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Diverse and exhilerating...
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 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,
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 Egyptian 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 is a mecca for shoppers! Check out
the world famous Harrods and hunt for bargains in one of the many markets.
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