Baker Street

Holmes is a key part of the culture of London and has inspired so many, including those who created Sherlock Holmes, one of the most well-known detective series on television. Now we do not know if they looked at Baker Street as inspiration to create their series, but Baker Street is known for having two famous landmarks that have inspired countless people and have contributed to shaping culture. These are Sherlock Holmes Museum and Madame Tussauds.

The story of Sherlock Holmes is one that has captivated millions of readers since the first novel was released in 1887, The London NET (thelondonnet.co.uk). He lives at 221B Baker Street, London, which is where he works out of his apartment and runs his business. Sherlock Holmes represents one of the most influential detectives in history which makes him a perfect namesake for an SEO company. Baker Street is a little enclave of restaurants, bars, and bakeries. Although it's small in size, it's a tight-knit community.

Bond Street

London’s shopping districts are some of the most famous in the world and the city is often regarded as a Mecca for shopping. It has a vibrant shopping reputation as one of Europe’s top fashion destinations. World-famous stores can be found on Oxford Street, Regent Street, Tottenham Court Road, Old Bond Street, New Bond Street and Savile Row. I’ve put together 23 excellent reasons to visit these areas of London and enjoy them from an insider perspective.

It’s time to plan your trip. To be honest, if I'd just taken an educated guess and said "shopping" without referencing the Bond Street tube station, you'd probably assume that Cheapside was a more likely option. After all, Cheapside is right in the city centre and has the big department stores you'd expect Selfridges, Debenhams and John Lewis. And while Cheapside too is a high-end shopping area (with its own branch of John Lewis), it just doesn't quite have the same exclusivity as Bond Street.

I have been to Bond Street many times, but it is not a place you would want to linger in. The street gets very crowded and busy and this does not help with the stress of shopping here. However, if you are looking for designer goods, then it makes sense to visit Bond Street as there is no better way of doing this than grabbing some bargains on one of London’s most famous shopping streets.

If you're intent on buying some exclusive luxury items, it may be worthwhile to visit Bond Street. While many big name brands and outlets can be found in this area, walking along the street and exploring its boutiques can also reveal some unexpected finds. There's more to window shopping than simply looking at the labels on display, so make sure you have a look inside as well. If you want to buy something a little bit special I recommend Bond Street, it is less busy than Oxford Street so doesn’t have that same atmosphere however there are some great independent shops including a few designers.

Both Bond Street and Oxford Street are shopping locations in London, the difference is that Bond Street lacks the volume of shops found on Oxford Street which will attract large crowds of tourists. The street itself is very vibrant and has a village-like feel to it. Tickets are already on sale, with the first set of performances extending into October. Hamilton is back! Lin-Manuel Miranda's Tony Award winning musical Hamilton will return to the Victoria Palace Theatre in London for a short five week run.

Brick Lane

The Great Fire was one of the defining events for London in the 17th century. Breaking out in the middle of the night, the fire ravaged the wooden buildings that made up the city, wiping out a third of London in its wake. In the end, four-fifths of London was destroyed. The Great Fire also transformed London though, as it marked a transition from a medieval to a more modern city. Brick Lane is a destination that draws a diverse crowd.

On a Sunday morning, a steady stream of neighborhood locals make their way in and out of the many local cafes to have a brunch. While these cafes are probably not native to Brick Lane (they appear to be “hipster” businesses), their presence adds to the lively vibe that this area has. Now, if you want to have a truly authentic Brick Lane experience, skip the curry houses (trust me) and head straight for the vintage shopping.

Brick Lane is famous for its many vintage shops. At the back of menswear shop Lucy In Disguise, you’ll find Spitalfields Market. This market, founded in 1670, is one of the oldest in London. Brick Lane is definitively trendy, as nearly every corner has a quirky new restaurant or bar to try. If you're looking for an inexpensive way to experience one of the new hip neighborhoods in London, Brick Lane is the way to go.

I know the Bengali part is a little offtopic, but the thing about Brick Lane is what made it so famous back in the day. And, this neighborhood is still as vibrant as it was before. Whether youre looking to dine on a delicious curry, or simply want to check out the colorful bustle of this vibrant East End neighborhood, Brick Lane should be your first stop. The new production will begin on 15 May and run until 3 October 2018.

