15 reasons to fall in love with old London

From the oldest pub in London to historic traditions and beautiful gardens, there's no denying that these treasures will make you fall in love with new corners of old London.

1. Shakespeare's Globe

Overview of the Shakespeare Globe open-air amphitheatre and its wooden structure — Take part in a guided tour at the Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and explore 400 years of history. © London & Partners/Michael Barrow

You can experience Elizabethan life as a groundling while watching a play at the world-famous Shakespeare's Globe.

2. Historic London hotels

A sumptuous hall decorated in blue and silver with velvet chairs in front of a fire and a chandelier glittering above the chairs. — The front hall. Photo: Janos Grapow. Image courtesy of Rocco Forte Hotels.

There are many London hotels brimming with centuries of history including Brown's Hotel, opened in 1837 and part of Mayfair's illustrious legacy. The five-star St Pancras Renaissance Hotel London is also one of London's most historic hotels having first opened in 1873, and is where the Spice Girls filmed their iconic Wannabe music video on the hotel's staircase.

3. The world's oldest music hall

View of Wilton's Auditorium from above with many preserved traditional features including a red curtain on stage — See live events at the grade II-listed Wilton's Auditorium, originally built in 1858. Image courtesy of Wilton's Music Hall.

London is home to the world's oldest surviving music hall: listen to live music and watch theatre performances in grand surroundings at Wilton's Music Hall.

4. Borough Market

Stacks of freshly baked bread and goodies at a Borough Market stall — Search for locally sourced goods at Borough Market. Credit: London & Partners/Michael Barrow.

Browse more than 100 stalls at one of London's oldest food markets. You'll find fresh fruits, international street food, pretty patisseries and more foodie treats at Borough Market.

5. Gem-filled antiques shops

The colourful houses and shops along Portobello Road on a sunny day — Portobello Road Market and Shops © Shutterstock. Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Pick up your own piece of London history at one of the capital's lovely antiques shops, including the postcard-perfect Alice's on Portobello Road.

6. Centuries-old Royal Parks

views of London and the National Maritime Museum from green lawn in Greenwich Park — Greenwich Park. Image courtesy of Maciej Lulko for Visit London

Take a stroll around London's oldest Royal Park, Greenwich Park. It's home to the Prime Meridian Line and has Instagram-worthy views of the city from the top of the hill.

7. The City of London

A photo of St Paul Cathedral's dome with panoramic view of London and blue skies. — St Paul's Cathedral. Image courtesy of Golden Tours.

The City of London takes the title of the oldest part of London. The area stands upon what was once the Roman town of Londinium, and boasts top historic attractions such as St Paul's Cathedral, The Monument, Bank of England Museum and London's Roman Amphitheatre.

8. Traditional afternoon tea in London

An outdoor table at The Teahouse with an afternoon tea spread. — Afternoon tea at Petersham Nurseries. Credit: Andrew Montgomery. Image courtesy of Petersham Nurseries.

Enjoy a taste of British tradition with a spot of afternoon tea in London. Filled with warm scones, finger sandwiches, dainty cakes and English tea, this lavish custom dates back to the 19th century, when members of high society would join their friends for a fashionably light snack between lunch and dinner.

9. Tower of London

The White Tower, a tall white building standing in the middle of the Tower of London, has the Union Jack flying high. — Explore the White Tower, home to the royal armoury, and the notorious prison of the Tower of London. ©Shutterstock/ Justin Black

The Tower of London is definitely one of the most spectacular candidates for the oldest building London. You can be dazzled by the Crown Jewels and listen to fascinating tales of the historic fortress.

10. Old churches in London

Exterior view of Westminster Abbey with leafy trees and sunshine — Westminster Abbey exterior. Photo: Andrew Dunsmore. Image courtesy of Sutton PR.

Although St Dunstan in the East may not be the oldest church in London, it's perfect for your Instagram feed! After the Church of St Dunstan was destroyed in the Blitz, the ruins were transformed into a peaceful London garden.

11. Historic traditions

Band marches in front of Buckingham Palace during Changing the Guard — Absorb the pomp and pageantry of Changing the Guard outside Buckingham Palace. Credit: Shutterstock. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

From royal traditions Trooping the Colour and Changing the Guard, to the 800-year-old Lord Mayor's Show, there is an extravaganza of historic events to experience in London.

12. Buckingham Palace

Exterior of Buckingham Palace during sunset. — Buckingham Palace. Image courtesy of Jon Reid.

Buckingham Palace is one of the world’s last remaining working palaces. The stunning royal residence also opens its doors for tours over the summer months.

13. Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge in London, with a cloudy blue sky in the background and green trees in the foreground — Find cheap things to do in London including top attractions, cheap eats and shops and markets in London. © visitlondon.com/Antoine Buchet

Head to the world famous Tower Bridge to see the Victorian Engine Rooms and enjoy panoramic views from the sky-high walkways. And see the 19th-century bridge lift for passing boats!

14. Old London pubs

A cosy pub in London, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese pub alleyway with a woman walking towards the pub's side entrance. — Seek out historic City pubs, such as Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

While there are many places that claim to be the oldest pub in London, the George Inn takes the title of the capital's last remaining galleried inn. And it's one of the cosiest pubs at Christmas! Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese also earns the right as being a medieval pub steeped in history – rebuilt after the Great Fire of London in 1666 with historic objects and pictures throughout.

15. Richmond Bridge

Three deers stood in the green Richmond Park with trees and buildings in the background — Watch the deers grazing in Richmond Park. Credit: Shutterstock. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

You'll find many bridges along the river Thames, but the oldest bridge in London is the picture-pretty Richmond Bridge. While you're there, make sure to stop by Richmond Park, London’s largest royal park and a haven for wildlife.

Find more hidden gems and secret things to do, or check out these fairytale places in London.

How old is London?

London is around 2,000 years old, with the original Roman occupation of Londinium – also known as Roman London, lasting from the first to fifth centuries.

What is the old part of London called?

The City of London is the oldest part of London. The small but historically significant area boasts top attractions including The Monument, Bank of England Museum and London's Roman Amphitheatre.