"London - biggest and best in Europe" London by sjvessey

London Travel Guide: 26,474 reviews and 43,584 photos

London

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"?

That famous architecture

Big Ben clock tower

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.

Life along the river

The Thames

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.

Pros and Cons

Pros:It's got practically everything a city could offer
Cons:The second most expensive city in the world; the weather
In a nutshell:When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford

Last visit to London: Jun 2004
Intro Updated Jun 16, 2004
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Reviews (61)

The view from my balcony Hotels (1)

This is where I live. Or rather, this is the view from my balcony at night. I don't know about you, but personally I... more travel advice

Changing of the Guard Things to Do (28)

Every day in summer and every other day in winter you can go along to Buckingham Palace in the morning and watch the... more travel advice

Buckingham Palace Things to Do (28)

With the distinction of being the largest brown brick in the world, this imposing building is the London home of Her... more travel advice

The Household Cavalry at Horseguards Things to Do (28)

In the old days, you couldn't even make these guys blink. Recently they seem to have slackened off a bit. At least, last... more travel advice

Restaurants (5)
See All Pizza Express
Tourist Traps (1)
Afternoon tea with scones and cream
Local Customs (4)
See All A Brit at 20 paces
Off The Beaten Path (10)
See All Primrose Hill

Travelogues (4)

1 - 4 of 4

Comments (181)

eugini2001 Apr 7, 2007 at 3:40 PM Report Abuse

what about little country houses,too far from London?it's all about "real London"
frenchlondon Jul 9, 2005 at 2:32 PM Report Abuse

i dont mind so much the weather, it s more the cost of living here!
Jenniflower Jul 9, 2005 at 2:38 AM Report Abuse

ROFL re your accomm and customs tips.. you lucky thing to live there! I live in Wombles, love my little place, but dont have the river! Green with envy ;) Thanks goodness not all Brits are CHAVS. Jen x
sabrina_florida May 17, 2005 at 11:51 AM Report Abuse

Your info about cheap places to eat in London is really useful to me, as I'll be there for the first time in October and my budget is really low do to the exchange rate. Thank you!
mrjemm Aug 19, 2004 at 9:04 AM Report Abuse

Hmmm, I know some of those thoughts on the British. Shame the wave of madness isn't quite over; the Daily Mail & some authors like to reminds us still it seems. Jem
chrishc Jul 2, 2004 at 9:21 AM Report Abuse

Good tips, great photos, plenty of cynicism. Nice one
dmirebella Jun 29, 2004 at 4:38 AM Report Abuse

excellent tips there simon - provides me good info for my trip to europe next yr.. :-)
novsco61 Jun 22, 2004 at 5:06 AM Report Abuse

Your tips are very useful. I hope I can use any of them when I'll be in London in the beginning of July.
bagpie Jun 20, 2004 at 11:57 AM Report Abuse

What a nasty little racist diatribe on 'British' people you have on your home page. Have you thought that perhaps it is you that makes people behave in a certain way towards you?
Eilian Jun 19, 2004 at 5:22 PM Report Abuse

WOW WOW WOW! Thanks ,Simon!