London has been a major settlement for 2,000 years going back to the Romans. The heart, the City of London, still retains many of its mediaeval boundaries.
London is a leading global city where arts, commerce, education, entertainment, fashion, tourism, finance and the media all contribute to its prominence. In 2012 it will become the first city to host the Summer Olympics three times.
London contains four World Heritage Sites: the Tower of London; Kew Gardens; the Palace of Westminster and the historic settlement of Greenwich. Other famous landmarks include Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, the Gherkin, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and Trafalgar Square. Home to numerous museums, galleries, libraries and theatres there will never be a shortage of things to see and do.
Its extensive underground network, the oldest underground railway network in the world and the most extensive after the Shanghai Metro, will ensure that these places are easy to get to and if you don’t fancy the tube you can go by bus, taxi or, if you’re feeling energetic why not go by Boris Bike? Launched in July 2010, Boris bikes are London’s cycle hire scheme.
The West End is London’s main entertainment and shopping district, attracting millions of tourists every year. the East end is the area closest to the original Port of London, known for its high immigrant population as well as for being one of the poorest areas in London. Parts of it are presently being redeveloped for the 2012 Olympics.
London has over 3,000 green spaces and parks making it one of the greenest cities in the world: Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Regent’s Park, Green Park and St. James’s Park are all a short walk from the West End while the more expansive parklands of Hampstead Heath and Richmond Park are easy to get to by tube or bus.
With a population of nearly 8 million and covering an area of more than 620 square miles, London dominates the national horizon despite Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish devolution: this is where the country’s news and money are made and why the capital has a unique aura of excitement and success.
Check out some of the things you can do in London below…
Borderline
Small basement gig with a diverse musical policy. Catch new bands and occasionally big names.
Camden Market
Started as a tiny crafts market, it has expanded greatly attracting more than 100,000 shoppers each weekend – cheap leather goods, furniture, street fashion and jewellery. To avoid the crowds arrive by 10.00 am.
COYA Mayfair
Peruvian restaurant Upmarket venue with 3 open kitchens, serving Peruvian sharing plates, char-grill dishes and ceviche. 118 Piccadilly 020 7042 7118
Royal Opera House
Opera house in London, England The Royal Opera House is an opera house and major performing arts venue in Covent Garden, central London.
Capacity: 2,256
London Eye
Step on the London Eye today and experience London from above whilst some of the most famous landmarks unfold beneath you!
But what makes the London Eye so special?
Fortnum & Mason
Established in 1710 by William Fortnum, a footman to Queen Anne, today they have the reputation for selling the finest luxury goods and sparing no expense to provide quality items to those who can afford it.
Sexy Fish
Fish and Seafood Restaurant Swanky, art-filled setting for robata-grilled fish, raw-bar items & more, plus a variety of drinks. Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Square 020 3764 2000 Reservations required.
Website: sexyfish.com
The Cuckoo Club
Nightclub Stylish split-level, members-only nightspot with rock-chic aesthetic and LED ceiling on dance floor. Swallow St Great cocktails · Groups · Beer Opens at 22:00
Website: http://www.thecuckooclub.com/
Hayward Gallery
The Hayward Gallery was opened by the Queen in 1968 and is an outstanding example of sixties brutalist architecture and…
Prince Edward Theatre
The Prince Edward Theatre is a West End theatre situated on Old Compton Street, just north of Leicester Square, in the City of Westminster, London.
Capacity: 1,716
Drama
Nightclub Exclusive members’-only dance club and cocktail bar popular with celebrities. London Hilton on Park Lane, 35 Hertford St Great cocktails · Groups · Wine Closed today.
Website: http://dramaparklane.com/
Scott’s Seafood
Huge selection of market-fresh fish, seafood and caviar plus an elegant oyster and champagne bar.
Website: scotts-restaurant.com
Royal National Theatre
The National Theatre in London is one of the United Kingdom’s three most prominent publicly funded performing arts venues, alongside the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal Opera House.
Arsenal Football Club
Arsenal Football Club is a professional football club based in Highbury, London, England, that plays in the Premier League, the top flight of English football.
Capacity: 60,432