London, the capital city of England and the United Kingdom, holds a prestigious position as one of the world's most renowned cities. It's a city steeped in history and cultural heritage, a beacon of diversity that continues to evolve. With close to 10 million inhabitants, London has a variety of cultures represented, where more than 270 nationalities converge, and 300 languages are spoken. However, London is more than just a melting pot of cultures; it's the heartbeat of the United Kingdom and serves as the nation's economic powerhouse, a bustling hub of commerce and finance.
It's also the epicentre of transportation, with the iconic London Underground. London embodies old and new; whether you're walking on the cobbled paths of London, exploring the different parks, or indulging in a culinary adventure, there's no shortage of experiences for expats to discover.
Good to know:
The City of London is also called the Square Mile.
Culture in London
London, one the cultural epicenters in the world, is a city where you can hear more than 300 languages spoken. This diversity is a testament to the city's ability to welcome people from around the globe. According to research conducted by the GLA and ICM, 84% of London's residents believe that the city's cultural offerings play a vital role in maintaining a high standard of living.
London's cultural offerings are as diverse as its residents, with world-famous galleries, museums, theaters, festivals, shops, markets, and parks awaiting exploration, and many of them can be enjoyed free of charge. One can only be in London by noticing the various museums scattered throughout the city. London is also home to an astounding 192 museums, 11 of which are national treasures, including the world-renowned British Museum, where you can marvel at ancient artifacts such as the Rosetta Stone.
As one of the world's fashion capitals, London's style leans towards the casual and dressed-down, whether you're wandering through its vibrant streets or enjoying a night out.
Good to know:
London proudly hosts four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Tower of London, Greenwich, Westminster Palace (with Westminster Abbey and Saint Margaret's Church), and Kew's Royal Botanic Gardens.
Geography of London
London covers a vast expanse of 1,579 square miles (or 610 square miles), overlooking the River Thames. This iconic river, renowned for its historical significance, has a length of 215 miles. It cleaves London into two distinct halves: the northern and southern banks of the city. The Thames is the primary source of approximately two-thirds of London's drinking water. The river also hosts the city's most iconic landmarks, including the Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and the Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.
In addition to the urban vibe, London boasts eight magnificent Royal Parks, all open and accessible to the public. These include Green Park, St. James's Park, and Hyde Park, which provide quiet spaces within the bustling city and invite residents and visitors to partake in leisurely strolls and picnics.
Good to know:
London is sorted into six zones, with Zone 1 being Central London. As you venture outward, the zone numbers increase, signifying your transition from the city to the outskirts. Central London is where most iconic landmarks are, while Zone 5 and 6 are characterised by more picturesque suburbs such as Richmond.
Administration in London
The Greater London Authority (GLA) serves as London's democratically elected governing body, holding authority over critical areas like transportation, policing, economic development, and fire and emergency planning. Its role extends to overseeing the strategic management of the 610 square miles that make up Greater London.
Leading the way is the Mayor of London, who serves as London's regional planning figurehead. The GLA comprises two main components: the Mayor, who wields executive powers, and the London Assembly, consisting of 25 elected members responsible for scrutinizing the Mayor's decisions. Meanwhile, the City of London is divided into 32 distinct boroughs, each overseen by a London borough council.
Economy in London
London is widely acclaimed as the second-largest financial centre globally. Projections for 2023 anticipate a 3.4% increase in workforce jobs within the city. The vast expanse of Greater London is home to the headquarters of many prestigious multinational corporations. These industry titans include the likes of Sky Group, renowned for producing Sky News, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), British Petroleum, and banking giants Barclays and HSBC Holdings.
Venturing to the West of the city, you'll find the epicentre of innovation and commerce. West London stands as the proud host of corporate giants, including powerhouses such as Disney, Cisco, Coca-Cola, and British Airways. The region also boasts over 100,000 businesses calling it home, ranging from nimble small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to colossal global brands.
For expats in London, the city offers plenty of opportunities for securing their dream job, thanks to its dynamic and varied job market. London's cosmopolitan appeal draws individuals from all corners of the world and acts as a magnet for international investments in key sectors, such as banking, finance, healthcare, education, and engineering.
