By Mike Klozar

> Day 1
> Day 2
> More on Tour Locations

 Have you dreamed of visiting London, but felt it would take a week or longer to sample its historic sites? Think again. You can experience some of London's best in just a couple of days.

Call or visit your local AAA Travel Professional or visit AAA.com/travel to book a London Getaway.

 
Day One.

• Thames River Walk. Take a famous London Black Cab to the Tower of London. The ride is an experience, not just a taxi. (15-30 min.)

• Explore the Tower of London. Keep your tour short, but be sure to check out the Crown Jewels. (1-2 hrs.)

• Walk across the Tower Bridge. It's the fancy blue one. (15 min.) From here you get the best view of the Tower of London for photos.

• Cross over to Butler's Wharf and enjoy lunch at one of the riverfront restaurants near where Bridget lived in Bridget Jones's Diary. (1.5 hrs.)

• Keeping the Thames on your right, you'll come to the warship HMS Belfast. Tours daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (30 min.-1 hr.)

• Walk up London Bridge Street to find The Borough Market. Used in countless films, it is said to be the city's oldest fruit and vegetable market, dating from the mid-1200s. (1 hr.)

• Back on the river, you'll discover a tiny ship tucked into the docks: a replica of Sir Francis Drake's Golden Hind, which braved pirates in the days of yore. (15 min.)

• Notable London pubs are situated along the route and are good for a pint, a cup of tea and a deserved break. Kids are welcome.

• Continue on to Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, rebuilt recently to its original splendor. A tour of the building is well worth it. (1 hr.)

• Tate Modern. A massive power station is now home to the world's largest Modern Art gallery. Up top is a café. On your right is the contemporary Millennium Bridge. Modern marvel or sadly unattractive—you decide. (30 min.)

• Around the bend towers the newly famous London Eye. Built for the millennium celebration, the Ferris wheel boasts non-stop glass capsules. Buy tickets online beforehand. (1-2 hrs.)

• Cross the Westminster Bridge to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. (1 hr.)

• Dinner—Duck into an Indian curry house for a truly British experience. Gratuity is included.

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Day Two.

London's fantastic museums, markets and theaters beckon. Try to squeeze in several—or leisurely explore just a few.

• London Theatre. Plan ahead. Discount tickets should be purchased in Leicester Square (open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Sat., noon-7 p.m. Sun.) at the official TKTS office or visit theater box offices. Times and prices are posted. Beware of unofficial half-price ticket vendors, whose prices will be higher. (1 hr.)

• Buckingham Palace. Get there by 11 a.m. to watch the changing of the guard. (1 hr.)

• British Museum. (Free) Tucked away off Russell Square, view the Rosetta Stone and an amazing cache of Greek, Egyptian and Old World artifacts. (1-3 hrs.)

• Victoria and Albert. Giant columns and ancient sculptures are reconstructed complete to scale. Kids love it.

• Late Lunch—Harrods' Food Hall. Superb building, and the food hall is a treat. (1 hr.)

• Piccadilly Circus. London's Times Square is a carnival of cars and crowds. (20 min.)

• Trafalgar Square. Famous fountains and lots of pigeons. (20 min.)

• Covent Garden. The old market in central London features street performers, shops and restaurants. Best in the evening before the theater and a close walk to Leicester Square. (1 hr.)

• London Theatre. Arrive on time, most shows begin promptly. Dress casual. (3-4 hrs.)

• Dinner—Many great Central London restaurants are open late for "theater hours."

• St. Paul's Cathedral. Best to view at night when brilliantly lit. (1 hr.) 

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London Tips
From AAA Travel Professionals

1. Book an extra day for a day-trip from London's Victoria Station via luxury and comfort on the world-famous vintage Orient-Express train to Oxford, Bath, Leeds Castle and other great historical destinations. If you don't have a full day to spare, you might choose instead to book their elegant five-course dinner departure out of Victoria Station into the English countryside.

2. Eat a continental breakfast at your hotel. The Brits eat a large lunch and a late dinner.

3. For a glimpse of the most sights in one day, jump onto a double-decker bus tour. It provides a narrated visit, and you can hop-on, hop-off at your favorites. Tickets are $30 each and can be purchased right on the bus. 

4. In Black Cabs, round-out to the next whole pound. Step out of the cab then pay through the door window. Light on = for hire.

5. Don't tip in pubs—really.

Call or visit your local AAA Travel Professional or visit AAA.com/travel to book a London Getaway.