Sick and tired of London? Never! No global city combines the ‘old with the new’ quite like London. The Queen’s Jubilee and London Olympics may well now be golden distant memories; however, London is one of the world’s greatest, innovative and most unique cities. There’s never a bad time exploring the magical beauty of London with all its history, traditions, customs, architecture, and diverse cultural heritage. Whether it’s the glitzy West-End, Royal London or the classic scenic stroll along the famous River Thames, capturing the iconic character of London will always remain exciting.

There’s no better place to start than Oxford Circus, situated at the heart of Europe’s busiest shopping street. It will become immediately clear the diversity of London’s inhabitants, with over 300 different languages spoken daily, a short journey leads visitors past trendy Carnaby Street into “off-beat” and bohemian SOHO. After visiting Sir Paul McCartney’s workplace, Karl Marx’s old home, Jimi Hendrix’s last concert venue and then sampling the authenticity of Chinatown, behold – Piccadilly Circus, London’s very own equivalent to NYC’s ‘Times Square’ or Tokyo’s ‘Shibuya.’ This bright bustling location along with the neighbouring vibrancy of Trafalgar

Square will undoubtedly have onlookers feeling right at the centre of this melting pot. With the National Gallery, Nelson’s column and an imposing open space for national celebrations, it’s time for unforgettable and symbolic London experiences to truly begin.

Royalty is definitely high in abundance; the eye-catching views of the Mall, its arch and beyond, the ‘change of guards’ ceremony outside Buckingham Palace, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s official residence, will provide a captivating passage through history. Tudor St James’s Palace, built for King Henry VIII in the 1530s, continues to reveal timeless buildings, as well as next door, Clarence House, former home of the late Queen Mother and now the London residence of Prince Charles and his second wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. On the return round St James’s Park, one of the eight Royal Parks, through Horse Guards Parade, Downing Street allows a quick glimpse of No.10, where British Prime Ministers (today, David Cameron) have lived for over 220 years. By the end of Whitehall, it’ll be impossible not to have your cameras ready for action! Standing proudly are the UNESCO world heritage sites, the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and St Margaret’s Church with Big Ben – the iconic symbol for the “Cradle of all Free Parliaments.”

London’s famous river Thames only intensifies the scenic journey for visitors providing camera lenses the perfect blend of ancient landmarks with fancy modern architectures. The 60 minute walk along Southbank suits all tastes, take a Ferris wheel ride on the eye-catching London Eye or be mystified by St Paul’s Cathedral. Why not then see a play in Shakespeare’s beautiful Globe theatre? For the best views of this wonderful city, a trip to the top of Western Europe’s tallest skyscraper, The Shard, will have hearts racing. After such dazzling beauty and dizzying heights, there’s no better resting point or photo opportunity than gazing at the iconic Tower Bridge. Walking across and onto another World Heritage Site, the historical castle, Tower of London; it’s a perfect time to jump onto a double decker into the City, grab some English grub with a pint and plan for the evening’s entertainment at famous authors Charles Dickens and Dr Samuel Johnson’s old stomping ground; “Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese.”

There won’t be another London summer like 2012; however, I think you’ll agree with Dr Johnson: “Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.”