London is getting ready for the Summer Olympic Games of 2012. But there is no reason to wait for the games, before visiting the capital of Great Britain. The city has interesting sights, great shopping, superb nightlife; and actually also very good food.
The London Eye is a new and very interesting sight. You can find the meter (443 feet) high Ferris wheel between Waterloo and Westminster Bridge. The wheel was planned to open the 31th of December 1999, but the public was not allowed before March 2000 because of technical problems.
The wheel is a very popular attraction. And with only 32 cabins (for 25 persons each), and a half an hour rotation, the queues can be long in the high season. But when you see the view over the central London and spot the Big Ben and the House of Parliament, you will find the waiting time worth the trouble.
A 900 older sight with a very bloody history is the Tower of London. The Traitors Gate was the entrance for many, but the exit for few. The majority were killed because of torture or rats; or executed.
Today the fortress is a more peaceful place (except for the other tourists). It is interesting to watch the famous Ceremony of the Keys where the head of the guards hands over the keys to the head of the night watchmen at exactly 9.52 pm.
You can see many interesting places on a Tower of London tour; including the royal apartment and the dungeons. But what most people find most exciting is the Jewel House with the British crown jewels. Here you can see the scepter of the sovereign with the worlds largest diamond Star of Africa.
Other interesting sight in London includes the 106 meter (348 feet) high Big Ben, the St. Pauls Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. Do also take a stroll in Hyde Park and see all the famous art treasures in British Museum.
If you get tired of all the sighs, a great thing to do in London is people watching. In London you can experience everything from businessmen with stiff upper lips and bowler hats to punkers with cock’s combs and safety pins through their noses.
Do you think it is impossible to find great food in London? Well, it is not; and you do not have to eat fish and chips. Both Gordon Ramsey and Jamie Oliver have restaurants in London, so you can find superb food. But it does not have to be expensive. London is a melting pot of multi-ethnic populations, so it is also possible to find cheap and exotic food in many of the international restaurants in the city.
London is also a great place to shop. The famous department store Harrods even brags about that they can provide everything you need. Stuff for your home can be found in Designers Guild (wallpaper and fabric) and Muji (Japanese design). For something to the kids, you should visit Hamleys of Regent Street; a six story toyshop
Martin Elmer is the editor of Weekendophold. Here you can also read about Sevaerdigheder London.