Tourist Attractions & Monuments London

Football fans will come to dive into an amazing experience that will take them in the behind the scenes of one of the most mythical stadiums in the world, the Emirates Stadium, fief of the famous Gunners of Arsenal. Walk through the tunnel and the dressing rooms to feel the emotion and energy of this wonderful place, full of memories. There are two types of tours:

The first is done with an audio guide available in 9 languages including French. It lasts between 55 and 90 minutes.

If you want to test your English and meet one of the former stars of Arsenal, choose the "Legends Tour", and an old glory of the club will guide you! Currently, it is Charlie George, hero of the FA Cup Football 1971, John Radford, Perry Groves, who won the League Cup in 1991, or Lee Dixon, the legendary right-back, who will join together for an approximately 90 minutes tour.

The two guided tours include free admission to the museum. An interactive and modern museum that will make you relive the epic of this great club through cult videos and objects.

One of London's most charming neighborhoods, but still a little undiscovered! Where the Regent's Canal meets the Grand Union Canal, Little Venice is an enclave of tranquility, home to flower-bedecked barges and sunny terraces. The comparison with Venice may be a little far-fetched, but it's a very pleasant place to stroll, especially on sunny days. You can enjoy a drink along the canal while admiring the flower-filled windows of the beautiful barges moored there.

This attraction should appeal to the general public if you like being afraid. Modeled on its neighbour London Dungeon, you discover the history of this famous bridge from Roman times to the present day, but beware, history is only a pretext to distil sensation, thrill and fear... A journey through time in a troubled era, we discover the dark secrets that lie beneath the most famous and haunted bridge in the world. A frightening journey, full of anecdotes and terrifying surprises through 2,000 years of murderous history.

In April 2012, this old three-masted ship, famous throughout England, reopened her doors, giving herself a new lease of life. Built in 1869 and 85 m long, she once carried tea from India to the UK. It is the last surviving witness to this era. Discovering her interior takes you back in time. You'll become a real sailor plying the worn decks that sailed the oceans over a century ago. Explore the hold where precious merchandise was stored. A great visit with children.

Norman Foster has done it again! Here, he has imagined a glass building on the banks of the Thames to house London's City Hall. How would you describe it? It's as if a glass egg had been hit by a giant tornado... Take a tour and see for yourself. Don't miss the interior of City Hall either: the spiral staircase is simply astonishing. Take a break at the Kitchen Café and enjoy this surprising place, which has been a symbol of modern London since its creation in 2002.

The palace was built by Inigo Jones in 1616, and was one of the first classical style buildings in England, known as the Palladian style. It was Anne of Denmark, wife of James I, who commissioned the architect to build the building. However, it was not completed until 1635, and Queen Henrietta Maria, wife of Charles I, was the first to occupy it. Despite some modifications, the Palladian style is still visible. Inside, a collection of works of art on the theme of the navy and the sea. Don't miss the magnificent spiral staircase.

Located between Hyde Park and Saint James, Green Park once had various infrastructures: several lodges, a library, an ice house and two huge "temples" called respectively the Temple of Peace and the Temple of Concord. All of them were destroyed in the 19th century. Hugh's Temple of Peace was erected in 1749 to mark the end of the Austrian War of Succession, it was demolished during a fireworks display. The Concorde temple, which dates back to 1814, was built on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Hanoverian dynasty. In 1668 and under Charles II Green Park was home to deer. It was then called Upper St James' s Park. Before Charles II who made it a royal park, Green Park was only a marshy ground to bury the lepers of the Saint James Hospital. In 1746, it was named after its current name, The Green Park. At the beginning of the 18th century, several facilities made it even more pleasant. The Tyburn swimming pool was built, and in the 1720s a reservoir was installed to provide water for St. James Palace and the Buckingham house. This reservoir has been called the Queen's Basin, and is becoming a popular place for its beautiful walk. The park was opened to the general public in 1826. The Ranger's Lodge, Queen's Library, Queen's Basin and Tyburn Basin were all demolished in 1855. During the Second World War, it was used as a vegetable garden for the inhabitants. It is one of London's eight royal parks.

