Capital of the United Kingdom. Capital of Britain since 1065. A modern metropolis with lots of history, and trashy tabloids, everywhere you turn. Despite the reputation of British food for being bland, there is something good to nosh on here, especially of you want Indian or other foods that have history in the British Empire. You could spend a month in London alone and not see everything you want to but these are some of the top highlights.
Nav:
British Museum: A home for artwork and antiquities. I understand the contention around the empirical collection of goods from around the world as stolen history from another country (the same for the Louvre in Paris or the Pergamonmuseum in Berlin). However, this also tells the story of the empire that collected the pieces by displaying their global reach and what they found important at the time. The counter argument is the objects were protected from looters or sale on the black market by relocation. Regardless of where you think the objects belong, these are the places you have to go if you want to see the individual artifacts for yourself.
Buckingham Palace: The famed changing of the guard with their tall, black, furry hats. The home of the monarch since Queen Victoria took the throne in 1837, though her coronation wasn't until 1838. I've seen the changing of the guard in the past but it was closed this time due to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
Tower of London: Also known as the White Tower. William the Conqueror commissioned the building. Several other monarchs expanded the castle / fortress / treasury / prison since. This is where you can meet the famed Beefeaters, the guards of the castle where were well provided for by the crown (they got beef peasants couldn't afford). This is also where the crown jewels are kept when not in use for coronations. For security reasons, photos are not allowed in the treasury. Queen Elizabeth I was famously imprisoned here by Queen Mary of Scots. Queen Anne Bolyn, Henry VIII second wife, was beheaded here.
St. Paul's Cathedral: More than 75% of London burned during The Great Fire of 1666. The building was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1710. Wren was already well established as the architect of buildings such as Kensington Palace, where many royals still live today.
Westminster Abbey: The church where every King / Queen of England has been coronated since William the Conqueror in 1066, with the exception of a few who never made it to coronation.
Nosh:
Fish and Chips: Um...I think it's mandatory to try fish and chips (fried cod and fries) in England, as it's quintessentially British fare. There are lots of places to get this (probably not much different than finding a burger place in the US). Look at what's around when you get hungry and give it a try...and don't forget the malt vinegar on the fish!
Pies: No, not the sweet kind like apple and lemon meringue...the savory kind with meat and veggies. They're like small pot pies filled with chicken, beef, mince meat, and other savory ingredients. Perfect on a gray London day (which is a lot of days).
Nip:
Samuel Smith: There are multiple styles made by the brewer and can be found in draft across the city. It's available in US liquor stores in bottles if you want to give it a go before heading across the pond.
Fuller's London Pride: An ale with a malty taste. Easy to drink and not too hoppy. It's been sold to Japanese brewer Asahi but continues to be brewed in west London, as it has since the 1650s.
