London

Royal palaces, world-class museums and an unbeatable food and arts scene.

London is one of the world's most dynamic and culturally rich cities, straddling the Thames in the heart of England. Few cities can match its blend of ancient history and cutting-edge modernity — within a single afternoon you can stand in a medieval tower, explore a world-class contemporary art gallery and eat your way through a street food market representing every corner of the globe. The city's neighbourhoods each have a distinct personality. Shoreditch buzzes with creative energy and independent cafés; Notting Hill charms with pastel-painted terraces and the famous Portobello Road market; South Bank offers riverside walks, the Tate Modern and the Globe Theatre. Families gravitate toward the Science Museum and Natural History Museum, both free to enter, while history lovers lose themselves in the British Museum or the Tower of London. Transport is excellent — the Underground (the Tube) connects virtually everywhere, and the Oyster card system makes travel seamless. The best time to visit is May to September when the parks are at their finest and outdoor events fill the calendar. London rewards slow exploration: linger in a pub, watch the Changing of the Guard, or simply wander a canal towpath in Little Venice.