Situated on the banks of the River Thames, London combines timeless British refinement with an edgy, modern vibe. The scene of royal intrigue, high-end fashion, historic landmarks and bustling nightlife, London has enough to keep visitors occupied for months, if not years. As Dr Samuel Johnson once said: ‘when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.’
 
See

• Buckingham Palace – A visit to the Queen's official London residence is a must-do. Don’t miss all the pomp and splendour of the Changing of the Guard ceremony outside the palace.
• Big Ben – Located at the north-eastern end of the Houses of Parliament is the world’s largest four-faced chiming clock. This iconic attraction looks spectacular at night when the clock faces are illuminated.
• National Gallery – This immense gallery is packed with outstanding Western European paintings. Highlights include works by Van Gogh, da Vinci, Cézanne, Constable, Caravaggio, Canaletto, Titian and Stubbs.
• The Tower of London – Home to the British Crown Jewels, the Tower of London is the UK’s most famous fortress. Relive the Tower’s 900-year history as a royal palace, prison, mint, arsenal, menagerie and jewel house.

Experience

• London Eye – This massive observation wheel takes passengers an incredible 135 metres above the River Thames. Each 30-minute ride offers stunning panoramic views of the city.
• Tower Bridge Exhibition – Discover the history of this renowned bridge and enjoy breathtaking views from its high-level walkways. You can also visit the engine rooms, home to the original Victorian-era steam engines once used to raise and lower the bridge.
• Madame Tussauds – Get up close to incredibly lifelike models of the world’s hottest celebrities at this legendary London institution.
• The Original London Sightseeing Tour – Board one of London’s famous open-top buses for an unforgettable tour of the city, complete with live English commentary.

Secrets of the city

• Kensington Palace Gardens – One of the world’s most expensive addresses, this row of stately 19th-century mansions is home to ambassadors, princes and billionaires.