In this article, I present London's ChinatownA small Chinatown that'll give you a change of scene on your trip!

Here you'll find

• An introduction to the local Chinatown
• What you can find in this neighborhood
• How to reach him easily
• Practical information: prices, opening hours, visit tips
• Things to see and do in the area
• And much more!

If you're looking for information about London's Chinatown, you'll love this article.

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Chinatown: article summary

Chinatown: the Chinese quarter in the heart of London

London is a multicultural city and many neighborhoods are there to remind us: Brick Lane and its Indian influence, Peckham and its Nigerian community, and of course the Local Chinatown home to many Chinese immigrants from Hong Kong, Guandong and Fujian province.

You wish to get off the beaten track during your visit London ? Discover this miniature China!

Introducing this Chinatown

The Chinatown district is Sohoand consists of 9 streets that intertwine Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus and the Covent Garden.

It is bounded by 4 doors which serve as access points: 3 are fairly conventional and were created in 1986; but the 4ᵉ is quite atypical: it was designed in Beijing, in the purest style of the Qing dynasty (who ruled China between 1644 and 1912) and was inaugurated in 2016 by Prince Andrew. Don't miss it, because it's magnificent.

It's worth noting that this Chinatown is relatively recent, having developed here in the 70s. Immigrants from the Middle Kingdom used to occupy several streets in East London, on the Limehouse (near Canary Wharf). A convenient location for its proximity to the docks, as the Chinese who came to London were mostly sailors. At the time, it was possible to consume Opium !

After the intensive bombing of London during the Second World War, this first Chinatown was destroyed and the Chinese gradually relocated. The first Chinese restaurants opened in Lisle StreetAsian cuisine is booming in the British capital.

Little by little, ideograms adorned facades and decorated buildings, stores and restaurants. China's codesto transform the neighborhood into the Chinatown it is today.

Although significantly smaller than New York's Chinatown, Yokohama's Chinatown or the 13^e arrondissement of Paris, it's well worth the detour, for an express trip to Asia !

Facts and figures about this district   

• This neighborhood is nicknamed The imperial city 
• More than 150 plants of all kinds!
• The first Chinese New Year celebration was held in this chinatown in 1985. Since then, it's been held every year!

What can you see and do in Chinatown?

Here are some good reasons to visit Chinatown during your London getaway. Admittedly, it's not the most British of neighborhoods (!), but you'll find more than enough to have a great time, and a lot to discover!

Chinese food

Do you love Asian food? You'll be in heaven in Chinatown! Visit lacquered ducks Dim Sum, fried pork and other delicacies of Chinese cuisine, you'll be spoilt for choice in the main streets of the district.

It's possible to eat Korean, Japanese or Vietnamese food in the neighborhood, but you might as well go for the authentic stuff! What's more, you'll notice that the dishes offered in these establishments are often much more traditional than those found in France. A real insight into China's (very rich) culinary tradition.

Shopping

Chinatown is packed with souvenir stores, clothing boutiques and food supermarkets. You'll be able to pick up a few Asian trinkets and take advantage of your visit to this local China to do some Asian shopping!

Visit Chinatown by night

Strolling the streets of London's Chinatown is pleasant during the day, with a lively district and a fairly frenetic atmosphere. But in the evening, when the neon lights on the storefronts come on and the lanterns shine brightly, it's a different story, it's magic !

Discover Chinese medicine

Chinese medicine is based on the benefits of plants and a particular knowledge of the body. Among its spearheads are acupuncture and certain vital point massages, which you can discover in this Chinatown.

Several herbalists are well established, if you want to buy herbs and plants to treat your ailments naturally, as in Asia.

Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year are held here every year between the end of January and the first half of February. If you're in London at this time, you must see the various shows and ceremonies held in Chinatown and the surrounding main districts. In 2024, it falls on February 10 !

How do I get to Chinatown in London?

The Chinatown district is located in the city of Westminsterwhich you can easily reach via :

• Visit MetroNorthern and Piccadilly lines, Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus stop
• Visit bus 9, 139 159 176 29 and 453
• On foot, thanks to its central location, close to many London landmarks

Chinatown: opening hours and practical information

Here's some additional information to help you make the most of your visit to Chinatown in London.

Opening hours

The district is open at all hours. On the other hand, the establishments follow standard opening hours, from 9am/10am to 7pm-00am, depending on the type of establishment.

Some restaurants even remain open until 4 a.m. !

