Compiled by FatPassport's travel experts

People are drawn to London for lots of good reasons. It’s full of history, and there seems to be a famous building or the birthplace of a famous person around every corner. It’s here in London that you’ll find world famous sites such as Big Ben, the Tower Of London, the Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, Westminster Abbey...and a whole lot more. You could explore for days.

Shoppers will have plenty to keep them busy (world famous Harrod's department store is a must-see); foodies will be impressed at the selection of great ethnic food; and the nightlife options of pubs, clubs, and theater shows is among the world's best. There are also casinos here, most of which are very nice, though you must establish a membership 24 hours before you can play.

All of this comes at a price and you will soon realize that London is one of the world’s more expensive cities. Lodging is the key challenge to controlling your budget, and while there's of course the full range of accommodation from hostels to fabulous hotels, you may be disappointed at what you'll get for what you pay.

London is a wonderful city for both the experienced international traveler as well as the neophyte. If you've never been out of the US, then London is a good place to venture as a first international stop - the language and customs are familiar, hassles are few, and there's lots to see and do. To Americans, cars drive on the "other" side of the street, but there's no reason to get a car here anyway - just look both ways before crossing the street.

Kids enjoy London just like adults. The Tower Of London, London Eye (a huge ferris wheel), and the British Museum are things kids will enjoy and remember for a very long time.

The city is mostly safe, especially the areas where hotels are located, but it still suffers from the usual problems of a city of over eight million people. You should be wary of certain areas after dark, like Camden and Tottenham.

The compelling attractions of London of course mean that lots of travelers come here. The city is crowded with tourists in July and August, pushing up costs of flights and accommodation. If your timing is flexible, you may find that a visit in May/June or September/early October is a good choice. Nobody comes to London for great weather, so be thankful if you get blue skies whenever you come.

In December, London is alive with a festival-like atmosphere for the Christmas holidays. An outdoor ice rink, beautiful Christmas lights on Regent Street and a host of holiday activities make this a great destination at Christmas.

There's lots here, and if budget permits, plan on at least four to five full days to have a good look around.