15 reasons to fall in love with old London

Originally built in 1599, Shakespeare’s Globe occupies a prime location on the south bank overlooking the Thames. The historic theatre was conceived by William Shakespeare and his acting company, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, and was destroyed by a fire in 1613. It was later closed in 1642 when the Puritans shut down London’s theatres, but in 1997, a faithful reconstruction of the Globe was completed at its original site. Today, you can explore Elizabethan life on a guided tour of Shakespeare's Globe and showstopping performances of Shakespeare’s classics such as Romeo and Juliet, and Troilus and Cressida.

Check out what’s on at Shakespeare's Globe and buy tickets directly with Visit London.

There are various hotels in London brimming with centuries of history, including Brown's Hotel, which opened in 1837 and is part of Mayfair's illustrious legacy. The five-star St Pancras Renaissance Hotel is another world-famous property, recognised as the backdrop for the Spice Girls’ “Wannabe” music video. The Savoy, opened in 1889, was the first London hotel to offer en-suite bathrooms in every room. Elsewhere, The Ritz has been considered the epitome of London luxury since its launch in 1906, hosting guests such as King Edward VII, Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin.

Discover more of London’s best hotels, from family-friendly to the most romantic retreats.

Step inside the world’s oldest surviving music hall, located between Wapping and Whitechapel, right on the doorstep of the Tower of London. The Grade II-listed Wilton’s Music Hall was built in 1859 and continues to host more than 300 performances annually. Stop by for food and drink at the venue’s two bars, the Mahogany Bar or the Cocktail Bar, serving seasonal plates and light bites alongside craft beers and speciality gins.

Find out more about Wilton's Music Hall. 

Head to Borough Market and explore more than 100 stalls offering a global mix of street food, fruits and vegetables. Pick up flaky pastries and freshly baked loaves from Bread Ahead or enjoy mouthwatering sausage rolls from The Ginger Pig. Nana Fanny’s salt beef sandwich draws crowds with its generational recipe, while Brindisa’s Spanish tapas is not to be missed. Or why not join a Borough Market food tour to try out some tasty treats and learn more about the market's history?

If you’re visiting later in the day, don’t miss award-winning restaurants such as Padella, Brother Marcus, Berenjak and Oma.

Bookmark our guide to London’s best markets for more inspiration.

London is a treasure trove for antique enthusiasts, offering a vibrant lineup of shops and markets across the capital. Head to Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill, where you’ll find gorgeous jewellery, vintage clothing, unique homeware and retro cameras. Greenwich Market is another antiques staple with its handcrafted collectables and vintage furniture. Don’t miss Old Spitalfields Market, a neighbourhood hotspot combining streetwear, fine art and a delicious selection of food and drink.

Explore our roundup of London markets for more ideas.

Discover London’s beautiful green spaces and historic Royal Parks including Richmond Park – the largest Royal Park in London – home to herds of deer and offering sweeping skyline views. Head to London’s oldest Royal Park, St James’s Park, which provides a great respite from exploring nearby attractions such as Buckingham Palace and Horse Guards Parade. Be sure to carve out time to explore Regent’s Park and its gorgeous rose gardens, as well as the neighbouring ZSL London Zoo. Other standouts include Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park and Greenwich Park.

Read our guide to the best parks in London.

The City of London is the oldest part of the capital, built on the site of the ancient Roman town of Londinium. Today, it blends Roman ruins with modern design, with major attractions such as St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and London’s Roman Amphitheatre alongside striking skyscrapers such as The Gherkin and The Cheesegrater. Visitors can also explore fascinating museums including the Bank of England Museum and The London Archives, as well as 14th-century Leadenhall Market.

Discover more things to do in the City. 

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 gather with friends for a fashionably light snack between lunch and dinner. Head to The Langham for a traditional afternoon tea accompanied by soothing music from a grand piano, or opt for an afternoon tea bus tour to soak in London’s top landmarks while savouring your feast.

