Information about flights to London
When a man is tired of London he is tired of life, Samuel Johnson famously observed, and the city offers a wealth of things to see and do. It is home to iconic historic attractions such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London and the Houses of Parliament. It also has world-class fine art and artefact collections at institutions like the British Museum, many of them free.
These days London offers an eclectic mix of international cuisine, award-winning restaurants and traditional pubs such as Ye Old Cheshire Cheese which dates back to 1667. It also offers some of the best theatre around, a thriving and varied music and nightclub scene, and first-rate shopping.
Attractions
Buckingham Palace has been at the heart of the national life and millions of visitors flock every year to its gates to watch the ceremony of the Changing of the Guards. Similarly popular, Westminster Abbey is the place to visit to see where most of England's kings and queens were crowned and buried, and the Tower of London, once a royal palace and later a prison, and a place of torture and execution.
Madame Tussauds Waxworks also continues to exert a massive attraction for visitors with its combination of a Chamber of Horrors and life-sized figures of the great and good.
Step back in time at Churchill's War Rooms underneath Whitehall. Take the family to visit the London Zoo or Sea Life London Aquarium. Explore the tombs and monuments at St Paul's Cathedral.
Arts and Culture
Whether you're an art connoisseur or a casual observer, you won't want to miss a visit to one of London's many galleries and museums. See the British Museum with the Elgin Marbles, the National Gallery, Tate Britain and Tate Modern, one of London's most popular attractions. All are free. Less well-known is the Cortauld Gallery which has gems by Degas, Gauguin and Monet.
London's theatreland is famed for the quality and diversity of its productions from blockbuster musicals to comedies and theatre classics. The South Bank, with its National Theatre, Festival Hall and Hayward Gallery, is a popular destination. And further along, for less than a tenner, you can stand with the groundlings and see Shakespeare as it may have been acted at the Globe Theatre.
Eating and Drinking
London offers eating and drinking to suit every taste and pocket. There's no shortage of upmarket eateries for those with the money. However, there is also a wide range of cheaper options such as Gaby's Deli on Charing Cross Road, patronised by a host of actors. Just up the road you can enjoy the best coffee in London at Caffe Vergnano 1882. For those in search of fine oriental cuisine your destination is Chinatown, while pub lovers are directed to the historic Lamb and Flag in Soho.
Nightlife
See a show in the West End. Hear some jazz at the legendary Ronnie Scott's club. Go to a concert or recital on the South Bank. Or head for the dancefloor at Heaven or Ministry of Sound.
