With your first day in London, you'll enjoy a tour of the major sights of the city including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, 10 Downing Street and more. But there are some things that are also must sees and with two full days on your own, you can manage to see several of the recommended ones below.
Tower of London - As one of London's top attractions, The Tower of London is also among the oldest, dating back to 1066. It is home, not only to the Royal Crown Jewels but the famous Beefeaters who guard them. Having also served as a prison, a place of execution (two of Henry VIII's seven wives were beheaded here) and the Royal Mint, the Tower has a long and diverse history and should be regarded as a "must see" on any London sightseeing trip. Admission.
Westminster Abbey - On your tour you will be driven past the Abbey, which is always regarded as one of the "must see" sights for visitors to London. But to really see the Abbey you need to visit it to truly experience what Westminster Abbey stands for. Not only were the coronations of most of Britain's Kings and Queens held here, many of them are entombed here. Highlights include the Poet's corner where Dickens, Chaucer and Kipling, to name a few, are buried, a stunning stained glass memorial to all the pilots lost in the Battle of Britain and the tomb of the Unknown Soldier of WWI, whose gravestone is the only one in the Abbey that may not be walked over.
British Museum - If you're planning to visit only one museum during your stay in London, then the British Museum should be top of your list. Not only is it the oldest museum in the world but, since its inception in 1753, the institution has managed to build an unrivalled collection of exhibits from the ancient world including the Elgin Marbles, the Rosetta Stone and an awe inspiring collection of Mummies.
West End Theatre - One of the London's most popular tourist attractions, with more shows and bigger audiences than anywhere else in the world - even New York City's Broadway. Take a backstage tour to learn more about the star-spangled history of these magical buildings, or take a chance on a show you haven't heard of by getting tickets at the Half Price Booth in Leicester Square.
Old Baily Criminal Court - This site was also home to the infamous Newgate Prison where convicted felons were hung or beheaded in the street. Nowadays Old Baily deals with the most serious legal cases. Judges wear robes and elaborate wigs and usually carry posies, a traditional when the prison was next door. Because of security reasons, visitors only have access to the public galleries to view trials. Admittance to the galleries is free although you may have to line up to gain entrance. But then there is also always the chance you might possibly see the Lord High Mayor of London in his ceremonial dress walking down the hall.
Sherlock Holmes Museum, 239 Baker Street - Dedicated to the fictitious characters created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the museum's themed rooms are complete with such "personal belongings" as Sherlock Holmes' violin and deerstalker hat - the perfect museum for fans of the books.
London Eye - British Airways London Eye is the world's tallest observation wheel at 443 feet high. Located on the banks of the River Thames it offers unrivalled views over London. Since opening in 1999, the London Eye has become an iconic landmark, with a status that can be compared to Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Eros and the Tower of London. Admission.
The London Dungeon - For a truly macabre experience, walk down into the bowels of London Bridge Station to tour this famous waxwork museum of torture and the dark side of life. Definitely not for the young or faint hearted. Admission
Old Royal Observatory, Greenwich - Here's a perfect opportunity to stand with one leg in the East and one in the West. Considered the actual center of the world, there are great views over the city, especially at sunset.