 | London Today London is a thriving metropolis and a city that truly symbolizes multiculturalism at its best. With a population of nearly 10 million and home to more than 300 different linguistic groups, London is the epitome of diversity and a melting pot of cultures. It is this rich diversity of cultures perhaps that makes this city a centre for the arts, media, fashion and education. London is also an important business and financial centre and home to the headquarters of some of the world's biggest banks and financial institutions. London had given to the world, not only a glorious past but also a rich a |
 | London Back Then The first settlement in the area that is now London was established by the Romans after their conquest of Britain in 43AD. Many a wars and battles were fought over the city as it slowly emerged into a prosperous and thriving city, until William the Conqueror was crowned the King of England in 1066. A fairly stable monarchy followed, that continues to this day. Over the years the city has witnessed many upheavals- the Great Plague, the Great Fire, the English Civil War and the two World Wars. Despite all odds, London has developed, expanded and grown into the flourishing metropolis we see |
 | One Aldwych This award winning hotel was built in 1907 as the headquarters of the Morning Post Newspaper. The ho |  | The Lanesborough
Situated a stone’s throw distance from the Buckingham Palace, this grand ho |
 | The Ritz
This century old hotel has been providing exceptional service to its rich and |  | The Savoy
If hotels had a superstar, Savoy would be it. Every brick of this swish hotel |
 | The Hempel Designed by renowned British designer, Anouska Hempel, The Hempel is a luxury 5 star boutique hotel |  | The Zetter
Located in the heart of Clerkenwell, the Zetter was once a warehouse. Since i |
 | Oxford Street Oxford Street without doubt is the King of shopping streets, or should we say the ‘Queen’ of sho |  | Bond Street Home to flagship stores of international designers such as Prada, Chanel, Ralph Lauren and Gucci, Bo |
 | Harrods Harrods is the rich man’s answer to Wal-Mart. London’s most famous department store traces its h |  | Selfridges Selfridges is the second largest retail store in London, after Harrods. Centrally located on Oxford |
 | Fortnum & Mason Department store; food/drink This 300 year old regal and exotic store is a food connoisseur’s del |  | Hamleys Kids toys One of the world’s largest toy stores, Hamleys traces its history back to the 16th century. The st |
 | Trooping the Color The Trooping of the Color celebrates the official birthday of the Queen of England. It takes place i |  | Promenade Concerts (The Proms)
Launched in 1895, the Henry Wood Promenade Concerts, touted as the world’s |
 | Notting Hill Carnival If you are in London at this time of the year, make sure you don't miss out on this one. Touted as E |  | Chelsea Flower Show Hailed as the ultimate event in the gardening calendar, the Chelsea Flower Show is all about getting |
 | The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race The Boat Race is one of the great events in London and is eagerly watched by thousands as they thron | | Promenade Concerts (The Proms) Launched in 1895, the Henry Wood Promenade Concerts, touted as the world’s greatest classical musi |
 | Mash Mash is an innovative combine of restaurant, bar, micro-brewery and deli. Housed in a cheerful, brig |  | The Ivy Be prepared to book at least six weeks in advance if you are to have any hope of finding a table at |
 | Gordon Ramsay This three Michelin star London restaurant is where you should head if you want to see the legendary |  | Café Emm Because this hugely popular restro-café has a strict no-booking policy, you have to be prepared to |
 | Duke of York This quirky eccentric pub in Bloomsbury is a vibrant, laid back place, ideal to spend an evening wit |  | Rock and Sole Plaice Nothing beats sitting upstairs at Rock and Sole Plaice near the fryers and munching on a delicious p |
 | Fast Facts Location: London is located in the south east of England on the banks of the River Thames Dialing code: Country code 44 Local city code 20 For example, if you are dialing a London number from outside of UK the number will be 00 44 20 xx xxx xxx Emergency numbers · Police- 100/ 442 4444 · Fire - 999/ 442 2345 · Ambulance- 999 · General Emergency 911 · Tourist Information Helpdesk +44 (0)8701 566 366 · Car Breakdown Service- · Highway Patrol- · Telephone Directory Services- · Airport Enquiry- · Railway Enquiry- Population: 7.5 million ( metropolitan area) Languages- English is the main language and is widely spoken and understood. London is however, home to people, who speak over 300 different languages. Electicity: 240 volts AC, 50 Hz, three square pin plugs are standard. < |
