About London

    Introduction
London is the place where the historic past and the vibrant present come alive. A blend of history, ground-breaking architecture and culture has created an amazing and constantly evolving city.

Not surprisingly the capital has become a mecca for visitors and a great place to live. There really is something to appeal to everyone and whatever your interests may be, the city has it covered.

With countless museums, galleries and entertainment options throughout the city there has never been a better time to come and find out just how much it has to offer.

Why London?
London is one of the world’s most remarkable and exciting cities. It has something to offer every type of traveller. This vibrant metropolis embraces the diverse cultures of its population, reflected through cuisine, shops, music and colourful festivals.

London is a very accessible city; it has five international airports, an efficient road network and extensive Underground, train, bus, and taxi services. The city is famous for a wealth of history and culture. Home to Britain’s national art collections, the Royal family and a host of major attractions, London’s rich history, striking architecture and over 200 museums offer a unique cultural experience.

Despite a population of over seven million, more than 30% of London is made up of parks and green space, greater than any other city of its size in the world. This space provides the perfect opportunity for walks, relaxation or sporting activities. London also offers some of the best shopping opportunities in the world. From major department stores to designer boutiques and street markets - the choice is immense.As if that wasn’t enough, London is hard to beat when it comes to nightlife. There are huge numbers of restaurants, pubs, cinemas, theatres and nightclubs plus live music and comedy venues. So, at any time of day, whatever the weather, you’ll always find something extra special in London.

Economy
London is Europe’s richest city and a key financial centre. Many people flock to London as the wages average 20% higher than those in the rest of the country, although the cost of living is also higher. At present, the British economy is buoyant, growing by approximately 2% every year. London plays a major part in this success, with the City at its heart. London has just over 300,000 students in higher education and a work force of 3.4 million.

The City of London, aka the Square Mile, is conveniently located so that finance moves easily from Tokyo to New York. It attracts people from around the world and is a hub for those involved in business. Despite stiff competition, the City has continued to build on past successes and maintain its position as a major world player. This is backed up by the figures; for instance, London is the largest investment banking centre in Europe and leads the world in international bond trading, foreign exchange trading and cross-border lending.

Source: www.visitlondon.com

Pictures from: www.pooloflondon.co.uk