London is the capital and largest city of the United Kingdom, situated on the banks of the River Thames in southeast England. Founded by the Romans as "Londinium" nearly two thousand years ago, it has grown into one of the world's most important political, economic, and cultural capitals.

A Global City on the Thames

London combines traditional royal grandeur — Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben — with the striking modernity of "the City" financial district and the towers of Canary Wharf. The city is home to some of the world's finest museums and theatres, and is one of the most culturally diverse cities on Earth, with residents speaking over 300 languages.

  • The Tower of London and Tower Bridge on the Thames
  • Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch
  • The Houses of Parliament and its famous Big Ben clock tower
  • The British Museum, home to treasures from world civilizations

London ranks alongside New York as one of the world's leading financial centers, hosting the London Stock Exchange and numerous global banks and corporations. It is also the only city to have hosted the Summer Olympics three times.