Your Refresher Guide To London

London is a city that constantly reinvents itself, while honouring its rich history. If your last visit was in or before the year 2000, you're in for a dramatically updated experience.

From gleaming new skyscrapers to revitalised historical quarters and immersive cultural experiences, the city has transformed in remarkable ways over the past two decades, writes Vanessa Rogers.

Here’s what you shouldn’t miss on your next visit.

Modern skyline viewed from the Shard

In 2000, London’s skyline was still relatively low-rise by international standards. Today, the towering Shard – Western Europe's tallest building at 310m – dominates the horizon. Opened in 2012, this glass-clad structure offers unparalleled 360-degree panoramas from its viewing platforms on the 69th and 72nd floors.

The surrounding London Bridge area has also been revitalised, with chic eateries and rooftop bars dotted along the Thames.

London Eye and the South Bank

Although the London Eye was just being built in 2000, it’s now one of the city's most iconic attractions, according to those in tour guide jobs.

A slow revolution on this observation wheel provides a stunning all-encompassing perspective of the River Thames and beyond. Further, the South Bank has evolved into a cultural playground – home to the Tate Modern (now with a vast new extension), Shakespeare’s Globe, and the BFI film theatres.

Street performers, pop-up markets, and gourmet street food stalls make this riverside walk a vibrant must-do.

King’s Cross and the Coal Drops Yard

Back in 2000, King’s Cross was still a scruffy transit hub. Today, it's one of the city’s trendiest redevelopment zones. Coal Drops Yard, a stylish shopping and dining district nestled in restored Victorian warehouses, offers everything from boutique stores to experimental cuisine.

Nearby, the green space of Granary Square has become a lively place to hang out – especially in the summer months, when the fountains here are lit up and music events are scheduled on a regular basis.

Museums, featuring new wings and vibrant installations

London’s major museums – the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, the V&A, and the Science Museum – have all undergone substantial updates since 2000.

They now feature interactive exhibits, digital installations, and new wings that breathe fresh life into their collections.

Don’t miss the Queen Elizabeth II Great Court at the British Museum, a striking glass-roofed courtyard unveiled in 2000 but only fully realised in the years that followed.

The Queen’s Legacy and a variety of royal landmarks

Since 2000, major royal events have left their mark on London. Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, and Windsor Castle have added new exhibitions in memory of Queen Elizabeth II.

The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park is a peaceful spot worth visiting, as is the revamped Kensington Gardens – with its Serpentine Galleries now known for cutting-edge architecture pavilions each summer.

Covent Garden and the notorious West End

Covent Garden has been reinvented as a more upscale shopping and entertainment district than before, with high-end fashion, Michelin-star restaurants, and outdoor performances still maintaining the area’s street-theatre charm.

The West End continues to thrive with long-running classic musicals such as Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera, but also hosts innovative newcomers. Booking ahead is strongly advised.

Harry Potter and pop culture landmarks

Harry Potter fans now have a major reason to visit the outskirts of the city: the Warner Bros Studio Tour in Leavesden. Opened in 2012, this immersive experience lets fans step inside the sets, costumes, and props used in these captivating films.

In central London, those in tour guide jobs take visitors on Harry Potter walking tours to view real filming locations.

Street food, markets, and multicultural delights

Since 2000, London has evolved into one of the world’s greatest food cities. Borough Market, once a local wholesale spot, is now a buzzing gourmet destination.

Street food hubs such as Camden Market and Boxpark Shoreditch offer a taste of global cuisines. Fine dining has expanded, with London now boasting over 70 Michelin-starred and highly-in-demand restaurants.

London in 2025 is a city that fuses the historic and the futuristic, the classic and the bold. Whether it’s tracing the steps of royalty, marvelling at skyscrapers, diving into world-class art, or savouring multicultural street food – your post-2000 return will feel like a first-time adventure.

Be prepared to walk a lot (you’ll need comfy shoes), soak in centuries of stories, and relish a city that never quite stands still.

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