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London

London

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London is widely regarded as the most vibrant city in Europe. While holding on to its traditions, it manages to blaze progressive paths in the arts, design and architecture. With the Royal Diamond Jubilee and 2012 Olympic Games fast approaching, the city is racing to complete ambitious building projects, expanding its transportation links and polishing the tarnish from its monumental buildings. And because London is the world’s largest melting pot, the city enjoys a range of excellent global cuisine, from Pakistani to Ethiopian eateries to an infinite number of delicious curry houses.

London's famous museums, such as the National Portrait Gallery and The British Museum hold some of the world’s most precious artefacts, like the Parthenon freize. And, of course, the top-notch theatres in the West End entertain droves every evening.

You can’t see London in a day: the city is immense and difficult to navigate with relative ease. But don’t be disheartened. Take your time discovering the city from all directions. See a film on the city’s redeveloped South Bank; reserve tickets to show at Camden’s Roundhouse; get a taste for the cultural divide between bohemian East London in neighbourhoods like Dalston and Shoreditch before sipping tea at Partridges and shopping in luxury boutiques in West London’s prim Kensington.

Travel Tips

  1. Of the dozens of restaurants and bars that opened this year, you won't regret a visit to The Riding House Café, where fair prices, award-winning design mix with toothsome tapas-style dishes inspired by English and Mediterranean cuisine. It’s the perfect spot to drop in for lunch after a shopping spree on nearby Oxford Street.
  2. With so many new hotels opening in London it’s hard to decide on the best place to stay that[s centrally located and modestly priced. The new Zetter Townhouse Hotel and Bar is the a lovely new addition to London for its boutique size, its spot off Clerkenwell Road, and destination bar - a project by award winning mixologist, Tony Consiglio.
  3. Idle afternoons strolling along London’s network of canals is an excellent pastime. Explore the canals in East London and stop in at the Tow Path Café, a secret hideout that serves excellent vegan salads and coffee. There is also a bike shop next door to pump up your tires and mend your breaks.
  4. Don't miss a visit to Greenwich. Once a London suburb, Greenwich has now been consumed by London’s sprawl, and yet few tourists make it to this verdant posh neighbourhood. It’s easy to access by boat or subway, and a visit should definitely involve checking out the crafts and artwork at the Greenwich Market. Don’t miss a pint of Meantime ale at microbrewery’s newest home in the Old Royal Naval College, either.
  5. London has dozens of cinema theatres, especially around Leicester Square where movie premiers are central London’s weekly pageantry. If you’re looking for screen classic and independent films, or want to be at the heart of the city’s film festivals, the best place to go is the British Film Institute, located along London’s trendy redeveloped South Bank.

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