London is a major global city and one of the world’s largest financial centres. Central London is home to the headquarters of most of the UK’s top 100 listed companies (the FTSE 100) and more than 100 of Europe’s 500 largest. London’s influence in politics, finance, education, entertainment, media, fashion, the arts and culture in general contributes to its global position. It is a major tourist destination for both domestic and overseas visitors. London hosted the 1908 and 1948 Summer Olympics and will host the 2012 Summer Olympics. London contains four World Heritage Sites: the Tower of London; the historic settlement of Greenwich; the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; and the site comprising the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret’s Church.

London has a diverse range of peoples, cultures, and religions, and more than 300 languages are spoken within its boundaries. In July 2007 it had an official population of 7,556,900 within the boundaries of Greater London, making it the most populous municipality in the European Union. The Greater London Urban Area (the second largest in the EU) has a population of 8,278,251. while the metropolitan area (the largest in the EU) has an estimated total population of between 12 million and 14 million.

The London Underground network, administered by Transport for London, is the most extensive underground railway network in the world, London Heathrow Airport is the world’s busiest airport by number of international passengers and the airspace is the busiest of any urban centre in the world.

Transport is one of the four main areas of policy administered by the Mayor of London, however the mayor’s financial control does not extend to the longer distance rail network that enters London. In 2007 he assumed responsibility for some local lines, which now form the London Overground network, adding to the existing responsibility for the London Underground, trams and buses. The public transport network is administered by Transport for London (TfL) and is one of the most extensive in the world.

Cycling is an increasingly popular way to get around London. The London Cycling Campaign lobbies for better provision. The lines that formed the London Underground, as well as trams and buses, became part of an integrated transport system in 1933 when the London Passenger Transport Board (LPTB) or London Transport was created. Transport for London (TfL), is now the statutory corporation responsible for most aspects of the transport system in Greater London, and is run by a board and a commissioner appointed by the Mayor of London.

The City of London is a geographically-small City within Greater London, is the historic core of London from which, along with Westminster, the modern conurbation grew. The City’s boundaries have remained constant since the Middle Ages, and hence it is now only a tiny part of the larger London metropolis.

The City of London is now a major business and commercial centre in the world, ranking alongside New York City as the leading centre of global finance. It is often referred to as just the City or as the Square Mile, as it is approximately one square mile (2.6 kmฒ) in area; note that these terms are also often used as metonyms for the UK financial services industry, which is principally based there. In the medieval period the City was the full extent of London (as distinct from the nearby but then-separate village of Westminster, which became the City of Westminster), but the term London now refers to a much larger conurbation containing both ‘cities’. The City of London is still part of London’s city centre, but apart from financial services, most of London’s metropolitan functions are centered on the West End. The City of London has a resident population under 10,000 but a daily working population of 311,000.

The City itself has two independent enclaves within it — Inner Temple and Middle Temple. These two areas form part of the City and Ceremonial County, but are not governed by the City of London Corporation. The Corporation governs the rest of the City and also owns various open spaces (parks, forests and commons) in and around London.

Information by http://www.findtravelguide.com ,http://www.justuk.org

* New Year’s Day Parade
The New Year’s Day Parade is parade of 10,000 performers from all around the world through the streets of the West End of London from Parliament Square to Piccadilly, which takes place annually on 1 January. More Info athttp://www.londonparade.co.uk.
* London International Mime Festival
The London International Mime Festival is an annual festival of contemporary visual theatre which takes place every January. More info at www.mimefest.co.uk.

February

* Chinese New Year Festival
The Chinese New Year festival to mark the start of the Chinese New Year, the date varies from late January to mid-February. More info at http://ibps.org.uk.

March

* Whisky Live London
Whisky Live London is the most important England’s whisky event of the year, offers the chance to learn about the culture and history of whisky, try and taste hundreds of whisky brands.
* St Patrick’s Day Parade The Parade is in commemoration of St Patrick where bands from the UK, Ireland and USA, community groups, and others take to the streets of central London for a spectacular march.

