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London, the capital of United Kingdom
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London

London is the capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom, standing on the River Thames in southeast England. With nearly 2,000 years of history as a major settlement, it has evolved from the Roman city of Londinium into a global metropolis.

Photo: Ilya Grigorik (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Quick facts

Population
8,908,083 (city)
Currency
British pound (GBP)
Language
English
Timezone
BST (UTC+1)
Local time now
21:59:39

Hotels in London

London offers a range of hotel options for visitors seeking accommodation in the heart of the city. From luxury properties like The Trafalgar St. James London and Hotel The Grand at Trafalgar Square to contemporary options such as Curio Collection by Hilton and Club Quarters Hotel, there are choices to suit different preferences and budgets near major attractions. See all hotels →

5 ★
The Trafalgar St. James London, Curio Collection by Hilton
122 m from centre
Hotel The Grand at Trafalgar Square
136 m from centre
Club Quarters Hotel
149 m from centre

Airports in London

London is served by several airports and airfields catering to different types of aviation. London City Airport offers convenient city-centre access, while RAF Northolt, Elstree Aerodrome, Kenley Airfield, and NPAS Lippitts Hill serve general aviation and other aeronautical operations across the region. See all airports →

London City Airport
12.6 km from centre
NPAS Lippitts Hill
19.1 km from centre
RAF Northolt
20.7 km from centre

Car Hire in London

We're still gathering car hire listings for London — check back soon.

Things to Do in London

London offers countless attractions for visitors, from historic monuments like Nelson's Column and statues of notable figures including Charles I and Horatio Nelson, to the Mileage Central Point of London Plaque marking the city's heart. Whether you're interested in exploring landmarks or discovering cultural experiences, London has something for every traveller. See all things to do →

Mileage Central Point of London Plaque
7 m from centre
Charles I
15 m from centre
Horatio Nelson
36 m from centre
Nelson's Column
37 m from centre
Henry Havelock
61 m from centre
Charles James Napier
63 m from centre

Restaurants in London

London offers an exceptional variety of dining experiences to suit every palate and occasion. Whether you're looking for casual dining at Garfunkel's and Prezzo, authentic Italian pizza at 50 Kalo di Ciro Salvo Pizzeria and Bianco43, or other culinary adventures, the city's restaurant scene reflects its multicultural character and vibrant food culture. See all restaurants →

Swimming Pools in London

London offers a variety of swimming pools for residents and visitors alike. From dedicated facilities like Golden Lane Pool and Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre Swimming Pool to modern attractions such as Sky Pool, there are options available across the city for swimming and leisure. See all swimming pools →

Golden Lane Pool
2.7 km from centre
Sky Pool
2.8 km from centre
The Sky Pool
2.8 km from centre

Spas in London

We're still gathering spas listings for London — check back soon.

Nightlife in London

London's vibrant nightlife scene offers something for every taste, from legendary clubs like Heaven and The Pigalle Club to innovative venues such as 404 Club Not Found and Zoo Bar & Club. Whether you're looking for dancing, live music, or cocktails, the city's diverse array of nightlife destinations promises unforgettable evenings. See all nightlife →

Bars in London

We're still gathering bars listings for London — check back soon.

Cafes in London

London offers a diverse range of cafes, from well-established chains like Caffè Nero and Costa to independent gems such as Caffe Concerto, The Grand Caffè, and Muriel's Kitchen. Whether you're looking for a quick coffee or a leisurely afternoon, the city's cafe scene has something to suit every taste. See all cafes →

Shopping in London

London offers diverse shopping experiences from historic covered arcades to contemporary retail outlets. Discover iconic venues like Burlington Arcade and Fortnum & Mason, alongside modern shopping destinations such as The Arches Shopping and TK Maxx locations throughout the city. See all shopping →

The Arches Shopping
235 m from centre
TK Maxx
533 m from centre
Fortnum & Mason
725 m from centre

Nature & Wildlife in London

London offers a variety of natural spaces where visitors can enjoy gardens and green areas. From the Rose Garden to Waterloo Place East Garden and Waterloo Place West Garden, along with Whitehall Garden and Leicester Square, the city provides numerous outdoor spaces to experience nature in the heart of the capital. See all nature & wildlife →

Waterloo Place East Garden
264 m from centre
Whitehall Garden
364 m from centre
Leicester Square
371 m from centre
Waterloo Place West Garden
374 m from centre
The Rose Garden
417 m from centre
Tyburn Quay
425 m from centre

Climate snapshot

London experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild winters and cool summers. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with the city rarely experiencing extreme weather. Autumn and winter tend to be the wetter seasons, while spring and summer offer more pleasant conditions for outdoor exploration.

Interesting Facts About London — Weird & Wonderful

  • London's ancient core, the City of London, was founded by the Romans as Londinium and has retained its medieval boundaries to this day.
  • The City of Westminster, situated to the west of the City of London, has been the seat of national government and parliament for centuries.
  • London became the world's largest city during the 19th century due to rapid growth and industrial expansion.
  • The wider metropolitan area of London is the largest in Western Europe, with a population of 15.4 million people.

Frequently Asked Questions About London

What is the population of London?

London has a population of approximately 9.1 million people within the city itself, with its wider metropolitan area home to 15.4 million, making it the largest in Western Europe.

Where is London located?

London stands on the River Thames in southeast England, positioned at the head of a 50-mile tidal estuary leading to the North Sea.

What is the currency used in London?

The currency used in London is the British Pound Sterling (GBP), as London is the capital of the United Kingdom.

What language is spoken in London?

English is the primary language spoken in London, as it is the capital of England and the United Kingdom.

How is London governed?

Since 1965, London has been largely governed by Greater London, which comprises 33 local authorities and the Greater London Authority.

Map of London

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