European Congress on Gynaecological Oncology

About London

London is the capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom, with a population of 9.1 million people in 2024. Its wider metropolitan area is the largest in Western Europe, with a population of 15.1 million. London stands on the River Thames in southeast England, at the head of a 50-mile (80 km) tidal estuary down to the North Sea, and has been a major settlement for nearly 2,000 years. Its ancient core and financial centre, the City of London, was founded by the Romans as Londinium and has retained its medieval boundaries. The City of Westminster, to the west of the City of London, has been the site of the national government and parliament for centuries. London grew rapidly in the 19th century, becoming the world's largest city at the time. Since the 19th century the name "London" has referred to the metropolis around the City of London, historically split among the counties of Middlesex, Essex, Surrey, Kent and Hertfordshire. Since 1965 it has largely comprised the administrative area of Greater London, governed by 33 local authorities and the Greater London Authority.

Getting There

• London is served by several major airports, with London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and London Stansted being the primary international hubs. From any of these airports, you can reach central London via train, coach, or taxi services within 45 minutes to two hours depending on your starting point. The London Underground (the Tube) is the fastest way to navigate the city once you arrive, with extensive coverage across all major areas. Buses and taxis are also readily available throughout London. If you're traveling from within the UK or Europe, National Rail services connect London to numerous cities, and coach services offer budget-friendly alternatives. For local travel on event days, consider purchasing a contactless payment card or Oyster card for seamless access to public transport.