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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

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