London is the capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom, home to more than 9 million people. For centuries, London has been one of the world's most important cities, a center of government, trade, culture, and innovation.

London sits on the River Thames in southeastern England. The city's history stretches back nearly 2,000 years to when the Romans founded it as Londinium. Over the centuries, London grew into the heart of the British Empire, connecting Britain to colonies and trading partners across the globe. Ships carried goods, ideas, and people through London's busy ports.

Today, London remains a global city where you'll find famous landmarks like Big Ben, the Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace. The city is known for its red double-decker buses, black taxicabs, and the Underground (called “the Tube”), one of the world's oldest subway systems. London's museums hold treasures from around the world, and its theaters attract audiences who come to see world-class performances.

People from nearly every country live in London, making it one of the world's most diverse cities. English author Samuel Johnson once wrote, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life,” suggesting that London offers endless things to discover and experience.