The United Kingdom is a very popular tourist destination and most people want to visit London. The capital has so many historic landmarks and cultural institutions, known throughout the world. It is also a modern city with the best to offer in shopping and entertainment. The history of the city is a fascinating one and almost every city center street appears to have a Blue Plaque outside one of its buildings, denoting that a famous person was once resident there. A ride on an open top sightseeing bus is a good way of giving an overview of the city. The Millennium Wheel will give a panoramic view of the sights.

For those interested in the Royal Family, there is Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London. The Crown Jewels can be viewed in the Tower, amidst great security. Legend says that if the ravens, always to be seen at the Tower, were to leave, then England would be destroyed. The Houses of Parliament is another famous landmark and is one of the most impressive buildings in the city. A plan to visit London could also include a trip to one of several world class museums. These include the Museum of Natural History, the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. There are many internationally known art galleries too, including the National Gallery, the Tate Britain and Tate Modern.

It’s good just to walk round the city and soak up the atmosphere, feeding the pigeons in Trafalgar Square where Nelson stands on his column or wandering through Piccadilly Circus where Eros stands with his trusty bow and arrow. If visitors want to get away from the hustle and bustle when they visit London, there are many parks to escape to, such as Hyde Park, where crowds gather to hear speeches at Speaker’s Corner. It’s also relaxing to take a boat cruise down the River Thames, underneath the famous bridges.

Shopping in the city cannot be bettered, whether browsing round the market stalls on Portobello Road or buying pate in the food court in Harrods. Serious hunters of designer labels when they visit London need go no further than Regent Street, Oxford Street and Bond Street. Theater goers are also in for a treat, if they can book a ticket for a play or a show in the West End. The mix of history, culture and entertainment is an alluring cocktail and London will continue to attract visitors from far and wide.