As England’s capital, London is a hub of activity with tourists from all over the world descending on the city. Locals mix with the visitors and they all have one thing in common – the urge to seek out the best locations and attractions around.
London is a diverse city and it’s one that hosts a number of top venues. Whether you’re looking for sport, music, some casino play or just a place to hang out and enjoy a meal or a drink, the capital has you covered.
As a guide for travelers, here are 10 of London’s top venues.
Wembley Stadium
Wembley is known as the home of England’s football team but in fact, it is a very diverse location. A range of sports are held here including rugby league, while the NFL crosses the Atlantic on a regular basis to provide a touch of American Football.
The Stadium also hosts world class concerts right through the year and with great shopping and dining provided by the Wembley Park complex, there is something for everyone here.
The O2
Wembley plays its part as a music venue but for a higher concentration of bands and artists, we need to head out east. The O2 may be a relatively new addition to the list of London attractions but for music lovers, it’s a must.
A vast arena with the capacity to host 20,000 people, it has rocked along in recent years to the sounds of One Direction, Rihanna and the Foo Fighters and it’s certain that many more great acts are in the pipeline.
Hippodrome Casino
If a night at the card tables is your quest, the Hippodrome casino is an ideal destination. Originally constructed in 1900 as a venue for circus and variety performances, the building has since been converted into one of the UK’s most popular casinos.
Having been reopened in 2012, the Hippodrome is the perfect place for a game of poker, take a spin on the slots or to enjoy a session at the roulette wheel. Be warned, though, there will be players who can spot a newcomer and have every intention of dominating you at the poker table.
The Shard
Standing at 95 storeys and 309.6 metres high, The Shard is the tallest building in Western Europe and it offers amazing views across the capital and beyond. It’s the perfect vantage point for any visitors but there’s more to the Shard than its sheer height.
Among the tenants here are three restaurants, each catering to a range of tastes, and that list includes the Aqua Shard which, for many, provides the best views while dining. Also on site is the 5 Star Shrangi-La hotel for those who just can’t bear to leave.
Wimbledon SW17
Any list of popular venues in London could contain a host of sporting destinations. Lord’s, Twickenham and The Oval are three contenders but for lovers of tennis, it has to be Wimbledon.
The host of one of tennis’ four Grand Slams, Wimbledon has the reputation for being a genteel place where champagne, strawberries and cream dictate the slow pace of the crowd. But don’t be fooled, this is a world class sporting venue which attracts the best players from across the globe.
Borough Market
To the south of London Bridge, the capital can boast what has become one of the go-to destinations for all food lovers. Borough Market hosts purveyors of quality fresh produce from around the city and its neighbouring counties, and no culinary experience would be complete without a visit.
Borough Market also boasts a host of restaurants on site to complete the perfect dining excursion.
The Yacht London
Boat trips abound in central London and visitors have plenty of choice if they want to take a cruise. Tourists can even mix with commuters to take a clipper trip along the Thames and into the east of the city.
But for many, the best river experience takes place on a static vessel. The Yacht London has a reputation for being a great party venue with four separate locations for hire and a license that can run right through to 3am.
Alexandra Palace
Any visitor looking for a great all-round building should head to Alexandra Palace in North London. Originally opened way back in 1875, the location combines incredible architecture and its lofty position allows for some amazing views right across the capital.
Ally Pally, as it is affectionately known by locals, also hosts sporting events including darts, snooker and ice hockey and it has a great reputation as a music venue. For an all-round venue providing a little of everything, it’s tough to beat.
Cutty Sark
Out in Greenwich, the Cutty Sark stands moored after navigating a rich and eventful history. Having originally launched in 1869, this was one of the last tea clippers to be built and, after many years of service, she now stands proudly in the east to welcome visitors.
The Cutty Sark is another venue with more than one dimension. She welcomes tours but also, the location can be hired for seated meals and drinks receptions.
The Postal Museum
London is crammed with museums and many are worth visiting in their own right. For many visitors, the Postal Museum in Farringdon is a popular destination for those who want something a little different.
Along with a host of fascinating exhibits portraying a rich history of the service, the Postal Museum is another venue that can be hired for private occasions.
