From Big Ben to red double-decker busses, London is a city which cannot fail to conjure up a vivid image in any traveller's mind.

Once a grimy Victorian city shrouded in smog, London is now a metropolis of artistic activity, retail diversity and political debate with an absolute of abundance of traditional English pubs.

And it is set to get better. With the Olympic Games arriving in the city in 2012, new mayor Boris Johnson is busy tidying up the capital so that when all eyes are on in England they are dazzled.

Traditions and culture in London

Londoners are often described as unfriendly and in a rush. While the first claim is disputable, the second is fairly accurate. London's streets are packed, tubes are crowded and busses are late. Therefore visitors should at first prepare themselves for some hustle and bustle, and then learn to enjoy it.

Apart from this, visitors will find anything goes in London. However, those considering hiring a car during their stay would be strongly recommended not to. The city boasts a fully-integrated transport system which by-passes the congested road system.

Recommended in London

Most visitors in London make a beeline for its shops as soon as the plane hits the runway. Who can blame them? Oxford Streets offers an extensive range of high street options, including a newly-opened flagship Primark, while the famous Kings Road is home to designer boutiques and gives tourists the chance to visit the street where punk was born.

Other popular attractions include Big Ben, the London Eye, Madame Tussauds and the Victoria and Albert museum. Literature lovers may also want to check out the Globe Theatre, which is on the south bank of the River Thames and is dedicated to exploring the work of Shakespeare.

However, when the never-ending traffic and bright lights all get too much, visitors can head out of the city centre and soak up some nature in Kew Gardens. A haven of horticulture, the gardens are a peaceful place to relax (except when flights from Gatwick pass over).

Destination checklist for London

London has a population of 7.3 million and its official language is English. A holiday guide may be helpful to enable visitors to get around.

The official currency is the pound sterling and there are many cheap hotel rooms on offer.

London uses the international dialling code +44.