London is both the capital of England and the United Kingdom and it serves as the headquarters for the Royal Family. It is also one of the largest cities in the world in population (7.5 million) as well as in area (609 square miles), so the possibilities for travelers are almost endless. Whether you want to tour Big Ben, catch a world-class theater performance or see some of the finest art in Europe, London delivers the goods.
To book accommodations, contact The City of London at 011 (+44) 20 7606 3030 or visit their Web site (see Resources below).
Choose one of the mid-priced major chain hotels if your budget is smaller. These accommodations tend to be pricier than their American versions (rates can run up to $300 per night), but compared to high end London hotels they can seem like a steal.
Stay at one of the many hostels in London. While the range in amenities and prices are greater than in most cities in England, you will find a more interesting mix of fellow guests due to London's reputation as the world's most popular tourist destination.
Stay near Camden Town, one of London's hippest destinations for shopping and culture, and indulge your taste for the avant garde. A number of very chic (and expensive) boutique hotels have cropped up in the area, but there are options for budget-conscious travelers, too.
You can consider a luxury hotel for the finest London has to offer. With rates ranging up to hundreds of dollars per night, they might do some damage to your pocketbook. But the extravagant room, impeccable service and excellent food you receive may be well worth the cost.
Fly into one of London's five international airports. Heathrow is the largest, seeing more international passengers than any other airport in the world.
Use the London Underground, the oldest and largest in the world, to get around the city.
Enjoy the view from a red double-decker bus, which are among London's most famous sights in and of themselves.
Hire a taxi to get to more specific destinations within London.
Visit the Tower of London, the single most popular tourist destination in England. Notice how the ravens in the area have had their wings clipped, since legend says that when the ravens leave The Tower, the kingdom will fall.
Take a tour of the state rooms in Buckingham Palace if you're visiting the city in August and September, the only time the public can enter without a royal invitation.
Spend an afternoon feeding the pigeons in Trafalgar Square, near the statue of Lord Nelson.
Go to the museums. The British Museum, the Victoria and Albert, the Tate and the National Gallery all have well-deserved international reputations.
