Leisure
Dining
London's international dining scene is amongst the world's best.
You'll find spicy curries on Brick Lane, Chinese dumplings in Chinatown and
authentic Lebanese on Edgware Road. For British cuisine, try celebrity favorite
The Ivy (but book ahead), or sample quality fish and chips at
Tom's Plaice. Co-owned by Robert De Niro, Michelin-starred Nobu on Old Park Lane serves
innovative Japanese cuisine and is the place to see and be seen. Upscale Gordon
Ramsay's at Claridges charms with Art Deco style and culinary
masterpieces. Locanda Locatelli near Marble Arch is one of London's
finest Italian restaurants. The Leon branches around town offer healthy fast
food in colorful surroundings.
Shopping
Visit Savile Row for traditional English tailored suits. For diamonds and designer
labels, head to Old and New Bond Street. If fashion is your thing, Oxford Street is
the place to go. It's home to the flagship Topshop store and the one
and only Selfridges department store. Get the bohemian look at Portobello Road market, and accessorize with flowers
from Colombia Road market. You'll find vintage shops around
Shoreditch and electronic goods on Tottenham Court Road. For English marmalade and
other edible goodies, stop at Fortnum & Mason. The upscale Harvey
Nichols and tourist favorite Harrods, both in Knightsbridge, abound
with luxury gift items.
Things to do
The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, St. Paul's Cathedral and
majestic Buckingham Palace are three of London's main landmarks.
Make sure you leave time to take in contemporary masterpieces at the Tate
Modern, housed in a former power station. Marvel at Rembrants, Botticellis and
Michelangelos at the National Gallery on Trafalgar Square. For a ride with a
view, climb onto the revolving London Eye. When the sun comes out, take a walk in leafy Hyde Park or hilly Hampstead
Heath. In the evening, watch Shakespearean love triangles unfold at the
National Theatre or Shakepseare's Globe Theatre, or
enjoy ballet at the Royal Opera House.
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