London wears its two thousand years lightly. Roman walls, a Norman fortress, Tudor intrigue, Victorian engineering and 21st-century glass towers all crowd together along the Thames, often within a single block. Few cities reward walking as richly: turn a corner near the river and you might land on Shakespeare's Globe, a centuries-old pub, or a view of Big Ben that stops you mid-step.

Three days is enough to fall for the place if you stay central and let the river be your guide. The classic sights cluster tightly: Westminster, the South Bank, the City and the West End are all within a short Tube ride or a brisk walk of one another. Eat beyond the tourist traps and you'll find one of the world's great food cities, from Borough Market stalls to Bangladeshi curry houses, modern British tasting menus and proper Sunday roasts.

Getting around is easy and cashless: tap a contactless card or phone on the Tube, buses and most trains, and daily fare caps keep costs sensible. London is not cheap, but free national museums, riverside walks and royal parks balance the budget. Late spring through early autumn brings the longest days and liveliest streets; pack a light rain layer whatever the forecast says.