The City
London is the capital of the United Kingdom and this historic city has plenty to offer everybody who visits. Apart from all the historic attractions like the Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral, London also have more than 30 000 shops and boutiques and 6 000 restaurants, definitely enough to entertain people form different walks of life.
Tourism
Airport
Coordinates: 51°28’39”N 000°27’41”W
There are more than one airport serving London, but the major international airport is London Heathrow Airport. It is located 22 km west of Central London and is the largest and busiest airport in the United Kingdom.
Airlines:
The following airlines have regular flights to London Heathrow Airport:
- British Airways (form Johannesburg and Durban)
- SWISS (from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban)
- Virgin Atlantic ( form Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban)
- Emirates (from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban)
- Qatar Airways (Johannesburg and Cape Town)
- Lufthansa (from Johannesburg and Cape Town)
- Egypt Air (from Johannesburg)
- Etihad Airways (from Johannesburg)
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (from Durban)
What to see
- The British Museum – A collection of more than 8 million objects representing world cultures.
- The Gagosian - A contemporary art gallery owned by Larry Gagosian
- Hampstead Heath – An island of beautiful countryside with its rich mosaic of fauna and flora.
- The London Library – A remarkable collection of reading material acquired since 1950.
- Sir John Soanes Museum – A setting for John Soane's antiquities and his works of art
- St. Paul’s Cathedral – An iconic part of the London skyline and a lasting monument to the glory of God.
- Victoria and Albert Museum - The world's greatest museum of art and design
- William Morris Gallery – A public gallery devoted to William Morris.
- Cabinet War Rooms – An unique historic site and museum dating back to the Second World War.
Events
- Chelsea Flower Show – A great gardening event at Christopher Wren’s Royal Hospital
- Last Night of the Proms – Largest classical music festival
- Notting Hill Carnival - Caribbean culture street party with music and costumes
- The Easter Parade – Rich and famous showing their horses and vehicles
- Trooping the Colour - Celebrating the Queen's birthday
Accommodation
Search over 900 hotels in London, United Kingdom
General info
London is 5 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time and the currency used is pound sterling. Getting around in London is extremely easy with its well-organised public transport system that includes busses and the subway. Taxis come in different shapes, sizes and colours. Avoid the black taxis, they are the most expensive, the more affordable option is the minicabs. Whether you visit London during spring, summer, winter or autumn always pack an umbrella, trench coat and waterproof shoes. In London you can never trust the weather, one moment it is sunny and the next it is pouring with rain.
Weather
The best time of year to visit London is during summer or spring (May and June) when all is in bloom and the weather allows you to visit the parks, rivers and outdoor music festivals. Winters are dark, depressing, wet and not recommended.
