London is also one of the world's most identifiable and emblematic cities - the city of Big Ben, double-decker buses, the Queen and the Tube, it quite rightly asserts itself in global consciousness as one of the greatest cities on Earth. It has a plethora of every conceivable activity, and contains something for everyone.

Tower Bridge
Completed in 1894, the Tower Bridge has become THE London icon. The Tower Bridge Exhibition allows you to walk the top level of the bridge, view the engine rooms, and see the history of the construction and engineering. Added because the traffic for the London Bridge was becoming too overwhelming, the design for the Bridge was chosen through a public competition. The City architect, Horace Jones, won the competition with the iconic image so many people recognize today.

Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the Queen and has been since Queen Victoria ascended the throne in 1837. With a bit of luck you can witness the changing of the guards, which is a spectacular sight. Should you see the Royal Standard flying you will know that Her Royal Highness is ‘at home’.

The interior houses the Throne Room, Music Room, State Dining Room, many beautifully decorated apartments, and a gallery of paintings and other works of art.

Big Ben & Houses of Parliament
Most People know the sights of London's Houses of Parliament and Big Ben aside the river Thames, though Big Ben is Not the clock tower itself, but the actual clock inside the tower is named 'Big Ben' was finished in 1859, the tower itself was actually built in Australia, shipped to London, and given as a gift to the British people.

This building really offers a spectaculair view from accross the river Thames, the neo-gothic windows arches and ornamentation display such a very fragile lacelike structure that you can hardly imagine they support a solid building.

Tate Modern
Since Tate Modern opened in 2000 in the former power station building, it's become one of London's biggest tourist attractions. Upon entering the gallery you are greeted by a cavernous hall, which different artists have tried to fill; from a huge golden sun to a large tube that snaked from one end to the other.

There is a very good shop stocking the usual souvenirs, as well as a varied collection of art and design books and magazines that you wouldn't find in more general book shops.

London Zoo
With over 12,000 animals to see, the zoo is well laid out with many childrens attractions. Metro: Camden Town, then Bus 274. Tel: (0171) 722 3333. Adult £10; children £7; reduction £8,50.

The London Eye
At 135m, The London Eye is the world’s largest cantilevered observation wheel. It was conceived and designed by Marks Barfield Architects and was launched in 2000. It has already won over 75 awards for national and international tourism, outstanding architectural quality and engineering achievement and has now welcomed over 30 million visitors.

For more information relating to planning a holiday in London, please visit www.visitlondon.net