Explore the finest traditional afternoon teas in London.

Uncover London’s history at the Tower of London, one of the world’s most renowned landmarks and a Unesco-protected site. Take a tour with one of the Beefeaters (also known as the Yeoman Warders) and explore the infamous Bloody Tower, where you’ll hear chilling tales of torture and imprisonment. Be sure to check out the Crown Jewels exhibition, featuring treasures such as St Edward’s Crown, the Coronation Spoon and the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross.

Book your tickets for the Tower of London.

St Paul's Cathedral has been a place of worship for centuries, offering spectacular views from its Golden Gallery and impressing crowds with the Whispering Gallery's acoustic quirks. Southwark Cathedral, founded in the 13th century, stands at the oldest Thames crossing, while Westminster Abbey, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, hosts royal coronations and weddings. Although not the oldest, St Dunstan-in-the-East, destroyed in the Blitz and transformed into a peaceful garden, is a tranquil spot in the City. Other landmarks such as All Saints Margaret Street and Temple Church offer a deep dive into London’s spiritual and architectural history.

Uncover more cathedrals and churches in London.

Landmark events such as Trooping the Colour and Changing the Guard offer a glimpse into the pageantry of the British monarchy, while the Lord Mayor’s Show, a spectacle dating back more than 800 years, is a brilliant celebration of the city’s rich civic history. These events, along with many others including the Ceremony of the Keys – a centuries-old tradition that takes place nightly at the Tower of London – allow visitors to experience the grandeur of London’s cultural and royal customs.

Explore more historic happenings with our special events calendar. 

Buckingham Palace is one of the world’s last remaining working palaces and the official London residence of His Majesty The King. Visitors can tour the 19 grand State Rooms including the Throne Room and Grand Staircase, decorated with world-renowned artworks (on select dates throughout the year). The Royal Mews, home to the Royal Family’s state vehicles, and The King’s Gallery, which often presents pieces from the British monarch’s private art collection, are also open to the public. Be sure to coincide your visit with the Changing of the Guard ceremony to experience royal pageantry in action as the New Guard exchanges duty with the Old Guard outside the palace.

Get the lowdown on Buckingham Palace tours and the Changing of the Guard ceremony. 

Head to Tower Bridge, a masterpiece of Victorian engineering, completed in 1894 and still a functioning bridge today. Explore its striking towers and take in unparalleled views from the high-level walkways including the Glass Floors, positioned more than 42 metres above the Thames. Discover the Engine Rooms, where interactive exhibits bring its story to life through photographs and films. Check out Tower Bridge website to plan your visit around a Tower Bridge lift to witness this engineering marvel in action.

Buy your tickets to tour Tower Bridge.

While many places claim to be the oldest pub in London, the George Inn near Borough Market holds the title of the capital's last remaining galleried inn, dating back to 1677. Other highlights include riverside hotspot Prospect of Whitby in Wapping and the literary haunt Ye Olde Mitre in Holborn. Many pubs are linked to legendary figures such as The Spaniards Inn, where Keats wrote his famous Ode to a Nightingale, and The Mayflower, where the Pilgrims set sail in 1620. Be sure to check out the Lamb & Flag in Covent Garden, known as Charles Dickens’ favourite boozer and once popular for its bare-knuckle fighting.

Uncover more historic pubs in London.

Richmond Bridge is the oldest bridge in London. Built in 1777, the picturesque landmark offers a serene escape from the city bustle. While visiting, head to Richmond Hill for sweeping views over the river and stop by the 19th-century pub The Roebuck for a roast. Carve out time to visit nearby Richmond Park, which spans 2,500 acres and is known for its free-roaming deer. You’ll also find King Henry’s Mound, marking the highest point in the park, offering an undisturbed view of St Paul’s Cathedral – protected by law to prevent any building from obscuring it.

Discover more historic facts about London.