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…
Fera at Claridge’s
Restaurant Chef Simon Rogan’s upscale eatery at Claridge’s offers elaborate tasting menus in an art deco space.
Website: feraatclaridges.co.uk
New London Theatre
The New London Theatre is a West End theatre located on the corner of Drury Lane and Parker Street in Covent Garden, in the London Borough of Camden. The Winter Garden Theatre formerly occupied the site until 1965.
Capacity: 1,024
COYA Mayfair
Peruvian restaurant Upmarket venue with 3 open kitchens, serving Peruvian sharing plates, char-grill dishes and ceviche. 118 Piccadilly 020 7042 7118
Louis Vuitton
Leather goods store in London, England Luxury brand known for signature monogrammed handbags, luggage & more.
Halcyon Gallery
Contemporary art gallery in London features Shanghai exhibiting painting, sculpture, prints and multiples by internationally renowned artists.
Maddox Club
Nightclub Chic members’ nightclub with stylish minimalist interior, Italian restaurant and celebrity crowd. 3-5 Mill St
Website: www.maddoxclub.com
Hackney Empire
This hundred year old theatre has a strong presence on the London circuit and is Britain’s leading black theatre. It presents a diverse mixture of comedy, drama, dance and opera throughout the year.
The Natural History Museum
Life on Earth and the Earth itself are vividly explained here using hundreds of traditional and interactive exhibits.
Park Chinois
Live music venue Opulent, high-end Chinese restaurant, with elegant live music, an extravagant menu and posh decor. Address: 17 Berkeley St, Mayfair, London W1J 8EA Hours: Open today · 12–5pm, 6pm–2am Reservations: opentable.co.uk Phone: 020 3327 8888
The Comedy Store
Widely seen as the birth place of alternative comedy, the Comedy Store has catapulted many stand-ups onto TV. Improvisation on Wednesdays and Sundays. Thursday nights offer try-out spots for those brave enough to handle the hecklers while Friday and Saturday provide two shows at 8.00 pm and midnight.
Crystal Palace Football Club
Crystal Palace Football Club is a professional football club based in Selhurst, London, that plays in the Premier League, the top tier of English football.
Backyard Comedy Club
Established by comedian Lee Hurst, this club attracts a consistently strong line up.
Watford Football Club
Football club Watford Football Club is a professional football club based in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, that plays in the Premier League, the highest level in the English football league system.
Capacity: 21,577
Dolce & Gabbana
Boutique in London, England Retailer of designer apparel from the Italian fashion label. Some sell watches, jewellery & cosmetics.
Tape London
Nightclub Live music and DJ sets in a sophisticated setting with a full bar and trendy atmosphere. 17 Hanover Square
Website: http://tapelondon.com/