London will always be remembered as a truly global city. The West End and its environs are popular destinations for first-time tourists who want to experience the iconic sights of The Big Smoke, such as the gothic towers of the neighboring Houses of Parliament and black taxis and red double-decker buses.

 Any metropolis would have plenty of shopping opportunities, with Oxford Street’s prominent high street retailers standing out like a beacon. Nearby attractions include Bond Street’s jewelry stores, Covent Garden’s eclectic mix of vintage and designer stores, and Carnaby Street, which boasts a strong legacy influenced by mod.

The National Portrait Gallery, Tate Modern, and, of course, Buckingham Palace are just a few of the many cultural attractions available to even the most passionate tourist who isn’t there to shop.

A thriving scene guarantees that, for the new foodie generation, you can eat in every part of the world in a single day. You would have to be the pickiest eater to avoid gaining a few pounds, regardless of your preferences for the three-star Michelin cuisine at Restaurant Gordon Ramsey, the delicious ramen at Bone Daddies, or the life-affirming smoked meats at Kiln.

But as you soon discover, London is a vast metropolis with life teeming from every corner, and many of the great gems are located well out from the city center. East London is the creative centre of the city, home to some of the most innovative bars, clubs, and galleries in the nation, which can be found in Shoreditch, Dalston, Hackney, and Peckham. Travel southwest to see the breathtaking scenery of Richmond Park, home to many deer, or Kew Gardens, home to an astounding variety of wildlife. Additionally, the renowned Wembley Stadium, which seats 9,000 people, is located in the northeast and is a great place to see a football game or concert.

The city is home to speakers of over 300 languages, so there’s always a fresh sound in every store and a distinct smell around every corner. It’s the allure of a location that, in the end, feels like the entire world contained within one city rather than merely the center of it.