Practical information and visiting tips

You can spend several hours in Chinatown. I recommend going in the morning, for lunch, before continuing your exploration of London in the surrounding area. Or in the evening, to discover this unique atmosphere.

What to see and do in the area?

There's lots to do in the Chinatown area! Here are a few suggestions, depending on your interests:

• Shopping in Sohobetween Oxford StreetCarnaby Street or the famous Regent Street!
• Discover the famous squares of Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square
• Climb up to the superb British Museum and its exceptional collection

In this article, I present Luton Airportthe 4th^e London airport where you could land if you travel with a low-cost airline.

Here you'll find

• Luton airport presentation
• The different ways to reach the city center easily
• Practical information: prices, opening hours, reservations
• Methods to suit your profile
• And much more!

If you're looking for information about Luton Airport, you'll love this article.

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Luton Airport : article summary

Luton Airport: 4th^e London airport

There are no fewer than 6 London airportsand Luton occupies the 4^e place in order of importance behind Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted.

It's one of the most important for low-cost flightsThe Luton hub is a major hub for Easyjet, Wizzair and Ryanair flights from cities such as Lyon, Bordeaux, Paris, Grenoble and Montpellier.

So it may come in handy when you visit visit London. I'll introduce you to it, before explaining how to get to the city center from Luton Airport.

Luton airport presentation

Luton airport (LTN) is located in 55 km north of Londonin Bedfordshire. It topped 18 million annual passengers in 2019, and intends to continue attracting low-cost airlines with expansion and refurbishment projects.

He opened in 1938 and served as an air base for the French air force during the Second World War. From the 1960s onwards, it became a major player for the British in the all-inclusive package vacation market, which exploded at this time. In 1969, almost 1/5 of vacation flights in the UK depart from Luton Airport.

It lost some of its popularity at the end of the 80s - following Ryanair's withdrawal from commercial operations - and was renamed London Luton Airport to remind tourists of its relative proximity to the capital. In 1997, with the emergence of low-cost airlines such as Easyjet, the airport began to grow again, becoming the airport with the highest growth rate in terms of passengers.

Luton Airport facts and figures   

• The most popular destinations to/from Luton are Bucharest
• It has just one terminal
• More 140,000 flights / year pass through Luton Airport
• It hosts 11 airlines, with flights to 42 countries and 152 destinations

London city center by private shuttle

If you're looking for convenience above all, and don't want to bother with your luggage or have to wait for the next train or bus to leave for London, you can book a shuttle with private driver.

He will be waiting for you at arrivals and will take you to your destination. to your home (hotel or Airbnb) in the capital. Quick and easy, this solution lets you spend an hour with a driver who can tell you a few anecdotes or provide you with useful tips, making for a smooth arrival.

What's more, it's cheaper than a cabWith a single price per car fixed in advance, it's ideal for groups of 3, 4 or 5 travelers. No unpleasant surprises, and a great start to your stay in London.

Take the train to London

Where some of London's other airports have an internal station, Luton Airport does not. You have to climb on board a shuttle - with departures every 10 minutes during the day - to get there. Price: 1.70 euros / person.

A train is planned to link the two areas and facilitate travel, but it is not yet in operation. So you'll have to go to to Luton Parkway.

From there, a train leaves every 20 minutes to serve stations of :

• St Pancras International
• London Bridge
• City Thameslink
• London Blackfriars
• Farringdon

Count between 30 and 50 minutes for an average ticket price of £17.

It's an affordable solution, complicated only by access to Luton station.

Use a bus company

Several bus companies operate between Luton Airport and central London.

These include :

• Terravisionwhich runs to Victoria Station in 1h15/1h30 (with stops at Bricket Wood, Brent Cross, Baker Street, Finchley Road, Marble Arch). The ticket costs £10 for an adult, £7.50 for children aged 3 to 15, but it is possible to get a discount by taking a return ticket. This brings the fares to £17 and £12. Departures are every 30 minutes.
• National ExpressWith buses serving Paddington and Victoria stations in an average of 1h/1h30. Prices are lower than at Terravision (from £8.50 for adults / £6.50 for children) and departures are every 30 minutes.
• Easyjet has also set up a bus system called Easybusto London from Luton. An inexpensive service, with tickets from £2, to be booked with your plane tickets. Departures are at times indicated on the ticket, but it takes 1h20 to reach the city center.

Cab / Uber from Luton?

