One of the great things about being a Londoner is that you’re always learning new and interesting facts about London, from stories about the Tower of London to our black cab drivers’ encyclopedic knowledge of the city streets. Alarmingly, many of these facts fly in the face of everything you thought you knew about the city.

Let's explore some strange, outrageous, and hilarious facts about London that are, nonetheless, absolutely true. Dive into the strange world that Londoners inhabit every day.

At a glance:

• The smallest city in England
• A forest
• Over half of the London Underground runs above ground
• 'Big Ben' isn't actually called Big Ben
• Not that rainy
• Most Londoners don't live in London
• It has more Indian restaurants than Mumbai
• The world's slowest city
• There's only one street where you can drive on the right-hand side of the road
• Other cities in the world are called London

1) London is the smallest city in England

That’s right. The megacity that most of us know as London is actually called ‘Greater London’, whilst the City of London itself is a small portion of this sprawling metropolis. Its population is only 9,123 people, making it the smallest in England.

2) …and it’s technically a forest

The amount of greenery and green space you can enjoy in London is enormous. London is considered an urban forest under the United Nations' definition, with over 8 million trees spread across parks, streets, riversides, railways, gardens, and ancient woodlands, contributing significantly to urban biodiversity and residents' wellbeing.

3) Over half of the London Underground runs above ground

So, really, it should be called the Overground. Except we already have an Overground. Contrary to its name, over half of the London Underground operates above ground. This extensive network, known as "the Tube," combines subterranean and surface-level tracks to serve the city's diverse transportation needs.

4) ‘Big Ben’ isn’t actually called Big Ben

Visitors worldwide come to stand on Westminster Bridge and take a selfie next to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Unfortunately, not one of them ever leaves with a picture of it. This world-famous landmark is actually named the Elizabeth Tower – Big Ben is the name of the bell that lives inside. So you won’t snap a photo of Big Ben, but if you’re lucky, you might get to hear it.

5) Rainy London isn’t very rainy

Despite its reputation for rainy weather, London receives less annual rainfall than cities like Rome and Sydney. The city's average precipitation is approximately 23 inches (585 mm) per year, dispelling myths about its supposed constant rain.

6) Most Londoners don’t live in London

Walk the streets of London, and most people around you probably won’t be ‘true’ Londoners. The resident population of the city of Greater London is just over 8.8 million people (ONS population in 2022). However, the city can get over 20 million visitors a year (20.3 million visitors in 2023, according to Visit Britain) – a staggering number! London's population is incredibly diverse because of its neighbourhoods, cuisine, festivals, and daily routine. Over 300 languages are spoken, and a rich tapestry of cultures is represented. 

7) It has more Indian restaurants than Mumbai

The UK has more than 8,000 Indian restaurants and eateries than Delhi or Mumbai, with 3,600 in London alone! London boasts a remarkable number of Indian restaurants, surpassing even Mumbai in this regard. From Michelin-starred establishments to beloved local curry houses, London's Indian culinary scene is vast!

8) The world's slowest city

The average traffic speed in London varies by area, with Central London ranging from 7.1 to 10.3 mph, Inner London from 11.6 to 20 mph, and Outer London from 19.3 to 30-35 mph. Recent data suggests a decline in central London speeds, with some reports indicating averages as low as 7.8 mph – about the same speed as a horse and cab. Next time you head out on a trip to the London Eye, we suggest you walk it!

9) A unique traffic rule at Savoy Court

Everybody knows that English people drive on the left-hand side of the road. However, there is one street in the UK where most visitors can return to their roots. Savoy Court is a road just off the Strand on which drivers are required by law to drive on the right-hand side of the road - an unusual arrangement established in an Act of Parliament in 1902, making Savoy Court the only place in Britain where right-hand drive is permitted only to facilitate easier access for hotel guests, mostly American.

10) Wait, which city are we talking about?

The name "London" isn't exclusive to the UK capital. There are numerous towns and cities named London across the globe, including in the United States, Canada, and even an asteroid named 8837 London, reflecting the city's global influence. Make sure you know where you’re going next time you book tickets!

For different ways to explore this remarkable city, look at our London Tours page. No matter what you love to do, there’s a little something there for everyone.