Travel guide London

The bobbies are the famous London police officers with their characteristic domed helmets. They roam the streets of London to maintain order in a capital that is increasingly prone to crime, particularly with regard to stabbings. This nickname comes from Sir Robert Peel who created the Metropolitan Police in 1829.

As apartments for rent or for sale are prohibitively expensive in London, many Londoners live in shared flats. So it's often a case of getting used to sharing your room-mates ' or flat-mates' little habits. It's a whole new way of life. Sometimes, entire families share houses.

The most famous of British dishes! Fish & chips is simply white fish dipped in batter, fried in boiling oil and served with French fries. Seasoned with salt and vinegar. It used to be served in newspaper. Enjoy it in a typical pub.

The Gherkin is one of the symbols of East London's architectural revival. Originally called 30 St Mary Axe, this oblong building quickly earned the affectionate nickname "Gherkin". Londoners love this superb building, which can be spotted from everywhere, is entirely glazed, and boosts the London skyline with its futuristic shape.

Marinated chicken, grilled, spiced and cooked Jamaican style, who could resist? It's a classic London snack, especially when you're out late. You can also opt for fried chicken, a non-spicy version that's just as delicious. In short, Londoners love chicken, and you won't be able to resist it during your stay!

London is one of Europe's cities with the most markets. You'll find everything from street-food to vintage and flowers... Some, like Borough Market, have been around since the Middle Ages. There are over 200 markets across the city, embodying London's cultural diversity. The most emblematic are Camden Market, Brick Lane Market and Covent Garden.

London is THE European capital of musicals. Nearly twenty West End theaters present musicals every night. Some have been running for several years. Among the most popular shows are The Lion King, Wicked, Les Misérables, Mamma Mia, Hamilton and Aladdin..

Although the word "pub" was coined in Victorian times as a contraction of public houses, it was the Romans who gave the British their first pubs 2,000 years ago. The English spend their lives here, drinking one pint after another in a convivial atmosphere. After work, on Friday evenings, Sunday afternoons: they're always packed!

This is the name given to London's famous fog, a combination of smoke and fog. In reality, however, the phenomenon has less to do with the weather than with the pollution that reigned in the city during the Industrial Revolution in the 18th^century , when London was overrun by factories..

The Thames, 338 km long, is London's mythical river, crossing the city from east to west and splitting it in two. Its quays make for pleasant strolls. The river was heavily polluted during the industrial revolution, but is now gradually regaining its fish inhabitants, thanks to major clean-up operations.

Tube is the colloquial name given by Londoners to their subway railway, normally known as the Underground. The nickname refers to its cylindrical shape. The London Underground is the oldest in the world, built in 1863. It carries almost 3 million people every day. It's an expensive means of transport, but the most efficient.

Vintage is a word that is used to describe anything that is retro. In London, vintage is like a second religion. The fashion capital of the 1960s, London is now the temple of vintage. Vintage markets and shops abound in Brick Lane and Camden and offer great deals.