Travel Article: Top 10 Things To Do in London

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	The London Eye Spinning over the City at Night¹

In addition to being the capital of England and the United Kingdom, London is a global city offering plenty of fun opportunities for the ambitious traveller. The multicultural metropolis provides a diverse scene of nightlife, entertainment and attractions. Because the list of attractions and activities never seems to end, narrowing it down can be a nightmare. WorldWeb.com's top 10 recommendations of things to do in London can help overwhelmed visitors enjoy the best that this famous city has to offer.

THE LONDON EYE

At a height of 135 m (443 ft) at the top, the London Eye offers a spectacular bird's-eye view of London. The flight (as they call it) lasts approximately 30 minutes and moves at a relatively slow speed so visitors can fully enjoy the view. The London Eye experience allows tourists to grasp London's layout and get a feel for the city. It is best to avoid the Eye between 11am and 3pm, when it's at its busiest. Sunset is a great time to visit as it provides a fabulous vista of London in all her glittering glory as the sun goes down and city lights flood the streets.

HOP-ON, HOP-OFF BUS TOUR

There are two hop-on, hop-off bus tour companies in London, Big Bus Sightseeing Tours and the Original London Sightseeing Tours. These companies provide optimal flexibility while touring the city. Once a bus ticket is purchased, passengers can get on and off the bus as they wish, for up to 24 hours. The bus route covers all the main tourist attractions while passengers soak up London's history from the enthusiastic English tour guide or listen to one of the pre-recorded audio tours that are offered in up to 10 languages. The top decks of the buses are open air and make for an excellent way to admire the city while enjoying the weather on a warm spring or summer day.

SHOPPING

Of course everyone wants to hit the pavement and do some serious shopping while in London but with so many unique districts and shopping areas to choose from where does a fresh, first-time London shopper begin? To get a well-rounded shopping experience, visitors should allow time to check out a number of different districts. First of all, shoppers really must visit renowned Oxford Street, London's busiest shopping area. Here, popular retail shops like Topshop, Debenhams and Marks & Spencer can be found. For an upscale shopping experience tourists should stop at world-famous luxury department store, Harrods.


Antique Toy Soldiers at the Portobello Market²

Once tired of mainstream shopping, shopaholics can make their way to West London, where Portobello Road is located. Traversing the neighbourhood of Notting Hill, made famous by actress Julia Roberts in the movie Notting Hill, Portobello Road offers plenty of trendy shops featuring up-and-coming designers. And let's not forget this hip street's role as host of the Portobello Market where antiques, fruit, veggies, and old and new fashion items can be found.

HALF-PRICE THEATRE TICKETS

Visiting Leicester Square is a must for everyone, but it should be even more appealing to those who love theatre and finding a bargain. In the centre of the square, under the clock, is London's most famous discount theatre ticket shop, Tkts. Tkts is run by the Society of London Theatre and has been in operation since 1980. Whether in the mood for Chicago or Billy Elliot, half-price and discounted tickets for all sorts of West End musicals, dance shows and plays are available. By purchasing tickets from this legit location tourists will receive great seats and avoid rip-offs.

THE TOWER OF LONDON

The Tower of London has played an essential role throughout English history. Its most notable uses were as a medieval fortress, a royal palace and a jail. The tower's cold, stone walls bore witness to much death and suffering, contributing to its eerie atmosphere. Brave visitors can tour the haunted jail cells where suffering prisoners wearily awaited their death sentences. The ghost of Queen Anne Boleyn is one of the well-known ghosts thought to haunt the fortress. The United Kingdom's Crown Jewels are also on display at the tower. Sundays are this landmark's busiest day, and buying tickets at the Tower Hill tube station can save time standing in long line-ups.

THE BRITISH MUSEUM


	Tower of London at Dusk³

Although one could easily spend the majority of their time in shops and theatres, tourists should not overlook London's museums. In order to promote learning and education, all public museums are free to everyone, making museum outings extremely budget friendly. The British Museum is one of the largest human history museums in the world. With over seven million artifacts visitors could spend days marvelling over the ancient findings. From Egyptian tombs to ancient Chinese traditions, the British Museum houses one of the world's most extensive human history and culture collections. With so much to see and not enough time in one day visitors may have to be choosy about what exhibits they see first.

TATE MODERN

Just like London's museums, admission to art galleries is free too. Tate Modern houses international modern and contemporary art, and is one of Britain's national galleries. Upon entry of the building, guests are sure to be overwhelmed by its sheer size. The gallery's internal floor area is 34,500 sq m (371,350 sq ft) and it houses famous works by Rothko, Picasso and more. Tate Modern is located in the former Bankside Power Station on the south bank of the River Thames, across from St. Paul's Cathedral.

MADAME TUSSAUDS

Madame Tussauds is probably the closest that most people will ever get to meeting their favourite celebrities. Given its massive popularity, the mere act of taking a photograph with a wax imitation seems to provide enough of a buzz. This London attraction, initially started by Marie Tussaud, a sculptor, was the first of its kind and now has branches in major cities like Amsterdam, Berlin, Las Vegas, Manhattan and Hong Kong. As one of London's most popular attractions, trying to get inside can be a nightmare. Going on a weekday and purchasing a pre-paid ticket can help to skip the line-ups.


Hyde Park: Sanctuary in the City⁴

FOOTBALL GAME OR TOUR OF WEMBLEY STADIUM

Just like continental Europe, the English are nuts about their football (or soccer as North Americans call it). If visitors are lucky enough to catch a thrilling English football match they will be far from disappointed. International games are played at London's Wembley Stadium, the second largest stadium in Europe, boasting a 90,000-person capacity. If unable to attend a game, die-hard fans can take a 90-minute stadium tour. Highlights include the VIP reception area, England's changing rooms, the Royal Box and the dugouts.

HYDE PARK

To escape the hustle and bustle of London's hectic streets, Hyde Park provides sanctuary for the burnt-out tourist. Located in central London, this park is part of the Royal Parks of London and in combination with Kensington Gardens it contains 253 ha (625 acres) of parkland. Throughout the park there are a variety of sites that may intrigue visitors. Speakers' Corner has gained popularity over the years as a spot devoted to the expression of free speech. The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial is located south of the Serpentine River, and to the east is the Holocaust Memorial. Other attractions within the park include a tennis centre, boat hire, bar and restaurant.

If you enjoyed this feature, take a look at these other great WorldWeb.com articles:
• London - Diverse, Exhilarating and Exhausting
• Macabre London - Touring the Dark Side

PHOTOS COURTESY OF:

The London Eye at Night; London, England
Antique Toy Soldiers at the Portobello Market on Portobello Road; Notting Hill, London, England
Hanna Verhagen; Tower of London at Dusk; London, England
Hyde Park; London, England

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Top 10 Things To Do in London