Destination London
Welcome to London
Noisy, vibrant and truly multicultural, London is a megalopolis of people, ideas and energy. The capital and largest city of both the United Kingdom and of England, it is also the largest city in Western Europe and the European Union. Situated on the River Thames in South-East England, Greater London has an official population of nearly 8 million people — although the figure of over 14 million for the city's total metropolitan area more accurately reflects London's size and importance. London is one of the great "world cities," and remains a global capital of culture, fashion, finance, politics and trade. London will host the 2012 Summer Olympics.
London Restaurants
London is one of the world's great dining capitals. Here you can experience a global range of cuisines, anything from a traditional English feast to the regional cooking of countries spread around the globe, from Italy to India.
moreLondon Attractions
Mention "London" and "2012" together and for most people you're likely to conjure up a single image: The London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. Seven years of intense preparation and billions of pounds of investment will culminate in London playing host to the greatest sporting show on Earth over 2-and-a-bit (hopefully balmy) summer weeks.
moreLondon Shopping
According to legendary medieval Lord Mayor, Dick Whittington (and his trusty cat), "the streets of London are paved with gold." Nowadays, those same streets are paved with row upon row of shops, all waiting for you to part with some of your gold.
moreLondon Nightlife
Few cities in the world can match London when it comes to entertainment and nightlife. It overflows with history and tradition, with theatres and venues that measure their lifetimes in decades. From the grand old opera houses and theatres of the West End, to clubs and bars in the City's fashionable eastern quarter, and global sports events to cool pool halls, London oozes possibilities and excitement.
moreLondon Climate
You don't come to London for the weather. Yes, it rains, but nowhere near as much as Britain's reputation suggests. Downpours are most likely in the Autumn, especially November (2 1/2 in./63mm. on average). It can, however, rain at any time; there's no "dry season" here. Daytime temperatures can range from -1° to 35°C (30° to 95°F), but they rarely stay below 2°C (36°F) or above 26°C (79°F) for too long. Evenings are usually cool, even in summer, but hot July and August days can be muggy -- particularly on the Underground, which is not air-conditioned. Note that the British like to keep hotel thermostats about 6°C (10°F) below the American comfort level.