With the current economic landscape, it is essential to note that London is experiencing a cost of living crisis and slower economic growth than anticipated following COVID-19. Nevertheless, there's optimism for the future, with growth expected to gain momentum, reaching 1.8% in 2024 and a more robust 2.2% in 2025.
Good to know:
West London is known for its entrepreneurial spirit, with a higher proportion of startups and micro-businesses than any other part of the capital.
What to do in London
London is a world-renowned tourist hotspot, as a result of its rich history, vibrant local culture, and an array of culinary delights. This dynamic city is a favourite spot for travelers from around the globe, offering a diverse range of experiences. Among its top attractions, you will find Buckingham Palace, a symbol of British royalty, the British Museum, and the iconic National Gallery. Don't forget to explore the grandeur of Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and the contemporary art scene at the Tate Galleries.
The options for entertainment in London are truly endless. This vibrant city constantly offers exciting new theater productions, major art exhibitions, and captivating museum displays. In addition to these cultural gems, London hosts various festivals, such as the London Literature Festival, the Bloomsbury Festival, and the BFI London Film Festival. Regardless of your preferences, whether you're into the arts, literature, or film, London has something to suit your vibe.
Good to know:
If you are visiting Buckingham Palace, remember that the Changing of the Guard typically takes place every other day at 11 am, primarily on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. During the summer season, it can become a daily event.
Climate in London
London features a temperate oceanic climate with a distinct four-season pattern. Summers are relatively brief, characterised by mild and pleasant weather with occasional cloud cover, while winters tend to be long, very cold, and often overcast. Even if briefly, the sun graces the city on five out of every six days. In January, the average air temperature hovers around 11 degrees Celsius.
Rainfall is a constant companion throughout the year, with autumn typically claiming the title of London's rainiest season. The occurrence of sleet and snow remains somewhat unpredictable, and the city seldom experiences significant snowfall due to its relatively mild temperatures. A light dusting of snow was observed for a brief spell over Christmas in 2022.
Tip:
For those seeking warm-weather activities, the prime time to explore London is from late June to early September, when the city truly comes to life with its most inviting climate.
Transportation in London
London is one of Europe's most densely populated cities, where transportation is a bustling and constant affair. Commuters have the option of choosing between public and private modes of transport.
The city holds the distinction of having the highest rate of public transport usage in the United Kingdom. Each morning, around a million people enter the city, with over three-quarters of them arriving by rail. The London Underground, also known as the Tube, forms the backbone of this vast network and transports more than a billion passengers annually with its swift, frequent, and user-friendly service. Additionally, London boasts an extensive commuter rail network, which extends to areas not covered by the Tube. For an innovative travel experience, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) offers a driverless service in the eastern and southeastern parts of the city.
Iconic red double-decker buses provide an affordable, speedy, and convenient mode of transport, while London's famous black cabs symbolize the city's efficient mobility. London's oldest "highway" is the Thames River, serving as a public transport system, connecting various parts of the city by boat.
For those looking to save on travel expenses, especially for short visits, it's advisable to purchase an Oyster Card, which costs £7 for the card itself. You can then load money onto the card to pay for your travel, making it a cost-effective way to get around the city.
Good to know:
Most transports accept contactless (card or device) payments.
Safety in London
London is generally a safe city for living, studying, and exploring. According to the World Population Review, it ranks as the 14th safest city globally and has well-enforced security measures in its neighborhoods, making it a secure place to reside.
Regarding ensuring your safety in London, the best advice is to exercise caution and trust your instincts. If something feels off, it's wise to step away. Applying the same common-sense precautions you would in any major city is a good rule of thumb. While London is considered one of the safer cities, having street smarts is essential to avoid any undesirable experiences.
When you're out and about, using your bank card for payments is a smart move to reduce the need to carry cash. Contactless card payments are widely accepted, from public transportation like tubes and buses to various establishments such as bars, restaurants, and shops, making transactions convenient. It's crucial to keep a watchful eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places, and never leave them unattended.
London is a bustling 24-hour city, with round-the-clock public transport services considered reliable and safe, ensuring you can move around comfortably at any time of the day or night.
Important:
In case of an emergency, you can dial 999, which connects you to the police, fire department, or ambulance. However, it's essential to use this number only in genuine emergencies.
Good to know:
The safest parts of London are Richmond upon the Thames, Notting Hill, Walthamstow, and Bermondsey.
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