It is also a city full of history, heritage and culture. It boasts buildings dating back over 900 years, ceremonies and art treasures centuries old that exist side by side with the modern architectural marvels of the City and Docklands.
Pageantry lives on in London through ceremonies such as Changing the Guard and Trooping the colour. Buckingham Palace opens its doors to the public every summer and historical palaces such as Hampton Court and the Tower of London are major visitor attractions.
London is an art lover's paradise. Modern art at the Tate or the impressive collections at the National Gallery are envied the world over.
Museums exist in abundance in the capital, London has 300 museums many of these are setting the trends in the interactive age. Modern attractions are also very much in evidence with new openings such as the virtual reality Segaworld to the new Aquarium and BBC Visitor Centre. The city constantly looks to the future and the Millennium celebrations at Greenwich, the home of world time, promise to be spectacular.
London has a wide range of entertainments to offer the visitor. It boasts five resident symphony orchestras and over 100 theatres. Numerous thrillers, plays and new works join the famous musicals of the West End. The London music and club scene are renowned throughout the world and are currently heralded as the most fashionable with venues such as the Ministry of Sound and the Blue Note. Visitors to London can dine out in style. London is one of the world's top three gastronomic cities, offering a choice of over 50 different cuisines in over 5000 restaurants.
Last but not least, the capital is a shopping Mecca. From historic shopping areas such as Jermyn Street to all the most modern designer stores, Oxford Street, Knightsbridge and Covent Garden. Whatever a visitor is looking for London has something for everyone.