, London drives them. This is where international vogue and global stars are born.

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Buckingham House in London was originally built for one of the dukes of Buckingham in 1703. George III acquired it in 1762 as a family home for himself and Queen Charlotte, away from the formality of his official St. James’s residence. The house filled up with the king’s magnificent book collection and many works of art.

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Common facts:
Population (2011) 53,012,456
Form Of Government Monarchy
Official Language none
National Religion Church of England
Total Area (Sq Km) 130,278
Total Area (Sq Mi) 50,301
Monetary Unit pound sterling (£)
Leading City London

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1) Jumping a queue can be illegal. If you jump the queue to buy your ticket you can be fined up to £1000.

2) England is the birthplace of many famous scientists, such as Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking and many more.
3) It’s illegal to can’t get drunk in English pubs.
4) The World Wide Web was invented in England. Tim Berners-Lee, a British scientist, invented the World Wide Web in 1989.
5) Champagne was invented in England, not France