April

* Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race
Cambridge and Oxford University boat clubs race annually each Spring on the Thames river alogn 4.25 miles. The event is very popular, not only with the alumni of the universities also with rowers in general and the public who wants participate.
* London Marathon
The London Marathon is the second largest marathon in participants terms, the race is along a course of 42.195 km (26 miles and 385 yards), runners stretches from Greenwich Park and Black Heath to the Buckingham Palace Mall.
* London Golf Show
It is the biggest public European Golf Show. It shows a wide range of golf equipment, apparel and all related to the game.
* London Horse Harness Parade
The London Harness Horse Parade is a horse parade and takes place annually on Easter Monday at The South of England Centre, Sussex.

May

* The Chelsea Flower Show
The Chelsea Flower Show is a garden show and takes place every year on five days in May by the Royal Horticultural Society in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in Chelsea, it shows the best garden designs and horticulture, and show ideas to take for new gardens designs.
* Hampstead & Highgate Festival
Hampstead & Highgate Festival is a competition of classical compositions, and variety of arts. It takes place at North London villages.
* Dulwich Festival (London)
Dulwich Festival is an arts and cultural events aim to celebrate local talent, professionals and amauteurs participate in artistic events. Visit for more information http://www.dulwichfestival.co.uk
* London International Festival of Theatre
London International Festival of Theatre, is a progressive biennial theatre festival which creatively explores local and global issues using theatre as a catalyst. More information visit at http://www.liftfest.org.uk.

June

* City of London Festival
The City of London Festival is an arts festival that takes place in the City of London for two or three weeks in June and July. The Festival offers classical music, opera, film screenings, lectures and guided tours.
* Spitalfields Festival
Spitalfields Festival is a music festival that takes place in the Spitalfields area of Tower Hamlets. Classical music is typically played, however in addition much of the music reflects local ethnic groups.
* Summer Olympia Fine Art & Antiques Fair
The Summer Olympia Fine Art & Antiques Fair is one of the largest fairs in the international art and antiques calendar. Hundreds of distinguished UK and international dealers showcase an unrivalled selection of the finest works of art at the Olympia Exhibition Centre
* East Barnet Festival
East Barnet Festival is a three-day music, arts and sports festival and one of the largest community festival in the London region.

July

* The Hampton Court Palace Flower Show
The Hampton Court Palace Flower Show is an annual event run by the Royal Horticultural Society at Hampton Court Palace.
* The Hampton Court Palace Flower Show
The BBC Proms is an eight-week summer season of orchestral classical music concerts held annually in Central London.
* Greenwich + Docklands Festival
The annual Greenwich + Docklands International Festival is an extended Midsummer weekend of ravishing free outdoor performances from major international companies, and pioneering new work from UK artists.

August

* Notting Hill Carnival
The Notting Hill Carnival is a large street festival and celebration of Caribbean culture, whith parades of costumed dancers and colourfully decorated floats.
* Coin Street Festival
The Coin Street Festival takes place at Coin Street and celebrates the co-operation in its many forms and is held on the South Bank between the National Theatre and Tate Modern.

September

* The London Festival of Chamber Music
It is a four weeks festival, aims to make chamber music accessible to a wider audience, with performances of the highest standard at local venues.

October

* The Chelsea Crafts Fair’s
The Chelsea Crafts Fair’s is a showcase of the finest contemporary craft from the UK.
* Pearly Kings and Queens Harvest Festival
Shows the original Pearly Kings and Queens gather in their buttoned suits for the annual Harvest Festival Service, takes place at the church of St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square.

November

* The London Film Festival
The Times BFI London Film Festival showcases the best new films of world cinema, ith an extensive schedule of industry and public forums, education events, lectures and celebrity interviews.
* London to Brighton Veteran Car Run The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run is the longest-running motoring event in the world the racers have to drive for 86km (54 miles) from Hyde Park in London to Brighton, it takes place every first sunday in November.
* Guy Fawkes Night
Guy Fawkes Night is a annual Britain celebration on November 5th. The event displays firework, the lighting of bonfires and the ceremonial effigy-burning of one Guy Fawkes.
* Lord Mayor’s Show
The Lord Mayor’s Show is a street parade which in its modern form is a fairly light-hearted combination of traditional British pageantry and elements of carnival.

December

* Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree
It celebrates the beginning of Christmas, is world’s most famous Christmas tree lighting at Trafalgar Square.

Information by http://www.justuk.org

Also is a very big effort for travelers to find the right place and the right prices where to eat because there are many venues from witch choose and perhaps London is the most expensive city to eat in, but as any other places taking a look the city we can find some good restaurants with good food and affordable prices.

