London

London shows no sign of relinquishing its status as one of Europe’s most alluring cities. It truly has something for everyone – a packed cultural calendar, history on practically every street corner, a thriving culinary scene and various green spaces that provide welcome respite from the busy centre. While major tourist sites like Big Ben and the London Eye steal the spotlight, visitors who venture off the well-worn track will be duly rewarded.

When to go:
London’s weather is notoriously unpredictable and drizzly, but there’s enough to do indoors for that not to matter too much. Temperatures start to become pleasant from April onwards, peaking in August. The cultural calendar is most lively from September to December.

How to get around:
The London Underground and the city’s extensive bus network will get you almost everywhere, but within Zone 1 of the transport network it’s sometimes quicker to walk. Santander bike-shares are also a great option, costing £1.65 for single journeys up to 30 minutes. But beware: the city’s narrow, winding roads and traffic congestion mean that travelling on two wheels is not for the faint-hearted.