Europe

London is the capital and largest city of both the United Kingdom and of England, and is the largest city in Western Europe. Situated on the River Thames in southeast England, London is historically one of the great world cities and remains a global capital of politics, culture, fashion, trade and finance. London will serve as the host city for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.

London boasts a vast number of attractions for the traveler. Among the most famous are Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster (including Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament) in Westminster. Shoppers can head to Portobello Road, which claims to be the world’s largest antiques market, for antiques, souvenirs and other knick-knacks or simply a walk through time.

London has a large variety of shows from fringe to Broadway-like musicals and productions. The West End district is where you’ll find the last type, with famous imported Broadway shows and some very good local productions.

How to keep from going bankrupt on your next family visit to London.

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the United Kingdom or the U.K.) is a constitutional monarchy in northern Europe.

The Union comprises four constituent nations: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It occupies all of the island of Great Britain, the northeastern portion of the island of Ireland and most of the remaining British Isles. It counts Ireland, France, Belgium and Netherlands as its nearest neighbors. The Isle of Man and the various Channel Islands are "crown dependencies," linked to the United Kingdom by various ties and mutual obligations but not part of it (or of the European Union). Gibraltar is a British territory within the E.U., with its own autonomous government.

The U.K. today is a diverse patchwork of native and immigrant cultures, possessing a fascinating history and dynamic modern culture, both of which remain hugely influential in the wider world. Although Britannia no longer rules the waves, the U.K. is still a popular destination for many travellers. The capital city of the United Kingdom (and the largest city) is London.

Westminster Abbey is regarded as a Medieval architectural masterpiece. It has been the venue for most of the country's coronations since 1066 and for numerous other Royal occasions. At present, it is still a church dedicated to regular worship and to the celebration of great events in the British nation. Westminster Abbey features the final resting places or commemorations of a large number of famous poets, scientists, musicians, artists, authors and more.

The Tower of London is mainly perceived as a medieval place of imprisonment and execution. Nine hundred years of history are embraced within its thick, turreted walls. Even though the Tower's violent years are long gone, an aura of death and medieval torture remains. Today, guided tours are available. The main attraction for most visitors is the breathtaking Crown Jewels. It is also a chance to see the legendary ravens who live within the walls. Folklore has it that if they ever leave, Britain will again fall to foreign invasion. Interestingly enough, orders have been received to clip their wings!

The Victoria and Albert Museum celebrates the rich culture of a bygone era. It portrays 27,000 works and over 43,000 images including ceramics, fashion, furniture, glass, metalwork, paintings, photographs, prints, sculpture, and textiles. Collections from as far as East Asia, South and South-East Asia, the Middle East and Egypt are housed in the V&A Museum. One can explore the world's most comprehensive holding of post-classical European sculpture. The museum frequently holds exhibitions of its collections. And what's more, you could even shop for a lot of things like books, stationery, gifts and jewellery at the museum. The V&A Café has many things for you to munch on.

The British Museum is one of London's top tourist attractions as well as a major scholarly resource. Its collection was bequeathed to the nation in 1753 and the Museum's distinctive Greek revivalist structure was built during the 19th Century. The collection expanded massively during the heyday of the British Empire, leading to the Museum's notoriety for plundering sources all over the globe and leaving it with over 6.5 million objects to look after. The displays cover about 14 acres and it is simply too tiring to tackle them all in one visit. The best way is to pick a collection or exhibition that interests you, explore that, and make return visits. And if you haven't got time for a proper visit, drop in for a coffee at the lovely Court Restaurant. Admission is free but charges may be made for temporary exhibitions.

Between France and the Netherlands, Belgium is the crossroads of Western Europe. Most Western European capitals are within 620 miles of Brussels, the country’s capital and home to the headquarters of the European Union and NATO. From dunes along the northern coast through Flemish lowlands to the forests of the Ardennes hills, Belgium is marked by three distinct regions: Dutch-speaking Flanders in the north, bilingual Brussels and French-speaking Wallonia in the south. A divide between north and south has led to the possibility of the country breaking up, though polls have shown most Belgians want to remain as one federation.

Smaller than Maryland, you can take in a lot of Europe in a little time in Belgium. Cruise the canals of the fairytale town of Bruges and witness the well-preserved medieval architecture; explore a castle in Namur; shop for antiques at a market in Liege; take your pick of the many museums in Brussels.

But of course, any decent trip must include the triumvirate of deliciousness: frites (French fries), chocolate and beer. Belgians have been perfecting frites since the 17th century, the misnomer “French fries” apparently derived from old English: “to French” meant “cut into sticks.” More than 2,000 chocolate shops throughout the country indulge the sweetest tooth with pralines, chocolate confections of a sculpted chocolate shell and a center filling. Over 450 varieties of beer are brewed, including at abbey breweries that use centuries-old methods to produce dark ales renowned throughout the world.

Germany (or Deutschland in the home language) is a country in Central Europe and a founding member of the European Union. It is bordered to the north by Denmark, to the east by Poland and the Czech Republic, to the south by Austria and Switzerland, and to the west by France, Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands.

Germany has numerous cities of interest to tourists. The top seven urban travel destinations are: Berlin, Cologne, Dresden, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Munich. Due to its size and location in central Europe, Germany boasts a large variety of different landscapes. In general, the country's climate is mild and humid. Forests are a dominant natural feature in Germany, and these are very important to the country’s culture and folklore. Germany’s top natural tourist destinations include: the Baltic Sea Coast, the Rhine Valley, the Black Forest and the Bavarian Alps.

Munich is the capital city of Bavaria, Germany's largest federal state (by area). Munich is notable for its architecture and culture, and its annual Oktoberfest beer celebration is world-famous.

However, Munich citizens don't want their city to be known only for its beer, and point out that the Bavarian kings helped Munich become a major center of arts and science in the 19th century. Munich still remains one of Germany's best destinations for art, and has been home to many famous writers, artists, architects and musicians.

Munich is one of Germany's top tourist destinations, owing much to its location. It is within easy driving distance of the Alps, the Czech Republic, Italy and the Mediterranean, Austria and some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe. Add to its benefits beautiful architecture, (especially Baroque and Rococo), green countryside, the second-largest university in Germany, top-notch museums and the greatest beer culture on the planet, and Munich becomes a city not to be missed.