What a time to be in London.

The UK’s largest city is revelling in a post-2012 Summer Olympics boom that has seen significant infrastructure improvements and unprecedented interest from foreign travellers; indeed, by most measures London has been one of the world’s two most-visited cities for the past few years (and counting). It’s easy to see why this truly global capital earns such unequivocal praise.

Few cities so effortlessly showcase and balance proud history with modern innovation and progressive outlooks. Timeless sights like the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey are today joined by futuristic The Shard and 30 St Mary Axe (commonly known as the Gherkin). Young chefs have revitalized traditional British cuisine and spurred a thriving street food scene. London’s celebrated pub culture is alive and well, too, though locally brewed craft beer increasingly fills the pints.

Believe the hype—there’s never a bad moment in London.