London calls to the faraway corners of the world. It is a vibrant, multicultural mass of historic landmarks and trendsetting hotspots that draws in people from all walks of life.

“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life,” according to 18th-century writer Samuel Johnson. That sentence is as true today as it has ever been. Long live the king of capital cities!

Breakfast

Breakfast is perhaps England’s most famous – or infamous – culinary export.

If you’re looking for grand and traditional, look no further than The Wolseley (www.thewolseley.com) at Piccadilly. Breakfast here is so good, the uncompromising food critic A. A. Gill felt compelled to write a book about it.

The eggs benedict is deservedly famous but the breakfast menu is extensive and worthy of the elegant surroundings. Booking is recommended but not essential.

If you’re looking for breakfast with a little more pizzazz, in nearby Clerkenwell you’ll find Anna Hansen’s The Modern Pantry (www.themodernpantry.co.uk). Nearly all the classic dishes here are jazzed up with unusual ingredients.

If you order a morning fry-up, you’ll be served your eggs with grilled chorizo and plantain fritters. On warmer days, tables are placed on St John’s Square, creating the ideal setting for breakfast or brunch in the sun.

Morning

If the rain is pouring or you don’t fancy a stroll, take a short tube or a bus ride to Buckingham Palace, London’s most popular Royal attraction (nearest Underground stations: Victoria, St James’ Park, Green Park).

Buckingham Palace is the official home of the Queen and will one day be home to Prince William and his wife Kate’s newborn son George, who recently made headlines around the world.

A vibrant, multicultural mass of historic landmarks and trendsetting hotspots

It is open to the public until early October. If you visit before then, you can go on a tour of the spectacular State Rooms and see the special annual exhibition, which this year celebrates the Queen’s Coronation in 1953.

Your £19 Buckingham Palace ticket also includes the Royal Mews and The Queen’s Gallery, which are open for a longer part of the year.

Time your visit well, and you could also see the Changing of the Guard, which takes place at 11.30am every day or every other day, depending on the time of year.

Lunch

If all that grandeur has left you feeling peckish, enjoy lunch fit for royalty at The Orangery in Kensington Palace (www.hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace/foodanddrink/orangery).

Queen Anne’s stunning 18th-century orangery is the perfect setting for a royal lunch and in good weather, you can sit on the terrace for a view of the palace and gardens.

Despite the chic, sophisticated surroundings of the Coburg Bar in Mayfair, you can walk straight in off the street

The food on offer at The Orangery ranges from delicious homemade lunches to traditional afternoon tea, cakes and pastries.

There’s a special children’s menu and adults can enjoy a wide selection of teas, wines and champagne.

Drinks are available from £1.80, starters from £6.50, main courses from £10.50 and cakes from £4.95.

Afternoon

Get ready for the ride of your life. A short tube or bus ride will take you to the EDF Energy London Eye (nearest Underground stations: Waterloo, Embankment, Charing Cross and Westminster).

Hop into a capsule and enjoy breathtaking views of the city from Europe’s tallest ferris wheel. During your 30-minute rotation, you should be able to spy some of London’s famous landmarks, including St Paul’s Cathedral, Big Ben, the Shard and Tower Bridge.

Standard admission costs £19.20 for adults or £63 for a family ticket (two adults, two children).

Back on terra ferma, prime your camera and take a stroll along the river bank to some of London’s iconic sights, with the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey in one direction, and St Paul’s Cathedral in the other. Admission to St Paul’s costs €19 and includes access to the crypt, all of the galleries, an audio tour and the Oculus film experience.

For something a bit gorier, just across the river from Big Ben you’ll find the London Dungeon. This popular attraction includes scary rides and fascinating exhibits about London’s gruesome history.

Book your London Dungeon tickets in advance and you’ll get priority access on the day as well as great discounts (www.thedungeons.com/london).

Evening

Take a world-famous Hackney cab to the Coburg Bar at The Connaught in Mayfair, where you can start the evening with a cocktail or two.

Despite the chic, sophisticated surroundings, you can walk straight in off the street. The drinks list charts the evolution of the cocktail and exquisite nibbles are free of charge.

When you have worked up a sufficient appetite, stroll east to vibrant Soho, once a seedy area run by unsavoury Maltese characters. You’ll find Oriental restaurants galore in Chinatown.

One of the best is Yauatcha on Broadwick Street (www.yauatcha.com), selling sumptuous dishes. This acutely stylish, self-styled Taipai tea house features spotlit black tables and illuminated fish tanks.

This year’s annual exhibition at Buckingham Palace celebrates the Queen’s Coronation in 1953

You’re in the heart of theatreland, so take your pick of the greatest shows on earth. For the most popular performances, you will need to book in advance. Visit www.londontheatre.co.uk for the latest listings.

Another London landmark beckons: Ronnie Scott’s on Frith Street, home to live jazz for over 50 years (www.ronniescotts.co.uk). Toes still tapping, head east to Shoreditch and sample some of the many cutting-edge bars and clubs favoured by the bright young things of this ancient, pulsating city.

Spend a perfect day with ROCS Travel

No plans this weekend? That’s about to change. Summer is here, making it an ideal time to explore European cities before winter sets in. To tempt you, ROCS Travel has just launched a fantastic new offer on day trips to the four most visited cities by the Maltese.

We have compiled a list of must-do day trips across the continent, giving you an ideal short getaway at an affordable price. The ROCS Travel day trips, named ‘A perfect day in...’, span the gamut from must-see attractions to budget-pushing indulgences, all of which can be enjoyed from September till December.

The destinations include London, Paris, Rome and Catania/Taormina, and each destination will be available weekly.

The package price for a perfect day in these fantastic cities starts from €139 per person, inclusive of return Air Malta flights, return airport transfers, a four-hour panoramic city tour, three hours dedicated to shopping and all taxes and charges. London packages start from €229

Call ROCS Travel on 2015 1515, visit www.rocsgrp.com or e-mail travel@rocsgrp.com.