London
London is the capital and the largest city in the country. Due to this fact the city is not only often considered to be the capital of European commerce, but also of nightlife, tourist attractions, and accommodations. In fact, due to its sheer size the massive city that is also a cultural hotspot, and has a population of about eight million people without including the suburbs.
There are 32 different boroughs in London making it a city that will take more than one holiday in order to fully explore. With this in mind there are several districts that are known best for their tourist opportunities. One of these is the West End, which is the theatre district of London as well as a bustling area for shopping, dining, and restaurants.
For those who are looking for the vibrant nightlife of London, Soho and Mayfair are the top districts, with Mayfair boasting the most high end shops, and holding the title as the most elegant area of all of London.
Those who want to experience the artsy side of London will want to travel to the South Bank which lies on the River Thames, and is home to many artistic shops, museums, and art galleries.
London’s history traces as far back as the Bronze Age and has continued to rise in prominence throughout the millennia and has taken on the status of a global power. It’s most important contribution is usually recognized in its cultural significance in bringing theatre into the mainstream as far back as the Rose Theatre and Shakespeare.
The massive city is also recognized for its massive collection of galleries and museums with more to offer tourists than any other city in the world. Two of the most visited museums in the city are the British Museum and the Museum of London where admission is free, and well worth a meander around.
Although there is a long standing stigma that London is a rainy city, on average the climate is dry and mild. During the summer the warmest temperatures can reach up to 23C, while in the winter it will drop down to 8C, making the summer months a more desirable time to visit the city.
Despite the fact that citizens complain about the public transportation system in London, it is actually one of the largest systems in the world, making it the best way to get around during a visit, especially if you do not enjoy driving on busy streets. Parking in London can also be an issue, making public transportation a much simpler choice.
The Tube (underground system) is the best way to get around almost anywhere in London. There are 11 colour coded lines that serve the entire city and make it easy to cross the city in little time. During the peak travel times in the morning and evening it can get crowded however so be prepared to wait or crush into a train.
