The V&A is instantly calmer than its neighbouring Science and Natural History museums. On a warm day crowds gather to paddle in the elliptical courtyard pool. Inside there is always something new to discover. The blockbuster fashion exhibitions (Alexander McQueen, Christian Dior, Balenciaga) are definitely worth the entry price, but visitors shouldn’t miss highlights in the permanent collection including Renaissance works by Botticelli and statues by Michelangelo. Exit through the gift shop – the best museum store in London.

Even if they’re sheltering under an umbrella for much of the year in this city, Londoners still like to look good. And where do they go for all things beauty? Santi London. We like this pristine spa for facials and rejuvenating massages, sure, but where they really shine is the realm of medical aesthetics. 

London’s two best Polish restaurants are down the road from each other in South Ken. There is nothing modern about Ognisko or Daquise but they’re both consistently ram-packed. Daquise is where Edward Raczyński, the exiled Polish president, plotted to overthrow the communist regime. The beetroot gazpacho and potato salad are timeless, as is the sprinkling of dill that comes on top of everything. Always cheery, this is the sort of place where the maître d’ greets regulars by name.

Opened as a memorial to Prince Albert in 1871, this beautifully round concert hall doesn’t focus on one thing. Look at the roster in any given year – there is a phenomenal mix of everything from ballet to rock. Its circular nature means the stage could end up anywhere and there’s no such thing as a bad seat. The Films in Concert series – watch Gladiator or The Lion King with a full orchestral ensemble – are brilliant, but it’s the Letters Live and Cirque du Soleil tickets that are the hardest to nab.