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…
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/
Lords Cricket Ground
Lord’s, also known as Lord’s Cricket Ground, is a cricket venue in St John’s Wood, London. Named after its founder, Thomas Lord, it is owned by Marylebone Cricket Club and is the home of Middlesex County.
Capacity: 30,000
Big Ben
Of all the attractions in London, Big Ben epitomizes the culture of the capital.
You’ll find Big Ben in Westminster, right in the heart London. The attraction is amongst countless other sightseeing attractions, including Buckingham Palace, 10 Downing Street, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye, all located within walking distance of one another.
Halcyon Gallery
Contemporary art gallery in London features Shanghai exhibiting painting, sculpture, prints and multiples by internationally renowned artists.
London Palladium
The London Palladium is an iconic theatre and is known around the world. It has hosted performances stars all over the globe, includeing musicals and pantomimes, it is also host to Royal Variety performances.
Maddox Club
Nightclub Chic members’ nightclub with stylish minimalist interior, Italian restaurant and celebrity crowd. 3-5 Mill St
Website: www.maddoxclub.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
Regent’s Park
Home to London Zoo and an open-air theatre, Regent’s Park is surrounded by John Nash’s classical terraces.
Corrigan’s Mayfair
Irish Modern British gourmet cuisine in a timeless gentleman’s-club setting with leather seats.
Website: corrigansmayfair.co.uk
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 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.
Whitechapel Gallery
An excellent champion of contemporary art, holding major shows by living (or not long dead) artists.
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.
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club
White Hart Lane is the home of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club from 1899 to 2017. Its capacity varied over the years; when changed to all-seater it had a capacity of 36,284 before demolition. They currently play at Wembley Stadium for the 2017/18 season.
