London. The granddaddy of subways, the London Underground, was born on January 9, 1863 with the launch of the world's first subterranean rail journey (a six-kilometre stretch between Paddington and Farringdon). Affectionately dubbed the Tube, the network has tunnelled its way across the British capital, with about 90 per cent of stops lying north of the River Thames. It's also emerged as an icon of pop culture, with the red Underground roundel, slogans like Mind the Gap and the colourful Tube map known throughout the world. The London Transport Museum, in Covent Garden, is celebrating the Underground's 150th anniversary with a feast of exhibitions. tfl.gov.uk
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