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
Theatre Royal, Drury Lane
Theatre in London, England The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, commonly known as Drury Lane is a West End theatre and Grade I listed building in Covent Garden, London, England. The building faces Catherine Street and backs onto Drury Lane.
Roka Mayfair
Japanese Premium Japanese charcoal-grilled dining in a setting of concrete, wood and stainless steel.
Website: rokarestaurant.com
Corrigan’s Mayfair
Irish Modern British gourmet cuisine in a timeless gentleman’s-club setting with leather seats.
Website: corrigansmayfair.co.uk
Scott’s Seafood
Huge selection of market-fresh fish, seafood and caviar plus an elegant oyster and champagne bar.
Website: scotts-restaurant.com
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/
Hakkasan Mayfair
Restaurant Dim sum, Modern Cantonese delicacies and signature cocktails on 2 floors with designer decoration.
Website: hakkasan.com
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
Cirque le Soir
Nightclub Plush, circus-themed nightclub with DJs, burlesque snake charmers, fire eaters and indoor funfair.
Website: http://www.cirquelesoir.com/
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
Maddox Club
Nightclub Chic members’ nightclub with stylish minimalist interior, Italian restaurant and celebrity crowd. 3-5 Mill St
Website: www.maddoxclub.com
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
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.
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.
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/
