The Highlights of London

Even though London is preparing for the Summer Olympic Games of 2012, there is no reason not to visit the city today. In London you find many sights, superb shopping and pulsing nightlife. Even great food can be found in the city.

The newest (and one of the most interesting) sight is the London Eye. The 135 meter (443 feet) high Ferris wheel can be found between Waterloo and Westminster Bridge. It was originally opened for the millennium new year by Tony Blair. But because of technical problems, the public couldnt use it before March 2000.

The 32 cabins on the wheel have room for 25 persons each. It is a very popular attraction; and because one rotation takes about half an hour, you can expect long queues in the high season. But the view from the top over the central London (including Big Ben and the House of Parliament) is worth the waiting.

A much older sight is the Tower of London. Its history is 900 years old and very bloody. When the prisoners walked through the Traitors Gate, they shouldnt expect to get out alive. Most of them were killed by torture or rats; or just executed.

Today the fortress is a more peaceful place (except for the other tourists). It is interesting to watch the famous Ceremony of the Keys where the head of the guards hands over the keys to the head of the night watchmen at exactly 9.52 pm.

On a tour in the Tower of London, you can see both the royal apartment as well as the dungeons. But the most fascinating is the Jewel House where the British crown jewels can be seen; including the worlds largest diamond Star of Africa, which is placed in the scepter of the sovereign.

Other interesting sight in London includes the 106 meter (348 feet) high Big Ben, the St. Pauls Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. Do also take a stroll in Hyde Park and see all the famous art treasures in British Museum.

If you get tired of all the sighs, a great thing to do in London is people watching. In London you can experience everything from businessmen with stiff upper lips and bowler hats to punkers with cock’s combs and safety pins through their noses.

It is actually possible to find great food in London. And no, it is not the notorious fish and chips. Many famous cooks like Gordon Ramsey and Jamie Oliver have restaurant in the city. If you like cheaper options, you can find great, exotic restaurants with inexpensive food. London is a melting pot of multi-ethnic populations; which means you can eat food from all around the world.

You can also find great shopping in London. A good place to start is the Harrods; the famous department which brags about their ability to provide everything you can think about. In Designers Guild you can find wallpaper and fabric for you home and in Muji, you can buy minimalistic, Japanese design. If you bring kid, they will love you for taking them to the toyshop Hamleys of Regent Street; six story paradise for children.