Why visit
London is always more than a single trip. British Museum, Tate Modern, National Gallery, Hyde Park, Shoreditch markets, and theater in the West End and Southbank.
London at a glance
City population
9.0 million
Metro: 14.8 million
Elevation
11 m
36 ft
Time zone
UTC+0 (UTC+1 DST)
Europe/London
Airport
LHR
Heathrow International
Founded
47 CE (Londinium)
Getting around
Tube (11 lines), DLR, Overground, buses, Santander Cycles
Signature dish
Fish and chips, Sunday roast, a proper curry on Brick Lane
Neighborhoods for travelers
ShoreditchCovent GardenNotting HillSouth Bank
United Kingdom at a glance
Country center
54.0°, -2.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
242,900 km²
93,784 mi²
Country population
67.8 million
279/km²
Subregion
Northern Europe
Currency
British pound (£)
GBP
Dial
+44
Language
English
Demonym
British
Internet
.uk
UN
Member state
ISO code
GB / GBR
Where in the world
54.0° · -2.0°
United Kingdom
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Did you know
- The Tube (London Underground) is the oldest subway system in the world, opened in 1863.
- Big Ben is technically the name of the bell, not the clock tower (which is Elizabeth Tower since 2012).
- London has 40+ universities and more than 300 languages are spoken across the city.
- The UK has no written constitution: just conventions, statutes, and common law built up over centuries.
- The London Underground is the world's oldest underground railway (1863).
Bordering United Kingdom
Traveler notes
- Oyster card or contactless covers all transit
- Most national museums are free
- Day-trip to Oxford, Cambridge, or Bath by train
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
Explore more
Frequently asked about London
What currency is used in London?
London uses the British pound (£), ISO code GBP.
What languages are spoken in United Kingdom?
The primary language is English.
What is the international calling code for United Kingdom?
The calling code is +44.
What airport serves London?
Heathrow International (IATA: LHR).
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