Unless you have several weeks to spend in the city, there's more to London than you'll be able to visit in just one visit, which is part of its appeal. The city is vibrant, varied and - best of all - easily accessible through a vast underground train system that will take you within a short walk of all the most popular tourist destinations. Here are some spots that will give you a taste of the many different aspects of London.
Tower of London
A visit to the city isn't really complete until you've been to the Tower of London. Existing in some form since the 11th century, the Tower of London is actually a castle, with more than a dozen towers. The so-called "Bloody Tower" is arguably the most famous, being the murder sight of the princes of the tower, Edward V and his younger brother. Heirs to the throne in a contentious age, the children were likely killed on the orders of either Richard III (the boys' uncle!) or Henry VII. There are so many things to see here at the Tower, you should allot several hours to your visit at least, and could easily spend half the day. Some not-to-miss spots include the Traitor's Gate, through which new prisoners passed if approaching by boat, and the Tower Green scaffold site, where seven people, including two of Henry VIII's wives, were beheaded. The Tower is open daily 10-5 year-round, and may be open an hour earlier and/or later on certain days at certain times of the year. Tickets are 16 for adults, 13 for students and seniors, and 9.50 for children. Nearest underground stop is Tower Hill. www.hrp.org.uk
Buckingham Palace
The Queen's London home (although she is often at Windsor Castle on the weekends), about 20 state rooms are open to the public during the months of August and September, when the Queen is away at Balmoral in Scotland. Admission is staggered every 15 minutes, so you should arrive early and expect to possibly return later in the day. Admission to the Palace in August and September is 15 for adults, 13.50 for students and seniors, and 8.50 for children.
Visitors who come during one of the other 10 months of the year can watch the ceremonial Changing of the Guard in the Palace forecourt at 11:30 a.m. year-round (daily April-July and on alternate days August-March). This is an extremely popular attraction, so get there early if you want to actually be able to see the Guards. Changing of the Guard is free to watch.
Other Buckingham Palace attractions include the Royal Mews (stables), where the gold coronation coach and the glass royal wedding coach are on display. The Mews is open from 11-4 March-July and 10-5. Admission is 7 for adults, 6 for students and seniors, and 4.50 for children. The Queen's Gallery, an exhibit of art from the royal collection, is open 10-5:30 year round. Admission is 8 for adults, 7 for students and seniors, and 4 for children.
Nearest underground stops to all Buckingham Palace attractions are Victoria and St. James. www.royalcollection.org.uk
St. Paul's Cathedral
While London has many interesting churches, St. Paul's is certainly its most famous. The original Cathedral was destroyed in the Great Fire in 1766, and the building that now stands was built in 1710, so it's a relative newcomer on the scene. ;) The Cathedral's biggest draw is its view. The trip to the top is 530 steps, but there are several stages, so visitors can opt for a partial trip. The first section you'll reach is a walkway known as the Whispering Gallery, where the acoustics allow you to be heard on the opposite side of the Cathedral, even if you are you guessed it whispering. The next stage is an outdoor walkway, with a 360 degree view of London. Hardcore climbers can then ascend the remaining narrow steps to the top, where arguably the best view of London is to be had. The Cathedral is open Monday-Saturday from 8:30-4. Admission is 9.50 for adults, 8.50 for students and seniors, and 3.50 for children. Nearest underground stop is St. Paul's. www.stpauls.co.uk
Westminster Abbey
A key royal stop on any tour of London, Westminster Abbey has been the site of almost every coronation since William the Conquerer in 1066, and quite a few kings and queens from the 13th through the 18th century were also buried here. One of the Abbey's more famous attractions is Poet's Corner, where quite a few famous writers are buried, including Chaucer, Charles Dickens, Thomas Hardy, Rudyard Kipling, Edmund Spenser and Alfred Tennyson. A later practice of memorializing writers here sprung up, so be aware that a monument does not necessary mean the writer in question was buried here. Some writers who were buried elsewhere but have memorials here include Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters, Robert Burns, Henry James, Longfellow, Milton and Shakespeare. Hours are a bit complicated: 9:30-3:45 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 9:30 to 6 Wednesday; and 9:30 to 1:45 Saturday. Last admissions is one hour before closing. Admission is 10 for adults and 6 for students and seniors; children get in free. Nearest underground stop is Westminster. www.westminster-abbey.org
Kensington Gardens/Hyde Park
