For those of you that have visited London, what advice would you give for a first time traveler to the city? Thanks!

Get an Oyster card--whether you do pay as you go or load a 1 week travelcard, it's the way to go.

Use the buses. Although maps for bus routes aren't as easy to find and follow as for the Tube, you can go to the Transport for London web site and find the detailed maps for the area where you are staying and then see where the routes in your area will take you.

Consider seeing the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London. You have to write for tickets (free) in advance, but it is a unique way to see the Tower. When you do visit the Tower in the daytime, go on a weekday, and get there just before they open. Once you get in, head straight for the Jewel House to see the royal jewels. Most other folks will stop for the Yeoman Warder's tour, so if you go straight to the jewels, you can see them without having to spend a long time standing in line. When you're done with that, go back to the entrance and pick up a Yeoman Warder's tour.

When crossing the street, look RIGHT (then left, then right again.) Better yet, wait for the "green man" traffic signal.

crckwc1 is right...don't get run over...I nearly did
Also go to St Pauls for either the prayer service or hymn service and it's free.
Go early and get reservations to Westminster...we got there and were told the next one was in 4 hours so we missed it.
Don't miss the Borough Market ...on Tuesday? great food and experience. Eat lunch in Green Park

Hi Andigrl
We were in London for the first time last May and loved it.
One of the nicest things we did was to walk from the houses of parliament across the brige and follow the Southwark embankment along the Thames (heading East I think!) You pass the London Eye, ( which we didn't go on), the Tate Modern, Globe Theatre, Raleighs ship and on to Tower Bridge then across to the Tower of London. We came back along the other side past the Monument which is good to go up for the view, then St Pauls. When you get tired the tube is always nearby to take you home.
there are heaps of great places to eat along the way. We actually did this route twice in the week we were there and visited different places. The best way to see London is on foot!
If anyone is looking for a cheap, comfortable hotel with an amazing breakfast ...60 pounds for a double room ...try the
Ridgemount Hotel
Gower St Bloomsbury
We had a wonderful stay there...right near the British Museum.
http://www.ridgemounthotel.co.uk/

Have a great time
Rosie

A HoHo bus tour is a good way to get an overview. Most of the national museums and galleries are free, but you pay for special exhibitions. Consider taking a walking tour on an aspect that interests you, or try out some of the self-guided tours shown in guide books.

Borough Market is open Thursdays to Saturdays.

Take Beefeaters tour of Towers of London( its included) .

Definately spend hours at British Museum, leave for lunch and to get a break, then may be dive in again.

A daytrip to Bath is simple, not too expensive and well worth it, while there also check out the "Costume Museum" ..lovely.

Go to Marks and Spencers just to cruise around the fresh and frozen food sections, so many choices, if you can pick up a few things to try, their beetroot salad was great!

My first bit of advice would be to plan an itinerary in advance. London is a huge city and it's best if you can group your daily activities to things that are nearby one another. And allow yourself plenty of free time and flexibility to just take in London. It's an amazing city.

If you go for 5 days plus I recommend renting a flat over a hotel.

My favorite sites:

*The Eye - great views of the city, helps orient you. For more great views of the city have a cocktail at the Oxo tower at sunset.

*The Tower of London - This is my number one favorite London historical site. I've been twice and I can't wait to go back. Get there early and check out the jewels first and then spend the rest of your time at your leisure or take a Beefeater tour.

*the British Museum and the National Gallery - these are just my personal favorites of the museums in London. I've also been to the V&A, the Tate, the Tate Modern and the National Portrait Gallery.

*Markets - Portobello road is fun. Some say it's cheesy and tacky and there's not much worth seeing or buying. I had a fun time. I just recommend getting there early before the crowds get stiffling. The Borough Market is not to be missed! Combine it with the Tower of London and a walk across Tower Bridge.

There are a million more things to do in London. Find a great travel guide and dig in!

If you're interested, here's what we did on our first trip a couple of years ago: http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...&y=-pfqcfg

Go on a London Walk, www.walks.com. Good way to see some hidden gardens and buildings.

Go up to Highgate/Hampstead and take a walk in the park for lovely views of London.

For post-modern London, a visit to the Tate Modern is a must. Even if you don't like modern art, the building itself is worth a look and a walk across the Millenium Bridge is one of my favorite things.

If there are 2 of you or more (an even number is best) look out for 2 for 1 offers. There are leaflets in most railway stations. Last year my wife & I went to the Tower for price of 1 - we didn't even have to show them our rail ticket (but probably best to have one in case they ask). They are available on a few attractions. Tube stations normally give out the free Underground maps - bus also free bus maps if you look carefully or ask.