Your options and career development
London city guide
As the largest capital city in Europe with some seven million people, London offers a world of entertainment, culture, sports and arts. From the crowded shopping thoroughfares of Oxford Street, to the tranquillity of Regent’s Park, there is something to please everyone.
The home of HSBC’s global headquarters, Canary Wharf is a thriving space and vibrant business district with a wide range of shops, restaurants, pubs and wine bars, as well as healthcare and leisure facilities and an extensive arts and events programme. Leading international companies enjoy the highest quality buildings, facilities and infrastructure here.
Central London is covered by a comprehensive bus network, as well as the world-famous underground train system: the tube. Although the roads and rail can be congested, public transport is generally the best way to get around. London’s congestion charge can make driving in the capital very expensive.
Accommodation in the capital is plentiful, with many hotels in easy reach of the Canary Wharf district. Try Marriott, Hilton or Express by Holiday Inn. Alternatively, for a wider range of hotels, visit Hotels.com, Expedia.co.uk or Lastminute.com.
When it comes to eating out, London has every kind of cuisine: Thai, Indian, Italian and of course, traditional British food. You might like to try a traditional British pub too – a pint of beer with friends is a great way to spend the evening. If you are more interested in culture, you can take in a show in the West End, a ballet or opera in Covent Garden, or check out a gig or concert. Venues range from intimate bars to huge stadiums, where the world’s biggest stars come to play.
London is also home to hundreds of historic places, such as the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral and Buckingham Palace. Amid the bustling streets, there are beautiful parks and through the centre of the city, runs the majestic river Thames. For the best view, visit the London Eye – the biggest Ferris wheel in Europe, located on the South Bank, between Westminster and Hungerford bridges.
For those in search of nightlife, there are clubs and bars galore. Shoppers can find bargains at Camden, Portobello and Brick Lane markets, or more luxurious goods at the shopping meccas of Oxford Street, Covent Garden and Westfield London. Pickpockets are common, so do be careful.
Wherever you go, you’ll see that London is a truly multicultural city; home to many nationalities. You’ll also see that the image of London as a cold, rainy place is not always wrong. Winter calls for warm clothes – and an umbrella!