Inevitably prices are very expensive at venues closest to major tourist attractions. Some areas with inflated prices trading on travellers’ gullibility and lack of knowledge are the streets around Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, the British Museum and the Palace of Westminster.

Here’s a guide to some of the best restaurants area by area.

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is an attractive area with a covered piazza complex at its centre. It’s popular with tourists but can be pricey. If you’re looking for an inexpensive meal in this area your best bet is to try out some of the large bar/restaurants such as Wagamama and All Bar One, where you’ll find reasonable quality food in stylish surroundings at affordable prices.

If you want to experience a traditional London restaurant, try Rules on Maiden Lane. It’s rather expensive but it’s worth it. Reputed to be the oldest restaurant in London, it has a beautiful vintage interior and serves old London favourites, from oysters and eels to pies and puddings.

Another famed London restaurant and popular hang-out of the rich and famous is The Ivy on West Street. You’ll need to book a table weeks in advance to savour its wonderful modern and luxurious British cuisine – shepherd’s pie, leek tart, kedgeree and the deliciously decadent sticky toffee pudding.

South Bank

Urban redevelopment has seen lots of ‘gastro-pubs’ pop up in this area – chic and trendy bars serving high quality food in informal surroundings and at reasonable prices.

For fabulous modern European cuisine, try Festival Square on the ground floor of the Royal Festival Hall. It’s a relaxing caf้-bar serving everything from light snacks to filling main course dishes.

Another popular gastro-pub is the award winning Anchor and Hope on The Cut. In contrast to many of the bars in this area, its d้cor is traditional, with oak panelled walls, but its food is most definitely up-to-date. Try the beetroot and goat’s cheese salad or the lamb shank with minted beans.

Bloomsbury

Bloomsbury is home to many of London’s top academic institutions such as University of London, University College London, Birkbeck College and the British Museum. It’s always bustling with students and as a result there’s a great choice of good but cheap caf้-bars and brasseries as well as some more upmarket restaurants.

The Coffee Gallery on Museum Street, next to the British Museum, has an eclectic range of organic and vegetarian dishes, from sandwiches to salads and pastas.

One of the best ethnic eateries in the city is Hakkasan, London’s first Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant. It’s chic and sophisticated, with inventive dishes and a fashionable cocktail bar.

Knightsbridge and Chelsea

Two of the most fashionable and exclusive parts of London, Knightsbridge and Chelsea are dotted with upmarket and Michelin-starred restaurants.

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has London’s only restaurant with three Michelin Stars. Named simply Gordon Ramsay, it’s on Royal Hospital Road near Chelsea Embankment.

Founded in the 1950s, the Troubadour on Old Brompton Road is an eclectic caf้-bar with a prestigious live music heritage. Bob Dylan, Charlie Watts and Jimi Hendrix are among the stars who have performed here. The epitome of London bohemia, this West London institution has a deli, club and caf้, and it’s great place to hang out for food, drinks and music.

Camden

Camden is young, hip and trendy and there’s nowhere better in London for a lively night out. There are restaurants of all sorts interspersed between vibrant bars and clubs.

For excellent French cuisine, try Le Petit Train on Chalcot Road, or Belgo Noord on Chalk Farm Road for hearty Belgian cooking and great beer. The best tapas can be enjoyed at the Spanish themed Bar Gansa on Inverness street.

Soho/Chinatown

Soho is probably one of the best places to eat out in London in terms of quality and value for money. Most of the restaurants offer fabulous cooking at reasonable prices, especially in Chinatown, where there are some great Szechuan, Thai, Cantonese, Japanese, Indonesian and Vietnamese restaurants. Try Imperial China Cantonese restaurant on Lisle Street, Kulu Kulu Japanese restaurant on Brewer Street, Busaba Eathai Thai restaurant on Wardour Street or Saigon Vietnamese restaurant on Frith Street.

Brick Lane

London’s large Asian population is concentrated in the East End, especially around Brick Lane. Lined with Indian and Bangladeshi restaurants, it’s earned the nickname the ‘Curry Mile’. Monsoon is one of the hippest modern Indian restaurants, with contemporary Tandoori dishes as its speciality, whereas Sweet and Spicy gets back to basics, serving top-notch Indian food in modest surroundings. One of the most stylish Bengali restaurants is Caf้ Naz, a sleek caf้-bar with modern wood and steel d้cor and atmospheric lighting. Its fish and seafood dishes are delicious. Preem is another good Bengali restaurant with a fantastic range of balti dishes.