The Foot Tunnel is a walking tunnel that runs under the Thames River and connects the two banks of the river. It was built by civil engineer Alexander Binnie in 1899 and opened in 1902. It allows you to reach Greenwich from the docks without taking the ferry and was mainly used at the time for workers. It is about 300 m long and 15 m deep, an elevator allows you to go down, but it is not in operation all the time and in this case you have to go down about a hundred steps and go up as many on the other side.

In April 1824, the House of Commons purchased the painting collection of banker John Julius Angerstein. The thirty-eight paintings destined to form the nucleus of a new national collection were initially displayed in Angerstein's house at 100 Pall Mall, which was soon deemed too small. The National Gallery moved to Trafalgar Square and opened its doors in 1838. From the outset of the project, the aim was to make these works accessible to as many people as possible, with free admission and a central location. In 1869, architect E.M. Barry took on the project of rebuilding the entire gallery: seven new exhibition rooms were opened in 1867, and the gallery continued to expand, acquiring five new galleries in 1907. The new Sainsbury wing, completed in 1991, showcases the entire Renaissance collection. The National Gallery presents over 2,300 works from the Middle Ages to the ^19th century, with the most recent pieces housed in the Tate. The rooms are organized chronologically, and feature paintings, sculptures and photographs of every iconic figure in English history, from the Middle Ages to the present day, from Henry VIII to Queen Elizabeth II, and from Michael Caine to the Beatles. The tour proceeds from top to bottom, starting with the earliest paintings, from the Tudor period on the second floor. This gallery features portraits of Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth^I and William Shakespeare. Next come portraits from the reigns of the Stuarts and Hanover in the ^17th (Charles ^I, Oliver Cromwell...) and ^18th centuries. The ^19th century also begins on the second floor (Admiral Nelson, William Blake, Jane Austen...) and continues on the second floor, with the Victorian era (Queen Victoria, Charles Dickens, the Brontë sisters...). Then comes the ^20th century (the Royal Family, Virginia Woolf, Winston Churchill...). The balcony gallery features contemporary personalities such as Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Elton John. Other works featuring British personalities since 1900 can be found on the first floor. Last but not least, temporary exhibitions are organized on a regular basis, the program of which can be viewed on the website.

In 2023, the National Portrait Gallery finally reopened its doors after three years of renovation.

A must-see place, both for its architecture and history - the hall was opened in 1871 by Queen Victoria - and for the quality of its classical, or less classical, music programming, children's shows and even circus shows. The most: exhibitions in the hall and guided tours, but also six places to eat and fourteen points to quench your thirst. Plan at least half a day to discover this site. In the summer, don't miss the BBC Proms, which are largely held there.

Located in County Hall, the London Aquarium is one of the world's largest aquariums, featuring almost 500 species including sharks, catfish, eels... It extends over three floors and is divided into 14 different zones, each representing the different types of seas and ecosystems that exist. From the cold waters of Antarctica to tropical climates, you'll discover a wide variety of marine species found around the globe. You can even snorkel with sharks for an immersive experience!

This cathedral stands out in the London landscape with its architecture closer to the Byzantine style than to the Gothic style so familiar in England. Originally, the site belonged to Benedictine monks, who initiated the construction. In the ^17th century, part of the land was sold to build a prison. In 1884, the Catholic Church acquired the site. From then on, the cathedral was dedicated to the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ, and was built in neo-Byzantine style on the model of Saint Sophia in Istanbul, according to plans by architect John Francis Bentley. The foundation stone was laid in 1895 and the structure completed eight years later. The interior is impressive, decorated with marble and mosaics, but is still very dark and unfinished, with a bare ceiling. The chapels and columns are delicately decorated in gold, earthy red and green. This is the seat of the Catholic Church in Great Britain. The fourteen stations of the Stations of the Cross, created by sculptor Eric Gill, are world-renowned. The cathedral is the architectural masterpiece of Victorian architect John Francis Bentley (1839-1902). To prepare for the cathedral's construction, he organized a four-month European tour to visit churches and basilicas dating from the "primitive" period. Westminster Cathedral is one of the UK's busiest churches.

