London City

London Big Ben

London Eye

Buckingham Palace

WindsorCastle

"It's a little known fact, but the Big Ben actually refers to the bell, not the building, and was named after Benjamin Hall… It's a good thing his parents didn't call him Richard," comments the gentleman next to me on my Thames ferry ride.

Just like the city that he's from, this unexpected depth of historical insight paired with a naughty little spark, is sharply symbolic of modern-day London.  While traditionally the British have been seen as people who aim to maintain that stiff upper-lip at all times, London in the lead-up to the 2012 Olympics appears to have tossed off its dark cloak in exchange for a funkier and trendier outfit.

A renewed interest in food and fashion over the last few years has polished up the gem that is England.  Several British restaurants continue to make world's best lists including The Fat Duck, St John's Bread and Wine, and Hibiscus, and even local pubs are getting in on the action with a local "gastro-pub" movement seeing neighbourhood watering-holes paying more attention to their eats.

Paired with a brighter fashion scene, which is more usually associated with rival city Paris, British designers have placed their best foot forward on the world stage, from heritage brands like Burberry to new cheap and chic stores like Top Shop (of which Oxford Street sees the world's largest premises).

Of course this is all back-dropped against a cityscape which staggers in its beauty and history, chronicling centuries of war, intrigue, royal scandals, religious toil, and merchant innovation.  Iconic landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, London Bridge, Tower Bridge, and modern icons such as "The Gherkin" and the London Eye can be found within a tight circle.

A tip for travellers who are time constrained, while some of the city's sights can be glimpsed for free, such as Hyde Park and the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace.  A pre-purchase London Pass gains entrance into over 55 sites around town including Kensington Palace, Tower of London, Shakespeare's Globe, Churchill's war rooms, HMS Belfast, Royal Albert Hall, Wimbledon and even the Zoo.  Passes can be bought for one to six day blocks.

Travellers wondering around the city should also keep an eye out for Blue Plaques pinned to the side of buildings, an initiative organised by English Heritage, they celebrate the households of celebrated figures throughout history who had once lived within the boundaries of London.  Check out the residences of personages like Mozart, Freud and Hendrix and talk a stroll down the street like they would have once done.