Westminster//Victoria: London

The striking gothic-revival architecture of the Houses of Parliament in Westminster never ceases to amaze, rising as it does above the River Thames. The area is rife with impressive architecture, with Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and the Tate Britain commanding equal parts of appreciation and awe. Big Ben, perhaps the world's most recognizable clock tower, continues to aid the scurrying home office workers in their time-keeping.

10 Downing Street, the Prime Minister and his families permanent London residence, remains second in popularity only to the Queen's residence (Buckingham Palace), although Clarence House might usurp Downing Street as it is now the home to the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall (Wills & Kate).

The streets surrounding Victoria rail and coach station are a bit grotty, despite recent attempts by the council to clean them up, but venture a few streets away from the station and the scenery quickly changes, as does the quality of the cafes and restaurants. © NileGuide