If London isn't the coolest city in the world, it's in serious contention. The shops, hotels, restaurants, and bars run the gamut from classic and storied—even the shoe stores have history—to chic and trendy. And for the serious shopper, there is much ground to cover where hipsters, high fashion, and a long, rich tradition of finely tailored clothing are all woven into the cultural fabric.

THE SARTORIALIST, Scott Schuman.

"Wellies and a brolly." English weather isn't just a myth.

"Remember you’re sorry." In other words, mind your manners. The Brits are polite almost to the point of deference.

"Keep left, look right." It's easy to forget, especially fresh off the plane in your jet-lagged daze, but always crucial to remember. The traffic comes from the other direction here.