London is not only England's capital, but also one of the world's most exciting and cosmopolitan cities - a melting pot of races, nationalities, cultures, and cuisines. Even if you've visited London many times before, there will always be something new to see or do. If you haven't been in a while, there are new London landmarks for you to enjoy. No list of London attractions can be considered exhaustive, but here are a few highlights.

Perhaps the most famous of all sights in London is Buckingham Palace. For some years now, the Palace has opened for public tours for just two months in the summer - August and September - and also hosts private evening tours during these months. Tours include the state rooms at Buckingham Palace and the Queen's Gallery. Many people pass the Palace, but few take the opportunity to venture inside; do try to do so if you can, as it's one of the major London attractions.

Among the most popular of all the sights in London are the unrivalled collection of art galleries and museums - there is simply no city in the world so well served for both artistic and scientific collections as England's capital. The National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery and perhaps most famous of all, the British Museum, host world-class collections of art from all over the ancient and modern world. For something more avant-garde, consider a trip to the Tate Modern, one of London's newest attractions and now a world-renowned modern art gallery in its own right.

If science is more your thing, the Science and Natural History Museums in Kensington are fascinating repositories of some of the most famous and engrossing scientific discoveries and exhibits to be found anywhere. These are not dry, dusty museums for adults with a specialist interest in those subjects: kids of all ages will revel in the interactive and educational exhibits on show in both these great London landmarks. Try the 'London Eye' a huge ferris wheel near the Houses of Parliament or take a boat trip on the Thames.

There are a number of other old buildings in London that demand the attention of any visitor to the capital; St Paul's Cathedral, with its famous circular home; the Tower of London, which can tell more than its fair share of gruesome stories from down the ages; and of course the Palace of Westminster and Houses of Parliament, which still serves as the seat of British democracy. These are just a handful of the most famous London attractions, and a reminder even for seasoned visitors that there's always something new to see in this most dynamic of cities.