Wanted: recommendations for a day in London
 

We have never been to London. On a return trip into Europe we have set aside 2 days for London. Now I know that's rediculous but still it's all we have so I'm hoping you all will give me advice as to what to do with those two days.

We'd like to spend on day wandering about on foot taking the train from our hotel to an interesting location to while away the day. Definitely interested in history but I'd suspect where ever we go history will be front and centre in that city.

Advice anyone? (Oh we will be there in mid October so the weather could be a factor)

Interested in history? Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and Cabinet War Rooms.

I should have specified we will arrange a full day tour for the first day so we will take in many of the sights that day. The second day we'd like to sort of wander with the folks who live there and maybe check out shops and cafes. It's that second day I'm hoping you'll advise me on.

Covent Garden, across the Millenium Bridge, South Bank, London Eye, Tate Modern, The Globe.
If it's a Sunday, Spitalfields Market, Petticoat Lane, Columbia Road, Brick Lane.

Hi
Not sure what you mean by wandering with the folks who live there.
Many of the outer residential areas or suburbs look pretty much the same as they would in any city. The central residential areas are intermixed with some tourist destinations (again, as in many cities), but unless you're planning on spending your day at the supermarket or in an office building, not sure how you will find a way to interact with the locals in one day. You might want to look into having a pub lunch or dinner, that might be one way to meet some Londoners.

What does your full day tour include?
London is very large, it couldn't possibly include much time at every venue. If you will be traveling in a coach/bus, traffic alone will slow things down, or is the tour a walking tour?

We've spent many days doing what you propose in London. First, get a good map that shows all the streets. London is full of tiny passages and alleys and we love wandering about finding these. We have a small spiral bound Michelin London Atlas and the maps at the back of the London Eyewitness Travel Guide are pretty good too.

One of our favorite areas to wander is Chelsea. The streets between Old Brompton Road and the Thames are full of interesting architecture, these tiny passages, and some nice shops and cafes especially along King's Road. The canal area is also a nice urban hike. It's not too far from Little Venice to St. John's Wood and after a lunch there you can be in the Camden Market area by early afternoon. Lots of history in both these areas, although I think you could find lots of history almost anywhere in London.

Timlin, I can really appreciate your question, as we have only two days in London as well...

I enjoyed sprint2's suggestion, as it sound just like what we'd be looking for!

Thanks for the post, and for the reply!

B. ;)