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| Destination Info |
Vast, vibrant and truly multicultural, London is one of the world’s great cities. Located in the southeast of England on the River Thames, it is the capital of the United Kingdom (UK) and has been the heart of its political, cultural and business life for centuries.
Tourist Information: +44 8701 566 366, www.visitlondon.com
Currency: GBP
Time Zone: GMT |
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| How to get there |
Eurostar - Eurostar Travel Information There are frequent inter-capital Eurostar services from London Waterloo to Paris and Brussels daily. The Paris journey takes two hours 35 minutes. Brussels is two hours and 20 minutes away.
Train - London is the hub of the UK's rail network, with frequent services to all corners of the country from the city's centrally-located mainline railway stations.
Air:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is one of the world’s busiest and most sophisticated airports, handling more international passengers than any other. The airport is located 32 km (20 miles) to the west of Central London and there are excellent transport links.
The Heathrow Express is the fastest way to travel into Central London. The Piccadilly line connects Heathrow Airport to Central London and the rest of the Tube system. National Express runs frequent coach services between Heathrow's central bus station and Victoria Coach Station.
London Gatwick (LGW) is the second largest airport in the UK after Heathrow Airport. Gatwick is located 45km (28 miles) south of London.
The Gatwick Express is the fastest way into Central London.You can also get the Thameslink train to London Bridge, Blackfriars and King’s Cross stations. Southern Railway services operate between Gatwick and Victoria. National Express runs frequent services between Gatwick and Victoria Coach Station.
London Stansted Airport (STN) is London's third international gateway and one of the fastest growing airports in Europe. It is home to many of the UK's low-cost airlines, serving mostly European and Mediterranean destinations. The airport is located 64km (40 miles) to the north-east of London.
Stansted Express is the quickest way into Central London. National Express operates a 24 hours service to Victoria Coach Station. |
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| What to do & See |
London is home to countless historical and modern attractions, from the London Eye to the National Gallery and Tower of London. With free admission to many top attractions, there's no better place to soak up some culture. Take your pick from the most popular London attractions.
Tate Modern - The impressive Tate Modern is Britain's national museum of modern art. Housed in the former Bankside Power Station on the banks of the River Thames, the gallery displays major works by Matisse and Picasso as well as contemporary work, exhibitions and installations.
British Museum - The British Museum exhibits the works of man from prehistoric to modern times with collections drawn from all around the world. Famous objects include the Rosetta Stone, sculptures from the Parthenon and the Portland Vase.
National Gallery - The National Gallery houses one of the greatest collections of European painting in the world. With paintings ranging from 1250 to 1900, the collection includes work by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Turner, Cezanne and Van Gogh.
Natural History Museum - As well as the permanent dinosaur exhibition, the Natural History Museum boasts a collection of the biggest, tallest and rarest animals in the world. Don't miss the life-sized model of the Blue Whale, the 40 million year old spider, the earthquake simulator and an elephant bird egg.
The British Airways London Eye - The BA London Eye is a major feature of London's skyline. It is the world's highest observation wheel and offers passengers spectacular views of over 55 of London's most famous landmarks - all in just 30 minutes.
Science Museum - See, touch and experience the major scientific advances of the last 300 years at the largest museum of its kind in the world. The Science Museum has over 40 galleries and 2000 hands-on exhibits. Step into the future in the Wellcome Wing, visit the IMAX cinema and virtual reality simulator. |
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| Suggested places to see |
Food & Drink:
Afternoon Tea - Quintessentially English, afternoon tea is the perfect way to end a hard day's shopping. Relax and refresh yourself with tea, coffee, sandwiches, pastries and cakes, in elegant or cosy surroundings. Tea at Top Hotels Afternoon tea at one of London's top hotels is certainly a luxurious and extravagant affair. It is not just tea and cake, but a lavish setting with exquisite service and the finest china, often accompanied by live music. Traditional afternoon tea in a swanky hotel is a real delight, but booking is essential and smart dress codes apply.
World Cuisine in London London's diversity is reflected in the huge range of cuisine available in all parts of the city.
A Few Highlights:
Chinese - Cantonese dim sum is enjoying a massive surge in popularity. Fashionable restaurants such as Hakkasan and Yauatcha are great upmarket choices. There are endless good value options in Chinatown. Just drop into the restaurant that takes your fancy.
Indian - East London's Brick Lane or "Banglatown" is the place to go for reasonably priced Indian food. Try the Bengal Cuisine for classic dishes. Southall in West London is further afield, but it's the heart of London's Punjabi community. Award-winning Madhu's offers an excellent menu and service. More central, the Cinnamon Club is near the Houses of Parliament and serves impressive (and more expensive) cuisine in a historic building.
Japanese - There is plenty of choice if you're after Japanese. Restaurant chains Wagamama and Yo Sushi! give value for money in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Ubon in Canary Wharf is a luxury option, with a stylish menu and fantastic views of the Thames.
Vietnamese - Head to Hoxton and Shoreditch for authentic, cheap Vietnamese food. Viet Hoa is popular with the area's fashionable types. The Hanoi Café is a family-run restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere. |
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| Misc |
Nightlife:
London is world famous for its party vibe and non-stop nightlife. The capital is seething with after-hours drinking and dancing. From the pulsating dancefloors of major nightclubs to the chilled intimacy of smaller DJ bars, London has something to offer everyone.
Clubs - Dance till dawn in one of the capital's top night spots from the cavernous dancefloors to secret posing spots.
DJ Bars - The DJ bar is the evolution of the clubbing concept and the capital is full of stylish and sexy places to eat, drink and dance to top tunes
Pubs- London's pubs are world famous for their blend of traditional ales, fine food, cosy fires and friendly atmosphere. Aside from historic pubs, the capital is brimming with exciting places to eat, drink and listen to live music.
Top Clubs:
Fabric - Fabric is probably the best club in London if not the world, but make sure you like your nights hardcore! If it all gets a bit much, recline on the huge leather chill-out beds and meet some new pals!
Plan B - Plan B is a happening South London club that attracts a fantastic multicultural crowd. Top class hip hop nights and more, plus try your luck in the open mic and b-boy battles if you think you're urban enough.
Ministry of Sound - More than a mere club, the renowned Ministry of Sound label has venues worldwide. The original London Ministry continues to deliver some of the best nights out in town.
Herbal - This two-floored warehouse-style club is an intimate den that gets big name DJs from the hip hop, drum 'n' bass and house fields and further leftfield still.
Cargo - This cool venue housed under railway arches showcases an incredibly diverse range of music to a warm and friendly crowd. |
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| Other |
Getting Around London:
Docklands Light Railway - The innovative DLR serves parts of East and South East London.
Tube - London will be your Oyster thanks to London's famous Tube network.
Bus - Buses are a quick and convenient way to travel around.
London Taxi - Travel in one of London's famous black taxis or a licensed cab.
Local Trains - Overground rail services that serve London and the South East.
Tram - Frequent and accessible tram services in parts of South London.
Walking - Walking is a fun, free and green way to get around London
Cycling - Cycling is a fab way to travel around London and keep fit too
Riverboat - Thames riverboat services are great for visitors and commuters |
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