The Big Ben is perhaps one of the most frequently filmed and photographed tourist spot in history of mankind. Its symbol of one of the finest city of world, London. London the capital of England is perhaps the most historically important city of post-Jesus era. Its the symbol of the grand and mighty British Imperialism which changed the world permanently. It can be said that London was once the capital of the planet.
Times have changed and gone are the days of "sun never sets on the British empire". But London is still a very important political, financial and cultural hub of world. It has grown into a cosmopolitan city which offers some of the best living options. People from diverse cultures have made London their home. People from different races have pursued rewarding careers and and set up highly profit making businesses in the city. If you are on a tour of Europe, London will be surely on your tour itinerary.
If you are visiting London for the first time, you might better keep aside good number of days to enjoy the pleasures offered by this United Kingdom capital. The obvious places to see in London is the London Bridge which is spread across the river Thames. Both the river and the bridge would have appeared in an endless list of films in various languages across the world. Regular ferry services operate at both ends of Thames thereby connecting the two sides of the city. People use it to reach places in London as they would use the subway or city bus services. If you are planning to tour many tourist places in the city, you may want to book the 'London pass' online for a great way to travel across London in its public transport services - and there's more than any other city to choose from - buses (check out the double-deckers) trains, the underground and the ferries. The London pass also allows discounts for more than 50 different restaurants and shopping malls. Of course you can book the London Pass online conveniently (that link also leads you to a more detailed description)
If you are a cricket fan, then London is the right place to be. Lords "the Mecca of cricket" is situated in London. For those of you who don't know what is cricket, it is loosely played like a baseball however with very different set of rules of scoring. Whether you like cricket or not, you should visit various cricket related museums and grounds in and around London.
The Buckingham palace, the Royal Opera house and the Wimbledon Lawn tennis museum are just a few of literally hundreds of great places to visit in London. Then there's the Royal Botanical gardens, with more than 14000 trees! London might seem to be little on costlier side so spend wisely. You might stay in a relatively cheaper accomodation and spend you savings on sight seeing. For instance, a cruise ride in Thames is definitely very costly but worth going for.
London has a rich selection for various restaurants, bars, clubs, bistros and everything else you might want to find when you are out to wine and dine in London !
The English are known for their great afternoon tea parties, and English tea is the finest blend you will find anywhere, with the best imports from all over the world - having tea at 'Twinings' is a great way to relax in the evening after a hard day's sight seeing, check out more about them at http://www.twinings.co.uk/home_flash.asp .