I’ve lived near London for several years and am in the city exploring at least a few times each month. It’s always top of the plans when my friends and family come calling, so I’ve spent a lot of time testing out the best daily itineraries and things to do in my favorite city in the world.
My Favorite Posts About London
More Posts About London
Itineraries
- Ultimate London Itinerary: How to Spend 1 – 5 Days
- 7 Day London Itinerary: One Week in London
- How Many Days To Spend in London
- 7 Day London and Edinburgh Itinerary
Neighborhoods
- The Best Neighborhoods in London for Visitors
- Where to Stay in London for First-Time Visitors
- Where to Stay in London with Kids (Best Areas + Hotels)
- Covent Garden Neighborhood Guide
Attractions and Experiences
- 16 Tourist Things To Do in London (That are Worth Your Time)
- 25 Unique Things To Do in London
- 41 Brilliant Things To Do on a Rainy Day in London
- London for Theatre Lovers
Day Trips
- The 10 Best Day Trips From London
- 3 Castle Day Trips From London by Train
- Windsor Castle
- Bath
- Oxford
- Brighton
Seasons
- Seasonal UK Packing Lists: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
- What to Wear to London in the Fall
- London in Winter
- Self-guided London Christmas Lights Tour
Travel Guides
- London Travel Tips From a Local
- How to Use the London Underground
- 20 Best Souvenirs From England
- London to Edinburgh by Train: Booking Guide + What to Expect
9 Fun Facts About London
1. London Has Over 170 Museums
Many of London’s museums are also completely free to visit. Major museums like the British Museum, Natural History Museum, and Tate Modern allow visitors to explore world-class collections without paying an entrance fee.
2. Big Ben Is Actually the Bell
Most people think Big Ben refers to the famous clock tower, but the name technically belongs to the 13-ton bell inside the tower. The tower itself is called the Elizabeth Tower at the Palace of Westminster.
3. London Is Over 2,000 Years Old
The London we know today was founded by the Romans around 43 AD, when they established the settlement of Londinium. You can still see parts of the original Roman city wall in a few places, including near the Tower of London.
4. The London Underground Is the Oldest Metro System
The London Underground opened in 1863, making it the oldest underground railway in the world. Today it carries millions of passengers daily across more than 270 stations.
5. London Has More Green Space Than You Might Expect
Almost 20% of London is public green space. Famous parks like Hyde Park and Regent’s Park offer peaceful escapes from the busy city streets.
6. The Tower of London Once Had a Zoo
In the Middle Ages, the Tower of London housed a royal menagerie that included lions, monkeys, and even a polar bear that reportedly fished in the River Thames.
7. London Is One of the Most Diverse Cities in the World
More than 300 languages are spoken across London, making it one of the most linguistically diverse cities on Earth.
8. London Bridge Is Not The Impressive One
The famous London Bridge has been rebuilt several times over the centuries, and today it’s the neighboring Tower Bridge you most often see in pictures. One previous version of London bridge was even sold and relocated to Arizona in the United States.
9. The City of London Is Tiny
The historic City of London, often called “the Square Mile”, covers just 1.12 square miles, even though the wider London metropolitan area is one of the largest cities in Europe.