Whatever your reason for visiting London, it is a city that has something to offer everyone. London has successfully fused its grand heritage with modern living and attracts a wide range of visitors every year.

Whether, it's sightseeing in Trafalgar Square, shopping on Oxford Street or entertainment in the West End, you will be spoilt for choice. London also has a huge choice of restaurants, bars and hotels to suit any budget.

While the areas to the north of the Thames are renowned for housing many of London's traditional attractions, e.g. Buckingham Palace, to the south of the river there is still much to see with many of the newer and more contemporary attractions, e.g. The Tate Modern. If you are on a budget there are also many free attractions throughout the city.

London is Europe's largest city and it is easy to get overwhelmed and not make the most of your visit, so it's worth planning your trip and familiarising yourself with its districts before you travel.

What not to miss in London!

• Buckingham Palace
Opportunity to visit the State Rooms, Royal Mews and the Queen's Gallery. It is worth paying the Palace a visit to see the 'Changing of the Guard', perhaps one of the most well known displays of British pageantry.
Opening Times: State Rooms: 26th July to 24th September, 09:45-18:00; Queen's Gallery: Daily 10:00-17:30 (26th July to 24th September 09:30-17:00); Royal Mews: 25th March to 31st October, Saturday to Thursday 11:00-16:00 (26th July to 4th September 10:00-17:00); Changing of the Guard: April to July, daily at 11:30. August to April, every other day at 11:30
Prices:
State Rooms: Adult £14.00, Child £8.00 (Under 5's free); Queen's Gallery: Adult £7.50, Child £4.00 (Under 5's free); Royal Mews: Adult £6.50, Child £4.00 (Under 5's free); State Rooms, Queen's Gallery and Royal Mews: Adult £24.50, Child £13.50; Changing of the Guard: FREE
Nearest Tube and Hotels: St. James's Park, Green Park

• Tower of London
The Tower is home to the Crown Jewels and the infamous 'Traitor's Gate' and many exhibitions.
Opening Times: 1st March to 31st October 09:00-18:00 (Sunday and Monday 10:00-18:00); 1st November to 28th February 09:00-17:00 (Sunday and Monday 10:00-17:00)
Prices: Adult £15.00; £9.50 (Under 5's free)
Nearest Tube: Tower Hill

• Tate Modern
Formerly a disused power station, the gallery is now home to the national collection of modern art and has helped to transform the Bankside area. Opening Times: Sunday to Thursday 10:00-18:00; Friday and Saturday 10:00-22:00
Prices: FREE
Nearest Tube: Southwark, Blackfriars

• The London Eye
On a clear day you can see 25 miles in each direction, spotting the most famous sites of London.
Opening Times: October to May 10:00-20:00; June to September 10:00-21:00
Prices: Adult £13.00; Child £6.50 (Under 5's free)
Nearest Tube: Waterloo, Westminster

• Natural History Museum
The perfect place to explore the natural world within the urban surroundings of London. Come face to face with a giant T-Rex or experience the shakes of a simulated earthquake.
Opening Times: Daily 10:00-17:50 (Sundays from 11:00)
Prices: FREE
Nearest Tube: South Kensington

• Madame Tussauds
The opportunity to meet the stars face to face. This is the home of celebrity waxworks, where can you get the chance to address the nation alongside the Queen or sing along with Kylie. There are numerous exhibitions all year round.
Opening Times: Monday to Friday 09:30-17:30; Saturday and Sunday 09:00-18:00
Prices: Adult £20.99; Child £16.99; Family £65.00
Nearest Tube: Baker Street

• Saint Paul's Cathedral
Located here are the tombs of many of the country's historical figures including Admiral Nelson and the Duke of Wellington. Climb the 530 steps to the top of the Dome to see the 'Golden Gallery' while visiting the famous 'Whispering Gallery' on the way.
Opening Times: Monday to Saturday 08:30-16:00
Prices: Adult £9.00; Child £3.50 (Guided tours available at an extra cost)
Nearest Tube: St. Paul's

• Houses of Parliament & Big Ben
A chance to see the live debates in action through the public gallery. Visit the oldest part of the Palace of Westminster and experience the vast history attached to the building. Take a tour to see the intricate workings of Big Ben, England's most famous clock tower.
Opening Times: All visits must be arranged prior to arrival by application through your local MP. Overseas visitors can only visit during summer recess (2nd August to 30th September) by contacting your local embassy. Overseas visitors can still gain access to the public galleries during parliament by queuing at Saint Stephens entrance (contact your Embassy prior to visiting the Commons). Tours of Big Ben are only available to UK residents by prior arrangement.
Prices: Adult £7.00; Child £5.00; (Prices apply for tours during recess only)
Nearest Tube: Westminster

• British Museum
Contains some of the most interesting and rare historical artefacts in the world. The museum is divided into different sections of civilisations e.g. Ancient Egypt, Rome and Japan.
Opening Times: Saturday to Wednesday 10:00-17:30; Thursday and Friday 10:00-20:30
Prices: FREE (Charges may apply for special exhibitions)
Nearest Tube: Russell Square, Tottenham Court Road

• Westminster Abbey
The Abbey has history dating back to the 13th century. Buried here are Edward the Confessor and Mary Queen of Scots. You will also find here tombs of some of Britain's greatest writers including Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Dickens and Thomas Hardy.
Opening Times: Monday to Saturday: 09:30-15:45 (open until 18:00 on Wednesdays); Sunday: open for worship only
Prices: Adult £10.00; Child £6.00; (Guided tours are available at an extra cost)
Nearest Tube: St James's Park, Westminster

Other Attractions
• Harrods of Knightsbridge • River Thames Cruise to Greenwich • Hyde Park • Tower Bridge • O2 Brixton Academy • West End • Oxford Street