London: Itineraries & tips

South England

Londons location

London at a glance

Around London

About London

The capital of England, London is vibrant, cosmopolitan, chaotic, diverse and exhilarating. By far the largest city in Europe, it is a heady mix of wealth and poverty, of glitz and grime, of imposing buildings and elegant shops, of world-class theatre and incredible nightclubs. The sights and attractions of London (plan London itineraries) are far too numerous to mention. Take your time to explore all that this thrilling city has to offer.

Unmissable sights include the National Gallery, the Tate Gallery, the British Museum, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London (London itineraries), and Covent Garden. The National Gallery is one of the world’s foremost art galleries. With more than 2000 paintings on show and no entrance fee, it is certainly well worth a visit. The Tate Gallery in SW1 houses Britain’s international modern art collection and its archive of British art. The British museum, one of the oldest museums in the world, houses a massive, diverse and fascinating collection of arts and antiquities. Highlights include the Elgin marbles, the Egypt (Egypt itineraries)ian mummies and the Magna Carta. Buckingham Palace is the residence of the Queen of England. Certain parts of the palace are open to the public. Check out the paintings in the Long Gallery and the State Dining Room in particular.

Westminster Abbey is one of the most famous churches in the world. It houses the tombs of such dignitaries as Mary Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I and nearly every English monarch since 1066 has been crowned here. Recently, the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, took place here. The Tower of London was used as a fortress, a palace and as a prison. Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s second wife was among the many people beheaded here. Check out the beefeater guards and lay your head on the block where so many other people lost theirs! Covent Garden was once the Victorian fruit and vegetable market made famous in the film My Fair Lady. Today it is home to lively bars and restaurants, quirky shops and talented street entertainers. Take a breather in one of the many parks for which the city is famous – Hyde Park, Green Park and St James’s Park. Go to see the elegant Houses of Parliament. Take a peek down Downing Street – the British Prime Minister lives at No 10. Wander around Trafalgar Square and make sure not to miss Piccadilly Circus at night when the famous neon signs are ablaze. For a mind-boggling array of restaurants, head for the West End and Soho. Treat yourself to afternoon tea - that great British institution – at Fortnum & Mason. For lively pubs, bars and clubs head for Covent Garden, the West End and Soho. If you’ve still got energy left, remember that London (plan London itineraries) is a mecca for shoppers! Check out the world famous Harrods and hunt for bargains in one of the many markets.