London is the largest city in Western Europe and most tourists use the London Underground (the Tube) to get around. Many of the main attractions are located within Central London, and it is quite possible to walk between them or hire one of the increasingly ubiquitous “Boris bikes”. However, there are also the iconic London red buses and black cabs to help you get around this sprawling city.

There are a lot of must-see attractions to visit when you travel to London, ranging from major landmarks like the Royal Palaces and London Bridge, to world-famous museums like the British Museum and the Natural History Museum. Head to Westminster to discover the UK’s political centre, including Downing Street.

Make sure you climb Primrose Hill for a great (and complimentary) view of the London skyline, incorporating the Shard, the Gherkin and everything in between.

The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, is not just a tourist attraction in its own right, but also a hub for leisure and sporting activities. You can swim in the Olympic Pool at the Aquatics Centre, wander through acres of parkland, and cycle in the Lee Valley VeloPark. Keep an eye out for upcoming events as the park builds up to full steam.

London has eight Royal Parks, including Hyde Park, Richmond Park and Regent’s Park. Each has plenty to offer besides many hectares of park land, such as boating on the Serpentine in Hyde Park. If you’re in the mood for some regal pageantry, aim to be at Buckingham Palace at around 11.30am for the 45-minute Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Another essential experience during your trip to London is seeing a show in the West End. If you prefer something a little more rocky or poppy, there are numerous live music venues throughout the city, including the O2 Arena and Brixton Academy.

London can be a food lover’s paradise, whatever your budget. At the top end of the scale, there are world-famous restaurants run by celebrity chefs. There’s an enormous amount of scope further down the food chain though, with all manner of international cuisine on offer in Central London and further afield.

If you want a traditional taste of cockney London, head to a pie and mash shop in the East End, or visit an independent gastro-pub outside of the tourist areas.

Harrods and Selfridges are the big names for luxury department store shopping, and are worth a visit when you travel to London. Oxford Street is one of the main shopping scenes and host to all the big brand names of the British high street. For designer clothing and accessories, take a walk down Bond Street and Covent Garden. If you’re travelling to London with children, visit Regent Street for one of the world’s largest toy stores.

London also has many markets you can lose yourself in, from the alternative stylings of Camden Market, to the fashion-conscious Old Spitalfields Market.