Take them to London, they'll love it

One of my favorite cities is London, where I have spent many days just wandering around. This is very easy to do as there is excellent public transportation in the city.
a. The bus system is one of the best in Europe, my favorites are the double decker buses. The public bus system covers the entire city, and tickets are often interchangeable with other forms of transportation.
b. The Tube or underground is one of the best, and least expensive ways to see the city, the system is integrated with the bus, tram and river. In all the cars on the Underground the route that the line you are on clearly shows every stop, and other connections. that can be made from the different stations.
c. The river bus provides fast and frequent service, from early morning to late evening to different places that are accessible from the Thames River. As with all the public transportation in the city, tickets are interchangeable.
A visit to http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/14091.aspx has maps and information about these services.

Among the many things to see and do in London, of which, some of them can be done at no cost, and they are among the places that everyone wants to see.

1. The Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace, is perhaps the number one attraction. Be sure to arrive early to get a front-row spot. The ceremony starts at 11a.m. and takes place in front of Buckingham Palace. It is usually followed by a short band concert. In the summer it is possible to visit Buckingham Palace, when the annual opening of the State rooms, take place between August and September.

2. The City of Westminster is within the boundaries of Buckingham Palace, strolling around the area one can see -
a .Nelson's Column at Trafalgar Square -which is known as the center of London.
b. Hyde Park is one of the largest parks in London and one of the Royal Parks. The park is famous for it's many political demonstarions - over the centuries. It is also where one can see the unique attraction of the 150 year old Speakers Corner - on any given Sunday morning, anyone can stand here and air and debate their opinions.
c. The Serpintine, which divides Hyde Park in two, the other part is Kensington Park, the two having been technically separated since 1728.
e. Marble Arch is a white marble monument that now stands on a large traffic island at the junction of Oxford Street, Park Lane and Edgware Road - until 1851 it stood in front of Buckingham Palace. Historically only members of the Royal Family, the King's Troop and Royal Horse Artillery have been allowed to pass through the arch in a ceremonial procession. The name refers to the locality in west London where the arch is located. There is an undergrolund station nearby, making it easy to get to other parts of the city.

For those who enjoy visiting Museums, London has many that charge no fee to visit. Among them are the "British Museum", The Bank of "England Museum"; "Geffrye Museum" and the "Imperial War Museum".
A visit to http://www.visitlondon.com/tag/free-attractions?WT.
has more information about the museums and parks.

London has a long history, and visitors will find many places where they can indulge their love of history, to explore. For starters there is -

1. the 700 year old Westminster Abbey, the traditional place for Coronations and the burial site of British Monarchs. It is open to the public everyday, except Sunday when it is used for worship only. Inside there are "audio guides" available, in eight different languages. There are alsol "verger-led tours" in English for individual or family groups only - no large groups.. There is a fee to enter Westminster Abbey, and also an additional fee for the Verger-group.
2. 10 Downing Street has been the residence of the British Prime Minister, since 1735. While it is possibled to visit the outside of the building, no tours are permitted.
3. the House of Parliament is open to the public. Visitors can attend debates or committee hearings, tour the buildings, or climb the famlous "Clock Tower" to visit another famous landmark "Big Ben".
4. World-famous Big Ben has been fully operational since April 10 1858, and is the nickname for the great bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. It is one of the most photographed sights in London.

5. Shop famous Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street and in the evening stay and enjoy the nightly entertainment in Soho.

6. A full day should be set aside for a visit to the Tower Of London. This 900 year old walled castle has been used as a palace, a fortress, a prison and a place of many executions. The impressive fortress was builtg around the "White Tower" by William the Conqueror and dates back to the thirteenth century. It has been at the center, of the dramatic history of London ever since. Visitors to the Tower first encounter the Beefeaters - another name for the guards or wardens at the Tower - on entering. They act as tour guides, imparting the history of the Tower, and have become a "tourist attraction" themselves. They are also responsible for guarding the "British Crown Jewels" - an exhibit that should not be missed.

7. The London Eye - a giant ferris wheel - on the banks of the Thames River was built for the Millenium celebrations. It is the tallest ferris wheel in Europe, with futuristic-looking capsules that can accommodate up to 25 passengers, at one time, and a ride takes about 30 minutes.

8. A different way to see the city of Lonbdon, is from a cruise on the Thames river. Both luncheon and dinner cruises are available as well as a London Duck Tour on an amphibious vehicle, past most of London's famous attractions, without leaving ones seat.

9. London has many interactive Museums, perhaps the most famous of them is "Madam Tussauds" whose wax figures include - entertainment stars, political figures and historical personalities.

10. In the heart of London's West End is "Ripley's Believe it or Not", were there are 5 floors of the peculiar and amazing that is sure to delight, thrill and excite the visitor. Among the exhibits is the "spinning tunnel" a vortex that takes you to dizzying heights; "the maze" a series of columns and arches surrounded by mirrored reflections in every direction; shrunken heads, dinosaur eggs and lots, lots more.

London has so much to see and do, it would be impossible to put it all into one hub, so I'll just have to do a follow up. London is serviced by most of the world's airlines, most of them fly in Heathrow International, but for visitors from nearby countries they can also use Gatwick and Stansted.

There are many choices to get to the hotels in London from the airports - tube or train, bus or coach, or taxi. A visit to http://www.heathrow-airport-guide.co.uk/london.html will give more information.