New York City

7 hours

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6.5 hours

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8.5 hours

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7 hours

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10 hours

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7.25 hours

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9.25 hours

San Francisco

10 hours

London is a city without an easily recognized center because it grew out of two separate cities. The City of London is the site of the Roman settlement, and the City of Westminster, to the west, is where Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, and the Prime Minister's residence on Downing Street are found. These two cities grew together and proceeded to annex the surrounding villages until the Green Belt Legislation of the 1950s halted expansion. Modern London includes 32 boroughs (not including the City of London) with the population and green spaces well-dispersed, so that the crowds and cement do not overwhelm. In fact, the city still features a great deal of open parks, commons, and even woods!

Central London: This area, roughly bound by the Circle Line of the Underground (London's subway system, also known as "The Tube"), includes the West End, Westminster, and the City of London. The West End is home to many of the principal theaters, cinemas, restaurants, hotels, and nightclubs, as well as some of the best-known shopping areas. Main sights here are Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace. In Kensington and Chelsea you find the Royal Albert Hall, and more famous shopping areas, including Knightsbridge (the famous neighborhood where Harrod's and Harvey Nichols are located), as well as the Victoria & Albert, Science, and Natural History museums. There are also 4 parks in central London, including Hyde (by far the largest), St James's, Green, and Regent's. The City of London's best-known building is St. Paul's Cathedral, completed in 1711. Nearby is the excellent Museum of London. Just east is the landmark Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror and home to the Crown Jewels.

East London: In many ways, this area (known as the East End) is the "real" London. The architecture here suffered badly during WWII and urban planners did it no favor in the 1960s, yet there are many sources of pride for its residents. The Whitechapel Art Gallery, the Lea Valley Park, and Queen Elizabeth I's Hunting Lodge in Chingford, as well as the 11th-century Waltham Abbey, are highlights.

West London: This area contains several special interest museums, and many superb historic mansions. Several of these elegant riverside homes are open to the public, the greatest being Hampton Court Palace, built by Cardinal Wolsey in the early 16th century and added to by Henry VIII, Charles I & II, and William III. Also here are Wembley Stadium and trendy Notting Hill, which celebrates the August Bank Holiday with a famous carnival.

North London: This is a fashionable residential area known for one of the largest expanses of parkland in any big city, and for the Highgate cemetery where Karl Marx and George Eliot are buried. The neighborhood of Camden is especially known for its alternative market and underground music venues.

South London: This area south of the River Thames is generally less visited by tourists than the others, but has some notable sights. The reconstruction of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in Southwark is cherished by the literati. The Southwark Cathedral near London Bridge is one of the finest Gothic churches in the city. The Florence Nightingale Museum is in Lambeth. The Botanical Gardens and Palace at Kew are inviting islands of serenity. The Greenwich National Maritime Museum displays the fastest pre-steam ship, the clipper Cutty Sark. The Royal Observatory is here, through which the Greenwich Meridien (zero degrees longitude) runs. Lastly, tennis fans gather for the sport's ultimate grass championship at Wimbledon.

London was originally a low-lying river plain, but now the land is best described simply as a flat cityscape. London is located in the southeast corner of Great Britain, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south.

It is joked that England has no weather, just simply a climate. London's weather is very unpredictable and it isn't uncommon to experience all four seasons in a single day. London has a reputation for being quite rainy, but most of the rain falls from late autumn through spring, and the Gulf Stream keeps temperatures pleasantly mild in every season. Winter is usually wet and quite mild, rarely dropping below freezing. Summer is a bit less wet and also mild, though occasionally heating up into the 80°s. Spring is wet and cool, but moderately warm clothing will suffice. Autumn is cool, pleasant, and mostly dry, with the more frequent rain arriving toward the end of the season.

Spring average 50°

Summer average 75°

Fall average 56°

Winter average 42°

Because London is visited year-round by people from all over the world, and because the weather is usually mild, there is no distinct high or low season. Your choice of travel dates should rely mostly on dates that work best for you, or to coincide with a special event you may want to attend. Some seasons are, nonetheless, more popular. The best weather comes between mid-April and late-October, and this is also the time that most museums and other sites are open to the public, many of which close in winter.

