U City Guides Guides for the Savvy Urban Traveler
HOTELS. HOSTELS. DESIGN. STYLE. TRENDS.
TOP 10 SIGHTS. ART. ARCHITECTURE.
RESTAURANTS. BARS. CLUBS. SPAS. SHOPS.




LONDON
Europe's Most Cosmopolitan City London

The most international, cosmopolitan, and populous European metropolis has reinvented itself for the new millennium. With a number of new architectural landmarks (the London Eye or the Gherkin are just two examples) and revived neighborhoods like the East End or the South Bank, it has reaffirmed itself as one of the most dynamic and culturally influential global cities.

Essentially a capital resulting from merged villages, London has no one heart, but many centers -- the tourist in Westminster, the financial in The City, the shopping in Knightsbridge, Mayfair, Camden Town, depending on your mood, wallet, and personality. London's many faces and subcultures are what guarantee that anyone who visits will not leave disappointed. All the latest trends, styles, music, or edgy youth culture are found and often born here, placing London in a leader position in the international creative scene.

London thrives on its complexity and diversity, offering an incredible range of galleries, theater, cafés, restaurants, and bars, not to mention markets and shopping. They can all be exciting, extraordinary, and often expensive experiences, and in a visit to a city that's got it all, exhilarating.


London


Top 10
  1. Stand by Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
  2. Visit the British Museum for its extraordinary art and Egytian and Greek treasures.
  3. See Tate Modern's outstanding modern art collection.
  4. Shop in Covent Garden, Camden Market, and KNIGHTSBRIDGE.
  5. Go inside the Tower of London, home of the crown jewels.
  6. Admire the rich collection of the National Gallery.
  7. Step into Westminster Abbey to see where royalty is crowned and laid to rest.
  8. Visit Buckingham Palace, the famous royal residence.
  9. Tour St. Paul's Cathedral for its imposing architecture.
  10. Get a bird's-eye view of London from the London Eye.


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A CITY FOR: Art, Nightlife, Shopping


SEARCH FOR YOUR PERFECT HOTEL

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The Best London Hotels

DESIGN HOTELS:
The Sanderson and St. Martins Lane were both designed by Philippe Starck and are two of the most stylish places to stay in London. Two other outstanding design choices are One Aldwych and The Metropolitan, but there are several more Design Hotels in London HERE>>

BOUTIQUE HOTELS:
The Blakes, The Gore, and Threadneedles are only three of the elegant and sophisticated boutique choices in the city, and you can find out more about them and all of the other best Boutique Hotels in London HERE>>

CHARM HOTELS:
Featuring charming English interiors or in historic or romantic settings, there are several special hotels in London such as the Cadogan, Hazlitt's, and The Rookery. See more about these and other Charm Hotels in London HERE>>

LUXURY HOTELS:
London is home to some of the most luxurious hotels in Europe. The Claridge's and Brown's Hotel are only two examples, and you can read more about them and find other Luxury Hotels in London HERE>>

CHEAP HOSTELS:
Budget travelers will love the elegance of Palmers Lodge or the modern facilities and central locations of YHA St. Paul's and Meininger City Hostel. Check them out, along with more Cheap Hostels in London HERE>>

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MORE LONDON:
Sights & Attractions
Hotels & Hostels
Bars & Clubs
Cafés & Restaurants
Shopping
Body & Soul
Gay & Lesbian
Map & Transportation
Car Rental
Tours & Daytrips
Concerts & Events

Hotels & Hostels
The city's best design, boutique, charm, and luxury hotels, as well as cheap hostels with easy online booking at special rates. All of the best, special, and hip places to stay are HERE (London Hotels & Hostels Guide)>>

Sights & Activities
Big Ben, London Eye, and all of the city's must-see landmarks, classic and modern art, striking architecture and ancient sites, street life and tours -- it's all HERE (London Sightseeing Guide)>>

Cafés & Restaurants
Breakfast at Inn the Park or brunch at Ottolenghi is the best way to start the day in London. Later, go for tea at Tea Palace, and experience the city's vibrant dining scene. London's coolest cafes and most accomplished restaurants, from The Fat Duck to Gordon Ramsey are all HERE (London Restaurants Guide)>>.

Bars & Clubs
There was a time in London when after the pubs closed at 11PM there wasn't much of the all-night partying found in other European capitals. But that hasn't been true for quite some time now, and London has captured the title of one of Europe's best all-night clubbing cities. Start the evening at a pub and move on to dancing at one of the hotspots recommended HERE (London Nightlife Guide)>>

Body & Soul
Londoners are pretty busy people, but the most health and body-conscious still try to fit a workout at the gym in their schedule. Others flock to one of the many fine spas in the city:
Bliss Spa - A shiny white futuristic reception welcomes you to what is arguably London's best spa. Its Triple Oxygen facial is said to make you look a decade younger, and it's true that the other treatments and service are guaranteed to make any woman experience sheer bliss.
Aqua Spa at The Sanderson - This is not cheap, which explains why the people you'll see here are the rich and often even the famous (Britney Spears apparently was one of them). But a stunning state-of-the-art spa like this one is worth every cent. You'll get physical and spiritual relief at dreamy all-white, cloud-like rooms.
Beauty Works West - Located in the heart of Notting Hill, this luxury spa says it's "a new concept in beauty and health care." It means it uses state-of-the-art technology in facials and anti-aging treatments and reunites leading beauty and health practitioners to advise you on the ideal treatment for you. There are also signature treatments for men only, and "the ultimate facelift" without surgery.

Shopping
You won't have as much fun shopping anywhere else as you will in London. Browse the bustling markets, window-shop down exclusive shopping streets, and spend hours inside some of the world's finest department stores. We know all the special places where you should take your credit card in London, and you can find them all HERE (London Shopping Guide)>>.

Gay & Lesbian
London has a thriving gay scene, with flyers around the city advertising party nights, gay bars, and clubs. Although the gay center is Soho, you'll find gay territory in almost every part of the city. To point you in the right direction, UCityGuides has made a list of the places you will not want to miss. They're all HERE (London Gay Guide)>>

Getting Around
How to go from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, or London City Airport to the center of the city and back, how to get around using public transportation, and city map HERE (London Airports & Transportation Guide)>>