London is the premier city in Europe in terms of size, population and per-capita wealth. London is a cosmopolitan mixture of the Third and First Worlds, of chauffeurs and beggars, of the establishment, the avowedly working class and the avant-garde. Unlike comparable European cities, much of London looks unplanned and grubby, but it is precisely this 'organic' feel that provides much of the appeal.
Appealing, too, is the endless list of fantastic world-class museums, monuments, buildings, churches and historical sites. Visiting London is like being let loose on a giant-sized Monopoly board clogged with traffic. Even though you probably won't know where you are exactly, the names will at least look reassuringly familiar. The city is so enormous and so jam-packed with attractions, visitors will need to make maximum use of the efficient underground train system : unfortunately, this dislocates the city's geography and makes it hard to get your bearings. Doing some travelling by bus helps fit the city together. Travelling above ground is also a great way to soak up the sights and sounds of this diverse, multicultural city; and maybe soak up some of the falling rain in the process.

Area: 607 sq mi (1572 sq km)

Population: 12 million

Country: England

Time Zone: GMT/UTC & BST (British Summer Time)

Telephone area code: 020

Climate: The climate in the UK is mild but always unpredictable. For tourists, the summer is the best season, longer daylight, generally fine weather and not too hot for travelling (23-25C). The winter tends to be cold and damp, and the snowy in the north. In May, June and October, day temperatures tend to be cool, while July-September are warmer. Average temperatures run 40 F/4 C in January, 64 F/18 C in July.

Emergency Phone Numbers:

- SOS: 999
- European Emergency Number: 112
- Medical Services : +44 20 0845 4647
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital: +44 20 8746 8000
- Bus Services: +44 (0)20 7222 1234
- Green Line: +44 (0) 870 608 7261
- London Underground: +44 (0)20 7222 1234
- Victoria Station: +44 0345 484 950

• London Airports Guide
• London Airport Parkings
• UK Airports