Grand History: London is an ancient city with much to offer visitors. Called "Llyn-din" by the Celts and "Londinium" by the Romans, London has grown over the millennia, and today contains some of Europe's most identifiable landmarks. Walk through a history of Kings and Queens, Knights in shining armor, palaces, and castles. From the Tower Bridge, stroll along the River Thames past the Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, Cleopatra's Needle, and Big Ben.

Grand Culture: London is tremendously appealing to literary buffs, performing arts connoisseurs, discerning shoppers, museum and gallery aficionados, and gourmands. It is also very fun for pub- and club-hopping, and generally soaking in the social nuances that define and differentiate English life from American life. London perfectly accommodates every type of visitor from college backpacker to the high-society elite.

Big Ben: The name Big Ben actually refers to the large chiming bell hanging in the internationally-recognized 316-foot clock tower of the Houses of Parliament, completed in 1858. Big Ben's namesake is Sir Benjamin Hall, the first commissioner of public works. When the House of Commons is in session, the light above the clock is lit.

Buckingham Palace: The London residence of British monarchs since Victoria, it contains their official private quarters, as well as all the trappings of monarchy, including the Throne Room. The current royal family is said to dislike living there, sparking rumors that the official residence may change with the next monarch. Tours are offered in summer.

City Tour: The City of London proper hosts a half million workers each day, but is home to only about 5,000 people, so the off-work hours - when people are scarce - is an excellent time to explore the many impressive 17th- and 18th-century buildings tucked along narrow passageways. Of course, in prominent view are some of the most magnificent landmarks in Europe. When you need a break from walking and Tubing, take a tea cruise on the Thames for a relaxing, panoramic view of the city.

High Tea: The pinnacle of high society in London, taking tea at the Ritz is just as elegant as one would expect, so dress up. Book reservations in advance, and enjoy the delicious crumpets, stick out your pinky as you sip your tea, and gossip about everyone else!

London Eye: The enormous bicycle wheel on the Thames can be seen from almost anywhere in the city, and provides the best view of the city as well. Built for the Millenium, an half-hour trip in the plexiglass capsules on the world's highest (450 feet) Ferris Wheel can provide views up to 25 miles around the city on a clear day.

Museum of London: Regarded as one of the best city museums in the world, it tells the tale of London from prehistoric times, into the Roman settlement, the Medieval age, and through the present day.

St. Paul's Cathedral: Sir Christopher Wren's English Baroque masterpiece was the site of Prince Charles and Lady Diana's wedding, and also held the state funerals of Nelson, Wellington, and Churchill. It's the only cathedral in the country with a dome, and was the first English cathedral designed and built by a single architect.

St. James's Palace: Birthplace of many British monarchs, it served as the principal royal residence from 1698 - when Whitehall Palace burned down - until 1837, when Queen Victoria ascended the throne and moved to Buckingham Palace. Enlarged from a Tudor core built by Henry VIII for one of his unfortunate wives, it was subsequently altered by Sir Christopher Wren in 1703.

Shopping: The West End is the main shopping place for travelers. A few of the best-known areas are: Oxford Street and Regent Street for departments stores; Covent Garden for its covered market with antique and craft dealers selling their goods from original wrought iron trading stands; and Knightsbridge for the most exclusive shopping in London, including Harrod's, Harvey Nichol's, and many designer shops along Sloane Street.

Tower of London: Guarded by the famous Beefeaters, this imposing structure has an infamous and bloody history. It is where Richard III is said to have had his two nephew princes murdered in order to usurp the throne, and where many traitors or ill-fated innocents were executed. It is also where the crown jewels are displayed.

Westminster Abbey: This single building, steeped in tradition and majesty, contains much of England's history within its ancient walls. One of the most frequently visited sights in Europe, it was completed in 1245, and is the spiritual heart of London.

Day Trips

Cambridge: The other famous university town in England is 50 minutes from King's Cross station in London, and is home to King's College, founded by Henry VI in 1441, and its magnificent chapel. The beautiful Queen's College is adjacent, and Peterhouse is the oldest, founded in 1284. The lazy River Cam is bordered by cow-filled meadows called the Backs, and the eclectic Fitzwilliam Museum houses an extraordinary collection of antiques.

