LONDON - AN INTRODUCTION

Britain's vibrant and exciting capital city is home to over 300 museums and galleries, elegant buildings and excellent theatre, and, of course, the red double-decker bus and distinctive black taxi. For the first-time tourist there's the excitement of seeing all the world-famous landmarks; for frequent visitors there's always a host of new attractions, shops, exhibitions, pubs and clubs to be explored.

On a first trip to London the major sights are a must and reflect London's long and varied history. The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and on Horse Guards Parade are free displays of colourful Royal pageantry. In August and September Buckingham Palace itself is open to visitors. Take a look at the Houses of Parliament and the famous clocktower that houses 'Big Ben', and see nearby Westminster Abbey, site of many a Royal wedding and coronation. Other unmissable sights include the Tower of London with its colourful 'Beefeaters' (yeoman warders), Tower Bridge and St Paul's Cathedral, Sir Christopher Wren's elegantly-domed masterpiece.

One of the best ways to see London's famous landmarks is to take a guided bus tour, such as the Original London Transport Sightseeing Tour 'London Plus', which is a hop on/hop off service with 20 stops, or that offered by the Big Bus Company. Alternatives include personalised driver-guide car tours, a tour in a 100-year-old horse-drawn omnibus, or a boat trip to take in the capital from the River Thames.

London has many world-class museums and art galleries to choose from, ranging from the traditional to the hi-tech. The London White Card offers unlimited access to 13 of the capital's museums and art galleries - including the Victoria and Albert Museum, London Transport Museum and Museum of the Moving Image (MOMI) - for either three or seven days. The Natural History and Science Museums combine education with fun, and the British Museum, National Portrait Gallery and Tate Gallery are all free of charge.

No visit to London would be complete without a trip round the shops. Knightsbridge is home to the upmarket department stores Harrods and Harvey Nichols. Other elegant emporia include Liberty in Regent Street and Fortnum & Mason in Piccadilly. Alternatively, there are London's famous markets - excellent places to hunt for unusual bargains. Anything from antiques to second-hand bric-a-brac and designer clothes are sold at Portobello Road and Camden Lock markets. Central London's Covent Garden specialises in handmade crafts and trendy clothes, and mainstream fashions can be brought along Oxford Street or Kensington High Street.

After a busy sightseeing schedule, it's great to relax in one of London's Royal parks. Regent's Park has a boating lake, beautiful floral displays, an open-air theatre and large zoo. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens form a magnificent, large centrepiece where you can stroll, swim at the lido, go boating on the Serpentine, or even ride horses. Further afield are areas which retain the character and charm of small villages: Greenwich has a maritime flavour; sought-after Hampstead has exclusive shops and fine Georgian houses; Richmond offers lovely riverside walks and pubs.

London is renowned for its high-quality theatrical productions, with everything from big-budget musicals to classical plays. The capital also offers a wide range of concerts - from orchestral to pop. Note: Seats for the most popular London shows and concerts need to be booked well in advance.

From popular West End shows to alternative comedy clubs, from lively nightclubs to mellow jazz venues, London is famous for its vibrant nightlife and has entertainment to suit all tastes. The Comedy Store between Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square is one of London's best-known comedy clubs. Jazz venues include Ronnie Scott's in Soho's Frith Street, and the 100 Club on Oxford Street. Clubbers have a vast choice but the Camden Palace in Camden Town, the Hippodrome off Leicester Square and Stringfellows on Upper St Martin's Lane are three of the most famous.

London is a cosmopolitan city where it is possible to sample cuisine from all corners of the world. There are establishments to suit every taste and pocket, from burger restaurants like the Hard Rock Cafe on Piccadilly and Planet Hollywood near Leicester Square, to those serving exquisite modern cuisine such as Quaglino's near Piccadilly or the Blueprint Cafe at the Design Museum. Britain is famed for its pubs and London has literally thousands to choose from, where you can sample a pint of British beer, enjoy good-value bar meals and savour the friendly atmosphere.

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