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…
Apollo Victoria Theatre
Theatre in London, England The Apollo Victoria Theatre is a West End theatre on Wilton Road in the Westminster district of London, across from London Victoria Station. The Apollo Victoria Theatre opened on 15th October 1930.
Capacity: 2,304
Oxford Street
Shopping in Oxford Street Oxford Street is one of Europe’s much-loved High Street, featuring over 300 retailers from well-known retailers…
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
Halcyon Gallery
Contemporary art gallery in London features Shanghai exhibiting painting, sculpture, prints and multiples by internationally renowned artists.
Novikov Restaurant & Bar
Russian restaurateur’s ornate, 3-floor, see-and-be-seen Asian and Italian combination, with bar.
National Gallery/National Portrait Gallery
Located next door to each other, at the top of Trafalgar Square, these comprehensive galleries make up the core of Britain’s art collection.
British Museum
Britain’s largest and oldest museum, it is the most visited tourist attraction in London, with over 6 million annual visitors. The British Museum owns a vast collection of drawings and prints, a small sample of which is always on show in Room 90; it also stages one-off exhibitions – sometimes with free entry.
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.
MNKY HSE
Latin American Restaurant Contemporary Latin American fine dining served in a lively setting with DJs & live music. 10 Dover St 020 3870 4880
Website: http://mnky-hse.com
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.
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
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