Then there are those who come to London for its special events – its world-famous sports championships like Wimbledon, its unbelievable array of theatre offerings on the West End, the pop concerts and the fabulous art exhibitions.

There is also the “tourist” London, which is a combination of a bit of everything. More than 10 million visitors a year head to the British capital just to experience one of the greatest cities on earth. They visit Buckingham Palace and St Paul's Cathedral, they take photographs of the distinctive London cabs and telephone boxes, they cruise on the Thames and they revel in the theatrical gems. These travellers want to get a “taste” of London, taking in the traditional along with the innovative new attractions.

Whatever your reason is for visiting London, there is no better time to head there than during the British summer. As the city enters the final straight in its bid to host the Olympic Games in 2012, it has pulled out all the stops to ensure that it shows its brightest face. With the long, sunny days, you can fit in so much more. It is virtually impossible to list all the attractions on offer this season, but you'll certainly be able to find something that makes you go “wow”.

If you are fascinated with the Royals, watch the Trooping of the Colour (11 July) to celebrate the Queen's birthday. You can also check out the unique exhibition of the monarch's outfits at Kensington Palace, titled The Queen's Working Wardrobe. However, the big prize for Royalists to to tour the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace (from July 30).

Your best chance to get close to the Queen and the other members of “the Family” will be at Royal Ascot in mid-June. The country's grandest horse race meeting, all the celebrities and millionaires will be there in their finest hats and suits. This year it is being held at York Racecourse, due to building work at Ascot.

Another dress-up equestrian event is the Cartier International polo competition (July 24) at Windsor Castle, the Queen's country home. To rub shoulders with the “horsey” set, there's nothing to beat the Horse Trials (5-7 August) at Gatcombe Park, the estate of Princess Anne.

The big pop events not to miss are the U2 concert at Twickenham Stadium (18-19 June), the Coldplay gigs at Crystal Palace (27-28 June), Oasis at the City of Manchester stadium (30 June – 3 July) and Madonna at Earls Court (18-19 August). You can catch Kylie Minogue at the Glastonbury Festival (24-26 June), the UK's biggest and best music festival. Organised by Michael Eavis, it has been held on his property, Worthy Farm in Somerset, since its inception over 30 years ago.

Another headline event is The Proms at the Royal Albert Hall (15 July – 10 September), a grand, fun event. Performers touring England this summer include Rod Stewart, Suzanne Vega, Andy Williams, Pavarotti, Bruce Springsteen, 50 Cent and Cliff Richard. The city also hosts Europe 's largest street party. The Notting Hill Carnival (28-29 August) is a celebration of Caribbean culture, music and food, drawing more than a million visitors.

The hottest theatre ticket this year is to see Hollywood star Ewan McGregor in Guys and Dolls at the Picadilly Theatre. Other sell-out shows are the Lion King, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, We Will Rock You, Les Miserables and Chicago. Heading the dramatic line-up is Ibsen's Hedda Gabler and The Birthday Party by Harold Pinter.

If your taste is a little more traditional, head to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon to view great productions of plays by the Bard, Britain 's most famous playwright. This year's offerings are A Midsummer Night's Dream, Twelfth Night, the Comedy of Errors and As you Like It.

Cricket lovers are in for a feast with the visit of the world champions, Australia. Throughout June, England, Australia and Bangladesh compete in the triangular Natwest series, which ends in the final at Lord's on July 2. Then Australia takes on England in a three one-day internationals followed by a five-match test series. Enjoy the most British of games at world famous venues like the Oval and Lord's, but you can also take day trips from London to some other notable arenas like Headingley in Leeds, Edgbaston in Birmingham and Trent Bridge in Nottingham.

If speed is your thing, you shouldn't miss the Formula One British Grand Prix at Silverstone (July 10). With Michael Schumacher no longer dominating the sport, you may even see a Brit on the podium. For motorcycle action, head for the British Moto Grand Prix at Donnington Park (24 July). For racing on water – and another chance to dress up - don't miss the Henley Royal Regatta at Henley on Thames (29 June – 3 July).

If you fancy a trip to Scotland, schedule your visit to coincide with their two great summer events. Watch Tiger Woods and Ernie Els battle it out in the British Open Golf Championships at St Andrew's (14-17 July). A few weeks later catch great theatre at the Edinburgh Festival (14 August – 4 September).

Even if you are not a sporting fanatic, an event you cannot afford to miss is Wimbledon (20 June – 3 July). This is the greatest tennis tournament in the world and makes a great day out. You may not get tickets for the finals, but you can still have a great time by watching play on the outer courts while sipping champagne and indulging in the traditional strawberries and cream.

Tempted yet? There is so much more on offer. The National Gallery, the Tate and the Tate Britain all have great exhibitions. Madame Tussauds has the latest stars waxed up and the London Eye is still drawing thousands for its spectacular view of the city. Whatever tickles your fancy, you are bound to find it in London. As Dr Samuel Johnson once famously said: “When you are are tired of London , you are tired of life.”