London is the capital of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It is the second largest city in Europe and the largest in the European Union. London is located in the southeast of the island of Great Britain, at the mouth of the Thames near the North Sea. It belongs to global cities and leading global financial centers. The historical center took shape in the Victorian era. Among the few buildings that survived the fire of 1666 is the medieval tower of the Tower.
The “center” of London museums is the South Kensington area, which includes: the Natural History Museum, the Museum of Science, the Victoria and Albert Museum (the world's largest collection of decorative art and design). The British Museum, whose collection is about 7.5 million exhibits; The London National Gallery, one of the most respected experts in art museums in the world. Tate Gallery (the largest collection of English art in the world); Madame Tussauds famous waxworks; Sherlock Holmes Museum.
Sightseeing tours are held at Buckingham Palace (open for tourists two months a year: August and September), at the Houses of Parliament, the Tower, London Cathedrals. Also in London is the National British Library.
Several major commercial theaters specializing in musicals, comedies, and dramas are located in the West End. There is even a special term West End Theater, used in England to refer to Broadway-type commercial entertainment theaters. Of the classical theaters - the National Theater in the South Bank area, the new Globus Theater and the Royal Court Theater. London's classical music theaters are widely known in the world: the famous Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, the Royal Albert Hall, the Elizabeth II Theater.
London became one of the centers of world fashion in the 19th century. The capital of Great Britain, in contrast to Paris or Milan, gained fame thanks to men's fashion. The street of fashion workshops has become Savile Row. High Fashion Week is held in London annually.