Brixton Academy

Brixton Academy is a refurbished theatre that holds a diverse range of performances, from rock and roll to comedy. Originally the venue was built in 1890s, but was closed prior to its reincarnation in the 1980s. Today the Brixton Academy is one of the best examples of Victorian architecture with its high arches and freestanding Corinthian columns. The venue has been host to numerous rock stars including Prince, Pink Floyd, Radiohead and more recently tours from Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney.

Brixton Academy hosts a huge variety of live acts of music genres like metal, rock, folk, rap and electronic music. A great way to experience this kind of venue is going to a festival – Big Chill or British Summer Time are famous for their lineups. These festivals take place in the summer on two different locations: one in Hyde Park in London and one on The Roundhouse Railway, Camden. Prices vary from 100-400 GBP.

The Brixton Academy is a venue that offers live music of every genre, from indie rock to jazz to hip-hop. A few noteworthy acts who have performed here are Frank Ocean, Prince, Paul Simon, U2 and Lady Gaga. The venue has hosted more than 10 million people since opening in the 1970s — the Guinness World Record for biggest number of ticketed concert tickets sold for a single venue stands at 464,734. Brixton Academy is one of London's most cherished and legendary venues.

Set in a former cinema in the heart of Brixton, you’ll be amazed by its comfort. A great spot to enjoy live music or go clubbing, it’s got a capacity of 4,000, meaning you can enjoy great acts or listen to dance music in comfort. Our favourite acts that have performed there are Lily Allen, Duran Duran and Elton John. Built during the Victorian era, Brixton Academy is a worthy artistic venue of over 20,000 capacity.

You can find big name acts playing here between September through April. The annual ATP tennis tournament also takes place at this venue each year. Additionally, it’s the second largest venue in London, after Alexandra Palace. If you haven't been to a concert here yet, you must go. The atmosphere is beyond amazing, and this famous venue which showcases the best in music both national and international will make an incredible addition to your list of experiences abroad.

Buckingham Palace

On my recent trip to London, I made sure to include Green Park as part of my itinerary. I walked through the park that was adjacent to Buckingham Palace. It was a lovely experience as I strolled through the garden of Queen Elizabeth II (Queen Elizabeth is the Queen of England). Her Majesty has resided in the palace since her coronation in 1953. The palace is spectacular! It also sits on 4 acres of land and houses 775 rooms.

It is also a popular tourist attraction for visitors who want to see where the Queen of England resides. Passing through Lambeth Bridge, tourists walk past the city hall on the north shore of the Thames. A mile east of the city hall takes you into Westminster. The magnificent Gothic St. Mary's Church is where Lord Nelson was buried. Around the corner from this church, tourists can find Tothill Fields. This was a great spot for public executions before it was turned into a place for farming.

I visited Buckingham Palace in my teen years and have been hooked ever since. If you're planning a trip to London, I highly urge you to include at least three hours for a visit to Buckingham Palace. Designated zones in the palace are closed during the winter but are open from March October. An audio guide is included with your ticket purchase. Buckingham Palace, the London residence of the Queen and Prince Philip, is a beautiful place to visit.

Camden

Camden is a famous part of London for various reasons music scene, really nice markets and shops. If you are into rockabilly look and interested in shooting some local bands this area will be great for you. One of the nice places for a photo session. No wonder so many photographers make Camden one of the locations they offer model photography services at.  Camden is full of history and various stories that date back to decades ago.

Once a month, the Camden Market hosts a body modification convention called Ink Fest. This is an excellent time to get your next tattoo or piercing; however, you shouldn’t blindly decide on where you want your modification done. You can expect to spend around $200 for a 2 hour session (between $25 and $60 per hour). Now, I know that this section is called Secrets of Camden Town, but the fact of the matter is that Camden really has no big secrets.