Although technically two parts, Kensington and Hyde are separated only by a road that runs between them. With Marble Arch anchoring it's northeast corner and a variety of museums (not to mention Harrods!) to the south, these parks are an excellent choice for tourists looking for a break from the city itself. In addition to the greenery, there are a number of sights to see, including the Peter Pan statue, on the northwest side of the lake; the Princess Diana memorial fountain, on the south side of the lake near the Ring road; and the Serpentine Gallery (open daily from 10-6). Kensington Gardens is open daily from dawn to dusk, while Hyde Park is open from 5:30 a.m. to midnight (which is probably a polite way of staying you can't sleep there). Nearest underground stops are Marble Arch, Lancaster Gate (nearest the Peter Pan statue), Knightsbridge (nearest Harrods, the Diana Memorial Fountain and the Serpentine Gallery), and Queensway (nearest the children's playground)
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The West End
London's theatre district, the West End is the place to go to take in one of the many amazing productions staged in London each year. If you arrive in London without tickets, don't despair; there are plenty of options. However, it's easy to get ripped off, so be sure to get your tickets from a reputable outlet. Ensure your ticket agent is a member of STAR (the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers). You can find a full list of member agents at www.s-t-a-r.org.uk. If you can be a bit flexible, an even better option is to get same-day discount tickets from tkts in Leicester Square. There are separate lines for matinees and evening shows, and available shows are posted on noticeboards. Beware: there are a number of "discount" outlets around the square, many of which are not STAR members. The best deals are to be had from tkts, which is the only building inside the square itself. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. and you should go early to get the best seats. Some London staples include Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap, which has been playing for more than 50 years, and The Woman in Black, a horror story adaptation now in its 14th year. Nearest underground stop is Leicester Square.
Portobello Road
Open daily, this famous London Market is open daily, with an antiques market on Saturday and a flea market on the green (at the far end of the shopping district) on Sundays. While there's not a lot that's distinctly "London" here, Portobello is a lot of fun, and there are plenty of opportunities to haggle for lower prices. Plus there are some yummy street-side crepe stalls, should the bargain hunting take too much out of you. While the market is open from 9 a.m. most days, I found that many of the proprietors were just putting out their goods at that time, although it must be said that I was there in April, before heavy tourist season. Hours are 8-6 Monday-Wednesday, 9-1 Thursday, 7-7 Friday and Saturday, and 9-4 on Sunday. Nearest Underground stop is Notting Hill Gate.
Spitalfields Market and Brick Lane
If you plan to do any shopping beyond touristy knick-knacks, Spitalfields Market should definitely be on your must-do list. A mix of traditional market-style goods and higher end clothing and jewelry, Spitalfields has something for everyone. If possible, come on Sundays, when the nearby Old Truman Brewery's car park becomes the Sunday UpMarket, essentially a Spitalfield's extension, with stalls taken by the area's less established, edgier designers. More adventurous shoppers may also want to take in the nearby Brick Lane, although be warned that the street (which runs behind the Brewery) is a bit rougher around the edges than the relatively refined Spitalfields, particularly on Sundays, when the street becomes a flea market. Some great retro and vintage clothing shops can be found near the Brewery. Nearest Underground station is Liverpool Street. www.visitspitalfields.com
Knightsbridge
An upscale area next to Hyde Park and not too far from many of the city's natural history and science museums, Knightsbridge is where you can find Harrods and its not-to-be-missed food hall. Absolutely Fabulous fans will also want to check out the nearby Harvey Nichols (Harvey Nicks!). A stroll around the neighborhood will reveal a wealth of excellent, but pricey, boutiques. Harrods and Harvey Nichols are both open 10-7 Monday-Saturday, and Harvey Nichols is open from 12-6 on Sundays. Nearest underground station is Knightsbridge. www.harrods.com www.harveynichols.com
London's Underbelly
London and its northern neighbor Edinburgh have an ongoing debate about which city can rightfully claim to be Europe's most haunted capital, and the winner generally depends on who you ask and where you are at the time. There is no doubt, however, that London has more than a few spooky tales to tell, and walking tours on the subject are a great way to spend an evening, when many of the city's more established attractions are closed. These tours fall into two general categories: ghosts and Jack the Ripper. Visitors should keep in mind that many of the actual Jack the Ripper murder sites fell victim to neighborhood redevelopment in the 1970s, so the area looks quite different than it did when Jack was roaming the streets (there's a high end Sunday fashion market just around the corner from one!). Still, the story is quite creepy in its own right, and many guides have period photos of the area to help set the mood. Additionally, nearly 80 percent of the city was destroyed in the London Blitz so many of the ghost stories relate to earlier buildings on specific sites. Some of the more established companies include London Walks (www.walks.com) and Richard Jones (www.london-ghost-walk.co.uk and www.jack-the-ripper-walk.co.uk).