London is the political, economic and cultural capital of England and the United Kingdom. With its population of more than 8.5 million people, its 600 square miles in area and many London attractions, this magnificent city is one of the largest in Europe. It is the home of more than 270 different nationalities speaking more than 250 languages.
Landmarks
The city is a very popular destination among tourists for its most instantly recognizable landmarks. Buckingham Palace is said to be the “crowning glory” of London’s travel attractions. It is the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II and is only open for public tours in the summer. Nearby is the Palace of Westminster, or also known as the Houses of Parliament – the place where the House of Lords and House of Commons conduct their sittings and where laws are debated and passed.
As a part of the Palace we have Big Ben – the name used to describe the famous clock tower but which officially refers to the huge Great Bell located at the top of it. If you wish to enjoy a breathtaking view over the city, go to The London Eye – the world’s highest observation wheel that can carry 800 passengers at a time on a thirty-minute ride. We should also mention Tower Bridge – the only Thames bridge that can be raised and among the most recognizable in the world.
- Big Ben
- Hyde Park
- London Eye
- Tower of London
- Tower Bridge
- Westminster Abbey
- St Paul’s Cathedral
- Buckingham Palace
- British Museum
- National Gallery
Shopping
People from all over the globe visit London to take advantage of the huge array of shops. One could spend a whole day in Harrods and Selfridges or go to Oxford Street, Carnaby Street or Regent Street to find the best shopping offer. The many markets of London are also very impressive. For example, people who enjoy antiques should definitely visit the Portobello Road Market and those who prefer trying delicious ready-made food or buy unusual clothes should visit the Broadway Market.
Art and Science
Not only is London one of the best cities in the world for shopping, but it is a great place to “soak up some culture”. It is worth mentioning that many of the city’s best and most visited museums and galleries are free. Here we have the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the National Portrait Gallery and the famous Tate Modern.
The most popular of all of London’s museums is the British Museum. It is dedicated to human history, art, and culture. Its permanent collection, numbering some 8 million works, is among the largest and most comprehensive in existence and originates from all continents, illustrating and documenting the story of human culture from its beginnings to the present.
Fun
When it comes to having a drink or something to eat, London provides plenty of opportunities. Make sure to check out some of areas east of the city for bars like Shoreditch and Hoxton. You may enjoy going to Big Chill Bar, Jam and Kick, Bluu and many others. Also, you will never be short of places to sit and enjoy a meal as there are more than 6,000 restaurants in the city.
There are options both for the wealthier – London boasts 65 Michelin-starred restaurants such as Gordon Ramsay’s, Hibiscus and The Ledbury – and for the more modest of travelers, for example the Bombay café Dishoom and the bargain sourdough pizza place Franco Manca. If you are looking for something a bit more quirky, you may enjoy the Beach Blanket Babylon. There dining is like stepping between a Georgian English manor house and a French chateau, or the Circus restaurant, where dinner is interrupted by various surprise cabaret and circus acts who parade around on the tables.