London Sights and Activities

Making the most of your time in London

You could spend a year touring London and still only scratch the surface of this grand old city. With a mix of staid traditions and laid-back cockney charm, the city is as eclectic as it is contradictory. The modern London Eye overlooks landmarks that have stood on the banks of the Thames for centuries, while entertainment, music and nightclubs set trends around the world.

• Westminster - Take the tube to Westminster station and make sure your batteries are charged - for both your body and your camera. With Westminster Abbey and Cathedral within walking distance of Big Ben and the parliament buildings, you'll need plenty of energy for photographs and touring.
• St. Paul's Cathedral - Designed by world-famous architect Sir Christopher Wren, St. Paul's is home to royal weddings and prime ministerial funerals. The distinctive dome, intricate carving and intriguing Whispering Gallery make this cathedral stand out in a city of architectural wonders.
• Leicester Square - The world center for English-language theater, London offers an array of world premieres and record-breaking runs that only New York City can rival. Whether you want big-budget musicals like Les Miserables or intimate scaled-down plays, London has it. Half-price tickets are available on the day at Leicester Square and Canary Wharf.
• British Museum - Founded in 1753, the British Museum is the world's oldest. The neo-classical building spans two million years of history through 90 galleries covering an exhausting 2½ miles of exhibits. With Egyptian mummies, the Rosetta Stone and the newly added Great Court, London's first glass-covered square, the British Museum would be worth paying to see. Despite its world-class offerings, however, admission is absolutely free.
• Kew Gardens - A World Heritage Site, Kew Gardens offers more than 300 acres of peaceful respite from London's bustling and seemingly endless expanse of concrete. Greenhouses, charming eateries and both formal and informal gardens make it easy to spend days on end here.
• London Eye - The new kid on the block, the London Eye defied critics by becoming one of the most popular paid attractions in a city of first-rate landmarks. Combining engineering skills and spectacular views, the Eye gives a unique perspective of everything London has to offer within a 25 mile (40 km) radius.