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England’s only UNESCO World Heritage listed city, the cobblestone streets and exquisite architecture of Bath make it one of the UK’s most attractive cities and put it firmly at the top of many tourists’ itineraries. Windsor Castle is the largest working castle in the world that is still occupied by monarchy. For over 900 years, since William the Conqueror built a wooden fortress here, this has been a royal home and fortress. Queen Elizabeth spends a month at Easter, a week in June and most weekends at Windsor. This is also where she often hosts State Dinners for international dignitaries and entertains those she has knighted into the Order of the Garter (that's Sir to you and I). St George's Chapel is a working chapel and many royal weddings and funerals have occurred here; the Queen Mother and Henry VIII are buried in the chapel.

Day 1: See London Explore London on a hop-on hop-off bus tour or a private black cab experience, and be sure to visit St Paul's Cathedral, Big Ben, the South Bank, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace. Day 2: London Shopping and Touring Harrod’s, Oxford Circus, and Piccadilly Circus are famous for their shops, but for a more local flavour, then visit Portobello Road for its antiques (Saturdays); Borough Market for the great food (Saturday); and Camden Markets with its alternative fashions and hand-made crafts. Don't miss the Tate Modern, the British Museum, the National Gallery, or the Victoria and Albert Museum. Day 3: Day Trips Beyond Head out of the city and explore Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath. Visit Stratford, birthplace of Shakespeare or the famous universities at Oxford and Cambridge. Go even further afield and try haggis in Edinburgh or snails in Paris.

The heart of Roman civilization, which once included some 80 million inhabitants, has now been reduced to a series of important ruins in the center of the city of Rome. It is believed that Rome itself was founded in 753 B.C. by brothers Romulus and Remus, decedents of a Trojan prince. Over just a couple of centuries the city evolved into the most powerful entity on the planet, with over 20 percent of the entire Earth's estimated population under its control at one point. In its glory, this part of the Roman city was full of intricately built temples and other important buildings made of the world's finest marble and stone. However, in the 15th century, many of the ancient city's temples were scavenged of their materials and used to build a number of churches and other more modern buildings.

Of the global cultural wonders which have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, only one represents an entire country: Vatican City. The world’s smallest sovereign state is – as well as being the spiritual home of the world’s billion or so Catholics – an incomparable storehouse of artistic treasures. It’s also one of the world’s most popular tourist attractions, so a pre-booked ticket which takes you to the head of the line is a must. Once you’ve mounted the remarkable double helix stairs at the entrance to the Vatican Museums, a unique overview of the origins and development of Western art awaits you. It’s a journey which takes you from fine Greek and Roman statuary to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes, the undisputed masterpiece of the Renaissance, and on to contemporary ecclesiastical works. And that’s before you’ve even stepped inside the colossal house of worship that is St Peter’s Basilica, with Michelangelo’s Pietà and countless other sacred works.

An unmistakable landmark as iconic as it is shrouded in mystery; its no surprise that Stonehenge is one of England’s most captivating tourist attractions and visiting the historic site makes an easy side trip from the capital. An ancient stone circle dating back almost 5,000 years, Stonehenge is located just outside of Salisbury, less than an hour and a half by train from London, but the most popular way to visit is on a guided tour. There are a number of options for Stonehenge Tours from London but to make the most of your time and money, opt for a coach tour or small-group day trip that combines a stop at the sacred site with visits to nearby attractions like the grand Salisbury Cathedral or the medieval village of Lacock. Once you’ve marveled over the magnitude of the 40-ton rocks, thought to have held spiritual or astronomical importance in ancient times, head to the Royal residence of Windsor Castle.

Warmer months mean the British can finally say goodbye to gloomy skies and hello to (at least) slightly warmer weather. There is an array of options available to dig into the culture and history of this iconic destination. One of the best ways for visitors to ensure they hit the sights is by taking a hop-on hop-off double-decker bus tour. It’s an easy-breezy way for travelers to customize a trip to their interests and to explore the streets of London without having to navigate city traffic and roundabouts. Whether you’re interested in seeing Windsor Castle, the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace or a tour of the Tower of London and London Bridge, there are plenty of options for visitors looking for the royal treatment. Travelers who prefer to venture outside city limits and delve into England’s historic past can head to iconic Stonehenge or get real-life look at Downton Abbey via a stop at Highclere Castle outside of London.

Vibrant London is host to an array of world-class attractions, from storied museums and elegant cathedrals to opulent castles and UNESCO-listed landmarks. To help you make the most of your time in the British capital, here’s our list of unmissable London experiences and activities.

Paris is a dream destination for travelers around the world, and that popularity comes with some major crowds. Plan ahead to secure your spot at the very best sites—see below for our top picks and experiences you can't miss in the City of Light.