Cabs are an easy way to get to London from Luton Airport, but the most expensive method, with a journey costing à 120£. For an Uber, the bill will be slightly lower, with rates hovering around £80/£100.

For both solutions, you should expect to pay around 70-minute journey depending on traffic.

Luton Airport > city center: which method is best?

It's not difficult to get to London if you arrive at Luton airport. In fact, if you can find air tickets at a good price, this is the destination for you.

Depending on your needs, budget and convenience, you can opt for :

• Shuttle service with private driver, for a maximum convenience and an attractive rate, especially if you're traveling in a group. If you've got luggage and want to get straight to your accommodation, this is the perfect solution.
• The train, which offers good value for money which allows you to reach one of the central stations quickly. Convenient, if you have accommodation not far from one of the destinations served.
• The bus, which remains the least expensive solutionideal for small budgets. On the other hand, it's the most time-consuming solution, especially if traffic is heavy. What's more, you'll be dependent on the departure times of each company.

Enjoy your stay in London!

In this article, I present London busesto get from one neighborhood to the next easily during your stay!

Here you'll find

• London's main bus routes
• The most convenient routes
• Useful information: fares, timetables, frequencies, Passes
• What you can see and do in London by bus
• My tips for getting around the city
• And much more!

If you're looking for information about buses in London, you'll love this article.

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Bus London: article summary

Bus London: is it a good way to visit the capital?

To visit London, you'll need to use public transport. It's impossible to do everything on foot, so if you want to explore neighborhoods in the capital.

Visit bus routes are numerous, and despite the heavy traffic, the bus is a practical way to get around. Here's everything you need to know.

Introducing London's buses

London is a huge capital, and you can find 673 day and night lines which serve the city center and surrounding areas of Greater London.

Their origins date back to à 1829It wasn't until 1904 that the first motorized buses made their appearance. Up until 1919, there were only steam buses in the capital!

TFL (Transport For London) now operates London's extensive public transport network.

These London buses are easy to identify, because they are red and two-storeyYou'll see them all over the city. It's a great way to visit the English capital while enjoying views of its most beautiful monuments!

Other means of transport available in the city

In London, you can also borrow :

• Visit subway lines (the Tube) that serve most of the areas to be visited
• Streetcars
• The DLR (Docklands Light Railway), which operates in the east and south-east of London and is similar to a small subway railway.
• River shuttles to cruise the Thames

What are the most useful bus routes in London?

The sheer number of bus routes in London makes it impossible to list them all. What's more, most of them won't be of any use to you.

To make life easier for travelers, the TFL company has designed a map including the essential lines, which allow you to cross the city and stop near monuments and places not to be missed.

These include :

• Visit line 8from Tottenham Court Road to Bow, via the Museum Of London
• Visit line 9which runs from Kensington to Aldwych, not far from the famous Trafalgar Square
• Visit line 11 from Liverpool Street in the direction of Fulham, which takes you through Westminster (and Westminster Abbey)
• Visit line 14convenient to reach the place de Piccadilly Circus and do some shopping at the famous Harrods from London
• Visit line 15 (the only one with the old bus models), which passes near St Paul's Cathedral and allows you to stop at Tower Hill, to discover the famous Tower of London
• Visit line 24which crosses the city center from north to south, passing through Camden TownTrafalgar Square and Westminster
• Visit line 38which will take you past the British Museum from Clapton Pond and the station by Victoria
• Visit Line 43 which starts from the London Bridge to reach the north of the city
• Visit line 59departing from the notorious King's Cross station and heading south, with stops at Covent Garden and easily reach the Ferris wheel London Eye
• Visit line 74a convenient way to reach 221b baker street home to the Sherlock Holmes Museum and the Museum of Madame Tussauds
• Visit line 274This is a great way to get to London Zoo and take a trip to the heights of the Hampstead Heath
• Visit Line 453 from the west (Marybelone) to the Westminster district
• Visit RV1 linefrom the east side of the Thames to its west side, from the Tower of London to Convent Garden stop

On the official planYou'll see the corresponding metro, train and river shuttle stops, other bus routes you might find useful, and tourist information points.

>> See the official bus and metro map

How to use the bus in London

London's buses are easy to use. Simply climb aboard, validate your journey (up and down) and press the red button to request a stop. A light signal bus Stopping indicates that your request has been processed. All you have to do now is wait for the doors to open!

