The icon, the leading figure, the epicentre of culture, history and the arts. London is the city that a lot of other cities aspire to be like. It has something for everyone and you could spend months, or even years exploring its main sights and hidden secrets.

Historic alleyways where famed literary figures used to stroll, charming pubs punctuate historic quarters, vibrant backstreet bars featuring culinary delights from across the globe and splendid architecture wherever your eyes point.

London’s remarkable roster of colossal monuments makes sure it ranks at the very top for mesmerising things to do. Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, the Tower of London, all instantly recognisable and all bursting at the seams with incredible history and enthralling tales. Architectural splendor is dotted around London like lampposts, although some is now mixed with modern buildings it never drowns out London’s seasoned narrative.

London never stops innovating, from the Shard, Sky Garden and the Tate Modern extension London is a city that keeps moving and so fast. Whether it’s theatrical innovation, contemporary art, pioneering music, writing, poetry, architecture or design. If somewhere is the first to create, it’s London.

London’s cultural events spread far and wide, when there’s not a street carnival taking place in one of its hipster suburbs, there’s a music festival in one of the beloved parks, or an international festival somewhere in between. And most likely, they’re all at the same time.