London - A Closer Look at the Culture, Local Art & History

7.2 million

+44 (national), 020 (city)

Visit London has drop-in Tourist Information Centres in Victoria Station, Liverpool St Station, Heathrow near the underground and other venues around London. See their website for details, tel: +44 (0) 8701 566 366,

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London, located in the southeast of England, is one of the world's great historic capitals. It is responsible for 16 per cent of national GDP and famous for its art, heritage, shopping and theatre. The population of 7.2 million inhabit 33 boroughs or 'villages', each with its own distinct atmosphere - from smart Chelsea to trendy Hoxton, gastronomic Soho to fashionable Notting Hill.

The City of London business district lies to the east of the city centre. Choice shops, cinemas and theatres pack the 'West End', which encompasses Soho, Covent Garden and Mayfair. London's historic and diverse architecture is testimony to the city's piecemeal evolution from a Roman colony 2,000 years ago to the bustling, modern capital it is today. Summers are warm (22°C), winters cool and wet (9°C).

Parliament sits within these neo-Gothic walls, topped by the clocktower of chiming Big Ben. Just across Westminster Bridge is the London Eye, a 135 metre-high fairground wheel. Take a ride for panoramic views of London.

Parliament Square, SW1 (Westminster tube). Open daily.

Lions, princes, queens and traitors have all met their end in this formidable fortress beside Tower Bridge. Costumed Beefeaters show you around.

Tower of London (Tower Bridge tube), +44 (0) 870 756 6060 (recorded info), 0870 756 7070 (tickets). Open daily.

Nearly the most popular tourist attraction in the city, teenagers especially love the ear-piercing and tattoo parlours, second-hand clothes stalls, futuristic clubwear shops and diverse world crafts market.

Camden Market (Camden Town tube). Open daily, busiest at weekends.

Temple to the YBAs (Young British Artists), this is Charles Saatchi's personal fiefdom of contemporary British art where his impressive collection of works by Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, the Chapman Brothes and sundry others resides.

County Hall, SE1 (Westminster tube), +44 (0) 870 1160 278. Open daily, until 10pm on Fri and Sat.

Four centuries of immigrant history, Georgian terraces, Bengali curry houses, Jack the Ripper's haunts, celebrity-magnet club 93 Feet East, and a legendary Sunday market.

Brick Lane, E1 (Liverpool St tube). Open daily.

Founded by Royal decree, the botanic gardens at Kew are a joy all year round. In early spring, orchids bloom; in late spring the woods are carpeted in bluebells; in summer the herbaceous borders erupt; in autumn the colours are gorgeous; and in winter, escape the cold by exploring the steamy Victorian greenhouses.

Royal Botanical Gardens (Kew Gardens tube), +44 (0) 20 8332 5000. Open daily, busiest at weekends.