Anthony Woods
Therea are many ways to approach a trip to London. Sometimes it is fun to start with the most touristy, which would be witnessing the changing of the guard, Buckingham Palace's most famous spectacle. Few visitors can resist its allure. The new guard, marching behind a band, comes from either the Wellington or Chelsea barracks and takes over from the old guard in the forecourt of the palace.
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Covent Garden encompasses the city's liveliest group of restaurants, pubs, and cafes outside Soho--as well as some of the city's hippest shops. The restored marketplace here, with its glass and iron roofs, has been called a magnificent example of urban recycling.
Take the Tube to Tower Hill or Tower Gateway; then cross Tower Bridge and wander along the South Bank of the mighty Thames at night. Enjoy the picture-perfect view of London's historic landmarks and skyscrapers, floodlit in all their evening spectacle.
London's famous Camden Markets sprawl along Camden High Street and Chalk Farm Road in north London. Whatever you're looking for, from books to musical instruments, from handcrafts to clothing and jewelry, is for sale here. Bric-a-brac, fast food, and plenty of snacks both hot and cold are also sold.
The museum opened at a time when the British Empire's reach extended into nearly every corner of the earth, ensuring a collection that is as eclectic as it is priceless. Its cache of art and artifacts--including the famed Rosetta Stone and Parthenon Sculptures--is so vast, it's impossible to see everything in a single day.
Stand in the middle of the Thames on the Millennium Bridge, which spans not just the river, but the centuries, with St. Paul's Cathedral on one side and the Tate Modern on the other. The views of the cityscape are impressive, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Take the Tube north to Hampstead for the most delightful ramble in London, following in the footsteps of Keats and other luminaries. The heath's near-wilderness feel is a welcome contrast to London's other manicured parks. Drop in later for a pint at a local pub.
London is the theatrical capital of the world. The live stage offers a unique combination of variety, accessibility, and economy -- everything from Shakespeare to the avant-garde -- and maybe a look at next season's Broadway hit.
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