26 Great Reasons To Visit London, England

London is a great city, full of wonderful sights and experiences. Its strength lies in its diversity. It truly has something special for everybody. Here are 26 great reasons to visit London, England:

1. Sport. Visit and watch a game at Lords, the home of cricket. If football (soccer) is your game a visit to Wembley is a pilgrimage. Enjoy the legacy of the 2012 Olympics.

2. Transport hub. Four major airports, as well as many smaller ones near the capital, make London one of the best hubs from which to explore the world. In addition to the airports, Eurostar trains, from the wonderfully restored and beautiful St Pancras Station, take you to the continent via the channel tunnel.

3. Pubs. Popular with locals and visitors alike. They are comfortable, welcoming, provide refreshment and a rest for weary legs. A great place to meet friends and acquaintances. Music, comedy and quiz nights are often held in many of them. Most serve hearty food at reasonable prices.

4. Museums. From natural history to warfare, from children’s toys to science, London ’s has museums of nearly every interest. The great thing is many of them are free to enter.

5. Galleries. Modern, classical, unusual and weird. London ’s galleries display art, installations and works that will inspire, move, bemuse, and entertain us all.

6. Monarchy. One of the oldest and best known monarchies in the world. Experience the Royal family through its palaces and monuments. You never know, you may catch a glimpse of members of the most famous family in Britain .

7. West End shows. No visit to London is complete without taking in a show in the West End . Be your choice musical, thriller or comedy, you’ll sure to find a show you will enjoy.

8. Star spotting. Many celebrities have made London their home. Keep your eyes peeled.

9. The Thames . Row on it, swim in it (if you dare) jog the tow paths or take a romantic stroll along side it, The Thames runs though London like blood flowing through it’s veins.

10. The parks. London is one of the greenest capitals in the world. From royal parks to rugged heaths, nature is never far away from the hustle and bustle of London ’s streets.

11. World cuisine. Once known for its bland, overcooked, stodgy food, London is now a leader in tasty grub and world cuisine. Where else can you eat Ethiopian one day, Hungarian the next and pie and mash the day after that? Some of the best curries in the world can be experienced down Brick Lane .

12. Cultural diversity. London is a true melting pot of different races, cultures and religions. Along with a visit to the cultural tourist musts, such as St Paul ’s Cathedral, how about visiting the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu temple in Neasden, the second largest of its kind outside of India .

13. Architecture. Roman walls in the city, beautiful historical buildings built by Sir Christopher Wren, modern landmarks like the Swiss Re Tower (Gherkin) to the more recent Shard, London isn’t stuck in time architecturally; it measures time through its buildings. Come and experience the history of London through its architecture.

14. Tourist attractions. It doesn’t matter how many times you visit London , there will always be more attractions then you could ever see in one life time.

15. Range of hotels. There was a time when London 's reputation was hindered by overpriced, poor quality hotels. Yes, they do still exist but for those who cannot afford the opulence of the grander establishments, budget chain hotels such as Travelodge and Premier Inn, are now to be found in all parts of the Capital, and for rooms going for as little as £20 per night, there’s no reason not to stay.

16. Modes of transport. You are spoilt for choice. Iconic black taxi, red London bus, ‘Boris’ bike, boat, rickshaw, amphibious vehicle, train, tram, tube, light rail, and bus. Or you can always walk.

17. Iconic landmarks. Visit and experience all those iconic places so familiar to you but which you’ve never seen – Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London, to name but a few.

18. Abbey Road. Walk in the steps of the Beatles and have your photo taken on the famous zebra crossing.

19. Karl Marx’s grave. Visit the tomb of philosopher and author of the communist manifesto in Highgate Cemetery in North London.

20. Oxford St. This is one of Europe ’s busiest shopping streets, and at 1.5 miles, one of the longest. Should be able to find what you want here.

21. Harrods, Selfridges and Harvey Nichols. For a touch of class, try shopping at these well known department stores.

22. Carnaby Street. Birth place of swinging sixties London . Pick up your original ‘60s inspired clothing from Shops like Merc.

23. Afternoon tea. For an experience that is a true institution, afternoon tea at The Ritz can’t be missed. Cakes, scones and pastries, and yes, cucumber sandwiches are served, along with seventeen varieties of loose leaf tea.

24. Music. Whatever your taste in music, London can cater for it. Be it opera at the Royal Opera House, rock bands at the O2 or funky jazz at Ronnie Scott’s, your musical preferences will be catered for.

25. Old Compton St. The heart of the gay community, this street is a Mecca for the pink pound. London ’s thriving gay scene has a great selection of pubs clubs and bars in the city.

26. Markets. For some alternative shopping, try one or more of London ’s’ many markets. As well as the favourites such as Camden , Portobello and Spitalfields, there are plenty of street markets, specialist food and flower markets and festival stalls all over the capital. Whatever you do, have a great time when you visit London !