Although it is still a popular tourist destination for those coming to London, Camden’s big secret was revealed a long time ago. I have covered body mods extensively in previous blogs. There are a number of safe and sterile piercing shops in Camden. These studios follow proper hygiene, sterilization and healing practices derived from basic as well as advanced piercing techniques. The royal family resides on the palace grounds along with 350 staff members.

Chinatown

There is always something new to explore in Chinatown. Particularly, many would argue that Chinatown is the best place to try authentic and cheap Chinese cuisine. You can browse the different menus outside of many restaurants to find your desired meal while street food is also available throughout the neighborhood on weekend nights. So what kind of delicious meals can you enjoy? Let’s say you’re craving some dumplings and spicy noodles? You can find both at Sinbads Dumplings as well as Let’s Noodles if you follow Gerrard Street north.

If you turn east onto Wardour Street, you’ll be able to try a variety of rice bowls or dim sum at Soho China Town and Ying Sing Brasserie, respectively. Boutiques like China Design Centre, Hong Kong Arts Centre and People's Park are frequently visited by high profile clients, particularly for their impressive tea sets or artwork. Even if you dont have the time to explore Chinatowns many cultural offerings, its easy to get caught in a daze admiring the exquisite architecture on show.

Not to mention that this area also offers authentic Asian fusion cuisine, so you can enjoy a different take on traditional Chinese food after walking around China Town. To find out more about what Chinatown has on offer, visit our restaurant guide with details about each of the interesting restaurants found in Chinatown and beyond. Chinatown in London began on Gerrard Street but has since grown and spread out to the surrounding areas. What makes Chinatown so unique is that it offers a taste of China right here in London, from culinary experiences like dim sum, to traditional Chinese ceremonies such as the Dragon Dance at Chinese New Year.

Electric Avenue

Electric Avenue is the most traveled place in Brixton, especially by those who shop because there are already tons of market vendors here. It’s a highly marketable place for businesses to open another branch because of the many people who pass by here. Now, it’s reasonable to believe that there probably a lot of other places the same and with the same concept, right? Probably. But that’s not enough reason to make you circle Electric Avenue and ignore this location because what it offers is something different that no others have.

There are many neighborhoods in London that can be considered trendy and lively, however, the trendiest of them all is probably the area around Electric Avenue. Many people consider it as a hang-out place even if you don’t reside in the city. This area has been redefined after its transformation from derelict neighborhood to a multicultural hub. Electric Avenue, which has been described as "a hotchpotch of different styles and eras", is located close to Brixton's main shopping center, the Brixton Village, and has historically hosted market stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables.

Electric Avenue also houses a number of live venues, including The Wag club. Oh, Electric Avenue — your sweeping electrical arcades, your pan-fried noodles, your “hole in the wall” jerk chicken stands. You speak of a time when London was an imperial power with a global reach and yet you’re as multicultural as they come. You are truly one of a kind. Whether you’re new to the city or a longtime resident, you’ll want to check out Electric Avenue.

Explore At Night

If you wander through London after dark, you will marvel at the transformed cityscape. Just like the day, there are always plenty of things to see and do. If you fancy a glass of wine while enjoying some live music, there are tonnes of pubs and bars along with a whole host of restaurants that serve food throughout the evening. I would also recommend taking part in London’s famous theatre scene. Popular shows include Aladdin, Wicked, The Lion King and Phantom of the Opera.

By night the otherwise bland and often overlooked central area is transformed into a bustling hub full of excitement, activity, and people. Although there's no way to cover everything there is to do in London at night we've picked a few of our personal favourites that are guaranteed to help you have a great time. From amusment to bars we'll point you in the right direction for some of the best entertainment that London has to offer.

Once the day is over and it starts to get dark, London really comes to life. It’s beautiful to watch from the top of the skyscrapers and has to be one of the best views after sunset. I always enjoy a cream tea near Big Ben while admiring one of the world’s most famous skylines at night. There is always something to do and see in London which is why I love it during the day, but even more so at night.

One of my favourite things to do when in London is simply to explore the city at night. There are so many things to see after dark, from famous landmarks and monuments to street performers in Covent Gardens. The lights in urban areas provide a unique contrast of all the different colours you will see, from red buses and green taxis to orange streetlights illuminating the roads and pavements. There is no shortage of things to do at night in London.

