London is getting ready for the Summer Olympic Games of 2012. But there is no reason to wait for the games, before visiting the capital of Great Britain. The city has interesting sights, great shopping, superb nightlife; and actually also very good food.

London Eye

The London Eye is the newest sight; and also one of the most interesting ones. The Ferris wheel is 135 meter (443 feet) high and can be found between Waterloo and Westminster Bridge. It was opened by Tony Blair for the new millennium. But some technical problems made it impossible to use until March 2000.

The wheel is a very popular attraction. And with only 32 cabins (for 25 persons each), and a half an hour rotation, the queues can be long in the high season. But when you see the view over the central London and spot the Big Ben and the House of Parliament, you will find the waiting time worth the trouble.

Tower of London

A much older sight is the Tower of London. Its history is 900 years old and very bloody. When the prisoners walked through the Traitors Gate, they shouldnt expect to get out alive. Most of them were killed by torture or rats; or just executed.

Today the rats have gone; and the torture and executions stopped. And the prisoners have been replaced with tourists watching all the ceremonies. One of the most exciting is the Ceremony of the Keys. At exactly 9.52 pm the head of the guards hands over the keys to the head of the night watchmen.

There are many interesting places to be seen on a tour of Tower of London. This includes the royal apartment as well as the dungeons. But the most popular sight is the British crown jewels in the Jewel House. Here you can see the scepter of the sovereign with Star of Africa; the worlds largest diamond.

Other sights

For more great sights, visit St. Pauls Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. Do also take a look at the 106 meter (348 feet) high Big Ben, and go for a walk in Hyde Park. Finish the sightseeing in British Museum, where you find an enormous collection of art.

The sights are great in London, but the most interesting thing to do is people watching. In London you find both from businessmen with bowler hats and stiff upper lips and punkers with cock's combs and noses full of safety pins.

Restaurants and shopping

Have you heard that English food is not worth eating? And do you think to have to eat fish and chips all day? Well, it does not have to be this way. Famous cooks like Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsey have restaurants in London. If you like cheaper options, it is also possible. The city is a melting pot of multi-ethnic populations, so you can find cheap restaurants with exotic food from all around the world.

London is also a great place to shop. The famous department store Harrods even brags about that they can provide everything you need. Stuff for your home can be found in Designers Guild (wallpaper and fabric) and Muji (Japanese design). For something to the kids, you should visit Hamleys of Regent Street; a six story toyshop

Loco Media is writing about city breaks i London in Storbyferie Guiden. Read about Paris in Storbyferie i London.