London

London is the capital of England and the United Kingdom, a dynamic city of about 9.5 million London people spread along the River Thames. Founded by the Romans as Londinium around 47 AD, London history stretches across two millennia, shaping it into Britain’s political, financial, and cultural heart. For those asking London is in which state, it is not in a state but in the country of England within the UK. The city consists of 32 boroughs surrounding the historic City of London, the original square mile and modern financial hub, and the City of Westminster, home to royal and government institutions. Major landmarks cluster along the Thames, including the UNESCO listed Tower of London with the Crown Jewels, Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament with Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, and St Paul’s Cathedral. North of the river stand world class free museums such as the British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Britain, the V&A, and the Natural History Museum, along with the lively West End theatre district. Beyond famous sights, London offers distinct neighbourhood personalities, from elegant Notting Hill and Chelsea to creative Shoreditch and Camden, and maritime Greenwich. The Union Jack, often called the London flag though it represents the UK, flies proudly across many landmarks. Popular things to do in London range from river cruises to theatre nights and market explorations. The city is best explored between May and September.