If you’ve never visited the city before, a London holiday planner can help to put together the best possible trip for you, taking into account your budget, interests and the length of your trip. Of course, much of the information can be found online, although having a professional travel agent do the work for you ensures the perfect trip and the best use of your time.

The length of your trip will determine what you see and do to some extent. Taking one of the several ‘hop on, hop off’ bus tours of London is recommended for any first time visitor; it’s an affordable and easy way to get an overview of England’s sprawling capital. Several famous sights are considered ‘must see’ sights for any first time in London, including Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey. Other quintessential London experiences include afternoon tea at one of the top hotels, and a show at one of the 40 or so theatres around the West End.

If you have several days in London, it’s a good opportunity to take in some of the city’s other sights. London has over 200 museums and art galleries, many of them free, and many devoted to some of the capital’s one time famous residents. After the British Museum, most visitors focus on seeing the Victoria and Albert, the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, and the Tate Modern, which has become one of the city’s most visited attractions. Several days in London also allows you to take in some of the city’s more offbeat attractions, such as Highgate Cemetery, Sir John Soame’s House, Speaker’s Corner and perhaps a guided walk.

Although most first time visitors spend much of their time within the Circle Line, which encloses the central area, London’s outlying areas are worth a visit if you have at least a week there. The north London neighborhood of Camden is known for its eclectic shops, and several street markets, while Hampstead is known for its picturesque streets and squares and literary associations. Greenwich can be reached by river taxi and is known for its maritime associations; several atmospheric riverside pubs are worth a visit, as well as the Maritime Museum.

You could spend a month in London and not see everything; a London holiday planner can make sure you get the most out of your visit to one of the world’s most popular cities.