Please note that you cannot purchase a ticket in cash in a London bus. You can choose to pay via :

• A rechargeable travel cardtype Oyster Card or Travalcard. This makes travel easier and allows you to benefit from reduced ticket prices.
• Your credit cardvia contactless payment at bus terminals

Please note that each ticket entitles the holder to a 1 hour on the network.

How much does a bus ticket cost in London?

Bus fares are :

• £1.75 for an adult ticket
• With a travel card, you pay at most £5.25 / day, as there is a daily cap after which your journeys are free of charge

Good to know children under 11 can travel for free!

Where to buy bus tickets in London

Tickets for London bus/transport are on sale at all TFL offices, at the counters. Or via automatic terminals many metro and/or DLR stations. What's more, some railway stations also have this type of automatic terminal.

You can buy a transport card online and load it with the desired amount, if you want to arrive in London and get going straight away.

Bus London: useful information, timetables and frequencies

Here's some more information on how to use London's buses with ease.

Schedules and frequency

Most of the busiest lines run 5 a.m. to midnightsome of them with variable opening hours.

You can consult them and plan your journeys using the official planner >>. plan a trip.

Night bus

London is a lively city day and night, and its transport network operates 24 hours a day. After midnight, buses become night buses (departing from Trafalgar Square) and the route number is preceded by an N (as in Night).

You need request stop because they are no longer automatic with these night-time lines. In addition, the frequency of service is less frequent between midnight and 5am. 

Can I take a bus from London airports?

Yes, but it all depends on London airport you'll land.

For the main routes, bus companies (such as Terravision, National Express or Easyjet's EasyBus shuttles) provide connections to London.

This is the case for the airport Heathrowthe Gatwickthose of Stansted and Luton as well as from London City Airport served by routes 473 and 474, but it's a complicated option from London Southern.

Enjoy your stay!

In this article, I present the Cutty Sarkan iconic London ship used in the 19th century to bring back tea from China!

Here you'll find

• A presentation by Cutty Sark
• What you can see and do on your visit
• How to reach him easily
• Practical information: opening hours, anecdotes and tour tips
• And much more!

If you're looking for information on the Cutty Sark, you'll love this article.

Follow the guide!

Cutty sark: article summary

Cutty Sark: the last witness to an era of great sea voyages

Visit visiting London and in along the ThamesYou're sure to spot this ship sitting triumphantly on the quayside. It is the Cutty Sark!  It's a clipper (or boat with three or more masts) used to bring back wool from New Zealand and Tea from China.

Let me introduce you to this marvel!

Introducing the Cutty Sark 

Built in Scotland in 1869Cutty Sark takes its name from a witch in a poem by Robert Burns, in which the witch wears a "cutty Sark". short shirt. It's the language translation Skots (a derivative of the English spoken in Northern Ireland and Scotland) from Cutty Sark.

This is one of the clippers to have seen the light of day, at a time when these imposing vessels were used to transport goods from one end of the world to the other. It's also the last model in its current state, which makes it a key historical landmark for the history of the United Kingdom.

This sailing boatknown for its speed and ease of maneuvering, would nevertheless be overtaken by competition from steel ships and steamships by the end of the XIXᵉ century.

It is then recovered by the Portuguesewho call him Pequena Camisola (equivalent to Cutty Sark in Portuguese). They used it for a few years, before it was acquired by Captain Wilfred Dowman in 1922. He gave her back her original name and shape, transforming her into a as a training ship.

The in 1954 that the Cutty Sark is dry-docked on the banks of the Thames, just opposite the Isle of Dogs and the district now known as Canary Wharf. He joins the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Now it stands as an emblem of a bygone era in Greenwich.

A vast renovation project from 2006 to 2009In the early hours of May 21, 2007, the building suffered a serious fire. Fortunately, most of its components had been removed for renovation. As a result, the damage remains minor, despite the need to replace the steel structure and the floor of the inner deck.

Whether or not you are a sailing enthusiastIt's a visit not to be missed, with fascinating stories about the brave sailors who brought back the precious tea for the English people!

Facts and figures about this ship   

• Cutty Sark measures 85.4 metres long ; its weight is 921 tonnes and its 3 000 m²
• The holds could accommodate up to 600 tonnes of tea from ChinaThat's about 10,000 tea chests!
• Her crew consisted of 28 to 35 members
• He has twice taken part in the Tea Racewhich was to designate the ship that would bring tea from China to London the fastest. On both occasions, he was beaten by the competition!
• Among its fine performances, it is worth noting a trip of only 67 days to connect Australia and London!
• It is 3 metres above the ground, following the renovation project.

