National Treasure: Book of Secrets Filming Locations

The City of London is a historic financial district, home to both the Stock Exchange and the Bank of England. Modern corporate skyscrapers tower above the vestiges of medieval alleyways below. Affluent workers frequent its smart restaurants and bars. Tourists visit iconic, 17th-century St. Paul’s Cathedral, trace the city’s history at the Museum of London, and take in performances at the huge Barbican arts centre.

St. James’s is an exclusive area near Buckingham Palace, with many fine-dining restaurant options. The Theatre Royal Haymarket and Her Majesty’s Theatre stage West End plays. Art dealers surround Christie’s auction house, while the Royal Academy of Arts draws crowds to Piccadilly. Upscale shops include Fortnum & Mason, with its posh food hall, and Jermyn Street’s tailors. St. James’s Park is popular for picnics.

Westminster is the bustling government area near Buckingham Palace. Tourists head to Trafalgar Square’s monuments and to see the changing of the guards at Horse Guards Parade while politicians mingle in Whitehall’s pubs. At the Houses of Parliament, by the River Thames, the Big Ben bell rings out from its iconic clock tower. Medieval Westminster Abbey contains the graves of historical figures such as Charles Darwin.