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London City
London is a city of colors and contrasts, of ancient history and 21st century modernity, a melting pot of the world’s cultures and nationalities. Since the Romans founded Londinium in AD60, London has grown and prospered to establish itself as the largest, most exciting city in Europe. With a population of 7 million, 30% of whom are of overseas descent, London is one of the biggest and most ethnically diverse cities in the world, with around 200 languages spoken within its confines.
The country’s news and money is made here, and many of the biggest multinational companies are based in London’s financial district. London’s museums and galleries – several of them ranking amongst the world’s finest – are full of treasures trawled from Europe and beyond. Monuments from the capital’s more glorious past, from Medieval banqueting halls to great churches of Sir Christopher Wren, stand alongside modern wonders such as the Tate Modern.
Entertainment
For entertainment, London is truly unsurpassed. A huge shopping Mecca, students can trawl the weekend markets of Portobello and Camden for cutting edge street designs, or hobnob with the rich and famous of Harrods or on Bond Street. There are hundreds of nightclubs, bars and theatres to choose from, as well as the many London pubs which are renowned for their character and bonhomie. As the home of the Royal Opera House, Royal Albert Hall and London Symphony, there are facilities for every kind of music lover.
Eating Out
Contrary to popular belief, London need not be an expensive place to live. The City’s huge student population means that there is plenty of good value accommodation to be found, and many shops and attractions offer student discounts. From Michelin-starred restaurants to all-you-can-eat Indian buffets, Chinese and Italian eateries, there's a restaurant to suit every pocket. The better inexpensive culinary delights can often be found in Covent Garden, Soho, and north of Leicester Square.
London is divided by the River Thames, which meanders through the centre of the city. The central area contains the most important sights, theatres and restaurants all within the Underground's.
Business Capital of Europe
For business, there is no better place to be in Europe than London. In a list of Fortune Magazine's top 5 European Cities for Business, London ranked first, followed by Frankfurt, Helsinki, Amsterdam and Dublin. London is considered the Financial Capital of Europe and for good reason. According to the London Development Agency:
- There are over 486 overseas banks in London, more than any other city in the world.
- The London Stock Exchange is the largest in the world, with an average daily turnover of $637 billion... nearly a third of the total world activity.
- More funds are invested in the City of London than in the top 10 European cities combined.
- The world's top 20 insurance companies operate in London.
- 108 of Europe's 500 largest companies have their headquarters in the Capital.
- London is Europe's principal business centre and offers unrestricted access to 374,094,000 consumers in the EU, making it the biggest trading bloc in the world.
Seasonal Events & Holidays
London is renowned for its countless festivals and events. It begins with the New Year's Day London Parade, where thousands of musicians parade through the streets from Parliament Square to Berkeley Square. And, spring is in bloom with the annual Chelsea Flower Show, held in the last week of May. This festival segues to Trooping the Color, the Queen's birthday parade, held in June; Wimbledon subsequently runs for two weeks in the same month.
Summer ends with Europe's largest street party, the Notting Hill Carnival, in August; and horse-lovers will enjoy September's Horseman's Sunday in Hyde Park, where a vicar on horseback blesses 100 horses. In December, the city lights up in Trafalgar Square with the Lighting of the Christmas Tree.
Click the link below for details on more of London's traditional events
Public holidays
- 1st January - New Year's Day
- Late March/April - Good Friday
- Late March/April - Easter Monday
- First Monday in May - May Day Bank Holiday
- Last Monday in May - Spring Bank Holiday
- Last Monday in August - Summer Bank Holiday
- 25 December - Christmas Day
- 26 December - Boxing Day
Places to See
Getting To Know London
All In London www.allinlondon.co.uk - a tourist information web site exclusively for London, and is navigable by use of the tube map.
Other useful links include:
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