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London is the capital city of England and the United Kingdom. Today one of the world‘s most important business and financial city centres, and its influence in politics, culture, education, entertainment, media, fashion, sport and the arts all contribute to its status as one of the key global cities.

London is the most populous city in the European Union with a population of 7.5 million and its population is very cosmopolitan, drawing from a wide range of peoples, cultures and religions, speaking over 300 different languages.

London is an international transport hub, with five international airports and a large port. It serves as the largest aviation hub in the world, and its main airport, Heathrow, carries more international passengers than any other airport in the world. London is a major tourist destination, with iconic landmarks including the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye amongst its many attractions, along with famous institutions such as the British Museum and the National Gallery.

London‘s largest industry remains finance, and its financial exports make it a large contributor to the UK‘s balance of payments. Over 300,000 people are employed in financial services in London. London has over 480 overseas banks, more than any other city in the world. The City is home to banks, brokers, insurers and legal and accounting firms. Multimillion pound bonuses are commonplace and serve further to drive up Londons housing values. A second, smaller financial district is developing at Canary Wharf to the east of the City which includes the global headquarters of HSBC, Reuters, Barclays and many of the largest law firms in the world.

More than half of the UK‘s top 100 listed companies (the FTSE 100) and over 100 of Europe‘s 500 largest companies are head-quartered in central London. Over 70% of the FTSE 100 are located within London‘s metropolitan area, and 75% of Fortune 500 companies have offices in London.

Along with professional services, media companies are concentrated in London (see Media in London) and the media distribution industry is London‘s second most competitive sector. The BBC is a key employer, while other broadcasters also have headquarters around the city. Soho is the centre of London‘s post - production industry.

London is a popular destination for tourists, attracting 27 million overnight-stay visitors every year, second only to Paris.

GO THERE FOR

The Architecture and Design – London has plenty to offer when it comes to architecture and design, both new and old. Simply taking a walk along the Thames will give you an evolving spectacle. Look out for the ultra-modern Design Museum, the Tate Modern, the Millennium Bridge, the London Eye, Battersea Power Station, Tower Bridge or the Gherkin.

The History – London dates back to Roman times, which means there is plenty of history to pack into a lifetime, let alone a single visit. The obvious draw is the British Museum, which is justly famous for its regularly changing and highly subscribed exhibitions, but the Tower of London and the Imperial War Museum are favourites with tourists and locals alike.

The Food – There are any number of overpriced, unpleasant establishments, as there are in any city, but the best places rank with anywhere in the world. Restaurants like The Wolseley, The Ivy and Gordon Ramsay’s empire stand out, but these are just a few among many glittering highlights, which range in price from modest to astronomical.

The Theatre – In recent years, London’s West End has overtaken Broadway to be regarded as the best theatre district in the world, with a serious influx of great new musicals and plays, as well as appearances by A-list stars, including Madonna, Christian Slater, David Tennant, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kenneth Branagh and Kevin Spacey. London’s incredible theatres are an eclectic blend of old performance houses steeped in theatrical history, like the Theatre Royal, Haymarket, and the newer, more dynamic producing spaces, like the intimate Donmar Warehouse. The National Theatre is also a good bet, with its near-constant stream of premieres by the world’s most acclaimed English language playwrights. With its beautiful marquees and glowing lights, the West End is a heady mix of new and old – the premier place to see world-class theatre.

The Markets – London has a multitude of excellent markets that date back hundreds of years. Whatever you’re looking for, be sure not to miss Borough Market for organic food, Spitalfields for fashion and Portobello Road for antiques.


DON'T MISS

High Tea – From crumpets and a cup of Earl Grey to a four-course meal, high tea can mean a great many things to different people, but there’s nothing like sampling afternoon tea in one of London’s grand old hotels.

The Changing of the Guard – This colourful and long-standing tradition, which takes place outside Buckingham Palace most mornings, is a great celebration of British pageantry.

Regent Street – Avoid Oxford Street and head to the more upmarket Regent Street instead, which is stuffed with legendary and iconic shops, from Hamley’s to Armani. It may be packed with milling crowds all year round, but it’s well worth a visit. The shopping here is unparalleled. Don’t miss Selfridges and be sure to pop into Liberty’s.

Hyde Park – Hyde Park is one of the largest green spaces in London, not to mention, one of the liveliest. The Park has a large lake across its centre, as well as excellent stables for horse riding and a terrific art gallery. It’s worth passing through Speaker’s Corner on a Sunday, just to see what it’s like.

The South Bank – Spanning an impressive stretch along the River Thames, the South Bank is an absolute must. Home to the BFI Southbank, the Royal National Theatre, the Royal Festival Hall, the Tate Modern, and the Globe Theatre, this riverside walk is a vibrant hub of cultural activity. Come here in the daytime to catch some street theatre, peruse the second-hand book market and amble in the sunshine. In the evening, take in the breathtaking city views and stop by one of the great restaurants for a romantic meal.


BASICS

Country Code: +44
City Code: 020
Emergency Services: 999 for police, fire or ambulance
Directory Enquiries: 118 118
Electricity: 240 V/50Hz; three-head flat pin.
Language: English
Currency: British pound sterling (GPB)
Exchange Rate: GBP 1 = USD 1.57, 1 USD = .64 GBP. 1 GBP = 1.2 EUR, 1 EUR = .83 GBP
Time: GMT (UTC), Last Sunday March – Last Sunday October BST (UTC +1)

London Heathrow Airport
General Enquiries: +44 (0)844 335 1801
www.heathrowairport.com

Gatwick Airport
General Enquiries: +44 (0)844 335 1802
www.gatwickairport.com

London Stansted Airport
General Enquiries: +44 (0)844 335 1803.
www.stanstedairport.com


GETTING AROUND

From The Airport...
Heathrow Airport:
The Heathrow Express only takes 15 minutes to get into Paddington Station and costs GBP 32 (round-trip). Taking a licensed black cab from the airport can cost GBP 55, depending on the traffic. Heathrow is also on the Piccadilly Line of the London Underground.

Gatwick Airport:
The Gatwick Express takes 30 minutes to get into Victoria Station and costs GBP 28.80 (round-trip). A licensed black cab can cost GBP 100, depending on traffic.

Stansted Airport:
The Stansted Express takes 45 minutes to get into Liverpool Street Station and costs GBP 26.80 (round-trip).

Around Town…
If you’re travelling within Zone 1 only, buses, cabs and walking are the best way to explore the city above ground. However, the Underground – known locally as the Tube – makes for easy, efficient transportation. The cheapest way to travel on public transport is with an Oyster card. These can be bought at any station and most newsagents. Public transport: London Travel Info - 020 7222 1234


WHEN TO GO

Most tourists come between mid-April and mid-October, with another peak at Christmas. The weather is mild most of the year, wetter in late autumn and winter (average precipitation of 55mm/2.2inches per month), and sometimes cold at the beginning of the year. It can get sweltering in the summer (average high low 20s?C/low 70s?F but can reach upper 20s?C/low 80s?F) and air-conditioning is rarely found in places other than department stores, hotels and cinemas. Winter temperatures don’t often drop below zero, but the days are short and frequently rainy.

Public Holidays:

1st January - New Year's Day
Variable - Good Friday
Variable - Easter Monday
1st Monday in May – Early May Bank Holiday
Last Monday in May – Spring Bank Holiday
Last Monday in August – Late Summer Bank Holidays
25th December - Christmas Day
26th December - Boxing Day