London

Orientation

London, the capital city of England, is a place overflowing with rich traditions that makes it instantly recognizable from many aspects. The city has the most courteous and competent taxi drivers in the world. Streets are spiced with musicians in Covent Garden and well-known markets in Camden, Brixton and Petticoat Lane.

City Facts

• London Population : 7,640,000 (Source: UN Population Division 2000 estimate)
• United Kingdom Population : 58,336,000 (Source: UN Population Division 2000 estimate)
• Currency : Pound Sterling (GBP)
• Time Zone : GMT +0, Eastern Standard Time +5 and Pacific Standard Time +8
• Language : English
  

Weather

Weather Forecast

Climate

British weather is seldom extreme, but the daily or even hourly temperature and cloud coverage change frequently. Summers have less rain than other seasons and are moderately warm with occasional hot days in between. Winters are usually grey and wet with nice cool, crisp clear days sometimes. Snow is infrequent, but thick fog sometimes rolls up at River Thames and the city.

Travel Tips

When to Visit - Arts and Events

The Lord Mayor’s Parade, the Promenade concerts and Notting Hill Carnival are some examples of spectacular events that compliment this famous capital city. Along with Broadway, London’s West End makes the world’s most famous theatre district and the home of spectacular musicals and events.

Dining

The Lord Mayor’s Parade, the Promenade concerts and Notting Hill Carnival are some examples of spectacular events that compliment this famous capital city. Along with Broadway, London’s West End makes the world’s most famous theatre district and the home of spectacular musicals and events.

Tipping Advice

Tipping is very common in England. Taxi drivers happily accept a 10 percent gratuity. For luggage handlers and door attendants at hotels, one or two pounds are the standard tip. About 15 percent of service charge are included in some restaurants and are clearly stated on menus.

Transportation

There are four airports in London, they are: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and London Luton. Moreover, the city can be easily accessed by rail from Paris, Lille and Brussels via the Channel Tunnel. Roads and rails also form a sophisticated transportation network in London.

Arriving by Air

London is well served by air but most international flights are likely to arrive by London Heathrow or London Gatwick.

Getting Around London

Many forms of reliable public transport are available in and around central London. Tube trains and London bus, which is red in color, travel to all parts of the city. Taking an open-top bus is the best way of sightseeing. Boat ride along the Thames is another way to make your journey unusual. Day tickets, which can be used after 9:30 a.m. for unlimited travel, are the cheapest way to get around London using buses and trains.

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