Galleries

The National Gallery was founded in 1824 and is home to over 2,300 paintings. It is possible that you might get lost in such a vast collection of works of art but there are some must-see pieces that shouldnt be missed. First up is The Virgin Adoring the Sleeping Christ Child by Leonardo da Vinci. Visitors to the gallery will be able to view the painting from all sides and appreciate the detail that has gone into it.

Next up on the list for those on a portrait tour is The Girl with a Pearl Earring, painted by Johannes Vermeer. This painting created quite a stir when it hit the news because experts were baffled as to why Vermeer would have left unfinished parts of his work so they decided to. There is more to museums than the British Museum in Bloomsbury, which has more than 7 million artefacts. The Natural History Museum in South Kensington is great for kids and families, with interactive displays.

The Tate Modern is a popular spot with its location on the other side of the Thames from the city centre. It houses art from 1900 onwards and has become a fixture on Londoners social calendar. There are plenty of other excellent galleries worth exploring too, such as Royal Academy of Arts overlooking Trafalgar Square, the Courtauld Institute of Art in Somerset House and Dulwich Picture Gallery in Dulwich Village. London is not only the worlds most popular destination for art lovers but also one of the leaders in the art world.

The city has been home to some of the world's best artists, including David Hockney and Lucian Freud. Most of the galleries are free to visit, so they dont come with an entry fee. Nevertheless, getting tickets is advisable. This way you can plan your visit more efficiently. Putting a few names down on the waiting list is always an option and once you get inside, you can admire masterpieces from Rembrandts Nightcall and da Vincis The Virgin with four of her fingers between Christ's too.

There are many striking pieces on show throughout the Tate, with two galleries in London, and other branches in Liverpool, St. Ives Cornwall and the now demolished Bankside Gallery in the Southwark area of central London. These iconic galleries display pieces from Monet to Warhol and Pollock to Hockney. Although large, the Tate also features smaller displays, more exclusive exhibitions and an extensive library for those wishing to explore art from any perspective. London is a great place for art lovers.

From iconic modern pieces by Warhol and Picasso to the pre-Raphaelite artists in the Tate Britain to traditional works by masters like Joshua Reynolds and paintings from British contemporary artists including Tracey Emin and Damien Hirst – London is packed full of galleries, offering something for every taste. The National Gallery houses the largest collection of aprt from the Renaissance in the world and the most comprehensive collection of Turner paintings. The Tate is another of Londons leading art galleries.

It has three sites displaying modern and contemporary British art. From Museums to premieres, plays and concerts, club nights to bootcamps. Here we're taking a look at the top 5 Things to Do at Night in London. There are over 300 stalls selling everything from fresh fruit and fish to clothes, jewelry and musical instruments. It also features private gardens and grasslands, making it one of the largest parks in London.

Hampstead Heath

In the early 19th century, the former common land was offered to the people of London as a public park. The surrounding areas became heavily populated, especially once the railway stations were built. Hampstead Heath also has many attractions, including tennis courts, football pitches and excellent viewpoints from Parliament Hill. Hampstead Heath has one of the most interesting histories of all the parks in London as it was not “officially” created by a decree from royalty or parliament.

Instead, legislation (The Hampstead Heath Act 1848) was passed that designated the land as public open space which could be enjoyed by both rich and poor alike. The park is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the stunning London skyline. It comprises of a variety of landscapes including ponds, open grass, woodland, hills and rocky outcrops. Hampstead Heath has many attractions including pubs, cafes and restaurants, playing fields, golf courses and excellent walking paths.

Hampstead Heath is one of the largest and most well known parks in London. It is a popular tourist attraction year round. The Heath covers a massive 790 acres giving it plenty of space for visitors to enjoy. It includes playgrounds, ponds, grassy hills, nature trails and many other natural attractions. Moving to London, I was surprised that we had so much space. I could drive home from Cardiff in the same time as it took to walk the dog further than 50 metres from where I lived.