What can you see and do at Cutty Sark?

The Cutty Sark can be visited, as it is now a museum. The well-organized space allows you to learn a great deal about the construction of this impressive ship, its use and daily life on board.

Here's how the tour works.

The Cutty Sark's hold

Visit visit to the slipways is very playful, with reproductions of the tea chests and equipment used during the most eventful crossings. Between the explanatory panels and the models, it's an educational visit that will delight parents and children alike.

Indeed, some interactive activities will allow the youngest to feel like sailors!

The upper deck

In the top of the Cutty SarkThe cabins of the sailors can be discovered, with sizes depending on their rank. As you can imagine, officers were much better off than ordinary crew members. The latter were forced to live in almost Spartan conditions!

On deck, you'll visit a number of rooms that will give you a better understanding of the daily routine on board, and you'll discover the view. on dog island facing the ship.

Among the little experiences that can't be missed, there's the one that consists of take the helm to grow a captain's soul!

The figurehead collection

Here you can see the the world's largest collection figureheads. These wooden figures were placed at the bow of ships for quick identification as they approached a port.

The ship's hull

The ship impresses with its its surface area and the finesse of its design. The hull is made of copper and zinc, to prevent marine pests cling to it. See it from the outside!

How to reach the Cutty Sark easily?

The Cutty Sark is located at the following address: King William Walk, London SE10 9HT

This is an area to the east of London, which you can reach easily via :

• The buslines 129, 177, 180 and 188
• DLR (London Light Rail), getting off at Greenwich Station
• Visit river shuttlewith a stop in front of the boat named Greenwich Pier

Cutty Sark: prices, opening hours and practical information

Here's some additional information to help you organize your visit to the Cutty Sark!

Rates and booking

• Adult ticket: £18.00
• Children's ticket (4 to 15 years): £9.00
• Free for children under 4

You can buy your tickets directly on site. Or you can book them through the official website of the Royal Museums of Greenwich, which manages it >>. See the official website

Opening hours

You can visit the Cutty Sark every day, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with last admission at 4:15pm.

Practical information

While most of the information presented is in Englishmultilingual audio guides are available to help you understand everything!

What to see and do in the area?

Although fairly far from the areas with London's most famous monuments, the area around Cutty Sark is a great place to discover :

• Visit Musée Nationale de la Marinewith interactive activities, simulators and games for all ages
• Visit Royal Naval Collegelocated within a university. It frequently hosts exhibitions and boasts an admirable painted ceiling.
• The original Fan Museum dedicated to fans and how they're made: a very rewarding visit that's off the beaten track!

In this article, I present Heathrow airportLondon's largest airport!

Here you'll find

• Heathrow airport presentation
• The different ways to reach the city center easily
• Practical information: prices, opening hours, reservations
• Methods to suit your profile
• And much more!

If you're looking for information about Heathrow, you'll love this article.

Follow the guide!

Heathrow: article summary

Heathrow: London's largest airport  

If you decide to travel to London by plane, you'll land in one of the following airports 6 airports around the capital. Heathrow is the n°1It is the UK's largest airport and the 2nd largest in Europe.^e in Europe, behind Charles de Gaulle in Paris.

I'll introduce you to it, before explaining how to make the Heathrow - Central London journey as simply as possible.

Introducing Heathrow

Heathrow International Airport (LHRfor London Heathrow) was founded in 1929 as a small airfield. It takes its name from the nearby hamlet of Heathrow where it was established.

Its expansion began in 1944, and after the war it became a civilian airport with an official opening. March 25, 1946. Originally called London Airport, it was not renamed Heathrow Airport until 1966.

Heathrow is a massive airport with four terminals (terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5, with terminal 1 included in the expansion plan for terminal 2), which handles international flights by the world's leading airlines: Air Canada, Air China, Air France, American Airlines, British Airways, Japan Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, TAP Portugal and many others, with 80 airlines who use our services.

It is in the top 10 of the world's busiest airports, with a record in 2019, a year in which it exceeded the 80 million passengers. For comparison, Gatwick (London's 2nd largest airport) does not exceed 19 million annual passengers!

Good to know In addition to Gatwick, you can land at Stansted, à Lutonor at London City and London Southend airports.

