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The number of visitors from the US to London’s top museums and galleries has soared since the 2012 Olympics, a study reveals today.

The capital’s biggest cultural attractions welcomed about 2.3 million visitors from the States last year, a rise of 11 per cent from 2012, according to research commissioned by London & Partners, the Mayor’s promotional company.

Royalty was the biggest draw for Americans, with Buckingham Palace coming top of a “bucket list” of experiences and the Queen named as the ultimate dream tour guide.

Another member of the royal family, such as Princes William or Harry or the Duchess of Cambridge, came second, with Adele and David Beckham third and fourth respectively.

Other bucket list experiences include the Tower of London, the view through Tower Bridge’s glass floor, eating a curry in Brick Lane and film locations such as the Thames, where Daniel Craig filmed the latest Bond movie, Spectre.

The survey of US tourists also found nine out of 10 of them believed London’s cultural attractions are the best in the world, with major museums, galleries and West End shows among key reasons for visiting. Two thirds said they will return to the city. Almost eight million Americans have visited the capital since 2012 and Mayor Sadiq Khan said their presence in the city sent a message to the world.

He said: “Our city’s world-class museums, galleries and exhibitions have firmly positioned London as one of the most welcoming and culturally rich cities to visit. Not only does our unique cultural scene make a substantial and vital contribution to our city’s economic prosperity, but I’m delighted to see that London’s creative sector plays such an important role in entertaining tourists from home and across the Atlantic.

“The many millions of visitors who come here time and time again are sending out a clear signal that London is truly open to everyone, and this is the message we will continue to send around the world.”

Tonight, Mr Khan will address some of the city’s most important cultural leaders at the Science Museum, where he will launch London’s autumn season. Highlights include an exhibition at Tate Modern of photographs from Sir Elton John’s collection and the V&A’s new show telling the story of the swinging Sixties. Also involved is the British Museum, which is about to host an exhibition of South African art, and the Barbican, which will be welcoming the Michael Clark dance company.

Visitors who took part in the research also cited the arrival of the Night Tube, which they say will encourage them to visit more events. Many museums and galleries run extended late shows. Last year, the V&A opened through the night for the first time to meet demand for its Alexander McQueen show.