Holiday in London – experience the entire world in one single city
Holiday in London experience the entire world in one single city
Not for nothing did Samuel Johnson once asseverate that "when one is tired of London, one is tired of life", meaning that London essentially held every variety of marvel, beauty and achievement that the world could offer. The quote was a product of the 19th century; in the 21st, it holds ever more true as the natural beauty of the Thames' embrace and historic buildings is complemented by the colorful tides of multiculturalism, art and technology which have washed into the city with its thriving economy and industrialism, all of which cement the city's position as one of the grand dames of the world.
Unlike other cities, it is difficult to grasp the exact character of London, as the vast metropolis is a dichotomy of regal Anglo-Saxon aristocracy and a palette of cultures extending from the East to the West of the city's diverse immigrants while retaining the quintessential British-ness that emanate as much from the boxy black taxis and aroma of fish n' chips by the Thames River as it does from the iconic visuals of the Big Ben and the Tower of London.
Ask for directions to the city centre of London and you will witness the locals suppressing a sigh and eye-roll at having to explain yet again that the city has at least 3 districts which are referred to as its centres. The commercial district is indubitably the City of London; the original city around which the Greater London was built, it can be described as the British Wall Street if that description would not be doing the district a disservice as the City of London is actually a bigger financial and corporate hub than Wall Street. This district is comprised primarily of banks and corporate offices, however, and while it isn't entirely devoid of retail opportunities, the shopping in Westminster is distinctly better. Westminster is the center of governance in London, crowned by the architectural jewel that is Westminster Abbey where the monarch of England used to be crowned. Landmark sites such as Buckingham Palace and the British Parliament are found here. The area between the two centres is somewhat confusingly known as the West End, famous for being a shopaholic's dream and whose theatre has a global reputation for its repertoire of plays and musicals.
London has a stunning array of recognizable landmarks second only to Paris; from buildings such as St. Paul's Cathedral, Piccadilly Circus, the Marble Arch, Trafalgar Square and Tower Bridge not to mention its numerous sprawls of parkland and hundreds of museums and galleries, including the Natural History Museum, most of which grant free entrance to visitors. Also of interest are the "Blue Plaques" plaques signaling the buildings inhabited by the great figures and celebrities of the city's past.
Hardly are the draws of London confined to mementoes of the past and the scenery, however. London has what is arguably the most happening music scene in the world; most aspiring artists and musicians the world over seem to head to this city with the same determination as did migrants to the New World during the Gold Rush.
If you can't fathom how to squeeze all these sights over the length of one visit, the London Eye offers the tourist a great compromise. This recently-erected world's largest observation wheel is a once-in-a-lifetime experience which affords unparalleled views over the beautiful city panorama.
The best way to ensure ease of transport is of course to seek accommodation at a central London hotel. Elysee Hotel is a London 3 star hotel which is fast gaining popularity among the crowds, as it enjoys the happy combination of quality service and centralized access from its vantage point near the Marble Arch, without hitting too heavily on the average traveler's wallet. Canada's Adventure Travel Spas London Accommodation Booking Tips For A Budget Traveller American Flags - Confederate Flag - International Flags - The American Flag Cheap Travel for Families Perfect Christmas Gifts for Him: Shopping on a Budget Vietnam Beach Tour 14 Days Hanoi Halong Catba Hue Hoian Nhatrang Muine saigon 80s Rewind Tickets For The Christmas Tour 2010 India Tours A Boon To The Budget Traveller Mauritius Tours - Explore the Amazing Tourists Attractions Amazing Holidays Destination in Singapore – Delightful Experience Holiday Survival Guide: Surviving Black Friday Holiday Lodges may be the Perfect Getaway Six Holiday Charities to Give to This Season