Harrods

Harrods is also known for its excellent gourmet restaurants, the first of which was opened in 1887: The Cafe located on the floor above the Oriental Restaurant. Since then, Harrods has come to be known as an area where you are served by more staff than anywhere else on Earth. They even have their own dedicated station manned by detectives reporting directly to Scotland Yard. Harrods history is one of growth and expansion, with the iconic retailer now occupying a 300,000sq ft department store, a food hall and a gorgeous 4-star hotel.

The retailer has also found global success and is known worldwide for it's incredible food hall and iconic advertising campaign fronted by the much-loved Siamese cat, 'Harrods'. A paradise for shoppers, two floors dedicated to food and more Italian marble than you can shake a stick at. This department store is a destination in itself; one which appeals to the senses both of shopaholics and foodies alike. Harrods is one of Londons most famous department stores, known particularly for serving the elite and the super-rich.

Since opening in 1824, Harrods patrons have included Oscar Wilde, Laurence Olivier and the Royal Family. The department store is famed for its often ostentatious special offers, at one point advertising a single cucumber that cost £100. Its annual Christmas display has become as expected as turkey over the last decade. The Harrods website is a wonderful example of what you can do with the latest HTML5 and CSS3 features. Its header has a subtle parallax effect, as shopping trolleys bounce around the screen.

Hyde Park

2. Trafalgar Square. The most memorable landmark leading up to the National Gallery is Trafalgar Square. One of the four statues in this square is a memorial for Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, a hero of both the Napoleonic Wars and the previous War of the Spanish Succession. Although best known for his military career, Wellington was also a talented artist (as you can see in this statue). To either side of the base are fountains featuring Neptune on one side and Triton on the other, and to the south lies Nelson's Column.

You cannot visit London and not experience the park. Getting to Hyde Park itself is easy. There are several bus stops from where you can get buses to Hyde Park Corner only a few minutes away from the park itself. The journey is free of charge with your Transport for London (TfL) photocard. 2. China Town. The London Chinatown at Gerrard Street is one of the oldest in Europe, it was founded in the 19th century by mostly Cantonese migrants.

Today, there are more than 250 Chinese restaurants, snack shops and supermarkets in Chinatown. The area around the park is mainly residential but it is also a popular place for tourists as it is so close to attractions such as Kensington Palace and the Royal Albert Hall.  There are various cafes and restaurants in the area too. Having such a large, beautiful park right on my doorstep is something that I am really grateful for.

Leicester Square

Among the many landmarks on the London map, one of the most famous is without a doubt Leicester Square. Covering a total area of 4 acres, this square is considered a leading entertainment center in the capital. While tourists more often than not get confused looking for Leicester Square Tube Station as opposed to Leicester Square itself, it is still a favorite spot for those traveling to London for business or pleasure. In the mid-20th century, more than 200 cinemas were based here, which made it an obvious favorite for locals and tourists.

These days the square has a variety of amenities and is a popular tourist haunt. Because Leicester Square serves as the gateway to entertainment in London, you're likely to find something of interest wherever you look, certainly if the night has just begun. Movie premieres are still going strong in Leicester Square. You might even be able to catch a glimpse of a star or two! For an authentic London nightlife experience, head to the square on a Friday or Saturday night.

With movie theaters, bars, restaurants and nightclubs – this remarkable area offers lots of entertainment opportunities for all. The current movie theater is the Empire Leicester Square, where films such as The Dark Knight Rises and Goldfinger premiered. Another popular theater on the square is the Odeon Leicester Square. Pop star’s Beyonce and Lady Gaga have frequently performed at Odeon. Hollywood is famous for its red carpet premieres, and perhaps no other area of Hollywood can boast quite the same number of celebrities lounging on it as Leicester Square.

You can bask in all that star power by simply walking through the square. At night, the Square hosts some of the most renowned restaurants in town and even has its own nightclub. This is Leicester Square one of the trendiest London hotspots and a hub for entertainment. The Heath was originally the private hunting ground of a Henry VIII in 1541, who then leased it to the people of London for use as a public area.