The changing of the guard takes place at 11 a.m. Monday to Saturday and at 10 a.m. on Sundays. The new guard leaves Wellington Barracks and passes through Birdcage Walk, Constitution Hill and The Mall. This ^18th-century building has its entrance porch watched over by two royal guards, who must neither smile nor address the public. This tradition is slightly less popular than the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. The patience of the horses is equally admirable.

This park has a different appearance from other London parks. Very calm, it extends all the way along, and the further north you go, the more intense the vegetation becomes. So that at the park's limits, a small forest populated by rabbits, squirrels and ducks awaits us. Holland Park has also taken the liberty of making some eccentricities: modern sculptures scattered throughout the park and the Kyoto Garden, a small Japanese style garden. Holland Park has become one of the most expensive areas in London.

Kensington Palace was the home of Lady Di, nicknamed Princess of Hearts by the English, and when her death was announced in 1997, a sea of bouquets of flowers filled the palace gardens. Kensington Palace then remained open for 24 hours straight, to welcome the 136,000 people who came to mourn the princess' death. In addition to Diana, a number of other royal figures or those close to royalty have had a connection with Kensington Palace. Queen Victoria was born here in 1819, spent her childhood here and, at the age of 18, learned that she was to become Queen of England. Today, the palace is home to Prince William and his family.

Grand rooms of the state apartments:

The King's Staircase is the first link in the circuit of rooms that make up the King's State Apartments. All the great and good of London in Georgian times would have climbed these stairs to visit the King.

The Presence Chamber is the room where the monarch received courtiers, ministers and foreign ambassadors.

The Privy Chamber was one of Queen Caroline's favorite entertainment areas. See the magnificent ceiling painted by William Kent in 1723, as well as the impressive tapestries.

The Cupola Room is the most magnificently decorated room in the palace. In the King's Gallery, William III played soldiers with his little nephew, and it was here that the king caught a cold, leading to his death in 1702.

A pleasant, if busy, cruise to enjoy London's scenery and discover its major monuments from the water. City Cruises has won awards for its performance, quality of service and commitment to the environment. All boats are equipped with free kits with commentary in French. Ideal for a short excursion on the Thames! What's more, City Cruises offers a variety of activities such as dinners, tea time, meetings with an Elvis lookalike, crime-solving and much more.

Located south of Kensington Gardens, opposite the Royal Albert Hall, this neo-Gothic memorial was commissioned by Queen Victoria to commemorate her husband and great love Prince Albert of Saxony Coburg Gotha. It measures almost 50 meters and was completed in 1872. A gilded statue depicts Albert holding a catalog from the 1851 Universal Exhibition. The Kensington district, also known as Albertopolis, owes a great deal to Prince Albert, who thought up and supported the creation of the world's greatest museums, including the famous Victoria & Albert Museum.

For those who would like to discover London with a French-speaking guide, this association offers visits throughout the year in the language of Molière. The city's emblematic places and districts such as Covent Garden, Westminster, St James, Chelsea or La City are to be discovered, spiced up with anecdotes and small details given by enthusiastic and friendly guides... Other visits are organised around themes, such as Jack the Ripperor the Soho and Beatles districts... Good value for money!

Located in Burlington House, an imposing building in the Palladian style, it has been home to a variety of scientific and academic institutions since it was acquired by the state in 1853. Every year, the Royal Academy hosts major touring exhibitions. The most famous is the Summer Exhibition, a major contemporary art fair that has been running for 250 years. It is the world's oldest public-submission exhibition. Anyone can submit their work. It offers visitors a comprehensive view of what's being done in the art world every year. The gallery also preserves a small permanent collection located in the John Madejski salons, most of which comes from bequests made by the Academy's own members. The most remarkable of these is the Tondo Taddei, the only Michelangelo sculpture in the UK. At the heart of the Royal Academy is the oldest art school in the country, with a reputation for training brilliant artists. In 2018, to mark its 250th anniversary, the RA inaugurated a new space designed by architect Sir David Chipperfield AR. The space has been given 70% more exhibition space. As a result, visitors can now discover more exhibitions, as well as student works and creations, in a space specially dedicated to them. Other events include performances, meetings and screenings. Visit the website.

