Where better to begin exploring Europe than in London, an important city where locals speak the same language and it’s fairly easy to get around? Like many European cities, modern mixes with the historic on almost every street. That is, provided you can cross the streets to explore them. If you're not used to motor traffic on the left side of the street, you’ll find yourself repeatedly looking the wrong way while crossing, then perhaps trying to cover it up by looking both directions which doesn’t work so well with one-way streets.

Never fear, once you get accustomed you’ll find London has something for just about everyone, from castles and gardens to shopping districts and popular nightclubs. Of course, London has the best theater in the world with a wide variety of performances on any given night. You can also shamelessly indulge your fascination with British royalty at several important sites.

Take the underground transportation system, The Tube, to travel throughout the city; visit pubs for a sample of truly dark beer and some traditional British cuisine. It’s true in the past that the Brits weren't as popular as other European counterparts for their cuisine, but British food is definitely on the rise. Regardless, there is nothing better for a taste of British culture than a dark beer and a serving of shepherd’s pie or some bangers and mash. Of course, there are restaurants of every ethnicity if you’re less than pleased. Walk off your meals and browse some of the many museums throughout the city.

Tour London by bus or by a boat on the Thames River, a river of “liquid History” with some of the city’s most historic attractions along its banks. The pulse of this city is best felt by walking it on foot, exploring the neighborhoods and meeting the locals. London may be the first city you visit in Europe, but your first visit here will have you longing to return.