Since the 18th century England has been the cultural center of Europe. What they thought was lacking in their cultural heritage, the British imported through study travels abroad, the grand tour, or just by importing important artifacts. The London museums thus gathered an enormous wealth of artifacts both from their own history as of the shared history of the entire western civilization, plus a load of oriental treasures form their colonies.

Next to its museums, London has quite a collection of buildings that played an important role in the history of architecture. Not just classical buildings like the St Pauls cathedral or the Bank of England, but also the Neogothic House of Parliament and the High-Tech Lloyds building, but numerous other public and private buildings, houses and palaces have influenced architects around the world. There’s no other country were architectural style is a matter of Royal concern.

Two types of tourists visit London — the first, the obvious tourist who comes to see the Buckingham Palace, Madame Tussauds, the Tower of London, London Bridge, the Museum, Hyde Park and other tourist attractions.

There are people who visits the City year after year; the one who has already seen the usual tourist attractions, and will not see them again; the one who does not have business to transact, yet the one London beckons to unfailingly. His attractions are the theatres, book shops, cinema-plexes and shopping centers. As per English “standards of culture”, a visit to the theatre is “a sign of good breeding” not to mention impeccable taste. After the event, the applause is appropriate without being boisterous and the smiles in moderation.

The musicals and the bookshops certainly top the list of the second type of tourist. Imagine having to make a choice from 40 musicals And of course, continuing unabated are the evergreen hits “Phantom of the Opera”, “The Mousetrap”, “Les Miserables” “Miss Saigon”, Watching it is fast paced enchantment, with a change in setting every few minutes.

As for bookshops, those lined on either side of Charing Cross road are an absolute “treat” for the book lover. Topping the list is the Foyles, a huge book shop across three storeys and one that calls itself the biggest one in the world, or Waterstones with its multiple branches in London. Borders are another treat opposite Foyles. Watkins is one which specializes in philosophy, mysticism and the occult and has books on these subjects from around the world. And then of course there are the other ones that specialize in women’s writing, second hand books, out-of-print books, military history and so on.

Numerous cinema houses dot the Tottenham Court Road area, and one can be rubbing shoulders with celebrities at any given moment. Oxford Circus will satisfy the avid shopper. Malls like Selfridges, Marks and Spencers and Debenhams will stun any person with their array of goods. In another direction at “Kinghtsbridge” is the most sophisticated mall in London Harrods where royalty once did its shopping. Spread across five-storeys, it’s perhaps the last word in quality, style and taste.

London is host to diversity and is a melting pot of culture. The avid London lover will say: “If it is a holiday, it must be in London”.

The opening of Debenhams and Selfridges in 1909 marked the beginning of the street’s dominance as a shopping centre. Amongst the chaos and bustle, retail therapists will find an oasis of calm in the area’s unrivalled collection of department stores.

It takes up most of what is actually more properly called Portobello Road, it stretches for around two miles, although on a crowded saturday afternoon it takes quite a while to walk from end to end.

The luxuries of its Food Hall are legendary, and in more recent years its Urban Retreat hairdressing and beauty salon has gained a reputation for its ultra-indulgent (and suitably expensive) Crème de la Mer facials.

As well as six floors of fashion, Selfridges has an ever-popular food hall, famous window displays and on-going series of exhibitions and events.

It is without doubt one of the top shopping destinations in the world, but don’t take my word…go and see it for yourself.

  The pasta selection includes linguine with Mediterranean prawns, cherry tomato, courgettes, garlic, olive oil and brandy or the fettuccine with smoked salmon, asparagus, pernod, dill and cream; and there is also homemade meat lasagne. Most of the antipasta and pasta dishes fit into the price range of £4-£6. Main courses, mostly in the £8-£10 bracket include ravioli stuffed with asparagus, melanzane alla Parmignana (layers of aubergines, mozzarella and tomato) and a special dish of tagliolini with crab, rucola and cherry tomatoes, petto di pollo al limone, and scaloppini di vitello con pepperoni e funghi, swordfish steak with rocket, olive oil and balsamic or Mediterranean prawns with garlic and olive oil.

  Highly recommended are the handmade ravoli containing different fish in each parcel either as a starter or a main (£8/£10).

 Expect to pay around £33 per person for dinner not including drinks.

  Busaba Eathai is owned by Amin Ali of The Red Fort and Soho Spice and Alan Lau who founded Wagamama. The large tables which you share with strangers (or friends you don’t know yet) is a similar format to Wagamama.

  The menu stretches beyond the norm and was based on dishes the Thai Royal Family used to eat. Expect to pay around £18 per person (for a main, side order and drinks). No bookings taken - just turn up.

 Mains include roast cannon of new-season lamb served with confit shoulder, white bean purée, baby leeks & rosemary jus. Expect to pay around £72 for dinner and drinks with a bottle of house wine costing £20. There is a fixed price lunch (3 courses) for £30.