It is now possible to climb to the top of the dome! The experience lasts 90 minutes, you climb thanks to a footbridge suspended two meters above the roof. At the top, the 360° view is spectacular. The opportunity to discover London in a different way and to see the historic Greenwich, Olympic Park and Canary Wharf. On a clear day, you can see up to 20 kilometres away. Different types of ascents are possible such as the "Sunset Climb" (at sunset) or the "Twilight Climb" (at dusk).

Historically, the place was home to the first Chinese emigrants in the ^18th and ^19th centuries, and then saw the arrival of Cantonese refugees after the Second World War. You will find restaurants, supermarkets and Chinese gadgets, also spread on Lisle Street. Every year the Chinatown district is festive for the Chinese New Year which falls between January and February, according to the lunar calendar. Parade, lion dance, fireworks and culinary stands. Not to be missed, these are the most important celebrations outside Asia!

Apsley House was the home of the Duke of Wellington, famous for defeating Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. After the battle, he even had a room built to celebrate the victory. A touch of English humor: this is where you'll find Canova's colossal nude statue of Napoleon. As this work was not to the emperor's taste, it was kept away from the official residences and eventually ended up in the home of his fatal enemy. Inside, you can admire period furniture and the Duke's art collection.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle housed his favourite character, Sherlock Holmes, the most famous of all private detectives, at 221b Baker Street. His world, imagined by the writer, is recreated, immersing us in the Victorian era. There are three floors with three rooms, but the commentaries broadcast in the rooms are not always very audible. It's a bit pricey for what it is, and therefore more for the die-hard fans. The souvenir store on the first floor is well-stocked and may suffice if you're on a tight budget.

The father of psychoanalysis arrived in England in 1938 after fleeing Austria to escape the Nazis. He settled in this house and lived there for 18 months, until his death in 1939. It was here that he continued to write Malaise in Civilization. His daughter Anna occupied the house until 1986, and it was on her death and in accordance with her wishes that the premises were transformed into a museum. The tour revolves around Freud's library and study, and features the books he used and his collectables. The highlight of the tour: the famous couch!

The Prime Minister's residence, number 10, has been located in this little street perpendicular to Whitehall since 1732. Following renovation in 1902, it also became the Prime Minister's principal residence. The building has not been open to visitors since Margaret Thatcher forbade it. The famous facade, seen over and over again on the news, can be seen behind a gate. Following Boris Johnson's resignation in 2022, Rishi Sunak is living in the building at the time of writing.

This historic market, just next to the DLR station, has existed for more than three centuries. In the three sections gathered, you can buy food, antiques, vintage and trendy clothes, furniture, ethnic accessories... Around the market, many restaurants and bars allow you to stop for a drink or a snack, just to take a break. It is a lively and animated place, with a village market atmosphere. A must stop for lunch when visiting Greenwich.

This beautiful Victorian cemetery is a must-see when you're in the small village of Highgate. Among the anonymous are some 850 notables and celebrities, including Karl Marx and George Eliot. But it's the Gothic appearance of the tombs - angels, funerary urns, Celtic crosses, all surrounded by lush vegetation - that really stands out. Following bizarre incidents in the 1970s, vampire hunts shook public opinion. The latest famous arrival is George Michael, but his grave in a private plot is not accessible.

For those nostalgic for the Beatles, a short detour to the St John's Wood district will allow you to see Abbey Road Studios still in operation and where the Beatles' presence remains tenacious. Pilgrimage for unconditional fans, because there is nothing to see or do except for the mythical photo of the pedestrian crossing slightly below on the eponymous album - be careful, there may even be a line to pass over the famous white stripes. If you want to bring back a souvenir, go to the Beatles Store on Baker Street instead.