London Eye

Take the trip up the Eye on the London Eye river cruise and discover new perspectives of the city. The boat sails past many tourist attractions including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Southwark Cathedral, as well as the royal docks at Canary Wharf where you can watch the boats sail in and out of London. Panoramic windows offer excellent views of central London as you cruise along. The four-course lunch is served as you pass military establishments such as the Royal Artillery Barracks, historic Greenwich Pier and the National Maritime Museum.

[Lonely Planet]. London has a lot to offer. It is a place with immense history and four thousand years of royal heritage. It is the worlds largest city, a global capital for business, fashion, finance, trade, politics and culture. From ancient monuments to museums filled with the arts and sciences, Londons unmatched diversity will capture the imagination of even its pickiest visitors. Surprisingly, the London Eye is not the worlds tallest Ferris wheel. The distinction belongs to the High Roller in Las Vegas, which is over 60 meters taller.

However, the London Eye does remain the tallest ferris wheel in Europe and offers the highest public viewing point in the UK at 135 meters. The London Eye is a large Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. It has been known as the Millennium Wheel from its completion until 2005, when it was renamed to celebrate the second millennium. The park has 2,300 acres of grassland and trees and hosts 25 miles of picturesque trails.

Museums

On Exhibition Road there are three museums in a row. They are the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. In addition to the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum, there is also a small free museum called Granton Square at number 22. This free museum contains all information about the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Museums in London can charge as little as £1 for entry, with various free days throughout the year.

These are perfect if you are on a tight budget or simply enjoy exploring free things to do in London. Among the free museums on Exhibition Road is the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum which is one of the most visited museums in London. There are plenty of museums in London on Exhibition Road in South Kensington and I’ve tried to include as many as possible. To make things even easier to explore museums in London, we put together a list of the best free museums for you.

Oxford Street

The world’s first department store opened here in 1796 when entrepreneur Rowland Hussey merchant opened the “Oxford Street Bazaar”. The street was badly bombed during the war and was left looking like a bomb site but with the advent of cheap, affordable clothing after the 1st world war, shoppers began flocking to Oxford Street once again, and spread to the rest of London. Today it is still the top spot for shopping, with a huge variety of stores catering for everyone from low budget shoppers to high end consumers on Sloane Street.

Oxford Street is the place where everyone starts at if they want to go shopping in London. It is the top spot for big brands and stores. Here they sell everything from designer clothing to tourist souvenirs. The trains station Oxford Circus sits at the heart of this street. Theres a lot of buzz around Oxford Street as the capital’s top shopping destination. But let’s face it, when you want to buy clothing, shoes or accessories, theres only one street in town and that’s Oxford street.

Piccadilly Circus

By the end of the 1870s it was an extremely busy intersection, with buildings on nearly all corners. Every evening at 6 o'clock, the lights in all of the advertisements and the signs in all of the windows were turned on for an hour. By 1908 the area had become a bad place for pedestrians, and as early as 1910 efforts had begun to make Piccadilly Circus safer. The streetlights were replaced with electric lights and Inspector Sands urged that something be done about traffic in the area.

During the Victorian era, Piccadilly Circus was the most important junction in London, linking the West End with Mayfair and St. James's. During World War II, Piccadilly Circus was bombed and post-war, it become a busy traffic interchange. In 1952, building of the four-level underground pedestrian subway began for £2 million ($500 million today) and was finished three years later. Somewhere along the way, Piccadilly Circus became famous for a statue of Eros that stood over it, until it was moved to nearby Covent Garden in the 1960s.

Today, Piccadilly Circus is filled with advertising billboards and ads plastered all over the station entrance and neighboring buildings. Nowadays Piccadilly Circus is a bustling crossroads, the centre of one of London's busiest shopping areas. This is where Shaftesbury Avenue intersects with Regent Street and Piccadilly. The area is surrounded by huge department stores and designer shops. Classed as the major shopping street in Europe, Oxford Street has an amazing 300 shops. It has been estimated that over half a million people visit the various stores on Oxford Street daily.