Oxford: Just an hour train ride from Paddington Station, Oxford is a quaint academic town with many interesting sites. The first college established was University College in 1249, but Magdalen (pronounced "mord-lin") is considered the prettiest, with a deer park and a meadow on the campus grounds. The Ashmolean Museum, the oldest public museum in the country, and the Carfax Tower, the only remaining piece of a 14th century cathedral, are other points of interest worth seeing.

Shakespeare's Home: The market town of Stratford-Upon-Avon became a tourist attraction in 1769 when actor David Garrick organized the first Shakespeare Commemorative Birthday Celebration. Though the only cultural attraction is the fine Royal Shakespeare Theatre, where Britain's foremost actors perform, this is a fun spot for literary buffs. Pick up a souvenir of history's greatest playwright, visit his 1564 birthplace, his wife's cottage (occupied and unchanged by her family until 1892), and his tomb at Holy Trinity. Tragically, the Bard's last home was demolished and a tree he planted chopped down to deter sightseers.

Stonehenge: This mythical circle of stones is believed to be between 3,500 and 5,000 years old, pre-dating the arrival of the Celts. This archaeological fact debunks the belief that Stonehenge is the work of the Druids, and reinforces the long-standing academic theory idea that it was built by the original Indo-European settlers of this land as an astronomical observatory. Quite recent discoveries have led to a new theory that Stonehenge was in fact built as a sacred monument to the dead.

Windsor Castle: With its 1,000 rooms, Windsor is the world's largest inhabited castle. William the Conqueror built it in the 11th century, and it was renovated by Queen Elizabeth I. Here King John awaited the signing of the Magna Carta, Charles I awaited his beheading (he is buried in the adjacent St. George's Chapel, as are Henry VIII and other monarchs), and Queen Victoria mourned her beloved Prince Albert, who died in the castle. The décor includes a great deal of fine art, including works by Rubens and Rembrandt, as well as ancient treasures. The Changing of the Guard is an even more splendid event than its counterpart in London.

London is at once "the most English" city in the United Kingdom, and also a microcosm of its once vast empire. Dining is like a culinary trip around the world where finding something completely unique to eat is not at all unique! The city has the best Cantonese restaurants in all of Europe, is well-known for its Indian and Bangladeshi food, and has many French, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, and Thai eateries. Innovative chefs and a new appreciation of indigenous British food has rescued local dishes from the scornful dismissal of the past, so traditional and modern British cuisine is now available everywhere. As an island nation, seafood has always figured prominently in its cooking traditions, complemented by meat and dairy from its farming provinces. While there certainly are moderately-priced restaurants spread around town, in general, London dining is a bit pricey. The ultimate "not-to-be-missed" dining experience is, of course, the local pub, where the atmosphere, company, and conversation turn a meal into a quintessential English night out.

Gourmet

Gordon Ramsay, celebrity chef, has his own self-named Chelsea eatery that's fantastic. It's a showcase for his elaborate, mouth-watering Modern British cuisine and even if it is far above your planned budget, it's well-worth the expense. 68 Royal Hospital Road, Sloane Square

Alastair Little: This lovely little restaurant in the heart of Soho can be easily missed, as its small entrance is overwhelmed by the bustling activity outside. Once in, guests are made to feel most welcome, and a glance at the menu reveals why this was one of the leading restaurants in London's culinary revolution. Excellent Modern British cooking is represented in such choices as Roquefort and bacon salad for starters, cod with prawns and mashed potatoes for an entree, and hot apples and ice cream for dessert. Be sure to stay for three courses if you have the appetite.Reservations are highly recommended. 49 Frith Street

Highly Recommended

Criterion Brasserie is thought of as the Grand Dame of Piccadilly dining, set in one of the most stunning dining rooms in London, with gold mosaics, courtly potted plants, gilded mirrors, and kingly portions to suit this neo-Byzantine setting. Celebrated Chef Marco Pierre White expertly prepares the menu of spectacular French-Mediterranean fare. 224 Picadilly Circus

