About London

The UK's capital is a vibrant, ever-changing city, with more than 2000 years of history and a population of 7.2 million. It is a major commercial centre and a highly multi-cultural city - 193 languages are spoken within its boundaries.

The River Thames links many of London's main landmarks, from the Victorian Tower Bridge and the distinctive dome of St Paul's Cathedral to the new cultural attractions of the South Bank. The river curve then takes you to Westminster and the Houses of Parliament. A few miles further west lies Hampton Court, Henry VIII's magnificent palace.

Dining out in one of the culinary capitals of the world is a pleasure - London's 7,000 restaurants serve the cuisines of more than 60 different countries. There is everything from Conran's elegant Sartoria and the lively Livebait, to historic pubs and medieval banquets!

The city is crammed with more than 300 museums and collections, including some of the greatest in the world. It is a city full of galleries that hold great paintings from the last five centuries - and the wackiest of modern art. It is a city full of treasures from the greatest civilisations of the world - and tiny homely details of life in times past.

What's more, many of London's greatest collections are free. Most are open daily and a number have one late night opening per week. Some of the newest and most popular museums include the Tate Gallery of Modern Art, containing the works of some of the greatest 20th century artists. The British Museum is one of the greatest museums in the world, with a magnificent collection including the Elgin Marbles and Egyptian mummies

London is also home to many cultural centres. The South Bank looks spectacular at night, and includes the Hayward Gallery, the brilliant Festival Hall, the National Theatre and the National Film Theatre. The Barbican is the home of the Royal Shakespeare Company, the London Symphony Orchestra and the London Classical Orchestra. The restored Globe Theatre is a faithful reproduction of the original which featured Shakespeare's plays and was closed by Puritans in 1642. The Institute for Contemporary Art is a great place to relax, hang out and see some cutting-edge film, dance, photography, theatre and art.

The recently re-opened Royal London Opera House, in the heart of Covent Garden regularly has performances from the Royal Ballet and the Royal Orchestra.

Traditional London

Alongside cutting edge fashion and art and the hippest restaurants and coolest markets, London still retains its traditions and pageantry.

The Royal Palaces provide a glimpse of the life of the monarchy and their ancestors over centuries. On any day of the week you can see a changing of the guard ceremony, or maybe you'll be in London for one of the capital's great ceremonial occasions such as Trooping the Colour.

Have a pint in a traditional London pub, eat out in one of the restaurants that offer traditional fare, take afternoon tea or buy marmalade, shortbread or tea to take home. Even kit yourself out with the best in traditional British tailoring.

Further information can be obtained from the London Tourist Office.