All work and no play?
London is one of the world's most exciting cities and there is always something to see or do. And within a short train or car ride from the capital are charming towns and cities, historical monuments or just some wide-open spaces to be visited!
Time Out is a weekly listings magazine (their website is www.timeout.com/london) but they also do a great range of publications with day trips from London, and of course, the full range of European destinations easily accessible from all of London's airports.
Also try www.viewlondon.co.uk for the inside view on what's happening.
Eating
London is a great place for sampling gastronomic delights from around the world: from the more unusual cuisines of Ethiopia and Peru to the Modern British gastropub fare, there is something to suit all tastes.
Rest assured, it won't be long before you've identified your favourite local curry house that will become your Friday night staple once the pubs close! Check out www.london-eating.co.uk for ideas and reviews.
Drinking
You will probably find that a lot of your spare time is spent in pubs or bars - with almost 4000 pubs in the capital alone, you will be spoilt for choice! Recent changes to licensing laws in England mean that pubs no longer close at 11pm Monday-Saturday and at 10.30pm on Sunday.
As well as the more traditional "locals", you will find a number of chain pubs such as Pitcher & Piano and The Slug & Lettuce dotted around town. Bars tend to be slightly funkier places to hang out, and often have resident DJs spinning the latest tunes; the added attraction is that they also tend to stay open later.
Sightseeing
The following is a list of some of London's most popular tourist attractions:
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Tate Modern
Smashing free modern art gallery located on the eclectic South Bank.
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The London Eye
Skyscraping wheel with superb city and river views.
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British Museum
Massive collection of artefacts from all over the world.
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Buckingham Palace
Where Her Majesty is found (when she's at home).
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St Paul's Cathedral
Sprawling cathedral where Princess Diana and Prince Charles married.
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Houses of Parliament & Big Ben
Breathtaking architecture on the River Thames.
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Tower Bridge
The famous opening bridge leading to the Tower of London.
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The Tower of London
Historical site of torture, executions and home of the Crown Jewels.
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Madam Tussauds
Wax museum full of the rich and famous.
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Harrods
London landmark department store - don't miss the Food Hall.
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Camden Market
An eclectic mix of things to buy and people to watch
Clubs
London's club scene is thriving with many of the world famous dance DJs based here. Some of the big names include Home, Fabric and the Ministry of Sound. Again, weekly club nights are listed in Time Out.
