About London

London, England’s capital, is the most populous and wealthiest city of Great Britain.  It offers a cosmopolitan mixture of different cultures and traditions.  Visitors can find an endless list of world-class museums, monuments, buildings, churches and historical sites.  London is also well known for its food, clothing and flower markets across the city. 

The areas of Piccadilly and Leicester Square offer many opportunities to experience London’s theaters, and students can purchase discount tickets to many of the productions. Other famous sights include the Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

However, discovering London takes a bit of work.  Modern-day London still largely reflects its medieval layout, a willfully difficult tangle of streets.  Even Londoners get lost in their own city. But London's bewildering street pattern will be a plus if you want to experience its indescribably historical environment. London is a walker's city and will repay every moment you spend exploring on foot. The undaunted visitor who wants to penetrate beyond the city's crust is well advised to not only visit St. Paul's Cathedral and the Tower but also to arrange some time for random wandering. Walk in the back streets and stroll around Park Lane and Kensington. Make a visit to Kew, the smallest royal palace, beautifully situated in the botanical gardens.

London is also at the heart of the world’s financial markets. It has a high concentration of international expertise and capital, and it has a great legal and regulatory system to support it. The city’s governing authority, the Corporation of London, is committed to maintaining and promoting an environment with global trade and development.

The city’s comprehensive transportation system – the Underground, buses and taxis – allows students to easily explore all the different facets of London. Additionally, exploring other countries is very easy because the city has three major airports and many commercial airlines that offer discounted flights to the rest of Europe.

City University is located in Islington, one of the most desirable areas in London.  In the past years Islington has witnessed a young population surge. Upper Street, which is the main street through Islington, is packed full of shops and restaurants. Other features attracting locals and visitors include a cinema, pub theaters, comedy venues and clubs.  It is also home to the Barbican (Europe’s largest arts center), Sadler’s Wells and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Supermarkets, banks, shops and a street market can be found in Islington, all within walking distance of the university dorms.

Top Sights

• London Eye (the Millennium Wheel)
• Virtual Tour of the River Thames
• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• British Museum
• Tower of London
• Westminster Abbey
• National Gallery
• Tate Modern
• Camden, Portobello, Greenwich markets

Learn More

• Visit London
• London Tourism
• London Town