GENERAL

London is one of the world's greatest metropolises. Even without taking into account the 2012 Olympics, it is the most visited city in the world. Everything you could ever want from a city break can be found here in infinite quantities - grand architecture, history and culture, dining, shopping and nightlife - London is world-class in every area. If you plan on visiting a city this year, why not discover the dazzling bright lights of the one right on your doorstep?

Sightseeing in the capital...

The number of world-class attractions in London is so vast that if you noted them down your list would soon resemble one of Charles Dickens' bulkier novels. The author was laid to rest in the Gothic Westminster Abbey, one of many celebrated architectural masterworks that must be seen even on a whistle-stop sightseeing tour of the capital. St Paul's Cathedral - with its magnificent dome framed between soaring skyscrapers - is another. As is Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, and Tower Bridge - best seen as you float down the Thames on a boat!

No city break in London is complete without stopping for tea with the Queen at Buckingham Palace. While, few places have sculptured the history of Britain like the fearsome Tower of London. Modern Britain is hardly any less impressive with The Shard: a colossal cutting-edge skyscraper that tears a hole in the city skyline, and the London Eye that offers sublime panoramic views of the city.

You can purchase a London Pass, which allows free access to over 50 of London's major attractions, while many of the most celebrated museums are free anyway. For transport, Oyster cards can be bought. You can use these on buses, as well as on the Tube - the oldest underground train network in the world.

Museums & galleries...

The museums and galleries of London are famed throughout the world and arguably unequalled. The Natural History Museum and Science Museum are exceptional in their respective fields and just a five minute walk from each other. Art-lovers will find the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery just off Trafalgar Square. While, the British Museum and Victoria & Albert Museum house two of the finest art collections on the planet. Modern art fans should head to the avant-garde Tate Modern.

A green city...

One thing that may surprise you on a city break in London is that it is a remarkably green city full of parks. In the heart of London lie St James' Park and Green Park; the huge Hyde Park is famous for its summer events and concerts, and the beautiful Kensington Gardens lies adjacent to it. Slightly north is Regent's Park where you'll find London Zoo.

Unrivalled shopping...

If you're in need of some serious retail therapy on your London city break, you've come to the right place. From the tailors of Mayfair's Savile Row to the colourful stalls of vibrant Camden Market, this is one of the world's top shopping destinations. King's Road in SW1 and Notting Hill have long-standing reputations for fashion. As does Bond Street in the West End, while nearby Conduit Street has many independent boutiques including one owned by Vivienne Westwood. Head to Shoreditch for hipster-chic and Oxford Street, Kensington High Street and Regent Street for high street shopping. It's pretty much a given that London has the best shopping on the planet.

Eating out...

With gastropubs taking the place of age-old drinking dens and celebrity chef culture at an all-time high, dining in London has probably never been better. And no city - save perhaps New York - can compete with its sheer diversity. Whether you want to enjoy the Michelin-starred restaurants of Mayfair or the curry houses of Brick Lane, you're bound to be satisfied by the city's culinary offerings.

Going out...

As befits one of the world's greatest cities, the nightlife in London is dazzling and incredibly vibrant. At night, London's atmosphere is super-charged. Whether you head west to chic Notting Hill, east to trendy Shoreditch, north to wild Camden or south to cosmopolitan Brixton, you'll find a dazzling array of stylish bars, traditional pubs, world-famous superclubs and everything between. The most famous areas remain the West End and Soho, where you'll find the city's most prominent theatres.

If you like the sound of London...

...take a look at Paris city breaks here, Madrid holidays here and city breaks in Berlin here.