Brick Lane

Brick Lane is the heart of London’s Bangladeshi community. Road signs here appear in both English and Bengali, and the restaurants are authentic and unpretentious. Some iconic restaurants like the Bengal Village, Aladin, Smokestak, Hawksmoor, All Star Lanes can be found here. Beigel Bake, where you can get a traditional Jewish-style filled bagel with salt beef or smoked salmon is an absolute must.

• Web:

  www.visitbricklane.org

British Film Institute — The BFI

The British Film Institute (BFI) is an absolute must for film aficionados. This film and television charitable organisation shows films every day: from the latest and biggest blockbusters screened in their spectacular IMAX theatre, to old-time classics and indie darlings in their smaller, more intimate halls. The renovated BFI venue is located in Southbank, which is the perfect spot to take in the riverfront views and hang out in the creative company of local film and theatre lovers. The BFI's waterfront restaurant and bar is great for dates or discussing the latest movie with friends.

• Web:

  www.bfi.org.uk

• Address:

  Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London

British Museum

One of the largest and most interesting museums in the world, the British Museum is home to some of the most treasured historical artefacts ever found. The extensive exhibition includes the Rosetta Stone, Assyrian treasures, Egyptian mummies and the museum's spectacularly illuminated Great Court, where you can find the museum's new restaurant. This restaurant is an ideal spot for taking afternoon tea under the court's spectacular roof. Free tours of the museum and guides are also available. The tours are led by knowledgeable experts in their field of study — don't miss this amazing learning opportunity.

• Web:

  www.britishmuseum.org

• E-mail:

  info@britishmuseum.org

• Address:

  Great Russell Street, London

• Phone:

  +44 20 7323 8000

• Opening hours:

  Daily 10am–5pm

• Subway:

  Holborn, Tottenham Court Road, Russell Square, and Goodge Street tube stations

• Tickets:

  Free (some temporary exhibitions are ticketed)

Brixton & the Electric Avenue

Brixton's Electric Avenue got its name for being the first market street in London to be lit with electric lights. Today, the avenue is a diverse and eclectic food market, mostly specialising in African and Caribbean cuisine. Apart from the food, the area attracts bargain hunters in search of cameras, audio equipment, all manner of household goods, hair and beauty products and services, wigs, fishmongers, butchers, bakers, fruit and flower shops — you name it. Brixton Village is a covered arcaded area of the market that brims with quirky shops, fruit and vegetable stands, and a plethora of cafés and restaurants. Brixton Academy is an iconic venue that hosts some of the biggest rock and pop acts in the world. The venue was originally opened as a theatre and cinema called the Astoria, but has since evolved into a concert venue: Madonna, Sex Pistols and The Smiths have all performed here.

Buckingham Palace

During the summer months, Buckingham Palace — the official residence of King Charles III — opens the doors of its elegant State Rooms to the public. As well as proving a very fancy backdrop for many official royal engagements, the rooms contain some of the finest treasures from the Royal Collection, including paintings, sculptures and fine French furniture.

• Web:

  www.royalcollection.org.uk

• Address:

  Buckingham Palace, London

• Phone:

  +44 20 7766 7300

• Opening hours:

  July–September

• More info:

  Prebooking tickets recommended. None but the most expensive guided tours you can buy online include admission tickets to the palace

• Subway:

  Victoria, Green Park and Hyde Park Corner tube stations

Chinatown

London's Chinatown is a vibrant neighbourhood full of authentic Asian restaurants, shops, supermarkets and secret bars, adorned with red lanterns and red arches. Try some authentic buns at BaoziInn Romilly Street, Cantonese staples such as roast duck on rice at Café TPT or drop by Gerrard’s Corner for a generous portion of nostalgia and the adorable retro vibe. There is always something new to explore here!

• Web:

  www.chinatown.co.uk/en

• Address:

  Gerrard Street, London

British Summer Time Music Festival

The Barclaycard British Summer Time music festival takes place every year in Hyde Park. The week-long event covers many musical tastes, from pop to rock to dance and hip hop. Find out more on their website.

• Web:

  www.bst-hydepark.com

• E-mail:

  customer@bst-hydepark.com

• Address:

  Hyde Park, London

• Subway:

  Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner, or Green Park tube stations

• Tickets:

  Be sure to get your tickets way ahead of time

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

The Changing of the Guard or Guard Mounting is an exchange of guard duties at Buckingham Palace. Watch the ceremony as each set of guards dressed in traditional red tunics and bearskin hats takes over from their brothers in arms. You can also catch ceremonial guard changes at Windsor Castle and at the Tower of London.

• Web:

  www.changing-guard.com

• Address:

  Buckingham Palace, London

• Opening hours:

  Usually starts at 10:45am & lasts around 45 minutes, with the actual handover taking place at 11am

• More info:

  Times and dates change all the time and on short notice, so be sure to consult the schedule before your visit

• Subway:

  Green Park tube station

• Tickets:

  Free to enter

Christmas Markets in London

They say you can start to feel Christmas coming as early as October in the UK. To feel the true spirit of Christmas in London head to one or more of these very festive destinations throughout the capital and thank us later. You don't want to miss the cosy Christmas markets peppered around the city centre. Be it at Leicester Square, the Southbank Centre or London Bridge City, why not warm yourself up with a mug of mulled wine by the river while you browse the stalls and take in the festive atmosphere.

• Web:

  www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/london-events-in-december

• Address:

  Leicester Square, South Bank & London Bridge

• Opening hours:

  December. See website for times and dates

• Subway:

  Leicester Square, South Bank, London Bridge

• Tickets:

  Free entry

Notting Hill Carnival

Europe's biggest street festival takes place every August Bank Holiday weekend in West London. The huge Caribbean-themed party takes place over a period of three days with the main parade held on the Monday. Expect colourful floats, dressed up performers and lots of music.

• Web:

  www.thelondonnottinghillcarnival.com

• E-mail:

  info@lnhcet.com

• Address:

  Notting Hill area, West London

• Opening hours:

  August Bank Holiday weekend: the last Sun & Mon of August

• Tickets:

  Free entry

RHS Chelsea Flower Show

The world's greatest flower show takes place in West London over a four-day period in May. Each year is different from the last but the vibrant small gardens and horticultural displays bring a splash of colour and scent to London's events calendar. Booking in advance is advisable.

• Web:

  www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show

• E-mail:

  showscustomercare@rhs.org.uk

• Address:

  Royal Hospital Chelsea, Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London

• Opening hours:

  End of May

• Subway:

  Sloane Square tube station

Totally Thames Festival

The whole month of September is dedicated to celebrating London's famous river. The Totally Thames Festival takes place over a period of 30 days. With more than 100 different artistic and cultural events, the festival takes over the city spreading out for miles. In 2014 there were guided walks, tours and tall ships regattas, as well as theatre, cinema and many other exciting ways to enjoy London. All of these events take place either on or by the river Thames.

• Web:

  www.totallythames.org

• E-mail:

  contact@thamesfestival.org

• Address:

  Various locations along the river

• Phone:

  +44 20 7928 8998

• Opening hours:

  Throughout September