by Debbie N

Created on: March 24, 2007   Last Updated: March 22, 2012

European culture and history is fascinating and with such a wide array of places to choose from, narrowing it down to the best of the best is challenging. Each city offers its own brand of culture, history, fun and fantasy that is not to be matched  by any other. I have visited many wonderful European and towns and had a unique experience in each one. From the beautiful

French castles of the Loire Valley to the excitement of Harrod's at Christmas time, each experience was more wondrous than the last.

Of all the cities I have visited and would recommend, London, England was by far my favorite. I am fascinated by history and often plan vacations around historical and cultural sites and events, and London has all in abundance.

There are many amazing museums, such as The Victoria and Albert, The Tate and Tate Modern and the British museum. Each museum was enjoyable and informative, although the Tate Modern was a bit over the top. Some of the exhibits, such as the clear bathroom waste basket turned upside down was not what many would call modern art, but it was there for all to see, so there must be people who disagree. Art is truly subjective, and visiting the Tate Modern proved that. The British Museum, on the other hand, was wonderful and had a wide variety of exhibits to please everyone both historically and culturally.

As someone who has always been fascinated by old buildings and intricate architecture, visiting old churches has always been a passion, and London has one of the most amazing churches in Europe; St. Paul's Cathedral. I have seen many beautiful churches both domestic and international, but none matched the wonder of St. Paul's. Its design and architecture is inspiring; from the ceiling design, to the stained glass windows, to the mausoleums. I was awe struck the whole time I was there.

During the visit to St. Paul's a nun came out and did a mini service for the visitors. Sitting through a service, even as short as it was, in St. Paul's, was a very spiritual experience, as was the entire St. Paul's excursion. I did visit Westminster Abbey, and although it was beautiful, it felt a bit too touristy.

If shopping is what the European traveler is interested in, go no further than Harrod's.  I visited a month before Christmas and was fortunate enough to see the city and this famous department store in all its glory, decorated beautifully for the holiday. However, any time of year would have been thrilling to visit this place.

Many compare London to New York City and even call it the NYC of Europe.  This is true in many respects, one major comparison being the theater district. Several first run Broadway shows start their runs in London and end in NY as well as the other way around. Ticket prices are comparable to that of its domestic counterpart and can be purchased either in advance or at the box office on the day of the show, depending on the production and the venue. The theater area is lovely at night with all the bright lights.

Other don't miss attractions in London are The Tower Bridge, Big Ben, the London Eye, and a fun museum called The London Dungeon, which showcased the seedier side of London history, such as the story of Jack the Ripper.

London is a city that everyone should visit at least once, with beautiful old buildings, historical and cultural sites to visit, and loads of shopping, one can spend weeks and not see everything, which is an excellent excuse to return.

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