
City Hall, London
Sometimes it feels like London’s architects are playing a game: “How can we make visitors feel like they’ve stepped back in time and into the future at the same time?” City Hall is a perfect example of that. Perched by the river, this sci-fi-looking bubble might seem a little odd at first, but give it a minute, and you’ll start to appreciate just how sleek and clever it really is.
Dreamed up by superstar architect Norman Foster and completed in 2002, this 10-story, glass-and-steel structure leans to one side like it’s striking a pose. It’s not just showing off, though — the design is ultra-efficient, taking up far less space than a normal building and using only a quarter of the energy of its more old-school neighbors. Pretty smart for something that looks like it rolled out of a future London skyline.
Fun fact: this was the first time the public got a say in picking the design. And visitors today can still climb the spiral walkway to the second floor to spy on the action below — or just grab a coffee and soak in the atmosphere. As for "London’s Living Room" on the 9th floor, the views from there are absolutely spectacular, but it’s usually off-limits... unless you time your visit for Open House weekend (the third weekend of each month).
Before you wander off, make sure to check out The Scoop — the outdoor amphitheater just next door. From June to September, you can catch free plays, movies, and concerts there under the open sky.
Quick tip: Don't miss Fiona Banner’s shiny black Full Stops sculptures nearby — giant punctuation marks in bronze, making even grammar feel epic...
Dreamed up by superstar architect Norman Foster and completed in 2002, this 10-story, glass-and-steel structure leans to one side like it’s striking a pose. It’s not just showing off, though — the design is ultra-efficient, taking up far less space than a normal building and using only a quarter of the energy of its more old-school neighbors. Pretty smart for something that looks like it rolled out of a future London skyline.
Fun fact: this was the first time the public got a say in picking the design. And visitors today can still climb the spiral walkway to the second floor to spy on the action below — or just grab a coffee and soak in the atmosphere. As for "London’s Living Room" on the 9th floor, the views from there are absolutely spectacular, but it’s usually off-limits... unless you time your visit for Open House weekend (the third weekend of each month).
Before you wander off, make sure to check out The Scoop — the outdoor amphitheater just next door. From June to September, you can catch free plays, movies, and concerts there under the open sky.
Quick tip: Don't miss Fiona Banner’s shiny black Full Stops sculptures nearby — giant punctuation marks in bronze, making even grammar feel epic...
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in London. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
City Hall on Map
Sight Name: City Hall
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in London, England
Create Your Own Walk in London
Creating your own self-guided walk in London is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Beatles London Walking Tour
The Beatles, often hailed as one of the most influential bands in music history, began their journey in Liverpool in 1960, but it was in London that they truly became global icons. While Liverpool gave them their start, the British capital became their professional playground during the peak of Beatlemania. From recording sessions and business deals to public performances and personal milestones,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
Jack the Ripper Walking Tour
Jack the Ripper, an unidentified serial killer who terrorized the British capital in 1888, became notorious for the series of brutal and gruesome murders that he carried out in the East End of London. The primary setting for the Jack the Ripper attacks was Whitechapel, at the time a poverty-stricken and crime-ridden district, known for its dark alleys and narrow streets.
The name "Jack the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
The name "Jack the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
London Introduction Walking Tour
London: the capital of England, heart of the UK, and international heavyweight in history, culture, and sheer charm. Its name comes straight out of Rome. Londinium was founded circa 43 AD as a trading post. Then came Queen Boudica in 61 AD, who, let’s say, didn’t care much for Roman urban planning and burnt it to the ground. But Londinium wasn’t one to stay down—it bounced back,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
South Bank Walking Tour
London’s South Bank, stretching along the southern side of the River Thames, roughly between Westminster Bridge and Tower Bridge, is one of the most interesting and liveliest parts of the British capital. Here, London’s old soul and modern edge shake hands... and then probably go grab a pint together. Famous for its arts, culture, food, and scenic riverside walks, the area has a long and... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
London's Historic Pubs Walk
If there’s any more iconic symbol for London than Big Ben or the London Eye, then it must be the traditional English pub. And London sure is full of them, dating from pre-Victorian times to just about five minutes ago.
With so much history surrounding London there is no shortage of historic pubs to choose from. Whether you fancy half-timbered, rambling watering holes or small but perfectly... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.6 Km or 3.5 Miles
With so much history surrounding London there is no shortage of historic pubs to choose from. Whether you fancy half-timbered, rambling watering holes or small but perfectly... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.6 Km or 3.5 Miles
Walk around Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace, the British monarch's official residence, is a must-see for anyone visiting London, but so are the adjacent royal establishments that give a unique window into the royal way of life. On this self-guided walking tour, along with Buckingham Palace and its memorable fountain, you will visit the St. James's private royal residence, the wonderful Queen's Gallery, and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
London Souvenirs: 18 Distinctively British Products for Travelers
Most visitors to London consider shopping as part of their must-do London experience. From street markets to Victorian arcades to snobbish Sloane Square to busy Oxford Street, there are a host of shops selling items which typically represent this vibrant city. Whether you are shopping for souvenirs...