The UK's capital city is an ideal location for a city break; indeed, it is undoubtedly one of the world's best cities, featuring an incredible range of museums, galleries, historic buildings, shops, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues.

You can take a tour of Buckingham Palace or visit the Tower of London, where traitors and criminals were punished in bygone times. See the Beefeaters and ravens and admire the Crown Jewels. Take a stroll around Parliament Square and admire the architecture.

Enjoy fine works of art at the National Gallery and Tate Modern. Take a ride on the London Eye for stunning views over London, or book a Champagne Experience at dusk and let the bubbles go to your head as you watch the sun set over the River Thames.

Visit world-renowned stores such as Harrods, or browse designer boutiques and department stores such as Selfridges. Other famous shopping areas include Oxford Street, Covent Garden and Carnaby Street. There are many markets selling a wide variety of goods along with caffs and restaurants to stop for a break.

For an educational day out, visit the British Museum to see treasures from around the world. These include Egyptian mummies. The Natural History Museum has a dinosaur in the entrance hall to welcome you and in the Science Museum you can enjoy great interactive exhibits.

Get away from the bustle in Hyde Park, where you can hire a bicycle, enjoy a peaceful picnic or visit the nearby London Zoo. Or hire a car and escape to nearby Kent, Brighton or Oxford.

For the best in live theatre visit the West End. Many shows book up early so it is best to book in advance. There are also numerous venues offering live entertainment, from comedy clubs to live music venues. Alternatively, there are many quiet bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a romantic evening.

Most attractions in London are open all year round, making it ideal for short breaks and holidays at any time. The summer months are the most popular with overseas tourists.

The temperature in London varies between 30C in summer and 0C in winter. Being on an island the weather can change from one week to the next; however, extreme weather is uncommon here.

London has many events throughout the year, including music and art festivals. The London Film Festival takes place in October at venues throughout the capital. Barclaycard Wireless Festival takes place in July in Hyde Park. Smaller annual events include exhibitions and activities for all the family.

If you are planning a trip to London this year and need some help, read our fact file below and use TravelSupermarket's search tool to find the cheapest deals.

Best of London city breaks for...

• Romance: Take your loved one aboard London's giant Ferris wheel, the London Eye, for sweeping views of the city. Book a Champagne Experience at dusk and let the bubbles go to your head as you watch the sun set over the River Thames.
• Families: Get spooked at the Tower of London in the creepy towers that prisoners were once thrown into and where ravens still nest. Have your picture taken with a resident Beefeater guard, or dream of wearing the Queen's sparkly Crown Jewels.
• Shopping: Harrods out of your price bracket? Head to Selfridges, where you'll find everything from high street names to Alexander McQueen and Paul Smith. Don't miss the massive Shoe Galleries.
• Free & cheap: Head to the British Museum to see treasures from everywhere. For free! Star attractions are the Egyptian mummies. Not just humans, but cats, jackals and falcons were all bandaged up.
• Active types: Hop on a Barclays Cycle Hire bike on London city breaks and explore the city on two wheels. Cycle tracks criss-cross Hyde Park, making for peaceful ramblings.
  
  

Getting into London from the airport

• Gatwick Airport's express trains take 30 minutes to Victoria Station. Regional train services are slower, but cheaper.
• Heathrow Airport's express trains whizz into Paddington Station in 15 minutes. Underground trains are cheaper, but take 50 minutes.
• London City Airport is just 30 minutes from central London by Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and Underground.
• Luton Airport is served by buses and trains, both of which take just over an hour to central London, for about the same cost.
• Stansted Airport is 45 minutes from Liverpool Street Station by express train. Coaches are cheaper but take longer.

Getting around on weekend breaks in London

• Public transport: The Underground, buses and overground trains serve the centre and suburbs. 
• Taxis: Catch black cabs at taxi ranks or hail them on the street.