Axis: This is a fantastic modern restaurant offering excellent, reliable, and intelligent cooking that mixes European and Asian without confusing flavors. Starters are meals in themselves, as carefully prepared as the entrees. Try the crispy duck noodle salad, or selection of sweetbreads, both rare finds in this cosmopolitan city. For the main course peruse the menu for such delights as Hay baked leg of lamb with rosemary jus and mint sauce, and grilled sirloin steak with mashed potatoes and creamy spinach. Food is well presented and served surprisingly promptly. 1 Aldwych

Local Flair

Wiltons's is the London restaurant most set in its traditional, 18th century ways and fare. Amidst etched glass, fishing pictures, plush carpets, and Old World comfort, patrons are served - with old-fashioned elegance - the same meals of steaks, Welsh rarebit, kidneys, whitebait, duck, and fine French wine that the St. James upper crust enjoyed 300 years ago. 55 Jermyn Street

Simpson's-in-the-Strand: Sharing its ideal location with the various theaters of the West End, Covent Garden, and the Houses of Parliament, Simpson’s is a legendary restaurant steeped in history. When this establishment opened in 1828 as a coffee shop, it became the stomping grounds for poets, chess champions, and intellectuals. Its expansion into a restaurant in 1848 introduced quality food, wines, and beers to the menu and attracted famous patrons like Charles Dickens. Today, the Simpson's Grand Divan restaurant serves a Great British breakfast, and offers hearty traditional meals such as Scottish Angus beef (aged 28 days!), potted shrimp, English puddings, and its famous table-carved roast meats. On Sundays, the restaurant offers a Carving Master Class. Participants are each given a Henckels carving knife and fork, and are taught to carve their own meats by the head chef. Each participant also receives a video, a certificate, and of course a lunchtime meal at the Grand Divan. When nothing less than a legendary British meal will do, there simply is no better choice than Simpson's-in-the-Strand! 100 The Strand, Charing Cross

Romantic

Mirabelle is simply your best choice. With its discreet staff and London's best chef, this refined restaurant caters even to royalty and celebrities seeking a private, intimate meal. Two private rooms offer a choice of dining in an intimate wood-paneled room with carvings à la Grinling Gibbons or in another with luminescent Chinese wallpaper. The main dining room is long and elegant, appointed with Bugatti sculptures and a skylight. A lavender-lined outdoor terrace adds a nice touch for al fresco summer dining. 56 Cruzon Street

Claridge's: Reserve a table for dinner, and you and your loved one will have the most romantic evening meal in London. The setting is grand and intimate, one of London's best, and the service attentive without being intrusive. Food is so nicely presented you may not want to eat it. Afterwards, retire to the lounge for coffee and strawberry truffles. Claridge's Hotel, Brook Street

London has a bewildering amount and variety of places to go and things to do after sundown. Opera, symphony, theater, ballet, clubbing, pubbing, and more await the intrepid nightlifer. With plays as numerous and diverse as in New York City, you'll find something you like whether your taste is for musicals, drama, avant-garde, comedy, or satire. Youth music holds high status in London, with many musical styles over several decades originating in the city's clubs. It is nearly expected that anytime, anywhere, a superstar band will show up at a club unannounced to play a few songs. Recently relaxed regulations now allow the partying to go on all night long, adding London to the roster of greatest places to party till dawn! Of course, the camaraderie enjoyed in a traditional pub still makes for the traditional English evening out. Once you're settled in, check out the weekly publications Time Out and Where for current entertainment listings of every style.

Blackfriar: A fetching and utterly original pub with friezes of intoxicated monks and a highly decorated alcove, built in 1905.

Hanover Grand: This dance club is audaciously set in an old Masonic Hall, pounding great sound and light shows through its cool and extravagant decor all night.

Borderline: This live music venue is an intimate basement setting great for catching new bands or the occasional surprise appearance by big namers.

Royal Opera House: Seasonal performances of the Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet.

The Reduced Shakespeare Company: This cult smash hit continues its strong run in the West End, in addition to its many outings at the Edinburgh Festival and other guest appearances. The alternative RSC has edited the full Shakespeare canon into 2 hours, including all 16 comedies distilled into just one short extract, with the history plays performed as a ball game.

Barbican Centre: This arts complex houses the Royal Shakespeare Company and the London Symphony Orchestra.

