How to Visit London

Transcript The amazing Gothic architecture of the Palace of Westminster has seen a lot of change over the years. But it isn’t just a historical building; it’s still in use today, since it’s where the Houses of Parliament are. If you happen to visit while parliament is in session, you can watch the debates and …

Transcript The Tower of London is also known as the Bloody Tower, and it’s earned the name. Since 1066, when William the Conqueror had it built to frighten his subjects into submission and to threaten those who wanted to invade his kingdom, it has seen the death and imprisonment of royalty–along with a lot of …

Transcript A trip to London would be incomplete without a visit to the home of the Queen: Buckingham Palace. It’s the monarch’s administrative headquarters, and has been the official residence of the British sovereigns since 1837; it’s full of life and history. A tour of the palace will include the 19 State Rooms, the Throne …

Transcript London’s a great place to eat, as long as you plan ahead and stay away from the tourist traps. First, fortify yourself for a busy day of sight-seeing with a traditional hearty English breakfast at Simpson’s-in-the-Strand. Later, try out some of the fine dining London has to offer. Rules, known as London’s oldest restaurant, …

Transcript London’s hectic traffic and confusing layout make driving there a nightmare, especially for visitors. Fortunately, London offers a variety of alternatives to driving. The public transportation is a great option, even if the locals like to gripe about late trains. If you’re willing to spend a little more, London’s cabs are some of the …

Transcript London isn’t known for warm weather and beautiful, clear skies any time of the year. But don’t let that stop you from visiting–just be sure to bring an umbrella. It rains the most in the fall, so skip that season if you want to keep your feet dry–but remember that English weather is unpredictable, …

Transcript For centuries, London has been a hub for culture and education, and its world-class museums prove it. The British Museum has been collecting artifacts since 1753, and today it boasts everything from ancient Greek sculptures to Egyptian mummies. For Western European paintings, there’s no better place than the National Gallery, where you’ll find the …

Transcript If you lived in London your whole life, you still wouldn’t have time to see everything, but there are some things you just shouldn’t miss. The London Eye, a huge observation wheel on the Thames, will give you a bird’s-eye view of the city. When skies are clear, you can see as far out …

Transcript London has grown a lot over its long history, absorbing smaller towns as it went along. Today, it’s a sprawling city, rich with culture and a variety of neighborhoods to explore. The City, or the Square Mile, was the birthplace of London. These days, it’s the financial capital, with skyscrapers next to historic buildings …