Windy

My husband and I were able to take advantage of the recent BA special offer of two free nights in London.<BR><BR>We will have approximately one full day and three quarters of another day to spend there. What would you say should be the not-miss sights without tiring us out for the rest of our trip (one week in Spain)? <BR><BR>Thanks,<BR>Windy<BR><BR>

elaine

Tower of London, first thing in the morning (2nd morning?)<BR>Then travel by tube or foot to St Paul's Cathedral area so you can see some of the original City of London<BR><BR>Long walk from Trafalgar Square down Whitehall to Westminster Abbey and then past Buckingham Palace, cut through Green Park, and end up on Piccadilly.<BR>From there, turn right and you walk past the Ritz Hotel to Fortnum and Masons, where you can have tea or lunch.<BR>If you turn left instead, you can walk towards Knightsbridge, which turns to Brompton Road, and you can visit Harrods. Harrods has several restaurants. ON the above walk a good guidebook (or info available elsewhere here at fodors.com) can tell you which buildings you might want to visit.<BR>

vita

Not sure if this interests you, but London Walks (www.walks.com) does a comprehensive day tour of London. If nothing else, you could take a look at the itinerary to see what places they hit.<BR><BR>I'd suggest:<BR>1) Westminster Abbey<BR>2) St. Paul's Cathedral<BR>3) British Museum<BR>4) Trafalgar Square<BR>5) Stroll through Convent Carden, Leicester Square, and Soho<BR>6) Get half-price tickets at the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for an evening show or (depending on temp) catching whatever's playing at the New Globe Theatre (it's an open air theatre)

ggrant

I recently had to think about this for a friend. I think start with a go around on the Big Bus tour to get an overview, lunch at a pub, secure theatre tickets at half price booth,<BR>afternoon at British museum, play in the evening. Start the morning with the free Thames river cruise included with your 24 hour Big Bus ticket, then tour Westminster Abbey, then stop for a quick lunch or drinks..then a walk around Harrod's expecially the food hall. Pick up a couple of snacks maybe for your flight. On the big bus tour you will see most of the main sights. I think inside Westminster is a must see and whatever parts of the British museum you choose a must see. Harrod's was a must see for me even though I really did not shop there. Also really enjoyed the view from the river on the cruise. If it feels like too much-- drop off the theatre and the river cruise, go to bed early and sleep in a bit.

Windy

Thanks so much for the information. It is very helpful.<BR><BR>ggrant: Would you suggest buying the Big Bus Tour tickets here on-line (if possible) or buying when we get there?<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR>Windy

Grasshopper

Windy, I agree with the Big Bus tour. You can buy the tickets when you're ready to hop on from one of the guys at the stop. Be sure to ride on top.<BR><BR>Also, I wouldn't miss Westminster Abbey. I agree with Harrods (have tea there). In that amount of time, I'd probably skip the Tower.

ggrant

As Grasshopper said, you just buy the ticket at your stop. Go online to look at stops and get some info on the routes and what it includes..I also agree to save the Tower for a trip with more time. Happy travels.

janis

and there is a little secret not many are aware of - you don't always have to pay full price. Several places where the two main tour companies have adjacent bus stops there are agents competing for customers. They will often get in bidding wars to lure you to their company over the others. The main plces this happens are Victoria Station, next to Madame Tussauds, on Shaftsbury. probably near the Tower too but I have not observed it there. If you get on at an unattended stop you will have to pay full price to the driver.

Mike Keene

Hi Windy,<BR>If it's not too late check out my website www.tourlondon.com I'm an independent tour guide running an escorted sightseeing tour for small groups. I take a maximum of up to 12 people.<BR>mail me if your interested.<BR>Have a good trip!<BR><BR>

Mike Keene

Hi Windy,<BR>If it's not too late check out my website www.tourlondon.com I'm an independent tour guide running an escorted sightseeing tour for small groups. I take a maximum of up to 12 people.<BR>mail me if your interested.<BR>Have a good trip!<BR><BR>

x

Mike Keene,<BR>You may not know it, but advertising on this site is strictly prohibited. In the last several days, you have been posting all over, becoming more aggressive each time. STOP IT!<BR><BR>I wouldn't use your service for the simple reason that you break the rules here. BTW, I also find your price shockingly expensive.