London city tours

London is jam packed with things to see and do - whatever you're interested in, you're going to be spoilt for choice. Indeed, one of the main problems that faces anyone visiting London is trying to figure out what attractions they can live with not seeing!

The big attractions include the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, the Planetarium, the London Dungeon,and London Zoo. These attractions can get busy, so consider buying tickets in advance that allow you to jump the queue.

Alternatively, budget rather than time may be your major constraint - and London can be a very expensive city. Consider investing in a guide to what's free in London, which will make your pennies go further. The major free attraction is the British Museum, but there are many, many others. Also, you can buy cards and tickets that give you discounts on a number of attractions. Your hop on hop off bus ticket gives you discounts into some of the attractions that the bus passes, and buying the London Pass will give you entry to many attractions at no further cost.

London has a very rich history and many of the sites of interest have pasts that are fascinating or disturbing, or both. The Tower of London saw the executions of hundreds, including Anne Boleyn and many more. Then there's St Mary-le-Bow, one of the oldest churches in London that used to ring curfew. Some sites that are worth seeing for their historical value are still very much part of the living fabric of London, including Buckingham Palace and Westminster Palace, and not forgetting St Paul's Cathedral, one of the greatest churches in the world.

If you're interested in seeing a group of sites that have a particular theme in common, then consider a guided coach or walking tour. There are numerous London tours available that cover every sort of interest. There's a Royal Wedding tour, ghost walks, historical walks, literary tours, tours in traditional double decker buses, and many more.

Cruises on the River Thames are also very popular, and an excellent option for London sightseeing. Daytime cruises are available - both in the city and beyond. The classic Thames cruise, which has been enjoyed by monarchs for hundreds of years, is the cruise between the city centre and Greenwich, which has a relaxed village feel. Evening cruises are popular too, and can include drinks and dinner.

Speaking of evening entertainment, London shows are a very popular evening out. Fans of musicals should visit the West End to take in shows like Wicked, the Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, Billy Elliot, Legally Blonde and more. Theatre fans will enjoy classics like the Mousetrap as well as modern productions, and a trip to the Globe is a must for anyone who wants to see a Shakespeare play.

You might be interested in London nightlife outside the theatres. There are several guided pub crawls on offer. Or, if you'd rather the drinks came without the walking in between, head to Vinopolis, the city wine museum.

There's so much more that you could enjoy in London - the Tate Modern, the Imperial War Museums, Camden Market, the opera at Covent Garden, and the city's markets. You'll have a fabulous holiday, but remember to schedule in some time to sit down and catch your breath!