Shoreditch

Shoreditch's gentrification began in earnest in 2005, on the 19th October to be precise, when a fire gutted the 150‐year‐old Curtain Road music venue The Joiners Arms. The collapse of The Joiners Arms mirrors the decline of live music in Shoreditch more generally; a process which accelerated during this period. Before becoming an outpost for Shoreditch-favouring front-end developers, Shoreditch was the home of grime MCs and the birthplace of UK garage. Nurtured and incubated by Big Apple Records on Old Street roundabout, garage established London as a potent force in club music; leading many to argue it's birth either heralded or even directly encouraged 'Croydon.

Shoreditch was once a disreputable, dilapidated area. It was dingy, dirty and crime ridden. However, thanks to extensive regeneration it is now one of the coolest places in London. Its restaurants, clubs, independent stores and art galleries have attracted in droves the young creative middle-classes who have flocked to the area at weekends and at night. This has made Shoreditch become a trendy place featuring some of the coolest nightclubs in East London like The Lookout, Xoyo and Vibe Bar.

The epicentre of this trendy east London district is Old Red Lion Street and Bethnal Green Road near the Liverpool Street station. When you first get there, you find yourself surrounded by some of the trendiest independent shops and boutiques, followed closely by the bohemian bars, cafes and restaurants. The modern architecture stands out creating a new experience for the tourists staying in one of the trendy Shoreditch hotel deals. The area is host to many of the city’s most prestigious clubs including Vice, Village Underground, XOYO and Fabric.

A large variety of live events are also hosted at Shoreditch Town Hall, Wellingtons and The Old Blue Last. It is also home to the "Lady Dinah" of London's nightlife, that being Shoreditch House and its Appleby's Restaurant which has been frequented by the likes of Andy Warhol and Alexander McQueen. My next starter guide to London is all about Shoreditch one of the trendiest and coolest parts of town. Shoreditch is a tiny district in Central London, squeezed between the City, Brick Lane and Old Street.

It makes for a cool alternative to travelling around London like coach tourists. Stripped back warehouses, elegant art deco structures and rough terraced houses line the streets of Shoreditch. This traditional diversity offers a unique character to the area. Lofts, studios and apartments have been converted into trendy homes, creating a vibrant and modern atmosphere. 17. Oxford Street.  Oxford Street is not only Londons top spot for shopping but is Europes busiest shopping street.

Soho

And, since it is in the West End, you can find plenty of tourist attraction to see and things to do. Bond Street and Oxford Street are nearby with all their shops and department stores. Walk down a little further to Trafalgar Square for even more things to do. This area is also a great place for bargain hunters with various markets scattered along the streets. Soho is the area between London’s West End and Chinatown, on the north side of Leicester Square and Covent Garden.

It is home to numerous cinemas and theatres, including The Waldorf Hilton hotel which was once Frank Sinatra’s favorite. This was also where he met Ava Gardner for the first time sitting on a bench in Soho in 1952. Hollywood's biggest stars visit soho's most exclusive restaurants and shop in it's most renowned boutiques. However, its reputation for providing London with a sizzling night-life, and has been firm since the 1960s, when it became the capital's entertainment hotspot.

Thames Cruise

Starting from Millennium Pier, follow the River Thames for a panoramic view of London's famous landmarks and places of interest. Take a glimpse of the historic Houses of Parliament, the iconic BT Tower, Somerset House and Prince Charles Tower. Marvel at the wonders that await you, along with breathtaking sceneries while you slowly cruise on the tranquil waters. Witness the changing skyline from one place to another as you pass through bustling city streets and picturesque canals.

Savor the colorful sunsets over the River Thames as you float past world-famous bridges including Tower Bridge, Waterloo Bridge and London Bridge. For a little change of pace from the hustle and bustle of Central London, take a day trip to Greenwich from your hotel in the West End. A guided tour with an expert guide will provide you with stunning views of the skyline and history of this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site. An afternoon cruise on the Thames will offer you a chance to spot many famous attractions whilst enjoying a cup of tea and some delicious cakes.

