London: Between pop culture and Victorian chic

London is a world of its own. Home to 7.2 million people (2.8 million in the centre alone), it span167 square kilometres and has massive repertoire of unique neighbourhoods, each with its own atmosphere. Soho, Covent Garden and Leicester Square form the vibrant heart of the capital. Here you will find theatres, concert halls, trendy shopping boutiques and hotels. Bordered by Piccadilly Circus to the south, the north of Soho rubs shoulders with Oxford Street, which ends at beautiful Hyde Park. With its high density of department stores, it is the place to go for shopaholics. Surrounding the historic heart of the capital, Trafalgar Square, is the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. The North Bank has a sort of Wall Street vibe. On the South Bank, old factories have been converted into museums such as the Tate Modern or wine tasting venues such as Vinopolis. At weekends, Borough Market attracts foodies and locals looking for a yummy bite to eat!

Kensington and Chelsea are London’s wealthiest districts and are very pleasant to explore on foot, its tree-shaded streets being lined with elegant Victorian houses. Here, London is painted white: a startling contrast to the red brick facades that define the rest of the city.

Meanwhile, Notting Hill' striking colours give the neighbourhood its signature flair, along with the famous Notting Hill Carnival. To the north, just past Regent's Park, Camden Town is a mecca for punk and alternative culture.

But there is also a post-modern London, with iron and glass buildings giving the capital a new look. Take a stroll along the banks of the Thames to discover this newer facade of London. And don't miss the Gherkin, City Hall and Canary Wharf. London is a true melting pot of architectural styles and cultures!

No visit to London would be complete without a ride on the London Eye, the colossal ferris wheel built to celebrate the turn of the millennium back in 2000. Spectacular as if is safe, the London Eye rises 135 metres above the ground in enclosed capsules with transparent walls that gives visitors breathtaking views over Westminster Palace and Big Ben! After a trip to Buckingham Palace to watch the changing of the guard, you can continue your walk along the banks of the Thames to the foot of the Tower of London and then to the Docks. Another option is to cross Tower Bridge and climb to the top of The Shard for an unbeatable view of the whole city!