"London - biggest and best in Europe" a London Travel Page by sjvessey

London is now officially the 2nd most expensive city in the world, after Tokyo. It is easily the largest city in Europe, with between 8 and 12 million people, depending on where you think the city limits are. It offers a cultural, entertainment and culinary diversity that is probably unrivalled with the exception of New York. And on top of that, you have fantastically preserved historical attractions dating back to the 13th century, right there in the center of town. Where else can you see the coronation throne of Edward the 1st, dating from 1296? Where else can you find a pub with a sign on the wall reading "Rebuilt 1667"?

More than anything else, the Houses of Parliament in the Palace of Westminster is the building which has come to symbolise London, and therefore the entire United Kingdom. Possibly one of the most famous buildings in the world, it's an impressive sight despite the modernist growth that has sprung up in the surrounding area. See my separate travelogue for more photos.

Other buildings in this area include Westminster Abbey, Lambeth Palace (home of the Archbishop of Canterbury), the London Aquarium, and most of the government buildings - the Treasury, Foreign Office, and so on. Alternatively, head north up Whitehall to reach Downing Street, Horseguards, and Trafalgar Square.

Walk down the river for a good view of the the Houses of Parliament on the north bank of the River Thames, with the famous clock tower containing the bell called Big Ben. Parliament consists of the House of Commons (elected) and the House of Lords (hereditory). They sit in different parts of the building, and by tradition neither the Lords nor the Queen are allowed in the House of Commons. If you organise it in advance, you might be able to get on a tour of the place. There is also a visitor's gallery which is open to the public at certain times of day - sit in there and watch the Commons in action.

On the opposite bank, in stark modern contrast, is the London Eye and the irritatingly 1960s south bank complex of theatres and galleries. For all you James Bond afficiandos out there, MI6 headquarters is a leisurely 15 minute stroll upstream at Vauxhall Cross.