London is home to several top museums. The British Museum contains more than 700 million artifacts from many cultures. The National Gallery has artworks from the 13th through the 19th centuries, as well as changing exhibits of contemporary art. For those who prefer modern art, the Tate Modern gallery is a must see. To sweeten the deal, admission to these museums is free.
A trip to London is not complete without a trip to the West End, which is the English version of Broadway. The TKTS booth on Leicester Square offers same day, half-price tickets to certain shows.
Take the Tube to the Westminster stop and the magnificent sights of Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the River Thames.
On the north bank of the River Thames is the Tower of London, a fortress and prison built by William the Conqueror in 1078. It is the oldest building still in use by the British government. Guided tours of the Tower are informative but cost upward of $25 (16.50 pounds), as of 2009.
The London Eye is a must ride for those who want to see the whole picture. The Eye is a giant Ferris wheel that lets its riders see the city from above, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) in every direction.
