City guides: London, United Kingdom

The capital of England, London, is certainly one of the most popular tourist destinations in any part of the world and it is exciting as well as full of history with many sights to see and many things to do. Before coming to London it may be necessary to plan ahead since there is an awful lot of interesting places to see. You will want to select ones that are most important and maybe leave others for subsequent visits. In any case, you will have a choice of historic sights, vibrant nightlife as well as many gardens to choose from.

You may be amazed to know that there are about two hundred galleries, three hundred museums as well as more than a hundred different events that take place daily, which means you really will be pressed for choice. Taking in an early morning visit to the Tate Museum is very much on the cards followed by a look-in at Kensington Palace and you will be delighted by a peek at the Crown jewels that you will find at the Tower of London.

For a peek at history make sure that you visit Westminster Abbey where you can find some amazing architectural wonders and also see the tombs of many a famous Englishman and many famous kings and poets too are interned here including Isaac Newton and also Henry the Third.

London is also famous for its wonderful parks that are beauteous as well as many and of special interest for you would no doubt is the Regents Park, Hyde Park as well as St. James’ Park that are all full of excellent trails and gardens where you can also enjoy outdoor activities. There is also another excellent park you will want to include in your itinerary and that is the Japanese gardens located at Holland Park, and don’t even think about missing out on the renowned Kensington Gardens situated bang next to Kensington Palace. Finally, to round off your visits to gardens and parks take in Covent Garden that has many shops as also theaters and you will also find many street performers entertaining passerby’s, not to mention the Royal Opera House and the many excellent eateries and dining opportunities.

For the shopaholic there is the excellent Portobello Road where one can enjoy haggling over a piece of antique much as was the custom many centuries ago. Borough market is another centuries old trading place that has an atmosphere quite like a Moroccan bazaar.

You can also sample the beers and fast food outlets that abound in London’s West End and where there are many shows and performances that will give Broadway a run for its money. And, you would certainly be missing out on a great attraction if you leave London without taking in its excellent museums of which there are many. Is it science, natural history or personal items you are interested in, London’s museums have something for every taste and need and special mention should be made of the well known British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. You will of course enjoy modern art at the Tate Museum as well.

Text courtesy of http://www.iho-ohi.org