London City Town Guide So British, and so hip! London is proud of its many faces, happy to revel in British traditions while celebrating its contemporary place as a melting pot for all that is new and dynamic. To really understand the phrase 'made in England', you have to crisscross your way through the city, a metropolis that's both a cultural capital and a vast cosmopolitan mega-city. Starting from the shadow of Big Ben, 24 hours is not enough to discover the true 'London attitude'. Five ideas for discovering another side to the city -  Take a look at the paintings in the Tate Gallery of Modern Art, housed in an astonishing converted electrical power station. -  Wander along Burlington Arcade, absorbing the elegant charm of this venerable passageway and taking the opportunity to find a top-quality piece of cashmere clothing. -  Eat at Simpson's in the Strand, a taste of the finest in traditional English cooking. Timeless. (Gentlemen are required to wear neckties.) -  Starting from the flea market at Camden Lock, take a walk along the Regent's Canal to Little Venice. You'll discover a world of picturesque canal boats and a countryside atmosphere in the heart of the city. -  Make it a special evening by taking in one of the extravagant productions of the West End, the temple of musicals. Time difference From April to October, London is one hour ahead of GMT. To call London Dial the international code followed by 44 for the United Kingdom, then 207 or 208 for London (depending on the area) and the 7 digits of the person you are calling. Climate London has a maritime climate, mild and wet. There is little variation in temperatures. Average summer temperature: 21° C Average winter temperature: 4° C While it's true that it does often rain in London, its reputation for rain and fog is not deserved. Holidays - 1 and 2 January: New Year - Good Friday and Easter Monday (dates vary) - 25 April: Spring Bank Holiday - Last Monday in May: May Bank Holiday - Last Monday in August: Summer Bank Holiday - 25 and 26 December: Christmas and Boxing Day Getting around London is a very sprawling city. Buses and subway cars are the best means of transport, as both are simple and easy to use. Daily and weekly pass cards are a more practical choice than single tickets. A large number of London's famous black taxis are also available. Despite all these options, people walk a great deal in London. London Tourism Office British Travel Center 12 Regent Street SW1, London or London Tourist Board (LTB), branches of which can be found at key points throughout the city London on the Web http://www.visitbritain.com See our Cultural calendar Back