London

City Life

London is a vibrant city. Its streets are home to historical heritages such as the Shakespearean Globe Theatre, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Tower Bridge. Famous for its Stock Exchange, blue-chip companies and Lloyd's Insurance, market, industry and commerce are never far away. Cultural diversity and a welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal destination for travel, study or work.

Culture and education are naturally integrated into the London lifestyle. Spectacular concerts and popular shows are held in the O2 arena boasting the star power of Lady Gaga, Rhianna, Madonna and others. Theatrical productions such as Billy Elliot and the Phantom of the Opera abound in the West End. Specialist exhibitions, and even the G20 conference, are held in the Excel centre. The British Museum houses enviable collections from all six continents, the National Gallery has portraits and artwork dating back centuries, the Science Museum celebrates scientific breakthroughs, and the Natural History Museum preserves valuable remains of mammals and marine life. Tate Modern and Tate Britain are for trendier crowds interested in contemporary art and the South Bank is popular for street performances, skateboarding and creative graffiti.

Fashion-conscious shopping sprees take place at Oxford Street (where Selfridges and House of Fraser can be found,) the brand new Westfield shopping mall in White City, and Harrods in Kensington. Gourmet dining is provided by restaurant chains of renowned chefs Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay. Chinatown and the Covent Garden market offer exquisite cuisines at relatively cheap prices.

Architectural landmarks are also noteworthy. Modern buildings like the Gherkin, One Canada Square, and the Shard (in construction) lie in contrast to St Paul's Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament and the Royal Courts of Justice. A river boat cruise, the London Eye, the Thames Clippers or the London Duck Tours are good ways to enjoy the scenery.

With vast open spaces, well-established gyms, socially active clubs and a year-long sports calendar, recreation and leisure are privileges every Londoner enjoys. In central London alone, there are Hyde Park, Regent's Park and Green Park where cyclists, joggers and walkers move around incessantly. Famous football clubs like Chelsea and Arsenal call London their home. The Wimbledon tennis tournament, the London Marathon, the London Mazda Triathlon and the Boat Race draw huge crowds and in 2012, London will host the 2012 Olympic Games.