London Calling

Every July, thousands of tennis fans from around the world descend upon the storied grounds of Wimbledon for that sport’s most prestigious tournament. In the backdrop is one of Europe’s most prominent cities: London, with flitting images of double-decker buses and Hyde Park transmitted to millions of television viewers between matches.

Tennis might take center stage during Wimbledon’s two-week run, but this magnificent city itself is the main event year-round for the millions of annual visitors (25.2 million in 2008). Indeed, London is a city of paradoxes; from posh shoppers on High Street to punk-rock teenagers in Camden, old tradition blends with new trends around every corner. And as the fastest growing city in Europe, it’s sure to keep changing – which means there’s always something new to explore.

Although tourists are more plentiful in the summer season, it’s a glorious time to visit – especially for travelers looking to escape the chilly winter months in the southern hemisphere. London’s perennial fog and rain lift considerably during this time, and the calendar is brimming with outdoor concerts and festivals, including the increasingly popular Flamenco Festival in March, which draws top flamenco performers from all over the world.

In addition, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and one of the world’s few remaining working royal palaces – Buckingham Palace – is only open to the public for eight weeks out of the year, from Aug. 1 through Sept. 27. Book early and enjoy strolling through the palace’s stunning environs, including the throne room and the ballroom, before ending with a walk through the sprawling south garden.

Though London’s royal attractions have always been a must-do for any trip, the city has traditionally struggled with a not-so-regal reputation when it comes to its hotel offerings and gastronomic scene. Mercifully, the London of late has emerged from the Dark Ages on both fronts: Travelers no longer have to count on lifeless chain accommodations, dodgy bed-and-breakfasts and bland pub fare as staples for their vacation.

Indeed, the city’s culinary explosion is reason alone for a visit. No more tired jokes about greasy fish ’n’ chips or mushy peas. In the last decade, London has emerged as one of the world’s top culinary destinations, with top British chefs such as Michelin-ranked Gordon Ramsay and television personality Jamie “Naked Chef” Oliver leading the way.

Many restaurants now offer locally sourced ingredients and seasonal menus, and the growing international influence on the city has created a new market for upscale ethnic cuisine. For delectable Indian, try Amaya, located in the trendy Knightsbridge neighborhood and the only Indian restaurant in the city to earn a Michelin star. Another Michelin-starred spot, Arbutus in Soho, offers an unbeatable value on a pre-theater menu.

One thing that hasn’t improved about London: the cost. It’s still among the most expensive cities in the world, and the strong British pound doesn’t ease the pain for travelers. There’s a silver lining, though: the endless free and low-cost offerings, such as museums (pick from more than 240, from the massive Museum of London, with more than 1.1 million artifacts, to the quirky Bramah Museum of Tea and Coffee); value menus in many restaurants; and a time-old, always-free activity: walking.

Explore the old stomping grounds of Jack the Ripper, now the home of the Old Spitalfields Market, stroll through the leafy expanse of Hyde Park, or just lose yourself among the maze of cobblestoned sidestreets crisscrossing every neighborhood. Pound for pound, a great value.

LT Guide: London

What to do, where to dine, where to stay and how to book.

Cah Chi: For delicious, authentic Korean food, this neighborhood spot, with two locations, is your best bet. The grilled, marinated meats are the star of the show, but don’t miss the pa jeon (a kind of pancake) stuffed with fresh seafood and spring onions. Earlsfield and Raynes Park; entrees from around £10.  www.cahchi.com

Giraffe: With 28 locations throughout the city, this popular chain is an excellent choice for breakfast or lunch and is sure to please everyone in the group. Dishes are large and tasty and feature globally inspired cuisine, from a vegetarian mezze plate with hummus, tabouleh and falafel, to massive salad bowls like sushi rice and smoked salmon, to mouth-watering burgers. Locations citywide; entrees from around £9. www.giraffe.net.

National Maritime Museum: Discover how ancient astronomers learned to tell time at this fascinating museum, which also includes the Queen’s House, England’s first fully Classical building, and the Royal Observatory, home of Greenwich Mean Time and the Prime Meridian line. Greenwich; www.nmm.ac.uk

Tower of London: Plan to spend the better part of the day at this awesome fortress, whose history, dating back to the early 1080s, parallels that of England. Tower Hill; www.hrp.org.uk

Covent Garden Hotel: One of London’s hippest boutique hotels, this charming spot features a welcoming lobby, soundproof bedrooms decorated in English/Asian décor and a popular restaurant. West End; Doubles from around £300. www.firmdale.com

B&B Belgravia: This delightful B&B, a renovated townhouse, is a short walk from Victoria Station and features comfy guestrooms and one of the finest full English breakfasts around included in the price. Belgravia; Doubles from £115. www.bb-belgravia.com

Mentioned in the story:

For general information on London, go to  www.visitlondon.com.

Amaya Restaurant,  go to www.amaya.biz

Arbutus Restaurant, go to www.arbutusrestaurant.co.uk

Old Spitalfields Market, go to  www.visitspitalfields.com

Bramah Museum of Tea and Coffee, go to  www.teaandcoffeemuseum.co.uk