Primrose Hill

Founded in 1123, by jester-turned-monk Rahere, this Norman church is one of the oldest in London. It was damaged in the Dissolution but managed to escape both the Great Fire and the Blitz. This is a Grade I listed building. Tourists are welcome when services are not in progress and are charged an admission fee (which does not apply to those coming to pray or use the café).

Houses the British national collection of western European art dating from the 13th to 19th centuries. A truly awe-inspiring collection, notable works include Hans Holbein's The Ambassadors, Van Gogh's Sunflowers and Constable's The Haywain. The vast majority of art is free of charge to visit. Temporary exhibitions are generally fairly costly, but invariably well researched and presented. The audioguides are very comprehensive, have comments on most of the paintings in the museum, and are free though this fact is not advertised. A donation is suggested. In addition to courses, workshops, lectures and other events, the National Gallery has free talks and tours every day.

Prestigious contemporary art gallery worth a visit.

The Royal Academy no longer has a permanent exhibition space, instead hosting art exhibitions. Notable exhibitions have included the paintings of Monet, contemporary art associated with the theme of apocalypse, and Aztec art. Each Summer, the Royal Academy plays host to a Summer Exhibition, displaying 1,200 new works by established and new artists selected by the academy, most of which are available for visitors to buy. Each member has to donate a work of art, so over the years, the academy has built a sizable collection. Exhibitions are invariably excellent, and it is worth paying for audio guides, if they are not included. Visitors should book tickets in advance, as exhibitions are often very popular – particularly shortly after opening.

Madame Tussauds is a world-famous waxwork museum, best known for its Grand Hall, with a collection of international royalty, statesmen and world leaders. Visitors generally report that the entrance fee does not warrant the selection of waxworks on show, which rarely resemble celebrities. Also, there is usually a long queue stretching down the road.

A royal residence which is still used by Prince William, Kate and their young family. Much of it is however open to the public and it is a very popular tourist attraction perhaps due as much to its association with Princess Diana as anything else. The King's Gallery here is a magnificent Regency period court drawing room and contains some impressive paintings including a Van Dyke. Also a nice restaurant on site called The Orangery.

This steel pedestrian bridge connecting Bankside with the City of London has all the lovely views of the Thames that you'd expect, but most of those who cross Millennium Bridge never notice its most distinctive feature. The bridge is dotted with hundreds of tiny paintings, so small that you'll probably miss them under your feet if you're not looking for them.

Home to the baroque composer George Frideric Handel from 1723 until his death in 1759. Some of the greatest classical music ever composed was done so at this address. The museum charts Handel's life and works and offers recitals of music in the magnificent setting of the period rooms. By contrast, next door was home to Jimi Hendrix when he lived in London in 1969, and entry to this top-floor flat is included.

Charts the history of the bank from 1694 to the present day. A highlight is the opportunity to handle a genuine bar of gold. Photography allowed, but no flash.

Su Catholic Church of England with bells and smells (incense). There is an impressive model of the old London Bridge.

The London Mithraeum is a 3rd century Roman mithraeum that was discovered in Walbrook during construction work in 1954. The entire site was relocated several times before being returned to its original site as part of the new Bloomberg building. This temple of the mystery god Mithras became perhaps the most famous 20th-century Roman discovery in London. In addition to the temple structure, there is a display of Roman artefacts found on the site and a contemporary art exhibit responding to the site. Visitor numbers are limited and timed slots are often fully booked up several weeks into the future so plan well ahead.

Historic home to English kings such as Henry VIII, now open to the public. There are many attractions which can occupy a whole day visit, including 60 acres of gardens with the famous maze, the Tudor kitchens, the Chapel Royal, the Great Hall, Mantegna's Triumphs of Caesar paintings, and various exhibitions about Henry VIII.

Discover mementoes of the famous fictional detective. In reality, this was a lodging house used in the late 1800s and has three floors. The first floor contains Sherlock Holmes' study with Watson's desk, and has bullet holes spelling the initials VR (for Victoria Regina, Latin for Queen Victoria) much to the chagrin of the landlady Mrs. Hudson. Next to that is Holmes' bedroom with a rogues' gallery containing photographs of several notable Victorian-era murderers including Lizzy Bourdain. The remaining rooms upstairs have waxwork figures and artefacts referencing the novels, as well as their adaptations to stage and screen. Photography allowed, though filming requires permission. Prebooking is recommended to circumvent long queues.

London's main zoo is in the northern reaches of Regent's Park. Takes a very conservation-driven approach these days and always has great exhibits aimed at children. Opened in 1828 for scientific study, then to the public in 1847.

A historic boat, part of the Imperial War Museum.