London has so much to offer the visitor, that those who stay for a only a few days, will miss most of it. This city has excellent transportation options, the double-decker buses are an excellent way to get around the city, and still get a view of the life of the city; the Underground, once you get a hang of it, it is convenient and fast, and stations are centrally located to hotels and places of interest. Travelling outside the city, there is Brit Rail, locals use it to commute between work and home, and visitors will find it is an excellent way to get where they want to go.

The city offers many highlights, it is sometimes hard to decide which to do first. Depending on the day you arrive, seeing the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace, might be a first. Taking place at 11:30 a.m every day in the summer, in front of the palace gates. Also during August and September, tours are offered to the State rooms, as the Queen is away at another of her palaces.

Leaving the Palace, it is a easy walk to some of the outstanding sights; House of Parliament, the seat of government; Big Ben which was fully operational on September 7 1859; 700-year old Westminister Abbey, a living pageant of British history; Piccadilly Circus, a lively plaza in the heart of London; 10 Downing Street, home of the Prime Minister; and Hyde Park, where you can see one of London's most unique attractions - Speakers Corner - and if it is a Sunday, you might hear the oratory opinion of one of the citizens and the opposing opinions of others - a 150 year tradition.

No one to London should miss the Tower of London, this 900-year old walled castle, has had many uses over the centuries - palace, fortress, prison and a place of many executions. A major attraction of the Tower, are the Beefeaters, who have regular tours of the towers, rooms and dungeons, with full historic references to the famous and infamous who have resided here. One of the special draws is the Crown Jewels Exhibit, it usually has a line and wait time, but should not be missed.

Built for the Millennium Celebration in 2000, the London Eye, a giant ferris wheel, has become the most popular attraction in London. Each rotation takes about 30 minutes, allowing passengers to step on and off, without the wheel having to stop.

There are over 300 Museums and Galleries open to visitors, ranging from traditional to hi-tech. Among the unusual are Madame Tussauds Wax Museum featuring entertainment stars, political figures and historical personalities; Ringley's " Believe it or Not" and the London Dungeon - a combination of horror house and museum.

For those with the time, a short trip outside London, allows them to visit, not only, Windsor Castle the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world, and an official residence of the Queen, but Hampton Court Palace, which was once home to Henry VIII and each of his six wives - but not at the same time. Visitors are allowed to tour the 17th century state apartments, the huge Tudor kitchens and the beautiful gardens, that includes a Maze.

Mona Graham, A Way To Travel - http://www.cruznow.wordpress.com