London - 4 day first time visit
 

Hello fodorites. In May, I will be visiting London, which I have visited 6 or 7 times previously. This time I have convinced my brother, his wife and his 21 year old son to join me to celebrate my brother's 60th birthday, and they have never before been anywhere outside the United States. This posting is for fun. I would enjoy hearing what everyone thinks are the "must see" sights in such a short time. My own thoughts for the essential London include: Westminster Abbey, Harrods, National Portrait Gallery and Tower of London. Perhaps we will include the British Museum, but only for an hour or two mainly to see the Egyptian mummies, Elgin Marbles, and Gates of Nineveh. We will be staying near Picadilly Circus & Covent Garden and expect to go to the theatre at least twice.

So my friends, what else would anyone suggest as essential? I would love to hear all opinions.

After visiting London many times over the years, we recently made a trip to the war museum for the first time. Very, very interesting - would highly recommend for all ages. A few good pubs nearby as well :)

Heres' a recent thread about such lists

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ings-to-do.cfm

"Essential" depends on tastes. I'd get them to have a look through some guides, either books or online, and ask them for their priorities.

All prime choices, though among museums you might think of the Tate Modern on a nice day for the walk along the South Bank and the great space. In bad weather, the Wallace Collection is spectacular in a spectacular setting.

It would be nice for them to see a house museum. Have you been to Sir John Soane's Museum or Handel's house?

The Imperial War Museum is brilliant, and it is in a neighborhood where many Americans do not go.

When possible, travel by bus rather than Tube in order to see more of London, with the possible exception of buses down Oxford Street, which will be slow, slow, slow.

The Tower of London, the British Museum, Cabinet War Rooms and National Gallery are all at the top. But so is the Imperial War Museum which was also fabulous. John Soane museum was fun and quirky. London has so many wonderful museums and sights that you need a month and still can't see it all.

London walks are a great thing to do too!

Check with them to see what <i>they</i> want to do. London has great museums, but if they are not into that, (most make my eyes glaze over), they may not want to spend time going from museum to museum. Or they may. It just depends.

Are they willing to split up to do sightseeing? For example, your 21-year old nephew may want to see "We Will Rock You", while your brother and SIL may want to see "The Mousetrap". Maybe your SIL has always wanted to have afternoon tea at The Ritz.

Are they interested in riding the Millennium Wheel? I think it's overrated and overpriced, but a lot of people like it. Are they interested in walking tours? If so, have them take a look at London Walks at http://www.walks.com/

I recommend giving them a good guidebook--I like the TimeOut London one--and asking them what things they want to see. Or ask them to go to the Timeout London website and get some ideas:

http://www.timeout.com/london/

Also, http://www.visitlondon.com/

In any event, I think it would be a mistake to plan your sightseeing without input from them. The only "essential" sights are things they are interested in seeing and doing.

I hope you have a wonderful trip!