Just two days before my London trip, sitting in front of computer in my house, my son visited several sites for London's attractions... from touring passes to the 'Lion King' musical… and printed out e-tickets at bargain prices for the family. Pre-booked tickets in hand, now we would be able to smugly sail past the crowds, through special "fast track" entrances.
With centuries of wonders waiting at every turn of the head, the Hop-on, Hop-off bus tour is the finest way to get a complete overview of the city. My sons didn't feel like hopping off at all, as both were enjoying Sam's running commentary that laced all historical information with typical Brit wit.
Explore the very best of London on a full-2 day guided tour. You'll take a scenic drive through the West End and City, a cruise on the River Thames a visit to the Tower of London.

Well, one thing wasn't very funny in this fabulous city of a thousand sights: The entrance fee is really high. Even though many of the big museums are free, some rough maths I did, told me that to get inside even seven or eight out of my list of absolute 'must-do' sites would cost a cool $130 per person in just one day. Aha! God bless my Son, who bought London Passes online for just $46 per person. The London Pass made it all free.
Discover the wondrous history of London as you learn and laugh with live commentary provided by professional but funny guides of the Big Bus Tour Co. We started our bus journey from Regent Street, off Piccadilly Circus. After cutting across Oxford Street, the Bus reached Hyde Park (just like Sherlock Holmes had, following a suspect). We went past Trafalgar Square under Napoleon's majestic gaze and onto Charring Cross and got down near Buckingham Palace.

...Buckingham Palace...
Buckingham Palace is the London home and office of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. It is a setting for state occasions and is a 'must see' place on any visitor's itinerary.
Originally known as Buckingham House when built in the early 1700s, the palace was acquired in 1762 by King George III. It was enlarged over the next 75 years by renowned architects of the day, John Nash and Edward Blare. In fact, at one time, Nash's 'Marble Arch' was the entrance to the palace. The arch was moved to its current home near Oxford Street in 1851 because Queen Victoria did not like it!
My son was very interested in the Queen's Gallery. The gallery exhibits works of art that are owned by the Queen "in trust for the nation". About 450 works are on display at any one time and in addition there are visiting exhibitions. The gallery which opened in 1962 is located at the west front of the palace, on the site of a chapel bombed during the Second World War.
Today, Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms. These include state rooms, royal and guest bedrooms, offices, staff bedrooms and bathrooms. There's even a swimming pool where Prince Charles learnt to swim. Even Her Majesty the Queen admits she has not visited every room!
A suite of twelve rooms on the first floor overlooking 'Green Park', is occupied by the Queen and Prince Philipk, further rooms are held for the Princess Royal, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.
The garden of Buckingham Palace includes a lake and is, at 42 acres, the largest private garden in London.
...and Westminster Abbey...

For Westminster Abbey, we got down at Victoria Street and walked towards the best known place of worship. Yes, Westminster… but interestingly it is not actually an abbey, cathedral or church. It is in fact a “Royal Peculiar” (as is neighboring St Margaret's Church) and is run by a Dean who is personally appointed by the Sovereign.
The Abbey not only contains the shrine of St. Edward the 'Confessor' but it's where nearly all our Kings and Queens are buried. In addition it has been the location for every Coronation since William the Conqueror in 1066 (except for Edward V, Lady Jane Grey and Edward VIII).
Established in the mid 11th century by King Edward the 'Confessor' who had his royal palace nearby on what was then called Thorny Island, the church became known as west minster (the Minster in the west) to distinguish it from St. Paul's Cathedral (the Minster in the east).
The Abbey has always embraced those who have excelled in their field be it religion, science, literature, music and politics. Here you will find Charles Dickens, Geoffrey Chaucer, Thomas Hardy, Thomas Newton, Charles Darwin, Henry Purcell, George Frederic Handel, Rudyard Kipling, Robert Browning, Dr. Samuel Johnson, Isaac Newton, Pitt The Elder, Pitt The Younger, David Livingstone, William Gladstone, Richard Brinsley, Sheridan, Dryden, Alfred Tennyson, Lord Palmerston, William Congreve, Thomas Macaulay and the ashes of Laurence Olivier.

...St. Paul's and the Tower...
We head for Big Bus stops 17 and 45 for an opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world, St. Paul's. Standing at 365 feet high in a commanding position at the top of Ludgate Hill, the cathedral has always held great affection in the hearts of Londoners. A cathedral dedicated to St. Paul has overlooked the City of London since 604 AD and it may surprise you to learn that the current cathedral is the fourth to occupy the site. It was designed by the great architect Sir Christopher Wren and took an extraordinary 35 years to build. It was eventually finished in 1710 in the reign of Queen Anne and it is her statue that dominates the main steps at the front of the cathedral. (Ticket £10 )
I noted that people were paying £16.60 to get into the Tower of London, while our London Pass waved us in free.
Built in 1080 AD by William the Conqueror and extended over the centuries, the Tower of London is one of the world's most famous castles and a symbol of London's medieval past.
The Tower's official tour is guided by a Beefeater who will detail the many myths and legends associated with the different towers of the castle. Hear tales of imprisonment, torture and treachery, the chilling story of the Princes in the Tower and the unfortunate fate of those taken to Traitor's Gate. Follow Anne Boleyn's footsteps as she was led to the executioner's block and visit the armory to see King Henry VIII's actual weaponry. Finally, be dazzled as you gaze upon the magnificent Crown Jewels.
The highlight of our London tour and the best thing about the bus card is the free river cruise pass. A Thames river cruise is without doubt one of the best ways to see London, weaving through the heart of the city and past so many of its most famous attractions. See and experience the sights and splendour of this great city from the relaxed comfort of a City Cruise's modern, all-weather boats with open upper decks and spacious lower saloons with panoramic windows Highlights along river Thames include the site of the Cutty Sark, London's commercial hub, Canary Wharf, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the retired battle-cruiser - HMS Belfast, St. Paul's Cathedral, Shakespeare's Globe and the Tate Modern. You get a close view of the Millennium Footbridge, controversially constructed for the turn of the new century; and of course Westminster Abbey and Big Ben, recognized worldwide as icons of London.

The best way to explore London is a London pass or the Big Bus ticket.

London's Best Open Top Sightseeing Tour

All major landmarks
Ticket valid for 48 hours*
Hop-on hop-off bus tour
Over 70 stops
2 tour routes
Live English commentary
Recorded commentary in 8 languages
3 walking tours
A cruise on the River Thames
Complimentary restaurant bonus card

Join the most innovative and entertaining open-top sightseeing bus tour in London, with live commentary. Big Bus tour buses also have a choice of digitally recorded commentaries in eight languages.
Also included in your ticket are some of London's finest guided walking tours and a superb Thames cruise, plus the Big Bus Bonus Card which offers a range of discounts at bars and restaurants.
*Until February 2009 tickets are valid for a fantastic 48 hours. It really is the complete London sightseeing experience.
The Big Bus Open Top Sightseeing Tour is the best way to discover London. Your ticket combines a day full of history, amazing facts and above all, lots of fun.