Islington

Once a run-down residential area, this inner-city suburb in the north of London has been given a new lease of life in the last few decades. The beautiful Victorian townhouses have been renovated and it’s now a trendy and fashionable part of London with an air of bohemian chic. The restaurants are a varied mix of stylish and quirky. The Elk in the Woods, for example, is reminiscent of an old lady’s living room. It’s a small and cosy place on the lovely cobbled Camden Passage. Just like the d้cor, the food is inventive and unusual – with a modern European influence. Flaming Nora is a great burger restaurant and takeaway, but it’s not a typical fast food joint. The burgers are all made from the freshest, highest quality meat and fish, chargrilled to perfection. Aberdeen Angus, lamb and tuna burgers are the specialities, and it also does a great line in skewers and kebabs.

Information by http://www.justuk.org

The Romans first visited in the 1st century BC, traded with the Celts and had a browse around. In AD 43 they returned with an army led by Emperor Claudius and decided to stay, establishing the port of Londinium. They built a wooden bridge across theThames (near the site of today’s London Bridge) and used the settlement as a base from which to capture other tribal centres, which at the time provided much bigger prizes. The bridge became the focal point for a network of roads fanning out around the region, and for a few years the settlement prospered from trade.

This growth was nipped in the bud around AD 60 when an army led by Boudicca, queen of the Celtic Iceni tribe based in East Anglia, took violent retribution on the Roman soldiers, who had abused her family and seized their land. The Iceni overran Camulodunum (Colchester) – which had become capital of Roman Britannia – and then turned on Londinium, massacring its inhabitants and razing the settlement. Boudicca was eventually defeated (and according to legend is buried under platform 10 of King’s Cross station), and the Romans rebuilt London around Cornhill.

A century later the Romans built the defensive wall around the city, fragments of which survive. The original gates – Aldgate, Ludgate, Newgate and Bishopsgate – are remembered as place names in contemporary London. Excavations in the City suggest that Londinium, a centre for business and trade although not a fully-fledgedcolonia (settlement), was an imposing metropolis whose massive buildings included a basilica, an amphitheatre, a forum and the governor’s palace.

By the middle of the 3rd century AD Londinium was home to some 30,000 people of various ethnic groups, and there were temples dedicated to a large number of cults. When Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity in 312, this became the official religion of the entire empire, although the remains of the Temple of Mithras survive in the City, a testament to London’s pagan past.

Overstretched and worn down by ever-increasing barbarian invasions, the Roman Empire fell into decline, as did Londinium. When the embattled Emperor Honorius withdrew the last soldiers in 410, the remaining Romans scarpered and the settlement was reduced to a sparsely populated backwater.

Information by http://www.lonelyplanet.com

Lundenwic (or London marketplace) was established due west of Londinium (around Aldwych) as a Saxon trade settlement and by the early 7th century the Saxons were converted from paganism to Christianity. Rome designated Lundenwic as a diocese and the first St Paul’s Cathedral was established at the top of Ludgate Hill.

Saxon settlement was predominantly outside the city walls to the west, towards what is now Aldwych and Charing Cross, but the settlement became the victim of its own success when it attracted the Vikings of Denmark, who raided the city in 842 and burned it to the ground 10 years later. Under the leadership of King Alfred the Great of Wessex, the Saxon population fought back, drove the Danes out in 886 and re-established what soon became Lundunburg as the major centre of trade.

Saxon London grew into a prosperous and well-organised town divided into 20 wards, each with its own alderman, and resident colonies of German merchants and French vintners. But the Danes wouldn’t let it lie, and Viking raids finally broke the weakening Saxon leadership, which was forced to accept the Danish leader Canute as king ofEngland in 1016.

With the death of Canute’s son Harthacanute in 1042, the throne passed to the Saxon Edward the Confessor, who went on to found an abbey and palace at Westminster on what was then an island at the mouth of the River Tyburn (which now flows underground). When Edward moved his court to Westminster, he established divisions that would – geographically, at least – dominate the future of London. The port became the trading and mercantile centre (the area now known as the City), while Westminster became the seat of politics and administration.

Information by http://www.lonelyplanet.com