The British Museum, established in 1753, offers a vast and diverse collection of human history, art, and culture. Some popular exhibits include the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon Marbles, and mummies from Ancient Egypt.
The Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, has served as a palace, fortress, armory, treasury, and even a zoo throughout its history. Today, it houses the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom. Next to the Tower of London is the iconic Tower Bridge, a Victorian masterpiece and symbol of London.
Westminster Abbey, a Gothic monastery church and the traditional place of coronation and burial site for British monarchs, holds over a thousand years of national history and religious artifacts. Across from the abbey is the Houses of Parliament, the seat of the UK Government and home to the famous Big Ben clock tower.
London has an extensive and efficient public transportation system, including the famous red double-decker buses and the Tube, which costs £2.40 per single journey with an Oyster card. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are widely available but can be more expensive. Cycling and walking are also great options within the city center. Consider buying a Visitor Oyster card or a Travelcard to save on transportation costs.
If you have extra time, consider exploring the vibrant neighborhoods of Notting Hill, Camden, or Shoreditch. For a taste of British culture, have afternoon tea at the famous Fortnum & Mason department store or catch a West End theatre production. If you have less time, you can combine the British Museum with a visit to nearby Covent Garden and Leicester Square, both popular areas for shopping and entertainment.
London has six airports, but the main ones are Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), and Stansted (STN). Heathrow is located 14 miles west of Central London while Gatwick is 30 miles south and Stansted is 38 miles northeast. All three airports have different transportation options to and from the city, including express trains, coaches, and taxis.