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…
Roka Mayfair
Japanese Premium Japanese charcoal-grilled dining in a setting of concrete, wood and stainless steel.
Website: rokarestaurant.com
COYA Mayfair
Peruvian restaurant Upmarket venue with 3 open kitchens, serving Peruvian sharing plates, char-grill dishes and ceviche. 118 Piccadilly 020 7042 7118
Backyard Comedy Club
Established by comedian Lee Hurst, this club attracts a consistently strong line up.
Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill offers spectacular views of the city skyline from its 66 meter (216 foot) summit.
Regent’s Park
Home to London Zoo and an open-air theatre, Regent’s Park is surrounded by John Nash’s classical terraces.
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.
Tower of London
One of London’s most amazing buildings and site of some of the most gruesome events in the Nation’s History.
John Lewis
Famous for being “never knowingly undersold” this reliable institution can’t be beaten for basics from buttons in their haberdashery department to well-made clothes, furniture and household goods. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly too.
Cirque le Soir
Nightclub Plush, circus-themed nightclub with DJs, burlesque snake charmers, fire eaters and indoor funfair.
Website: http://www.cirquelesoir.com/
The O2 Greenwich Peninsula
The O2, Greenwich peninsula, South-East London is a state-of-the-art arena. It also includes a bowling alley, clubs, cinema, exhibition spaces, bars.
DSTRKT London
Chic, low-lit restaurant & lounge for eclectic small plates & glamorous late-night partying.
9 Rupert St
Queen’s Theatre
Theatre in London, England The Queen’s Theatre is a West End theatre located in Shaftesbury Avenue on the corner of Wardour Street in the City of Westminster, London. It opened on 8 October 1907 as a twin to the neighbouring Hicks Theatre which had opened ten months earlier.
Capacity: 1,074
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
Annabel’s
Nightclub Elegant private club with starlit dance floor for the famous, the dressed-up and the well-heeled. 44 Berkeley Square Great cocktails · Groups · Wine Opens at 20:00
Website: http://annabels.co.uk/
Brixton Academy
A refurbished Victorian hall, the Brixton Academy can hold 4,000. Hosts mainly mid-league bands.
The Comedy Cafe
Long-established club on the edge of the City, often with impressive lineups and free admission for the new-acts slot on Wednesday nights.