A major international metropolis, London draws visitors from around the globe with its centuries of history, delightful culinary scene, and vibrant culture. Settle in and feel like a local with your pick of London vacation homes, and enjoy your stay in this cosmopolitan hotspot.

London enjoys a temperate oceanic climate, so the weather tends to be mild in every season. Though you might consider London to be a rainy city, it actually has ample sunshine, especially during the summer months. In July and August, temperatures generally top out around 75 degrees, while temperatures drop into the 40s in December and January.

Sticking to the left side of the road in London can be a challenge for visiting drivers, so plan to take public transportation or explore the city on foot. With such an extensive network of subways, trains, and buses, many London vacation homes are just steps from the city's numerous public transit options. If you'd rather take a car, hop in one of London's famous black taxis to get to your destination quickly.

A perennial favorite, Buckingham Palace is home to the Queen and the perfect place to spot royalty or watch the Changing the Guard. In the summer months, sign up for a tour and stroll through the luxurious rooms. To learn about the sinister side of British history, visit the Tower of London, which has served as both a palace and a prison. It might not look like much from the outside, but this infamous building has plenty of stories to tell inside. Get a whole new perspective of the city from the London Eye, one of the world's largest Ferris wheels. From the top of the Eye, you'll see highlights like St. Paul's Cathedral and the Palace of Westminster. Take in more London history with a tour of Big Ben, and listen to the famous clock strike the hour. Whether you arrive in London with a shopping list or you'd rather browse, you'll find plenty to peruse in London. For the city's best high-end shopping, make your way to boutiques in the luxurious Mayfair area or to swanky Harrods, which has delighted shoppers in Knightsbridge for nearly 200 years. For the city's best antiques and unique finds, visit West London's Portobello Road. For vintage clothes and punk-inspired fashion, head to the sprawling Camden Market.

No matter what time of year you visit London, you'll find a festival celebrating the best of the season. In April, join the London Marathon or the cycling trip to Paris, or fuel up at the London Coffee Festival. May brings the Brixton Beer and Bread Festival to town, along with the artsy London Craft Week. June heats things up with the Wimbledon Tennis Championship and the delicious Fork to Fork Food Festival.