More Than Tea and the Tube: 10 Wildly Interesting London Facts

London isn’t just the capital of England — it’s a city that’s equal parts royalty, rebellion, history and hustle. With centuries of stories packed into its winding streets and iconic landmarks, London has a way of always surprising even the people who live here. You’ve heard of Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the red double-decker buses. But behind the postcard-perfect images are facts that will make you look at this amazing city in a whole new light.

Whether you’re planning your first trip or just love learning weird and wonderful things, here are 10 London facts you probably didn’t know — but won’t forget.

1. London Wasn’t Always Called London

Before it became the modern city we know today, London was called Londinium — a Roman settlement founded in 43 AD. It started as a strategic trading hub and slowly grew into one of the world’s most powerful cities. Remains of Roman walls and roads still lie beneath its modern foundations, proving this city was built to last.

2. The London Underground Is a World First

Also known as “The Tube”, the London Underground is the oldest metro system in the world, opening in 1863.

Today, it’s an essential part of London life, transporting millions of passengers every day across 270+ stations.

And fun fact: only about 45% of it actually runs underground!

 

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3. Over 300 Languages Are Spoken in London

If you stood in central London and listened closely, you might hear Somali, Punjabi, Portuguese, Mandarin — and that’s just the start. More than 300 languages are spoken in the city, making it one of the most linguistically diverse places on the planet.

With over 35% of residents born outside the UK, London is truly a global melting pot.

4. Big Ben Isn’t What You Think It Is

People often refer to the big clock in Westminster as Big Ben, but that’s actually the nickname of the bell inside.

The tower itself is officially called the Elizabeth Tower, renamed in 2012 in honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. Big Ben chimes every hour and is one of London’s most iconic (and misnamed) landmarks.

 

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5. London Has More Green Space Than You’d Expect

Despite its concrete reputation, London is very green. Nearly 47% of the city is parks, gardens and open spaces.

Iconic green escapes like Hyde Park, Richmond Park and Regent’s Park offer locals and visitors a breath of fresh air — sometimes with wild deer or pelicans.

6. London Has Hosted the Olympics Three Times

No other city in the world has hosted the Summer Olympics three times — but London has, in 1908, 1948 and most recently 2012.

The 2012 Games especially transformed East London, creating Olympic Park and boosting regeneration across areas like Stratford. Today, the area is thriving with sports facilities, concerts and art installations.

 

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7. The City of London Is Only One Square Mile

Most people think of London as one big city — but the City of London, often called the Square Mile, is a tiny area in the heart of it all.

It’s the oldest part of London and remains its financial hub, with its own police force, Lord Mayor and centuries-old traditions. It’s like a city within a city.

8. London’s Black Cab Drivers Know Over 25,000 Streets

Becoming a black cab driver in London is no easy feat. They have to pass The Knowledge, a notoriously tough test requiring them to memorise 25,000 streets and 20,000 landmarks.

It can take 2 to 4 years of study, usually on a motorbike, navigating every possible route in the city — all without GPS. Only 27% manage to pass the test!

TIL London Black Cab drivers have to go through a highly intensive training known as “The Knowledge” which requires them to memorize hundreds of streets, routes, and back alleys. A training which can take years to complete.
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9. The British Museum Has Over 8 Million Objects

The British Museum is a treasure trove of world history, with over 8 million objects, including the Rosetta Stone, Ancient Greek sculptures and Egyptian mummies.

And the best bit? It’s free. It’s one of the most visited museums in the world and you can’t see it all in one visit — trust me, I’ve tried.

10. London’s Tower Bridge Still Opens for Boats

Tower Bridge isn’t just a pretty face. Completed in 1894, it actually lifts 700 to 850 times a year to let ships pass along the River Thames. Each lift takes about 5 minutes and is free to request — if you’re piloting a tall boat, of course.

 

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Final Thoughts: London’s Full of Surprises

From Roman ruins to skyscrapers, secret gardens to famous landmarks, London is a mixed bag — and that’s the magic. Every corner has a story, and even if you’ve lived here your whole life, there’s always something new to find.

Whether you’re a first timer or a lifelong Londoner, these 10 facts are just the tip of the iceberg. Next time you cross Tower Bridge or hop on the Tube, remember: London’s got layers — and surprises.