A visit to London without a visit to The Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament is like chocolate without sin. One can explore different aspects of these iconic attractions by staying at Westminster. It is a prestigious area that brings you closer to the National Gallery, Westminster Abbey and the most revered of all attractions, the Buckingham Palace.

At the National Gallery, art connoisseurs will be enthralled by the veritable mosaic of paintings from the middle ages to the Renaissance, including breathtaking works of art by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt and Van Gogh. And the best part is that you can enjoy these visual treats for free. If you have a fetish for portraits, a visit to the National Portrait Gallery brings you closer to the largest collection of portraits in the world. The sheer diversity of mediums from photography to sculpture, free events and exhibitions will get your creative juices flowing.

If you are looking for the most visible representation of the city of London, then you can find one right here in Westminster - the Big Ben. The best time to view this spectacular monument is when all the four sides are illuminated. Next to the clock tower is the House of Parliament, where you can attend debates and watch practitioners of statecraft in action.

Westminster Abbey, also the coronation church of England, is a jewel in the British history and tradition that will add immense value to your trip to the city. Visit the Abbey for worship during the daily service and you will realise how this 700-year-old building adds inches to the city's glorious history and culture. Round of your trip to Westminster with a visit to the incomparable Buckingham Palace - the office and the official home of the Queen. Don't miss the glitter of the exhibition of the Queen's personal jewels that coincides with the summer opening of the Palace.

But Westminster is more than just sightseeing. It is also teeming with the glamorous lights of the West End. From enchanting musicals to the aromas of sumptuous meals at the West End restaurant, you are sure to cherish every moment in this vibrant part of the city. Have shopping on your mind? There is a stunning array of boutiques and flagship stores, including Selfridges and Topshop. After such a hectic round of sightseeing and shopping, you can head straight to St James's Park, one of the Royal Parks located close to the Buckingham Palace.

From there, you can make your way to the quiet and comfortable environs of your serviced apartment. For more details of apartments and holiday rentals at Westminster, make sure to visit http://www.ratedapartments.com/