Airport facts and figures  

• The most popular destinations from Heathrow are New York or Dubaiin competition in recent years
• Among local flights, it's Edinburgh in first place
• It is located in 26 km west of London
• In 2021, there will be an average of 536 daily flights at Heathrow
• Flights serve 89 countries and 214 destinations

London by private shuttle from Heathrow

For a smooth arrival in central London, you can book a shuttle with private driver. The driver will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel or Airbnb.

This is the most convenient solution, especially for those with luggage to move and for travelers in groups of 3, 4 or 5. The price is fixed, and when costs are shared, it doesn't cost much!

Heathrow Express

Since 1998, a train service has been operating between London Heathrow and London. Paddington station operates from terminals 2, 3 and 5. A shuttle bus runs between Terminal 4 and Heathrow Central station (Terminals 2 and 3) to make life easier for travelers.

This express train connects the city center in 15/20 minutes with departures every 15 minutes between 5 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. It's the quickest way to reach the capital, and you can take advantage of it all! from £28 for a one-way ticket.

You can buy your tickets online, so all you have to do is climb aboard the Heathrow Express on arrival. How convenient!

Heathrow Underground

The metro is an inexpensive option for getting to London from Heathrow. The airport, in zone 6, is served by the Piccadilly linewith stops at terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5.

It's a convenient way to get straight to the center of town. It takes about 45/50 minute journeywith frequent departures between 5am and 11:30pm.

Good to know It is possible to use the Oyster Card to make the trip from the airport at lower cost.

Using TFL trains  

Company trains TFL (Transport For London, which also operates the subway and London bus) connect the airport to Paddington station, via the Elizabeth Line which passes through terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5.

It has been extended to reach Abbey Wood (via Canary Wharf) on one side, and connecting terminal 5 to Shenfield via Stratford on the other.

Tickets cost 12,80£ with regular departures between 4:30 a.m. and midnight, depending on the season.

By bus

Classic buses serve several parts of London from the airport bus stationwithin walking distance of the main terminals.

You'll find lines 105, 111, 278, 285, 350, 423, 482, 490, A10 and U3 during the day; and night lines N9 and N140. Convenient, but longer than the metro, which I'd rather recommend.

The companies National Express and Terravision also offer regular shuttle services from this station, with fares starting from £4 one way / £8 return. However, the journey time is a little long here too, up to 1h15/1h40 depending on traffic.

With a cab or an Uber?

From black cabs and mini-taxis await travelers arriving at Heathrow. Allow around an hour for the journey, and the fare is usually in the region of £70-£90.

The Uber option is available and slightly cheaper, with a bill of around £50.

Heathrow > city center: which method to choose?

As you can see, there are many ways to reach central London easily from Heathrow airport. The best choice for you will simply depend on your expectations and your budget:

• For a smooth arrival, the private shuttle with driver is the best choice. You won't have to carry your luggage and you'll be dropped off directly at your accommodation!
• The quickest solution is the Heathrow ExpressIt's an excellent choice if you're staying near Paddington Station, which it serves.
• The metro is the cheapest way to get to London, with excellent value for money that will delight even the smallest budgets.

Enjoy your stay in London!

In this article, I present London Bridgeoften confused with Tower Bridgeto help you choose the right tour!

Here you'll find

• A presentation of London Bridge
• The difference between London Bridge and Tower Bridge
• What makes them interesting
• How to reach them easily
• Practical information: opening hours, anecdotes and tour tips
• And much more!

If you're looking for information about London Bridge, you'll love this article.

Follow the guide!

London Bridge: article summary

London Bridge, a historic bridge across the Thames

The British capital has many bridges, one of which is referred to as the London Bridge. While the bridge has an interesting history, it is now a modern building with little appeal.

On the other hand, a neighbouring bridge 900 metres downstream on the Thames is well worth a visit: the Tower Bridge opposite the famous Tower of London !

I present to you these two bridges and what they have to offer.

Introducing London Bridge

London Bridge is the oldest bridge linking the capital's road and river crossings. The first wooden version dates back to Roman times, until a stone bridge was built between 1176 and 1209.

It was fortified and rebuilt several times over the centuries, with an 1831 granite version dismantled and moved to Lake Havasu City in the state of Arizona in the USA, where it is reassembled and still visible. It is replaced in 1973 by the current London Bridge, designed by architect Harold King, who completely modernized it.