Discount Theatre Tickets: The Leicester Square Ticket Booth sells ½ price tickets for most West End theatres, available on the day of the show.

January

Charles I Commemoration: The execution of King Charles I "in the name of freedom and democracy" is marked with hundreds of cavaliers marching in 17th century dress.

March & September

Chelsea Antiques Fair: Twice each year, England's best dealers get together to exhibit and sell their finest wares in the Old Town Hall.

May - August

Shakespeare Under the Stars: There is simply something magical about watching the Bard's tragedies, comedies, and histories while picnicking under the stars. With a long summer run, you've got a great chance of catching one of these memorable performances. Regent's Park.

Glyndebourne Festival Opera Season: The stirring performances in this gorgeous setting are not to be missed. The champagne picnics add casual Victorian country charm. Sussex.

June

Royal Ascot Week: The famous horse-racing Black & White Affair made so memorable in My Fair Lady takes places at the Ascot Racecourse. Berkshire.

Trooping the Colour: On this official celebration of the Queen's birthday, the monarch inspects her regiments as they parade their colors. The stunning pomp and pageantry make this an event that is watched fervently by virtually all Brits either on TV or, for the lucky ones, in person with tickets won by ballot. Whitehall.

August

Notting Hill Carnival: This is one of the largest street festivals in Europe, and features reggae bands, soul music, and Caribbean food.

October

Opening of Parliament: The monarch opens Parliament in the House of Lords, reading a speech written by the ruling government. This ritual evolved in the 1600s, when the English beheaded Charles I and rescinded the British monarch's right to enter the House of Commons. The Queen rides from Buckingham Palace to Westminster in a royal coach in the company of the Cavalry. Westminster.

The style in London is mostly "anything goes," but you certainly will want to have some elegant clothes on hand for the many fine restaurants and cultural activities that are a part of most London visits, many of which require a jacket and tie for men. Most trendy nightclubs will not accept sneakers, jeans, or t-shirts. Dressing in layers to accommodate the rapidly changing weather is a good idea.

We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.

Drinking: You must be 18 years old to drink alcohol. Children under 16 may only enter certain rooms in pubs and only if accompanied by an adult.

Taxes: A 17.5% Value Added Tax - refundable for goods, not services, upon departure - is added to many items. A refund from a store depends on its participation in the Retail Export Scheme program and each store sets its own minimum purchase total for a refund. Look for the "Tax Free Shopping" sign at these stores. You will be given a form to fill out and present, along with the purchased goods, at the airport for a refund. If you do not claim the refund before leaving, you will not be able to claim it after arriving back home.

Language: English. England is the country where the English language originated.

Currency: The United Kingdom's currency is the Pound Sterling. Bank notes: 5, 10, 20, 50. Coins (pence): .01, .02, .05, .10, .20, .50, 1.00, 2.00. For current conversation rates, please click here.

The current runs on 220 volts, roughly twice the US current, and electrical sockets take sturdy three-pronged British plugs, so you will need an adapter and transformer to use your American appliances.

We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.

Entry: A passport is required, but no visa is needed. A roundtrip ticket, or a ticket continuing on to another destination, is also required since the maximum stay is 6 months.

UK Customs: Visitors at least 17 years of age can enter England with 200 cigarettes (or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco), 2 liters of wine, 1 liter of liquor, canned/sealed/packaged food (no produce or dairy), 2 pounds of sealed meat, and 2 ounces of perfume. In order to keep the British Isles rabies free, a strict 6-month quarantine period is imposed on incoming pets. Illegally imported animals will very likely be euthanized.

US Customs: You can re-enter the US with $800 worth of duty-free merchandise. A flat rate of 10% is levied on the next $1,000 worth of purchases. You cannot bring back fresh food, but canned goods are permitted.

United States Embassy

24 Grosvenor Square

London W1A 1AE

England

Phone: 44-20-7499-9000

Visit Britain

Thames Tower

Black's Road

Hammersmith

London W6 9EL

England

Phone: 44-20 8846 9000

Email: travelinfo@visitbritain.org

New York Office

551 Fifth Avenue (at 45th street)

Suite #701

New York, NY 10176

Phone: 800-462-2748

Email: travelinfo@visitbritain.org