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With a wealth of history, culture and exciting attractions, London always has plenty to offer the visitor.
And, with a vast selection of over 200 fascinating museums to choose from the main problem is finding time to see them all.
The British Museum
This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country, with official figures suggesting that more than 5.5 million visitors walked the 2.5 miles of galleries during 2009.
Located on Great Russell Street, the museum is easily accessible by tube (Russell Square) or by bus.
It houses collections from all around the world, with Egyptian, Greek and Roman art, china, antiques, coins and medals, prints and drawings, Renaissance and Anglo-Saxon Britain, all represented.
Open from: Mon-sat 10am-5pm, Sun noon-6pm. Tel: 0207 323 8000. Free entry.
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The Handel House Museum
Classical music lovers may find that this is more to their liking. The great baroque composer George Frideric Handel lived at 25 Brook Street from 1723 until his death in 1759.
Indeed, it was under this very roof that he composed famous works such as Messiah, Zadok the Priest and Music for the Royal Fireworks.
The house today is a tribute to his life's work, as well as being a live music venue and museum.
There are weekly Thursday evening recitals, events at the weekend and family trails, quizzes and activities. Visitors can expect to pay £5 for adults, £4.50 for concessions and £2 per child.
Opening from: Tues to Sat, 10am to 6pm; Thurs 10am – 8pm; Sun 12pm – 6pm.
The Imperial War Museum
Located in south London nearby to the Elephant and Castle, Lambeth North and Waterloo tube stations, the Imperial War Museum is home to everything military.
Visitors can discover the story of those who lived, fought and died in conflict from the First World War to the present.
Learn about WW1 in The Trench Experience, explore espionage in The Secret War and visit the acclaimed Holocaust Exhibition.
Open from: Daily 10am-6pm.Tel: 0207 416 5000. Free entry.
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The London Transport Museum
Found in the trendy Covent Garden area of the capital, visitors will be given the chance to learn about how transport has evolved over the years.
Inside you will be able to explore more than 80 vehicles spanning 200 years of London's history, including a red Routemaster bus and the world's first Underground steam train.
Entrance to the museum is £10 for adults, £8 for senior citizens and £6 for students.
Open from: Mon-Thurs, Sat & Sun 10am-6pm, Fri 11am-6pm. Tel: 0207 836 8557.
Kew Bridge Steam Museum
Built in the 19th century, the museum is recognised as the most important historic site of the water supply industry in Britain.
This museum contains the world's largest collection of steam pumping engines, many of which you can see working every weekend.
Adult visitors will need to pay £9.50 for admission to the museum, while OAPs and students will be charged £8.50. Under 16s are allowed in for free provided they are accompanied by a paying adult.
The museum is open from 11.00am to 5.00pm from Tuesday to Sunday. They are closed on Mondays, except Bank Holidays.
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The Museum of London
Can be found near City of London and the nearest Tube stations are St.Paul's or Barbican.
Packed with historic objects and exhibitions you can discover the story of London's past.
Prehistoric London, the city under Roman rule and the grandeur of medieval London are all covered, while the recently opened Galleries of Modern London, from 1666 to the present is a must-see.
Open from: Tues-Sat 10am-5:50pm, Sun noon-5:50pm. Tel: 0207 600 3699. Free entry.
The Natural History Museum
Located in South Kensington near Hyde Park visitors can expect to have to queue for this popular offering.
The Ecology Gallery, Mammals Gallery, Mineral Gallery and Earth's Gallery are all popular and permanent exhibitions that you do not want to miss.
Elsewhere, the museum hosts a number of temporary exhibitions throughout the year that require tickets which will cost around £6 for adults and £4 for children.
Open from: Mon-Sat 10am-5:50pm, Sun 11am-5:50pm. Tel: 0207 942 5000. Free entry.
National Maritime Museum
Going south-east to Greenwich or Maze Hill train station you would come upon the National Maritime Museum.
The museum comprises of three sites: the Maritime Galleries, the Royal Observatory and the Queen's House.
Together these buildings house information relating to the importance of the sea, ships, time and the stars and their relationship with people.
Open from: daily 10am-5pm. Tel: 0208 858 4422. Free entry.
The RAF Museum
The RAF Museum is located in north London with the nearest tube station being Colindale.
However, it is worth bearing in mind that the museum is a fair walk from the station so alternative transport may be required for some visitors.
Once inside, expect to navigate your way around numerous models of planes, while there is currently a Battle of Britain exhibition running until the end of October.
Open from: daily 10am-6pm. Tel: 0208 205 2266. Free entry.
The Science Museum
Located close to South Kensington tube, expect to find seven vast floors filled with items drawn from every area of science, including space travel, computing, chemistry, medicine and photography.
Added to this, there are a number of interactive displays which are sure to have visitors on their feet and conducting their very own experiments.
Meanwhile, for an extra cost, tickets can be booked for some stunning science films in the museums IMAX 3D cinema and motion-effects theatres.
Open from: daily 10am-6pm. Tel: 0207 938 8123. Free entry.
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