London

London, UK

London has been influencing the world since it was founded by the Romans over 2000 years ago. It has an ancient core called the City of London, which still retains its medieval boundaries. Today, the core and the newly developed satellite towns and communities around it make up what is known as Greater London.

This culturally diverse metropolis is a melting pot of different ethnic groups, religions and cultures from all over the world. Over 300 languages have been spoken here. Steeped in history, London boasts myriad easily recognizable and also some of the world’s most photographed icons. But history will not take the shine off London’s penchant for innovation. In 2011, London beat Paris and New York to get elected the “World’s Capital of Fashion”.

See and Do

• Buckingham Palace

  It’s the London residence of Her Majesty The Queen and one of the few working royal palaces left in the world. It was constructed in 1703 and finally became the official residence of the British monarchs after 1863. Located in the heart of London and surrounded by 2 royal parks, a trip to the regal palace is a must for any visitor to London.

• Court of St. James’s

  The palace was built in 1532 and became the official residence of the British royal family in 1678. It was here that the British monarch had been living before moving to the Buckingham Palace in 1837.

• Big Ben

  It’s the nickname for the Great Bell at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. It weighs 21 tons and has a dial diameter of 7 meters. It’s a symbol of London’s classic culture, iconic landmark and pride.

• The British Museum

  The museum located in the Bloomsbury area of London dates back to 1753. It houses an impressive permanent collection of some 8 million exhibits from all continents, illustrating and documenting the story of human culture from its beginnings to the present.

• Madame Tussauds

  Millions and millions of visitors have walked through this wax museum founded by a wax sculptor Marie Tussaud and have been enthralled by its oh-so-real wax sculptures depicting celebrities from around the world. After a visit, you will wax eloquent about what you’ve seen.

  
  
  
• Westminster Abbey

  It’s the place of coronation and other important ceremonies of the British royal family and the permanent resting place of British monarchs of different historical periods.