London is one of the most famous cities in the world, known for its history, culture, and global influence. From Big Ben to double-decker buses, the capital of the United Kingdom is full of iconic sights.

But beyond its landmarks, London has plenty of unusual and surprising trivia that make it truly unique.

Here are 30+ interesting and quirky facts about London that reveal a different side of the city.

Historical and Cultural Facts

1. London has been inhabited for nearly 2,000 years. It was founded by the Romans as Londinium around AD 43.
2. The Great Fire of London destroyed much of the city in 1666. It burned for four days and consumed over 13,000 houses.
3. The Tower of London is older than many countries. Built in 1078, it has served as a palace, prison, and even a zoo.
4. London has four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These include the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, and Maritime Greenwich.
5. Big Ben is not the tower. The nickname refers to the Great Bell inside the Elizabeth Tower, not the tower itself.

Quirky London Facts

6. London buses were not always red. The famous red color was introduced in 1907 to make them stand out from competitors.
7. You can find Roman ruins in the city. Parts of the old Roman wall still stand near the Tower of London.
8. London taxis require a difficult test. Drivers must pass “The Knowledge,” memorizing 25,000 streets and 20,000 landmarks.
9. The city has secret rivers underground. Many of London’s ancient rivers, like the Fleet and Tyburn, now flow beneath the streets.
10. There is a hidden “7 noses of Soho.” An artist placed plaster noses around the neighborhood as a quirky art project.

Records and Extremes

11. London is Europe’s largest city. Its metropolitan population is over 9 million.
12. The London Underground is the oldest metro system. Opened in 1863, it’s still called “the Tube” by locals.
13. The Shard is the tallest building in the UK. At 310 meters (1,016 feet), it dominates the London skyline.
14. London has more international visitors than any other city. Pre-pandemic, it welcomed over 20 million tourists a year.
15. The British Museum holds more than 8 million objects. It would take days to see them all.

Royal and Political Facts

16. The monarch is not allowed in the House of Commons. This tradition dates back to 1642.
17. Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms. It includes 19 state rooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, and 78 bathrooms.
18. The Crown Jewels are guarded by ravens. Legend says if the ravens leave the Tower of London, the kingdom will fall.
19. The Changing of the Guard is centuries old. The tradition of soldiers guarding the monarch dates back to the reign of King Henry VII.
20. London has a Lord Mayor and a Mayor. The Lord Mayor represents the financial district, while the Mayor of London governs the city at large.

Everyday London Facts

21. Over 300 languages are spoken in London. It is one of the most linguistically diverse cities in the world.
22. Black cabs have high standards. They are designed to turn in tight spaces and fit a person wearing a top hat.
23. There are more than 170 museums. From art galleries to quirky collections, London has something for every interest.
24. The London Eye was meant to be temporary. It was originally planned as a five-year attraction for the millennium.
25. There are more than 8.5 million trees. London is technically a forest under UN classification, since 20% of its land is covered in trees.

Quirky and Unusual Trivia

26. There is a police station in Trafalgar Square. It’s a tiny box that once housed a single officer.
27. The Millennium Bridge once wobbled. On its opening day in 2000, the bridge swayed so much it had to be closed for repairs.
28. London has ghost tube stations. More than 40 stations have been abandoned over time.
29. You can visit a house where Charles Dickens lived. His former home is now a museum dedicated to his life and works.
30. There is a law about carrying a plank. In London, it’s technically illegal to carry a plank of wood along a pavement under an old law.
31. Pigeons once caused serious problems. Feeding them in Trafalgar Square was banned after the population grew out of control.
32. Tower Bridge is often confused with London Bridge. London Bridge is much simpler, while Tower Bridge is the iconic one with towers and bascules.

Final Thoughts

London is a city of contrasts: historic yet modern, traditional yet quirky. From secret rivers and ghost stations to forests of trees hidden among skyscrapers, these 30+ quirky facts about London show why it continues to fascinate millions of visitors every year.

Next time you ride a red bus, cross Tower Bridge, or wander the streets of Soho, remember that London always has another hidden story to tell.