10 reasons to visit London

Tower Bridge, which opened in 1894, is one of London's most famous landmarks. In the old engine room, visitors can see the boilers and steam engines which were once used to power raising the bridge for ships. And those unafraid of heights can enjoy the glass-floored Skywalk, at a height of 42 meters (138 ft.) above the River Thames.

Many of London's top sights can be found on the banks of the river Thames. Anyone strolling along the South Bank area will be able to see the London Eye, Westminster Palace where the British parliament sits, and the famous Big Ben tower clock (from left to right).

London's museums, including the Victoria and Albert Museum, the British Museum and the Tate Modern (pictured), are ranked among the best in the world. The Tate Modern exhibits contemporary art in a former power station. And like many museums in London, entrance is free.

Concerts, concerts, concerts: Music lovers should head to London. The city offers a huge choice of live-music events from small pub gigs, megastar concerts to open-air festivals, like the British Summer Time (pictured) in Hyde Park.

Buckingham Palace is the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II. The state rooms in the palace are open to the public from July to October every year while the Queen is in Scotland. And if that's not enough royal flair, you can also take tours of other houses of the British monarchy, like Kensington Palace.

With its many parks, gardens and woods, London offers more green areas than most large cities in the world. From Primrose Hill, a mound on the northern edge of Regent’s Park, you can enjoy a great view across the city.

London has something for every taste and budget: from smart boutiques to large department stores all the way to quirky second hand shops. Weekends, the city is home to many markets selling everything from groceries to fashion and antiques. Camden Market (pictured) is very popular, especially among young people.

Westminster Abbey along with St. Paul’s Cathedral must be one of the most famous churches in London. Westminster Abbey (pictured) has been the coronation church for the British monarchy since 1066. Queen Elizabeth II was crowned here in 1952. The funeral service for Princess Diana and the wedding of Prince William and Kate were also held at this Gothic church.

A bird's eye view of London: the "Shard" on the south bank of the Thames provides a spectacular viewing platform at a height of 244 meters (800 ft.). The high-rise made of glass and steel is the highest in western Europe and was designed by star architect Renzo Piano.

It is impossible to imagine London without its traditional public houses — known locally as pubs. Here you'll usually find an extensive choice of different beers and ales as well as culinary delights such as fish and chips or meat pies.