Looking Through the London Eye

The London Eye is an architectural marvel. Built in 1999, it is the youngest of iconic landmarks the city of London boasts of. The Eye is a favorite pop culture reference in movies, television, books and magazines for London.

The London Eye is basically a giant Ferris wheel although in form and structure, it looks like a bicycle wheel more than anything else. It measures 443 feet and holds 32 capsules. Each capsule is sealed and air-conditioned. A capsule can carry approximately 25 people; this means that the wheel can carry around 800 people at a time.

The Eye moves at a conscientiously slow pace of .9 kilometers per hour. It takes the wheel around 30 minutes to complete one rotation. This speed is slow enough for people to get on and off the capsules without the wheel’s rotation being interrupted. However, the Eye is fully halted for the benefit of the elderly and the disabled.

The London Eye is also known as the Millennium Wheel. The firm Mark Starfield Architects designed the Millennium Wheel to mark the coming of the millennium. The original plan was for the Eye to operate for 5 years from its opening in March 2000. But due to the Eye’s popularity among locals and tourists, the 5 year plan has been extended to 25 years.

The London Eye enjoys an average of 3.5 million visitors a year since its opening. This makes the Eye, London’s top paid tourist attraction. The biggest selling point of the Eye, apart from its massive yet elegant structure, is the view it offers.

Many have likened the London Eye to the Eiffel Tower where visitors can soar and feast on breathtaking views. The capsules allow a 360 degree view; one can see the right and left sides of the Thames River from the Eye easily and leisurely. On a clear day, you can see as far as 25 miles away.

For a time the London Eye was the biggest observation wheel in world. Today it still remains as the largest in Europe but elsewhere it has been surpassed in terms of height or size by the Star of Nanchang in China and the Singapore Flyer in Singapore.

The London Eye is truly worthy of the title icon. Its magnificence spans beyond breadth and size. It is no wonder that it is currently the most popular paid tourist attraction in the city.

Toronto Tourist Attractions

A trip to Canada would not be complete without a stop to Toronto. However, like most tourists, you may be wondering what tourist attractions are worth visiting when you choose to stay in Toronto. Here are some of the most popular tourist attractions that Toronto has to offer and which you will want to take a look at, if you are planning to visit this city.

CN Tower

One of the tourist attractions in Toronto that you will definitely want to check out while you are visiting the city is the CN Tower. What’s so special about this tower? It is the tallest tower in the whole world. When you visit Toronto don’t miss visiting the CN Tower.

Harbourfront Centre

Situated on 10 acres along Lake Ontario, Harbourfront Centre is another very popular tourist attraction in Toronto. There is so much to see and do at Harbourfront Centre, ranging from water sports to parks and craft shops. It is one of the main tourist attractions that you are bound to remember from your visit to Toronto

Toronto Islands

Toronto Islands are an attraction for tourists that the whole family can enjoy? If you are taking a Family holiday be sure to place a visit to Toronto Islands near the top of your list. Here, you will find recreational facilities, water sports, an amusement park and other tourist attractions. This is the best place to visit if you want to spend a fun-filled day in Toronto. Although there are other things that the family will enjoy doing together while they are in Toronto, this offers something for everyone, which is what makes it so appealing.

Hockey Hall of Fame

A well known fact about Canadians is that they are very fond of hockey, so it should be no surprise that the Hockey Hall of Fame can be found in Toronto. There are interactive exhibits and many,many hockey artifacts at the Toronto hall of fame. If you have an appreciation for hockey, this is another of the tourist attractions that you will be sure to enjoy.

Chinatown

Do you enjoy the Chinatown which can be found in New York City? If so, you will want to visit Chinatown in Toronto.There are a variety of vendors for Asian jewellery, food, clothing and so much more here. This is another of the Toronto attractions to add to your list on your tour. A great shopping, eating experience.

Royal Ontario Museum

If you interested in an educational experience when you visit Toronto, the Royal Ontario Museum can provide you with just that. The best thing about this museum is that there are many galleries and exhibits. Science, art and archaeology are all some of the things that the Toronto museum is focused on.

Toronto is a great place to visit, no matter what you are looking to do. The above mentioned Toronto tourist attractions are ideal for anyone who wants to have fun, shop, eat or simply learn about some of their favourite things. If you have thought about visiting Toronto, what are you waiting for? Let the fun begin!