The Rolling Stones, London

National GeographicSep 14

The Time Traveler's Guide to London

The River Thames is the soul of England’s capital. Along its hallowed banks, it’s possible to glimpse the past lives and possible futures of one of the world’s most storied cities.

23 things in this story

The National GalleryCaféSite once prowled by cave lions.
LongplayerPublic artwork1,000-year musical composition started in 1999.
British MuseumMuseumHolds bronze head of Roman emperor Hadrian.
Natural History MuseumMuseumVisitors flow into entrance hall under whale skeleton.
Shakespeare’s GlobeTheatreThatched roof stares down on foreshore exploration.
TrafalgarSightCabinet holds canine tooth of hippopotamus from 125,000 years ago.
The StrandNeighborhoodOnce roamed by straight-tusked elephants.
St Paul'sPlace of worshipSun tints clouds pink above it.
Millennium BridgeSightForeshore exploration tour runs between here and Queenhithe.
QueenhitheSightAncient dock where Saxon coins were found.
London BridgeSightSite near where Roman emperor Hadrian's head was found.
Eel Pie IslandNeighborhoodNine-acre island with artists and creatives.
Pink FloydPlaceDavid Gilmour joined in 1967.
TheatreshipTheatrePerforming arts venue in Canary Wharf.
Canary WharfSuburbMain financial district, home to Theatreship.
Five GuysFast foodT-shirt worn by singer.
Prospect of WhitbyPubPub built in 16th century, nicknamed Devil's Tavern.
Executioner's DockSightPatch of water where pirates met their end.
Trinity Buoy WharfSightArts and culture hub with a lighthouse.
O2 ArenaSightThe O2 in London.
Chelsea EmbankmentSight
The Rolling StonesPlace
David BowiePlace

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The Rolling Stones

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The Time Traveler's Guide to London