Opened in 1996 as a rugby museum, it became the World Rugby Museum in 2007, thanks to its collection of over 25,000 objects. You can take a full tour of the stadium, and also discover the Wall of Fame, which features all the rugby stars who have played here and gone down in history. The museum is located close to Heathrow airport, making it an ideal attraction for both arrivals and departures. Exhibitions and conferences too.

Much less well known than St Paul or Westminster, Southwark Cathedral is a splendid building, practically hidden by the trees and tall buildings that surround it. A very fine example of English Gothic architecture, built in the 13th century, it has been rebuilt and restored several times, including the central nave, rebuilt in the 19th century in the neo-Gothic style. On the left, do not miss the 15th century keystones. Shakespeare buried his brother here in 1607, a monument is dedicated to him.

Spencer House, the historic family home of Diana, Princess of Wales (1961-1997), is one of London's most ambitious aristocratic residences and one of the last intact examples of an ^18th-century palace. Built between 1756 and 1766 by architects John Vardy and James "the Athenian" Stuart, it is a fine example of Palladian architecture. Inside, you'll find a fine collection of paintings and decorative objects, including five works by Benjamin West, graciously lent by Her Majesty the Queen.

The Church St Alfege marks the place where Alfege, Archbishop of Canterbury, was killed by the Vikings on 19 April 1012. A church was built in 1290 and King Henry VIII was baptized in 1491. It is a storm that in 1710 damages the building, then it is asked Nicholas Hawksmoor, assistant of architect Christopher Wren, to rebuild it. During the Blitz in 1941, the church was bombed and the roof was affected. Walls and tower are spared, but the interior is largely devastated.

This centre with multiple activities offers, among other things, cooking sessions on Monday, the club of young farmers on Saturdays from 8-13 to for years, and every day the milking of goats, what to organize a full-filled home job for your ends.

A museum dedicated to the history of aviation and the Royal Air Force, featuring over a hundred aircraft, seaplanes, helicopters... An impressive collection housed in the various hangars of a former airfield. Among other things, you can admire a reconstruction of the Blériot XI. There are also exhibitions of photographs, uniforms and films... In short, there's enough to keep you busy all afternoon. Don't miss the Battle of Britain Hall.

A center of government since the Middle Ages and dating back to the ^15th century, Guildhall Great Hall has played an important role in royal history. Many state trials have also taken place here, including that of Lady Jane in 1553. The imposing medieval hall, adorned with stained glass windows, pays tribute to national heroes such as Admiral Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington and Sir Winston Churchill. Built in 1411, the building survived the Great Fire of London and is the only medieval stone structure dating from this period. It houses a gallery and bookshop.

This museum covers five centuries of communication history and presents a collection of over 60,000 objects. Ideal to get an idea of the rich British postal heritage. In addition to the exhibition, a miniature train will take you on a 15-minute journey through abandoned underground tunnels: a fun, educational and interactive experience that will interest young and old alike. For those who want to know more, guided tours of the city and its postal history are also available.

The new photography exhibition and sales gallery, founded by art historian and art dealer Dr James Hyman, opened its doors in January 2023. Spanning six spaces, the center aims to support and promote the photographic art of artists working in the UK through events and exhibitions. The Centre for British Photography also provides access to the world-renowned Hyman Collection for a particularly enriching artistic journey.

Most feminist tours of London focus on the figures of royalty, or the suffragette movement, who are most visible in public space. Women of London is a walking tour agency that lets you meet other women who have made history. we offer 5 different tours, all guided by women. It's an experience that once again reveals the contrast between women's historical heritage and the lack of visibility and recognition they receive.

