From townhouse to palace

Shopping

East End is primarily known as the depressing backdrop of the long-running BBC soap series 'EastEnders'. But locals know better: this is no longer a disadvantaged district but the hippest area in the city. Shoreditch, Spitalfields and Hoxton form a nicely refurbished neighbourhood full of creative shops, delicious curry houses, slick cocktail bars and some of the most interesting markets in London.

Family fun

London is perhaps the most child-friendly city in the world. There are playgrounds, amusement parks, fairs, toy stores, museums, leisure pools and zoos. There are also theatres with performances specifically for children. Your kids will have fun experiences with a comprehensible edition of Shakespeare or an entertaining puppet show. Here are the 3 best children's theatres in London.

Arts & Culture

London is a top museum destination with some 250 museums within the city limits. Of course everybody knows the Tate Modern, the Victoria Albert Museum and the National Gallery. However, in addition to these prestigious institutions, there are also many house museums offering a charming tribute to the celebrities who once lived here.

Shopping

British fashion designers are known for their innovative, intelligent and ‘edgy’ designs. London has more than enough to offer fashionistas ─ from major fashion brands like the unconventional Alexander McQueen and McG to the classic Stella McCartney and, of course, the ‘lady of punk’ Vivienne Westwood, who have established flagship stores with the best from their collections.

Family fun

London is not only a romantic and interesting city for adults, but also has plenty to see and do for children. Before you know it, you and your family will suddenly find yourselves standing in front of The Leaky Cauldron, the magician’s pub from the Harry Potter story. In London, you’re surrounded by teddy bears and dollhouses one moment and cruising down the Thames in an amphibious vehicle the next.

Family fun

London is making every effort to become more bike-friendly. The mayor has personally championed the creation of ‘bicycle highways’ and dozens of safe bike paths have been built in and around the city in recent years. Bicycles can now be rented everywhere, making London the ideal city for a family bike tour. It’s great exercise, economical and lets you see the city in a totally different way.

Arts & Culture

Fairy-tales, ravens and uniformed guards: a visit to the Tower of London offers history with a sinister edge. This castle and former prison is an imposing fortress on the north shore of the River Thames. The Tower was built in 1066 and expanded years later. The current 73.000-m2 complex encompasses fortresses, courtyards and 20 towers.

Arts & Culture

On the banks of the River Thames are two of London's most important museums: Tate Britain and Tate Modern. The classic Tate Britain building, which has undergone a complete transformation in 2013, displays an impressive collection of British art dating from 1500 to today. Tate Modern, housed in an old power station, boasts an industrial setting where the space and light complement the exhibits of international modern and contemporary art.

Family fun

London looks like an amazing patchwork of parks, squares and streets from a height of around 135 metres. While the London Eye may turn slowly, taking a trip on it is truly an experience. Each year, more than 3.5 million people enjoy incredible views across the city. On a clear day you can see for almost 40 kilometres – the whole of London is at your feet.

Shopping

London is the place to be for the latest trends and fashion, but the city also specialises in buying and selling antiques. No other European city has quite as many antique markets as London. The first auction houses such as Sotheby’s and Christie’s were established in the 18th century. They made their money by auctioning off the entire contents of houses and estates, and quickly transformed London into the antique capital of Europe.

Arts & Culture

In the words of the famous British writer Virginia Woolf (1882-1941): ‘All the people I most respect and admire have been what you call Bloomsbury.’ She was only one of many who have cherished the Bloomsbury neighbourhood. The quiet and stately district became a hub of literature, art and science in the first 3 decades of the 20th century when it was the geographical home of the Bloomsbury Group.