Things to do in London

London City Guide












A taste of London life

Dr Johnson's famous quote about things to do in London has never been more true. The capital is top of survey after survey of the world's most cosmopolitan and exciting cities. If you're tired of London, it isn't the city's doing.

Almost 8 million people live here. Over 300 languages are spoken on London streets. The City is home to over a 1000 years of English history. World-class sports and cultural events, exclusive boutiques and nightlife that continues well into the next day are all part of London life.

We can't hope to do justice to this diverse, beautiful, captivating city in a few short pages . But we can point out some of its most popular attractions and highlight where you'll discover a few of its less well-known treats.

Happy exploring.

See the sights

Central London is awash with world-famous landmarks. Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament , Nelson's Column, 10 Downing Street and Westminster Abbey are all within easy reach of one another.

Take a guided tour around the city - open topped double decker bus is a fun way to travel - and all these attractions unfold in front of you. Not to mention, a host of other unmistakable London features, including St Paul's Cathedral and Madame Tussauds.

In the last few years, the British Airways London Eye , the Millennium Bridge and the Gherkin or Swiss Re building have all been added to the list of iconic London buildings. The London Eye, in particular, is well-worth a visit. Brave the queues and you'll be rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views 100 metres above the city.

Look beyond the best-known tourist sights and you'll uncover some of the city's hidden gems. The Cabinet War Rooms , Winston Churchill's secret HQ when he was leading the nation in World War II, will give you a fascinating insight into Britain's recent past. You'll find most of the original features - including the tiny box room where Churchill made his famous radio addresses - preserved in perfect detail.

On our doorstep

If time is an issue, you may want to look closer to the hotel. We're near neighbours to two of London's most famous landmarks: Tower Bridge and the Tower of London , a world heritage site and home to the Crown Jewels.

The River Thames runs about 100 metres from the Apex City of London, and we're a short walk from the marina at St Katherine's Dock . Even closer to home is the medieval St Olaves Church , which had Samuel Pepys as a parishioner and was a favourite of Charles Dickens and Sir John Betjeman.

The hotel is not far from London's famous East End, which while not on the conventional tourist circuit has a host of good things to offer. You could sample some of the best curries in the city in Bangla Town - or Brick Lane as it's sometimes still called. Alternatively, you could lose an afternoon in Wapping's old riverside pubs. The Prospect of Whitby and The Captain Kidd are the best known.

A royal city

Add some Royal pomp and pageantry and you're sure to remember your trip to London. You can catch the Changing of the Guard in front of Buckingham Palace every two or three days. And during the summer months you can have an even closer look when the palace opens to the public.

The Princess Di Memorial Fountain in Kensington Gardens is a beautiful spot to enjoy a sunny afternoon, while Hampton Court and Windsor Castle make interesting day trips. And don't miss maritime Greenwich, where you can explore Britain's seafaring past and stand on the Prime Meridian (0° line of longitude), which passes through the Royal Greenwich Observatory.

Family outings

If you're visiting London with children, you won't be stuck for inspiration. Step aboard the last remaining World War II battleship, HMS Belfast . Settle down in front of the BFI Imax's seven storey screen for a 3D film. Visit the monkey enclosure at London Zoo , or the shark tank at the London Aquarium. For something a bit different, let the little ones loose on the interactive features in the Museum of the Moving Image (MOMI) on the South Bank.

With all these outings at close hand, keeping boredom at bay will be easy. And if you've time, why not head off to the West End for a dazzling family show like Mary Poppins , The Lion King , or Billy Elliot - The Musical?

Sports and outdoors

Open space makes up 30% of the city, with more than 143 registered parks and gardens dotted throughout the capital. Why not spend an afternoon strolling through Regent's Park? Or hire a boat and practice your Steve Redgrave impression on the waters of the Serpentine in Hyde Park? Head out a little further and you can explore the open spaces and conservatories packed with exotic species at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew.

The capital is home to many of the world's greatest sporting events. Wimbledon , the Oxford v Cambridge Boat Race and the Flora London Marathon all take place in the city. And 11 professional football clubs call London their home, including the giants of the Premier League, Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

If these sporting events don't fit in with your diary, try a more leisurely sporting experience. Visit the Museum of Rugby at Twickenham , or make a trip to the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum and walk around the world-famous Centre Court. Alternatively, take the Lord's Tour around the home of English cricket.

  • London Pass - Discover more with a London Pass. London Pass is the ultimate complement to a London vacation: choose from over 50 of London’s best tourist attractions. What’s more, you can skip the lines and get many offers and discounts at restaurants, shops and entertainment options around the city. Top attractions in the pass include Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, Kensington Palace, London Zoo and Windsor Castle.
  • Visit London will give you more ideas on things to do and where to go in London.
  • The Transport for London site will help you find your way around the capital.
  • London walks are a wonderful way of exploring the city if you have the time.
  • Time Out contains details of the latest exhibitions, concerts, films and other events.
  • Infinity Photography for B&W London photography on display in the Apex City of London Hotel & photo gifts to buy online.

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Visit London

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