London is the largest city in the UK with a population of over 7 million, and its metropolitan area is home to over 12 million. It has a large financial industry and has the largest economy in the European Union. It also has a large tourism industry, with millions of people visiting London each year to see all that this great city has to offer. If you are visiting London for the first time, you will surely be amazed by the culture, architecture and historical monuments.
Double-decker buses are one of the best-known symbols of London, particularly the famous red Routemaster models. Introduced in 1956, these nozzles saw regular service until 2005, when they were replaced by newer double-deck designs. However, some remained in service on designated heritage routes and continue to be used by locals and tourists alike. If you’ve never been to London, riding one of these historic buses is a must, as you’ll be able to experience a piece of history while taking in some of the sights and sounds of the city.
One place you will surely want to visit is the Tower of London. This ancient castle, which stands on the banks of the River Thames, previously served as a royal residence, prison, armory and treasury, and also housed the Royal Mint and Crown Jewels. Built in the 11th century, the castle has undergone a series of extensions, as well as several major repairs, having been attacked at various times throughout its history. It has been restored and turned into a popular tourist attraction, as people from all over the world come to explore this great part of history.
The Palace of Westminster is another great attraction. Built in the 11th century, a fire destroyed most of the original palace in 1834 and a major rebuilding project was carried out. Parliament meets in a reconstructed section, which is open to the public during the summer. Perhaps the most recognizable feature is the clock tower, known as Big Ben. Although the clock tower is not open to the public, it is admired from a distance by tourists from all over the world. The clock is famous for its chimes, which chime every quarter of an hour.
If you are traveling to London by plane, you will most likely be going through London Heathrow Airport. London is one of the busiest places in the world for air travel and Heathrow handles the majority of passenger movements. It is one of the busiest airports in the world and the largest in the United Kingdom. However, there are 7 other airports with London in their name, including the busy Gatwick Airport just south of the city. London City Airport, the most central of the lot, is relatively small but handles much of London’s corporate traffic.
