An unusual historyPopularly known as ‘Buck House,’ this extraordinary building was built in 1702 as the Duke of Buckingham’s city residence - scandalously, the site was constructed over the site of an infamous brothel. After some political shenanigans and a little regal manipulation, the building has been the official royal home from the time of Queen Victoria in the early 1800s. Here’s another peculiar fact: the lovely Queen Elizabeth doesn’t actually own the palace – the state does. Fortunately for good Queen Liz, most British people have a soft spot for the monarchy and so it remains her home. Watch for the flagWhen visiting the palace, it’s worth standing before The Forecourt, which is the site of the Changing of the Guard – a popular tourist attraction in the summer. During the sometimes-sunny summer season, when the Queen is up in Scotland, it’s possible to visit some of the palace’s 660 rooms. The flagpole will let you know whether the Queen is ‘at home’ or not. If you can see the flag, then you’ll know she’s inside doing whatever Queens do best – sipping tea, eating scones, and talking to other important dignitaries. If the flag isn’t flying, then Her Royal Highness and her entourage are off on important matters of state elsewhere.

Not that kind of circusPiccadilly Circus is one of the liveliest spots in London, and one of the best places for tourists to get a sense of the city's vivid atmosphere. This large open plaza in the heart of city is always pulsing with activity, from both the rumbling London traffic and the hundreds of people who gather here on a daily basis. Although not quite the circus you might be expecting, Piccadilly is a prime location for all things theatrical. Just off the plaza you will find Shaftesbury Avenue, a grand street full of the world’s best theatres and bursting with the most popular shows around. Many visitors also opt for a pre-theatre meal at one of the dozens of fantastic restaurants nearby. Music halls and shopping mallsThe Statue of Eros in the south end of Piccadilly Circus is one of the most popular meeting places in the city, and you will find tourists and Londoners alike sitting and chatting around the beautiful fountain while the Greek god of love flutters above, arrow at the ready. Eros is not the only piece of art to admire: Piccadilly Circus is lined round with some stunning architecture, such as the London Pavilion and the Byzantine-inspired Criterion Theatre. The Circus was constructed in 1818 to connect Regent Street, one of the best streets for London shopping, with Piccadilly, which runs down to Hyde Park and Westminster. A natural hub of activity, its energetic atmosphere has since made it one of the most celebrated places in the city. Looking for a great day or night out but can’t decide what exactly you’re in the mood for? Head straight to Piccadilly Circus and have your pick of the lot: great food, great pubs, great shopping and great shows.

OriginalsSoho copycats have sprung up all over the world, from Hong Kong to Buenos Aires, but London’s is the original and the best. It has been the heart of the West End and the city's premier red-light district for centuries, even if it is family friendly most of the time. In spite of its central location, you still get street life here — the kind of spontaneous interactions and events that simply don’t occur in London’s posher districts like Kensington and Knightsbridge, not matter how charming they are. Thesps NestLondon’s renowned theatre scene is concentrated on the West End. Among Soho’s famous theatres are the Gielgud Theatre, the Prince Edward Theatre and the Prince of Wales Theatre, which have all been entertaining Londoners for decades, with everything ranging from musicals to classical plays, and from cabaret to comedy. London PrideHand in hand with all the art and artists here is a thriving nightlife. Soho is in particular a hotspot for the LGBT scene, with a high concentration of gay clubs and bars. Incidentally, this is where the Pride in London celebrations happen each year — head along if you can, they are wildly entertaining For a more relaxed evening, you can tap into Soho’s jazz scene. Ronnie Scott’s is still the place to go after all these decades — but then, jazz musicians do simply seem to become cooler and cooler the older they get. They are the exception to the rule!

Lying between Selfridges department store and Regent’s Park, Marylebone (pronounced mar-le-bone) is an affluent, elegant residential district. Its streets are lined by white terraced Georgian and Edwardian houses and make for excellent strolls, regardless of the season. Marylebone was mentioned in the Domesday book in 1086 and in some ways stills feels like a village today, despite being smack in the heart of London. Marylebone High Street has been voted best high street in London the BBC Radio 4’s listeners, and they are a very discerning bunch. It’s not a place for hipsters, but rather one that combines high class London style with a homely village feel. It’s never packed with crowds and it still has some brilliant little independent shops. Check out Daunt Books, which is a store that specialises in travel books. Its setting alone more than warrants a visit, with its creaking oak galleries and luminous skylights. La Fromagerie is a local favourite. You will have to stomach three trials. First, the cheese room, one of the best in London. Second, the produce store, where you can find things from just about anywhere in Europe. And, lastly, the in-store café that serves hot drinks, deli snacks, cakes — you name it. You are advised to go hungry. Just off the bottom of the high street keep your eyes peeled for a blaze of scarlet and gold — that will be the Golden Eagle pub. This is a traditional English pub, always loud with chatter and the clinks of glasses — and sometimes with the music of the resident pianist, Tony “Fingers” Pearson too.

One of London's most lavish, exclusive neighbourhoods. Embassies, prime offices and boutiques occupy former mansions and aristocratic homes.

Where the Beatles recorded their legendary Abbey Road album with the now-iconic album cover being taken on the road just outside the studio

Dating back to 1884, the Prince of Wales Theatre has been known for its breath-taking shows, from musicals to classic plays.