FRANCISTRAVEL
London - The capital of England and the United Kingdom
It is the UK's largest and most populous metropolitan area and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures.
A major settlement for two millennia, its history goes back to its founding by the Romans, who called it Londinium. London's core, the ancient City of London, the 'square mile', retains its mediaeval boundaries. Since at least the nineteenth century, the name "London" has also referred to the metropolis developed around it. Today, the bulk of this conurbation forms the London region and the Greater London administrative area, with its own elected mayor and assembly.
London is a leading global city and one of the world's largest financial centres with the largest city GDP in Europe. Central London is home to the headquarters of most of the UK's top 100 listed companies (the FTSE 100) and more than 100 of Europe's 500 largest.
It is a major tourist destination for both domestic and overseas visitors. London hosted the 1908 and 1948 Summer Olympics and will host the 2012 Summer Olympics. London contains four World Heritage Sites: the Tower of London; the historic settlement of Greenwich; the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; and the site comprising the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret's Church.
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Top 10 London Attractions
British Museum
The famous British Museum exhibits the works of man from prehistoric to modern times from around the world. Famous objects include the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures and the Portland Vase. Entry to the museum is free but special exhibitions require tickets. Buy tickets via the green book button.
Tate Modern
The impressive Tate Modern is Britain's national museum of modern art. Housed in the former Bankside Power Station on the banks of the River Thames, the gallery displays major works by Matisse and Picasso as well as contemporary work, exhibitions and installations.
National Gallery
The National Gallery houses one of the greatest collections of European painting. With paintings ranging from 1250 to 1900, it features work by Botticelli, da Vinci, Rembrandt, Turner and Van Gogh. Entry to the gallery is free but special exhibitions require tickets. Buy tickets via the green book button.
Natural History Museum
As well as the permanent dinosaur exhibition, the museum boasts a collection of the biggest, tallest and rarest animals in the world. See a life-sized Blue Whale, a 40-million-year-old spider and the Darwin Centre. Entry to the museum is free but exhibitions require tickets, book via the green book button.
The London Eye
The London Eye is a major feature of London's skyline. It is the world's highest observation wheel and offers passengers spectacular views of over 55 of London's most famous landmarks - all in just 30 minutes.
Science Museum
See, touch and experience the major scientific advances of the last 300 years at the largest museum of its kind in the world. The Science Museum has over 40 galleries and 2000 hands-on exhibits, step into the future in the Wellcome Wing, visit the IMAX cinema and virtual reality simulator.
The Victoria & Albert Museum
The V&A celebrates art and design and is home to 3,000 years worth of amazing artefacts from many of the world's richest cultures. See ceramics, furniture, fashion, jewellery, photos, sculpture, textiles and paintings. Entry to the museum is free but exhibitions require tickets. Buy tickets via the green book button.
Madame Tussauds
At Madame Tussauds, you'll come face-to-face with some of the world’s most famous faces. From Shakespeare to Britney you'll meet influential figures from showbiz, sport, politics and even Royalty. Sing along with Kylie; strike a penalty with Rooney or receive a once-in-a-lifetime audience with Her Majesty the Queen.
The Tower of London
Take a guided tour with one of the Yeoman Warders around one of the most famous fortified buildings in the world. Discover its 900 year history as a royal palace and fortress, prison and place of execution, mint, arsenal, menagerie and jewel house.
National Maritime Museum
One of the greatest maritime museums of the world containing models, displays, paintings and trophies from every continent of the world. Children find plenty to engage them in the All Hands gallery and have a go on the professional ship simulator.
References
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London
http://www.visitlondon.com/