London, one of the world's top cities, hosts millions of visitors every year. But not everyone is familiar with the city, and some want to explore it in a way that doesn't involve a sack of travel guides.

Fortunately, there have been many writers throughout the decades that have captured the vibrant, open, controversial and astounding aspects of the city all through its history and rapid changes. From Charles Dickens to Virginia Woolf, Ian McEwan and Zadie Smith, many accomplished and diverse voices have lent their observations and stories to the city, revealing the sights, smells and culture that travellers will be experiencing.

And there's always a top 10. See the books that you and every other traveller should be indulging in before heading to London:

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