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Discover London
London provides an unrivalled setting for an MUN conference. The city’s sights contrast the buzz of a modern multicultural metropolis with the charm of an ancient European city, offering something for every traveller - even those on a student budget!
With four World Heritage sites, the capital’s historic architecture - some up to
1,000 years old - reflects the city’s many-sided past and present. Its status as
home of the British Royal Family is reflected in Buckingham Palace, the
residence of the Monarch since 1837. Many other current and historic royal
residences dot the city including Kensington Palace, former home of Diana
Princess of Wales, and Hampton Court. The power of the Monarch is also embodied
in the Tower of London, in times past the city's major fortress and prison for
treasonous subjects who attracted the displeasure of the King or Queen. The
Tower's walls also provide security for the Crown Jewels - including the various
crowns, orbs and sceptres used by the royal family during the pomp and
circumstance of State occasions.
London's historic and current status as a centre of government can be viewed at first hand at the 'Mother of all Parliaments' at Westminster. Religious heritage takes form in the majestic dome of St. Paul's Cathedral, the spires of Westminster Abbey or the many other historic churches, chapels and other religious structures that can be found across the city. London's historic maritime trading links can be found in the many open air markets and in maritime Greenwich, also home of the famous meridian at the Greenwich Observatory.
Cultural
life thrives at London's many museums, galleries and theatres. London contains
some of the world’s greatest museums - amongst them are the British Museum, the
Victoria and Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and
the Imperial War Museum. All offer entry free of charge. The metropolis is also
one of the major art capitals of the world, offering art galleries to suit all
tastes from the conservative at the National Gallery to the less so at the Tate
Modern. The city has long been a haunt of thespians and playwrights. At
Shakespeare’s Globe the great playwright's works can be watched as they were
originally perceived over 400 years ago. For something a bit more modern, visit
one of the glamorous shows of London’s West End.
The historic exists harmoniously alongside more modern architecture including astonishing views from the British Airways London Eye, the metallic arches of the Millennium Bridge, and the unusual curves of the Swiss Re Building (known as ‘the Gherkin’). Modern London is also a global arena of international business, law, media and politics. The City contains Europe’s largest stock market allowing London to lead the world in finance and acts as the continent’s principal business centre.
The capital can claim to be the most cosmopolitan city in the world. Only London can offer the same astonishing mix of cultural influences, with over fifty large ethnic communities calling the metropolis home. It provides the conference with an internationalist flavour that gives LIMUN something a little bit special. The capital’s diversity is most starkly demonstrated in its food. London’s restaurants offer the visitor an astonishing range of over 70 national cuisines with flavours combining international flair with British influences.
If pacing the streets, museums, art galleries and over 40,000 shops becomes too much, London is also one of the greenest cities in the world. Over 30% of the London area is made up of public parks and gardens providing seclusion from city life. Relaxation can also be found in one of the 3,800 pubs to be found in London, that's nearly one out of every ten in Britain. Although the British are sometimes unfairly ridiculed for their cooking, London's countless teas shops and fish and chip restaurants are traditionally popular amongst visitors for their timeless style. If the traditionally British food and drink they offer is not to your taste, there are also many wine bars and restaurants. Nearly one out of every four British restaurants can be found in London.
