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london: general info
· city links
· history
· nightlife
· trivia
· things to do
hostels
· tours
· tales
· photos
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LONDON
Calling Code: +44
Vast, vibrant and truly multicultural, London is one of the worlds great cities. Located in the southeast of
England, on the River Thames, it is the capital of the United Kingdom and has been the heart of its political, cultural and
business life for centuries.
The sheer scale of Greater London can be daunting at first, as it sprawls 1500sq kilometres (580sq miles) across
a voluminous plain. However, it is a city that is surprisingly easy to get around, with the comprehensive and easily
navigated London Underground or Tube. The twin axis on which London rests is the Houses of Parliament to the west and the
City of London to the east. The seat of government (not far from the home of the royal family) is connected to the City
(the financial engine room of London and the whole of the UK) by the River Thames. In between lie most of the tourist
attractions and the busiest, liveliest different entertainment areas, such as Knightsbridge and
SOHO. But Londons
vivacity and charm stretches far beyond the Circle Line the Underground route that rings the inner city. Residential
areas outside the city centre each have their own beating heart, such as leafy Richmond (southwest) or Hampstead
(north), trendy Hoxton (east) or Notting Hill (west).
And as the population of London pushes inexorably towards the ten million mark, the city continues to grow and thrive.
Home to 37 distinct immigrant groups, each consisting of more than 10,000 people, this is a city where some three hundred
languages are spoken. This very real multiculturalism is evident on every street (and many restaurant plates) and is a
key reason why people love the city. Tourists come for Londons history or Londons royal pageantry but they return for
all the charms of the modern London, not least the extraordinary breadth of Londons cultural life, with world-class
art galleries and theatres, buzzing nightlife, film, music, culinary and fashion scenes. Overseeing the whole lot is
a new mayoral government, headed by Mayor Ken Livingstone, who was elected in 2000. Keen to make an impact on the
city, various strategies have been developed and quickly implemented for example, the controversial plan for
congestion charging on the inner city roads, which is already a successful reality. But the city skyline is the place
where the Londons rapid change and optimism is most visible the Docklands and the City (with its now famous Gherkin tower)
have shot up over the last few years.
During summer, Londons bountiful green spaces fill up with office workers and tourists enjoying the surprisingly balmy
days as caf tables sprout across a multitude of pavements. During winter, the grey skies and rain can be forgotten for
a while in numerous cosy pubs. But spring or autumn are probably the best seasons to visit the city, when clear crisp
sunny days often illuminate London and its landmarks, old and new.
 Culture
Madame Tussaud's - a day at the world famous wax museum
Hostels
Jesmond Dene - a stones throw from kings cross
Nature
Regent's Park - peace and tranquility in the center of london
Other
City Links - links to help you survive london
Lovin It In London - suggestions for your trip thru the city
Photos
City Scapes - pictures of london
If you know of a great destination we're missing,
review it for us!!
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