This second boat ride is through the heart of London, passing many famous landmarks.       10. Piccadilly Circus.  The Piccadilly Circus is a lively and fashionable part of London for shopping and night life. It is a major traffic interchange, with several bus routes converging on the area, and it was built to commemorate the return of King George V back from his successful visit to India. Three different boats ply the Thames at this time, providing a variety of options for visitors and Londoners.

The most basic boat is called a Woolwich Ferry. The Woolwich Ferry strolls the Thames all day long, from 8am – 6:30pm. Its complete schedule can be found on TFL's site. It's free to ride, and you can get on and off at any stop along its route. Recent renovations have brought the Thames back to life, with beautiful waterfront architecture and contemporary residencies lining the riverbank. Old London warehouses are now luxury apartments, theaters and museums line the shores, carp-filled fountains abound with families and couples enjoying the day together.

The O2

The O2 Arena is an entertainment venue that can hold between 20-30 thousand people. It previously acted as a venue for many concerts and sporting events. The opening of O2 Arena ushered in the expansion of this place to what it is today. What was originally an open air pavilion now became one of the most popular entertainment venues in London. As one of the newest structures in the city, some people suspect that this arena is part of a attempt to control some of the areas leading music festivals, including Glastonbury and Reading & Leeds.

Others surmise that it is a response to the fact that several other cities have built their own all in one structures, including Manchester's MEN arena and Berlin's O2 World Stadium. The Millennium Domes was a large exhibition facility situated on the Greenwich Peninsula of the Isle of Dogs. It was close to the now defunct Greenwich Power Station and had views of the Dome's Zeppelin NT ( Naval airship), which formed a scenic backdrop.

The O2 Arena  (originally called The Millenium Dome, and commonly known in 2002 as simply 'The Dome') is an indoor arena located in Greenwich, South East London, England. Designed by Norman Foster, it is named after its chief corporate sponsor O2 plc, a British telephone services company. Beginning June 2002, it turned into a theme park under the name of Greenwich Millennium Village. It was later renamed the O2 arena in 2005, and is now known as The O2 Arena (or simply The O2).

It is still owned by Anschutz Entertainment Group who also owns other arenas across the globe including The Staples Center in Los Angeles and AT&T Center in San Antonio to name a few. The O2 Arena laid dormant for over half a decade before it was reopened and converted into a concert venue. Before its opening in 2007, the O2 Arena went through a $200 million renovation, converting it into a 20,000 seat concert venue.

This, of course, led to the construction of an entirely new retractable roof structure to better accommodate the new business model. The O2 is a purpose-built entertainment arena located in the center of Greenwich, London. It was also known as the Millennium Dome at the time of its construction. The dome’s name was eventually changed to reflect O2, the telecommunications company which owns the naming rights to the stadium from 2016. Soho is quite possibly the most exciting district to visit in London.

Westminster

I’ll be focusing on the area of Westminster aptly named ‘Little Britain’. As you emerge from Westminster tube station, you’ll see Parliament Square. This is a large open space where demonstrations and political events take place. It’s also the location of a famous statue by sculptor Alfred Douglas-West called ‘Democracy Awakening’ which was commissioned after World War II to celebrate the liberation of Europe and its values: dignity, liberty and fraternity for all humankind. Built in 1858, the clock tower is actually named after Sir Benjamin Hall, who was the first chairman of the commissioners of works when the building was being planned.

As a Londoner and lover of history I am glad we went to see it. Westminster offers both free admittance to all its attractions, as well as a stunning view of the Palace of Westminster where Parliament meets. History lovers will be pleased to know that there are plenty of historical buildings for visitors to see. Buckingham Palace is one of the most famous attractions in Westminster and houses Queen Elizabeth II and her family.

The London Eye is another popular attraction and takes its visitors up over the city, giving them a bird’s eye view of the capital. Big Ben is not the only famous attraction here, however. Scotland Yard is a famous police station from which many Sherlock Holmes mysteries originated. There are also a number of museums like the Imperial War Museum and Churchill’s War Rooms as well as the National Gallery inside Trafalgar Square. Cannon Street is the main street running through Westminster.