What to do

Shop till you drop is what many people want to do when they get to London... The city is a veritable mecca for all budgets, so if it is designer apparel you crave, head to Sloane St and check out Versace before nipping round the corner to Harrods. If you have more of a chainstore budget you'll find the irrepressible Topshop a great place to head and Oxford St will also reveal the well-priced goodies inside Mango, H&M, and Warehouse.

If you do pop into Harrods, do it in style by booking in for a 'High Tea' - it's so delightfully English you'll love it - and the cucumber sandwiches and cakes aren't half bad either.

If it is less credit card chaos and more culture you want then London can also deliver as it is home to some of the world's best museums. Check out the British Museum, the National Gallery or the Tate Modern. The restaurant on the 7^th floor has a spectacular view over the city, so be sure to kick back with a glass of vino and a bowl of olives after you have had a cruise around the gallery.

When you don't have to fear running into your boss you can afford to let your hair down just a little, and what better way to do that than revisiting your inner child at Hamleys. This multi-story toy store has everything you could ever wish for and more... you'll only wish you were six years old again, but it truly has to be seen to be believed.

What to see

While you might be hoping to see some of Prince Harry's shannanigans before it hits the gossip mags, getting a glimpse of the royals is never easy... But having a squiz at royal pageantry is a worthwhile tourist show... the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and at Whitehall is free to watch and quite fascinating.

And you'll want to take some postcard worthy pics of a few other famous monuments as well, such as Big Ben, St Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey.

For something less cultural and more cheese, head to the world famous Madame Tussaud's wax museum and get your photo taken with Paris Hilton, Colin Farrel, the Beckhams and many other wax immortalised celebrities. It's creepy but kitschy cool all at the same time. If you want more of the same, head to the dark side of wax museums at The London Dungeon which is a focus on gruesome elements such as executions, torture machines, rats, and the plague.

A hop, skip and a jump from Madame Tussaurd's and at the north end of Regent's park you'll find London Zoo, which is making a name for itself as a 'conservation resource'. Call in advance to find out when feeding time is for the animals and be sure to check out the amazing insect house, you're guaranteed to leave feeling itchy! After a busy day sight-seeing why not leave the zoo for a peaceful stroll along the canal? A great place to stop for a sandwich and a breather.

What you need to know

• Leicester Square is pronounced Lester Square.

• Tipping is customary - some restaurants add a service charge to your bill, but if not you will be expected to tip 10-15%.

• Taxi drivers usually get tipped up to the nearest pound or 10 percent.

• Avoid looking like a tourist - this means don't look at a map on the corner of a street or ask someone to take your photo, as thieves target tourists.

• Oxford St has the best shopping and also the largest number of pick-pockets. Close your handbag and hold it tightly against you when you walk down the street.

• Black cabs and mini cabs are not quite the same thing... Mini cabs may be cheaper but as the drivers are not licensed as taxi drivers they may not know their way around the city. Make sure you check before getting in.

• As Londoners are possibly more impatient than Aucklanders, always wait for the walk sign before you step out to cross the road. 

• Book tickets in advance online for any major attractions and sightseeing which will save you a lot of time waiting in queues.

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