London
United Kingdom
Founded by Romans and originally called Londinium, London grew to be one of the world’s leading centers for commerce, education, fashion, tourism, research, media, and finance. Nowhere in the world can you find as many financial institutions, international retailers, and billionaires in one place. The city and its landmarks are well-known and made their way to international pop-culture, including the Tower Bridge, Westminster Palace, the Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, the London Eye, and even its Underground system. Many of its residents are equally famous, including fictional ones like Harry Potter, Jack the Ripper, and Sherlock Holmes.
London’s two-thousand-year-long history is reflected in its diverse architecture in many different styles since the Middle Ages. Castles juxtaposed with modern skyscrapers, leaving in between exquisite buildings and landmarks, many of them housing internationally-renowned institutions like the British Museum and the National Gallery, both being amongst the most-visited museums in the world.
The city is also a foodie’s paradise, boasting a highly varied and savory gastronomical mix. Additionally, London has the biggest theater audience and one of the highest concentrations of bars (generally known as pubs) per capita in the world, ensuring endless entertainment to any visitor.
Sports are also a key part of the city’s life as London hosts highly successful soccer teams like Chelsea and Tottenham, several rugby and cricket teams, the massive London Marathon, boat racing in the River Thames, as well as the Wimbledon Tennis Championship.
Why learn English in London?
One of the world’s leading cities in commerce, culture, fashion, and tourism.
Well-developed infrastructure for any language learner.
Home to the busiest airport system in the world ensures easy connections.
Endless opportunities to visit its famous theaters, museums, galleries, palaces, castles.
Language Schools in London:
SpeakUp London is a school located in the heart of London’s most famous shopping district: Oxford Street. New location, fresh look, and a varied activity agenda make this school perfect for young professionals.
Travel
tips
When
Best time to go is May to September.
FYI
Due to the British historic empire and the obvious appeal the city has, about 300 languages are spoken by the communities living in London.
Meet
Sherlock Holmes, Harry Potter, Jack the Ripper… the line between reality and fiction blurs in London as many of its famous inhabitants, real or not, have dedicated museums, houses or tours.
Spot the Royals! Several palaces are in or around London, increasing your chances of seeing (somewhat) up close members of the most famous royal family.
See
Pop culture has done a lot for London as some of its landmarks are recognized worldwide, such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Trafalgar Square and many others.
Many of London’s landmarks make up a gorgeous skyline, which can be easily seen from several equally famous spots, such as the London Eye or the Shard.
As the British Empire grew to a global scale, so did London’s museums, and some of them are the world’s best and most visited, especially the British Museum and the National Gallery, both of which are free of charge.
Do
The Queen’s birthday (April 21st) is officially celebrated in the Trooping the Colour parade on the second or third Saturday in June, displaying the British devotion for their monarch.
The Notting Hill Carnival, held every August over two days, is the world’s second largest street party drawing over a million people to celebrate the British West Indian community.
The Boat Race, since 1829, pits Cambridge and Oxford’s rowing teams race against each other on the Thames, attracting over 250,000 Londoners and visitors to the banks of the river a Saturday during March or April.
Eat
Nothing screams “British” like fish & chips and there are literally thousands of places in the city that serve it. Also, thanks to the former colonial ties with India, having some Indian food is a must!
Buy
London is a land of traditions and high fashion and has been so for ages. So much so that the oldest hat store in the world, Lock & Co Hatters, has been in operations since 1676.