It’s the world’s capital of theater, fashion, style and music. Quite simply, London is the world’s capital. With its unrivaled range of museums and galleries, theaters and concert halls, top-notch stores and boutiques, restaurants for all tastes, and daily displays of pomp and pageantry, London is one of the most exciting cities in the world.

Whether staying a few days or a few weeks, visitors will want to make sure they take in those must-see places such as the Tower of London, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and the British Museum. Major attractions opened to celebrate the new Millennium include London's latest landmark, the British Airways London Eye, a 430ft tall ferris wheel on the south banks of the Thames opposite Westminster.

London is taking center stage in the unprecedented renaissance of Britain's cultural scene. The Tate Modern art gallery has opened in a converted power station on the south bank of the Thames, giving the Tate Gallery (now called Tate Britain) a dazzling new showcase for its vast collection of modern art. New wings have opened in the National Portrait Gallery, the Imperial War Museum and the Science Museum.

A new museum housing the important Gilbert Collection of decorative arts has opened in 18th century Somerset House, on the banks of the Thames close to Waterloo Bridge. Dulwich Picture Gallery, one of London's less well-known art gems, has re-opened after a major refurbishment, while the Wallace Collection celebrated its centenary in June, 2000 with the opening of four new galleries and a sculpture garden.

In November, 2000 the British Museum's inner courtyard, hidden from visitors' gaze for 150 years, was transformed into Europe's largest covered square, called the Great Court, with exhibition galleries, a library and restaurant.

Visitors will want to leave some time for shopping, in and around such fabled thoroughfares as Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street, Piccadilly and Knightsbridge, home of the famed Harrods and Harvey Nichols stores. At the other end of the shopping spectrum are London’s many street markets, great for serious bargain hunting, browsing or people-watching.

Venturing away from central London, visitors will find charming village districts such as Hampstead and Highgate in north London and Richmond and Kew in the west. These districts can easily be reached by Underground train and they are well blessed with historic buildings and houses, literary haunts, antique shops, cozy pubs and plenty of dining options.

London's restaurants are bursting with style and are receiving the kinds of accolades once reserved for Paris or New York. London's storied theatre scene is always lively, with renowned star names performing in comedy, drama and musicals. Seat prices are still below those of Broadway and for even better bargains theatergoers should try the Half-Price Ticket Booth in Leicester Square. Overall, there is a dazzling choice of the performing arts, on stage, in concert halls, pub theaters, and cabaret, jazz and comedy clubs.

For a look at what the theatre was like 400 years ago, cross the Thames to Southwark, London’s oldest borough which is full of associations with Shakespeare and the Elizabethan theater, as well as with Charles Dickens and Victorian London. In Southwark, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is a re-creation near the site of the original Globe, where many of the Bard’s plays made their debut. Shakespeare’s Globe performs the Bard’s works, and those of his contemporaries, just as they were seen and heard at the turn of the 17th century. A new permanent exhibition called "All the World's a Stage" portrays the life and times of Shakespeare and the Elizabethan theatre.

Those visiting the British capital shouldn’t miss a cruise on the Thames at any time of the year (up river to Hampton Court Palace, Richmond and Kew; down river to Greenwich and London Docklands), a stroll through the Royal Parks – Regent’s Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Green Park and St. James’s -- and Buckingham Palace, for the Changing of the Guard (daily during the summer and alternate days the rest of the year) and for a rare look inside a number of the sumptuous rooms during August and September.

Travel bargains to help visitors get around London include the London Visitor Travelcard which offers unlimited travel on the city’s extensive buses and Underground. The London Pass offers admission to more than 60 visitor attractions; a discount card called London for Less offers a wide range of discounts at places like museums, attractions, theaters, hotels and restaurants.

A London information pack is available free from the British Tourist Authority, call toll-free (877) 899 8391; e-mail: travelinfo@bta.org.uk; or on the web: www.travelbritain.org.