The Language Trainers City Guide to London

Back in AD 43, the Romans founded Londinium. Yet today's visitor to London is more likely to note the medieval remnants of the city, the most obvious being the boundaries of the ancient City of London. A lot has changed over 2000 years of history, and the cosmopolitan contemporary London beckons for all to witness these developments!

Population

London certainly packs a punch in terms of population: estimates stand at 7.5 million residents in Greater London, with a wider urban area population of anywhere up to 14 million.

Currency

Keep your euros and dollars tucked safely away; it's all pounds and pence in the London! The official currency of the United Kingdom is the Pound Sterling, subdivided into 100 pence (sing. penny). Of course there's always fantastic plastic, and cards are accepted widely. There is an abundance of ATMs (cashpoints) outside banks and supermarkets.

Language

Whilst the official language is English throughout the United Kingdom, the recognised regional languages are Welsh, Irish, Ulster Scots, Scots, Scottish, Gaelic and Cornish. Over 300 international languages are spoken in London, which makes it the perfect place to brush up with an English, German or Spanish course London!

Highlights

The list is virtually endless! The Tate Modern, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Notting Hill Carnival, Covent Gardens, the British Museum and the National Galleries are all absolute must-sees. Bask in bliss on a sunny day in Hyde Park or soar through the skies on the London Eye. For all those fitness fanatics, what about the gruelling London Marathon, the world's longest road race?

Transport

Planes, trains and automobiles all service the major entry points of the UK, and London is the national transport hub. To navigate around London, public transport is the best bet. The Underground, bus, DLR and train networks are extensive and comprehensive, although an archetypal London black cab can taxi you wherever you want to go. There is also a range of options for cyclists.