From world-class museums and galleries to a vibrant youth culture and a thriving nightlife, London, Europe’s largest city, lives up to its reputation as one of the world’s greatest capitals. For first time visitors, the quintessential London tourist attractions are a must: visiting the Tower of London, exploring the imposing Gothic architecture of Westminster Abbey and its surrounding buildings, and of course, watching the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. A trip one of London’s famed red double-decker buses provides an excellent way to see the city, as does the half-hour ride on the London Eye, a gigantic rotating wheel that offers views across the entire city. But do yourself a favor and book ahead: you’ll be hard pressed to find same-day tickets.

Although London’s weather is notoriously fickle, you’re more likely to encounter a mild drizzle than a severe downpour. When the sun is out, take a stroll along the Thames River, or catch a breath of fresh air in Hyde Park, London’s largest open space. Check out the street performers at Covent Garden, shop the mile and a half of stores along Oxford Street, or take the kids to the London Zoo. And when it rains, don’t fret, London’s museums and galleries supply plenty of indoor entertainment.

The British Museum, London’s most visited attraction, houses a vast number of treasures, including the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles, the ancient marble carvings that once decorated the Parthenon. Alternatively, you could head over to the National Gallery, which contains a stunning collection of Western European art, all displayed in chronological order. For contemporary art, check out the five floors of the Tate Modern, the world’s largest modern art gallery. Don’t miss Carsten Höller’s popular Test Site exhibit, which contains a series of giant metal slides. It runs through April 2007, but space is limited: get to the museum early to nab a ticket for the largest slides.

For those more interested in nightlife than museums, you’re in luck: drinking is what the British do best. You won’t go far without finding a pub, where you’ll want to start off the evening with a pint of ale and a packet of crisps (potato chips). Don’t try and order a fancy cocktail at a pub, or you may get a blank stare: instead, order your cocktails at bars, which tend to be more upscale and formal. While most pubs and bars close before midnight, the nightclubs are open till late, and London boasts some of the biggest in the world: check out Fabric or Ministry of Sound.

So whether you’re after the party, the culture, or the history, London doesn’t disappoint. But don’t try to see everything at once, because one visit to London is certainly not enough to experience all that this European capital has to offer. Pick a few sights, relax at the pubs, and most importantly – don’t forget your umbrella!

Article by Anna Wexler