London: A First-Timer's Guide

By Mark Walters

As the capital city of England, it is hardly surprising that there is much to see, do and experience in London. With millions of residents packed into this vibrant cultural melting pot, London is always bustling with activity, regardless of the day of the week or the month. Before you arrive there, it is worth making a list of the what you want to see and do, so that you don't miss out on any of the highlights.

London has been around for more than 2,000 years. While few visitors have the time to take in all that London offers, there are some places more enticing than others. Take the time to see Westminster Abbey, the Tower Of London, and the Houses Of Parliament. You might want to consider taking them as part of a guided tour, as learning a little about their histories will give you an even better appreciation of them.

The House of Commons and the House of Lords are pretty impressive in themselves, but more popular among visitors is the landmark's clock tower. Locals sometimes call it St. Stephens Tower just to make a point. Everyone else affectionately calls it Big Ben. It has four 23-foot faces that light up at night. The minute hands alone are 14 feet long. It is not open for public tours, but standing back far enough to see it is a rewarding view.

There are various palaces and historical buildings spread around the city. The most famous of them all is Buckingham Palace, home of Her Majesty The Queen. The changing of the guard outside is a sight to see. Tourists will gather long before the appointed time just to see the grand guards in their world famous red and black uniforms. The hat itself is legendary.

The sports fans amongst you will not be disappointed with London. London has some of best stadiums in the whole world, and five Premier League football (or soccer if you prefer) teams, including Arsenal and Chelsea, who have genuine football superstars in their teams. If English football is not your scene not to worry, check out a rugby game or world class tennis at Queens and Wimbledon during June and July.

No matter where you go and what you do in London, take plenty of photos. It's only your first time once!

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