London is one of the largest and most diverse cities in the world, with something for everyone. Whether you like history, culture, fashion or food, London has so much to offer you could stay there for a year and still not see it all.

Best Time to Travel

London has spectacular events on throughout the year and is always busy. Although in recent years the UK has seen more extremes of weather, we do not generally get very hot summers or very cold winters, so there is no stand-out part of the year in which to visit. If you like outdoor festivals, go in Summer, if you prefer cosy pubs with real fires, go in Winter. Pack an umbrella or raincoat though, regardless of the time of year. In the run-up to Christmas hotels get booked up very quickly and the city is noticeably busier, so this may be something to bear in mind. Occasionally flights get cancelled in Winter due to bad weather, so check the long-term weather forecast before booking.

Amazing Attractions to See

There is only one place in London from which you can see the whole city - the London Eye. It's not cheap, but London is one of the most expensive cities on earth and the Eye offers unique panoramas. The South Bank Centre hosts cutting-edge art, theatre and musical performances from up-and-coming artist and old hands alike.

You can easily lose hours exploring the exhibitions. London's museums are second-to-none. The British Museum has one of the largest, most varied and most impressive collections of artefacts of anywhere in the world, or if you like to get hands-on, try the interactive exhibits of the Science Museum for size. If you're visiting over the August bank holiday, get swept up in the Notting Hill Carnival. Europe's biggest carnival is a force of nature, so beware – once you're in, you may never get out!

Exquisite and Delicious Restaurants

For a dining experience like no other, visit Dans le noir. Blind staff guide and serve you in a darkened dining room from a menu with only four options – chef's surprise, fish and seafood, meat or vegetarian. The idea is to heighten the senses and remove preconceptions about what you're eating by taking away your sight. Wahaca is a Mexican restaurant, but unlike any I've been to before. Try the cactus and at least look and the incredible selection of tequila. For a no-holds-barred luxury experience, The Ivy in London's West End offers a taste of the high life. If you want the evening to take a more raucous turn afterwards, try the Crobar in Soho for "bourbon, beer and rock". Not for the faint of heart.

Going Places in London from Stansted Airport

Connections from Stansted Airport to Liverpool Street Station run every 15 minutes and take 45 minutes. A cheaper option is to take a bus or a coach. Taxis are available, as is car hire from Hertz, Avis, Eurocar and a number of other providers, but be aware that Stansted is about 40 miles from central London and that you will have to pay a congestion charge in certain areas of the city. When you're in the city, London's historic tube network is a great way to get around. Even on the outskirts of the city you're never very far from a station. North, East, South and West London each have a different feel. Peruse the markets in trendy Camden or rub shoulders with the creative set in Shoreditch – the city's yours to explore.