London

National Geographic picked in 2009

Country : England

Currency : Pound

Big Mac Index : 4.44

Travel Safety : Low Risk

London, the capital of England... It's London. Getting to there: London is one of the most connected cities in the world with five major airports and excellent rail and road connections. Heathrow Airport is the largest airport in London and it's located 14 miles west of central London. It's the busiest airport in Europe and serves over 80 million passengers each year. Gatwick Airport is another major airport located 30 miles south of central London. It serves over 46 million passengers each year and is the second-busiest airport in the city. Other airports in London include London City Airport, Luton Airport and Stansted Airport. Things to see and do: - Visit the British Museum: The British Museum is one of the world's greatest museums, and it's home to an extensive collection of art and artifacts from around the world. The museum is free to enter and you can spend hours exploring the galleries and exhibits. Don't miss the famous Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures, and the Egyptian mummies. - Explore the Tower of London: The Tower of London is a historic castle and fortress located on the north bank of the River Thames. It's home to the Crown Jewels, which include the famous Koh-i-Noor diamond, and it has a fascinating history that spans over 900 years. You can take a tour of the tower and learn about the stories of the prisoners, executions and royal ceremonies that took place there. - The London Eye: A giant Ferris wheel located on the south bank of the River Thames. It offers stunning views of the city and on a clear day, you can see up to 25 miles in all directions. The ride takes about 30 minutes and it's a great way to get a bird's eye view of London. - See a show in the West End: A famous theater district and it's home to some of the world's best shows and musicals. You can see everything from classic plays to modern productions, and there's something for all ages and tastes. Some of the most popular shows include The Lion King, Les Miserables and Hamilton. - Visit Buckingham Palace: The official residence of the British monarch, and it's located in the heart of London. You can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place daily during the summer months, and you can take a tour of the state rooms when the palace is open to the public. - Visit the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben: The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben are iconic symbols of London, and they're located on the north bank of the River Thames. You can take a tour of the Houses of Parliament and learn about the history of British politics, and you can also see Big Ben, which is the famous clock tower that chimes every hour. - Walk in Hyde Park: Hyde Park is one of London's largest parks, and it's a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. You can take a stroll around the Serpentine Lake, rent a boat, or have a picnic on the grass. The park is also home to the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain and the famous Speaker's Corner, where people can voice their opinions and engage in public debates. - Take a boat tour on the River Thames: A boat tour on the River Thames is a great way to see London from a different perspective. You can take a sightseeing tour, a dinner cruise, or a party boat, and see some of the city's famous landmarks from the water. When to visit: London is a year-round destination and there's always something going on, no matter what time of year you visit. Tips: - Buy an Oyster Card: An Oyster Card is a pre-paid card that you can use on public transport, including buses, trains, and the London Underground. It's cheaper than buying individual tickets and you can top up the card as you go. - Book tickets in advance: Many popular attractions in London, such as the Tower of London and the London Eye, offer timed entry tickets which means you can skip the lines and save time. It's a good idea to book these tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist season.

Photo - Unsplash: Benjamin Davies