An Anglo-Jamaican, Mary Seacole (1805-1881) was a nurse by vocation. Although she is best known for having traveled the Caribbean, treating the most destitute populations, she is most famous and respected for her commitment to the Crimean War. After being refused a place on a team of white nurses organized by Florence Nightingale, she decided to join the Crimean front on her own initiative during the war of 1854. It was a decision that precipitated her impoverishment, forcing her to stay in the Crimea longer than she had planned. Although she was a contemporary of nurse Florence Nightingale, and just as famous as the latter in her day, Mary Seacole has been forgotten by history. Her story, which nonetheless commands respect, is a crying illustration of the importance of the intersectionality of struggles. In London, it wasn't until 2016 and the erection of this statue in the gardens of St. Thomas's Hospital that a black woman was represented in public space. In front of Westminster Palace, Mary Seacole is shown walking into the wind, right fist clenched, medicine bag on her back, in a posture combining power and humility. The statue is 4.9 m high and made of bronze. On her back is a large bronze disk, symbolizing the land on which Mary Seacole had set up her treatment center in the Crimea.

Remarkable Tour, which offers various tours in the UK, offers a feminist tour of the city of London. "Herstory" looks back at the English capital's feminine and feminist icons, as well as its forgotten figures. Disruptive, anti-conformist, geniuses or women of power, this walking tour testifies to the incommensurability of women's historical heritage and gives real substance to the notion of matrimoine. What's more, the guide is exceptional!

Founded in 2000 by the influential Jay Jopling. White and cubic, of course, White Cube is home to the very best in British contemporary art. Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin and Gary Hume were all launched here and are regularly exhibited. The collections have expanded to include major international artists in the 5,440 sq. m. space. The gallery comprises three large exhibition spaces, a bookshop and an auditorium. Further address: White Cube Mason's Yard, 25-26 Mason's Yard ✆ +44 207 766 3550

Established in 1994, the famous black cabs know London like the back of their hand. So they're ideally placed to show you around the city. Several tours are available, some in the most touristy areas and others off the beaten track. London by night is also available. Tours around London (Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace) are also available. The advantage: you won't have to wait for the other participants in the group, so the tour is fast and efficient. For a typical London experience...

This magnificent contemporary art gallery is housed in a former furniture factory between Islington and Old Street, on the banks of the Regent's Canal. It is run by Victoria Miro, a famous British art dealer. 6,000 m² are dedicated to new and up-and-coming artists from the London and international scene. The space is impressive and well worth a visit, in addition to the renowned quality of its exhibitions. It's the ideal place to make artistic discoveries. And the gallery even has its own garden!

This small city farm in the heart of the trendy, alternative district of Hackney offers playful artistic activities and a privileged relationship with nature through direct contact with the animals. You'll find donkeys, pigs, rabbits, goats, sheep and many other surprises. The store sells local produce, eggs from the day's laying, honey... It's an ideal place for a country activity with your children in the heart of London. A little corner of greenery that's good for you!

East London's largest and most beautiful park. Victoria Park is modelled on Regent's Park. It's a romantic park where you can enjoy a stroll. It's also a hotbed of political protest and anti-conformism. The park was a rallying point for radical workers in the 19th^century and a venue for major demonstrations in the punk years. Today, numerous outdoor festivals take place here every summer, including Lovebox, Underage Festival, Paradise Gardens and Field Day.

The magnificent colorful structure housing the UK's largest wholesale meat market was renovated a few years ago after long and heated debate. If you're a meat lover, you'll have to come at around 7am to see the market in full swing: meat, poultry, wholesale game... All in a typical, noisy and bustling atmosphere! Guided tours are available on reservation. There has been a market on the site for over 800 years. Today's market has been extensively modernized. A great local experience.

It's a masterpiece by architect Hawksmoor, a disciple of the great Christopher Wren. Christ Church stands sovereign in a once wretched, outlaw neighborhood. Why such a church in such a nauseating neighborhood? Spitalfields was the Huguenot quarter in the ^18th century, a stronghold of non-Anglican Protestants, and a means for the Crown to assert its religious superiority. Jack London describes it as the haunt of the unfortunate in Le Peuple d'en-bas.