Did You Know?

Did you know that London is the birthplace of the modern Olympic Games? The first modern Olympics were held in London in 1908. The city has since hosted the Games two more times, in 1948 and 2012. The 2012 London Olympics marked the first time that the Games were held in the city in over 60 years.

Did you know that London is home to the iconic Tower Bridge? Often mistaken as London Bridge, Tower Bridge is a famous symbol of the city. It was completed in 1894 and is an impressive feat of engineering. Visitors can walk across its high-level walkways and enjoy panoramic views of the River Thames and the city.

Did you know that London has an extensive underground railway system known as the "Tube"? The London Underground is the oldest underground railway network in the world and serves millions of passengers every day. It is an iconic symbol of the city's transportation system and a convenient way to navigate London's neighborhoods.

Did you know that London has a diverse and multicultural population? Over 300 languages are spoken in the city, making it one of the most linguistically diverse places in the world. People from various cultural backgrounds have made London their home, contributing to its vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Did you know that London is home to many world-class museums and galleries? The city is renowned for its cultural institutions, such as the British Museum, the National Gallery, the Tate Modern, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. These institutions house vast collections of art, historical artifacts, and cultural treasures.

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The London Eye: A Marvelous Spin Above The River Thames

Stunning view of the iconic London Eye Ferris wheel on a sunny day

Meant to be more of a moving observation platform than a midway ride, the London Eye (aka the Millennium Wheel) is nonetheless a popular ride, hosting about 3.75 million visitors per annum. Located on the south shore of the Thames in the borough of Lambeth, it provides an excellent vantage point from which to view the city and understand its complex layout (regardless, later on the ground, you can still find many ways in which to get lost). It is the most popular attraction in the United Kingdom.

Eclipsed in height by London’s own commercial tower, The Shard, with its viewing platform on the 72nd storey, the Eye is still more favoured by tourists. Like a giant, spoked bicycle wheel (that lights up at night), the London Eye has 32 pods, or capsules, each sealed and air-conditioned, that carry a maximum of 25 passengers each; they are large enough that people can walk about, but seats are also provided.

The London Eye moves very slowly — 26 centimetres (10 inches) per second, such that it doesn’t need to stop to let passengers on and off. Other than sheer height, it has no sense of motion that might make riders queasy. The structure is 135 metres (443 feet) tall, and the wheel’s diameter is 120 metres (394 feet); it was only intended as a temporary attraction, but proved so popular, it has remained in use. To get there by tube, get off at the Waterloo Underground station.