It's now a bridge with little tourist appealwhich pedestrians and vehicles use to move from the Cité de London to Southwark. Only the view of the Tower Bridge a neighbor well worth the detour!

Facts and figures about the bridge   

• Visit XIIᵉ centuryAt the time, there were buildings, houses and a church on this bridge, but these have since disappeared due to the inconvenience they caused to traffic.
• It measures 262 metres long for a height of 8.9 metres
• A nursery rhyme, London Bridge Is Falling Downis very popular with young English people. It reminds us of the fragility of the work, its many reconstructions and ideas for repairing it!

Can you visit London Bridge?

The official London Bridge cannot be visitedYou can walk around it or admire it from afar.

On the other hand, I strongly recommend a visit to nearby Tower Bridge!

Tower Bridge, London's most famous bridge!

Too often confused with London Bridge, Tower Bridge is a few hundred metres further down, in front of the Tower of London.

It's a bascule bridge, built in 1984This was the time when the growing population of the East End required the construction of a new crossing over the Thames. And the idea for a bascule bridge came from the fact that a conventional bridge would have prevented larger ships from crossing to the nearby port of Pool of London.

It is easily recognizable, with its two towersits imposing dimensions (244 metres long and 65 metres high) and its neo-Gothic styleThe building is modelled on the architecture of the medieval fortress of the Tower of London, so as not to stand out in the landscape.

Several times a day, the bridge opens to let the boats through, a process that takes around 1.30 minutes. Of course, you're welcome to attend!

It can be visited and offers memorable activities, which I'd like to introduce to you!

What to see and do at Tower Bridge

A visit to the Tower Bridge is full of surprises, and you're sure to enjoy both the views and the sensations. Here's what's in store!

The glass walkway

If the lower part is reserved for road and river traffic, a glass walkway was built at the top, between the two towers. At a height of 40 metres, it offers a magnificent view of the surrounding area.

To complete the experience, glass slabs have been installed on the footbridge, so that visitors can see the sieve and the void. Those afraid of heights are warned!

The engine room (via Tower Bridge Exhibition)

Your reward for crossing the footbridge is access to the machine room. Discover the impressive mechanism that allowed the bridge to be raised several times a day.

The mechanism is now computer-controlled, which has caused malfunctions on several occasions. Which just goes to show that, sometimes, the engineering of the past has some trump cards to play.

Le levée du Pont

If you're lucky, you'll be able to see the bridge lift when you're on the bridge. Otherwise, feel free to observe this event from afar, by leaving it to chance or by consulting the updated schedules on the official website.

How do I get to London Bridge?

London Bridge can be found at the following address: London EC4R 9HA

You can access it easily via :

• Visit metroJubilee line, London Bridge stop. It is located in the station of the same name
• River shuttle, RB1, RB2, RB6 and RBS, London Bridge City Pier stop
• Buses 21, 35, 43, 47, 133, London Bridge stop

Visit Tower Bridge can only be found in 900 meters downstream (at Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP) and you can access :

• By subway, District and Circle lines, Tower Hill stop
• By bus, with routes 15, 42, 78, 100 and RV1
• By river shuttle, getting off at St Katherine Pier and Tower Pier stops

Tower bridge: prices, opening hours and practical information

Rather than focusing on London Bridge, it's much more interesting to discover the Tower Bridge. Here's what you need to know before visiting!

Rates and booking

• Adult ticket: £12.30
• Children's ticket (5 to 15 years): £6.20
• Free for children under 5

You can book your tickets on the official website (which also offers guided tours at £27.00 / £12.30). Or directly from the bridge ticket office, if you don't mind queues.

Opening hours

Tower Bridge is open to visitors every day, 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last entry at 5pm).

Allow no more than an hour for the tour.

Practical information

Bags are systematically searched during the visit.

Be aware that the queue is outside, which is a good thing to know in case it rains - a frequent occurrence in London.

What to see and do in the area?

You'll find plenty of interesting things to do around London Bridge and Tower Bridge. Here are a few suggestions to keep you exploring London!

• Visit the Tower of Londonthe ancient medieval fortress with its ramparts and emblematic corbels
• Climb to the top of The Shardwhich offers the most impressive view of the capital
• Coffee at the Sky Gardenin the heart of the City, to admire London from above
• Visit the Monument to the Great Fire of London which recalls the fateful event of 1666. Fascinating for the history, magnificent for the view!