Regent's Park & Primrose Hill

Regent's Park

Regent's Park is London's most elegant park — designed by John Nash in the early 19th century, surrounded by white stucco houses (Nash Terraces) and home to the London Zoo (the oldest scientific zoo in the world, 1828, entry: £27). In summer: the Open Air Theatre (Shakespeare outdoors, from £25), the Queen Mary's Rose Garden (12,000 roses in over 400 varieties, free), and boating on the lake.

Primrose Hill

The best viewpoint in London (without paying entry): the hill at the northern edge of Regent's Park offers a panoramic view over the entire skyline — Big Ben, The Shard, London Eye, BT Tower, all at a glance. At sunset, Londoners gather here with picnic blankets and wine. The surrounding village of Primrose Hill is a celebrity district with charming pubs and boutiques.