Big Ben/Westminster
Big Ben's clock tower is probably London's most famous landmark, so I guess that makes it a must-see. What most folks don't realize is that they're not seeing Big Ben, they're hearing it. It's the moniker that was given to the large bell inside the clock tower. The exterior is just fancy makeup. While you stand below the tower as the bell is ringing, be sure to ask someone for the time.

Westminster Abbey is right nearby, so don't forget to take a peek. Contrary to popular belief, this is not where they hold the Westminster Dog Show (we checked). This grand old building features a once grand exterior, complete with flying buttresses. Don't forget to visit the nearby courtyard, with several statues of famous historical figures, including Abraham Lincoln of all people. The statue of Churchill is rumored to be electrically charged, in order to frighten the pigeons away and keep it guano-free.

British Museum
Could the British Museum be overrated? Only if you're not interested in Ancient Egyptian/Assyrian/Greek sculpture. As much of an appreciation as I have for historical art and architecture, I admit that this wasn't my cup o' tea. However, it is certainly still worth a visit. Least of all because it's free.

The museum itself may be one of the more unique sites in London. The giant atrium is enveloped by a new glass dome ceiling, which creates an interesting blend of modern and ancient motifs. If you really want a taste of history, you can walk through the central reading room and say you were in the same place Karl Marx once studied. There's at least one more thing you need to see here: the Rosetta Stone. The Rosetta Stone is one of the most important surviving historical artifacts in the world. Inscribed with three different languages, it was the key that helped historians unlock the secrets of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. Granted, once you see it up close, you're not overwhelmed, but it's still the most interesting rock in this joint.

The other famous display in the museum features the Elgin Marbles. No, these aren't tiny little rocks... they're actually big ol' rocks. They're famous because they came directly from the Parthenon in Greece (if you don't know what that is, you may as well give up now). The Marbles were stolen from Greece, and they now take up far too much space in the British Museum. There's naturally mounds of controversy surrounding the return, or lack thereof, of these rocks. While you ponder this issue, you can pull a U-ey and leave the museum.

Hard Rock Café
Yeah, so you've been to plenty of 'em, but c'mon... this is the first one ever built! If that's not enough reason for you, then consider the fact that you'll eat lousy, unhealthy food at some point during your U.K. stay, so it might as well be here.

We had to wait a while outside, because this place is tiny. We were entertained by a Norwegian lad who was performing card tricks for the people in line. Unfortunately, he was a tourist, so don't think you'll get the same treatment. An employee did offer us some free coffee though... regardless, go during something other than lunch hour. Okay, so it's really not much to speak of, unless you've never been to a Hard Rock (or any themed restaurant) before, or you just can't wait to hear the entire staff sing along to Madonna. If you do go, make sure to wear Manchester United paraphernalia.

London Eye
This giant ferris wheel was built as part of the Millennium celebration. It doesn't sound exciting, but this thing is huge, and offers possibly the best view of the city.

Seeing how it's so big, it takes 30 minutes for a full revolution. You're stuck inside a gondola-like (think Alps, not Venice) car, so at least you're not exposed to the elements.

This is a surprisingly popular attraction. We showed up and it was booked four days in advance, during the non-touristy season. Consider booking in advance, or if you're in town for a week, hit it up early so that you can get tickets for a visit later in the week. The London Eye will be taken down in 2005 and reassembled in a different location.

National Gallery
This was my favorite attraction in London, but I'm an art freak, so that shouldn't be too surprising. The National Gallery London is one of the top art museums in the world, and my trumped my experiences in D.C., Paris, Florence and Rome.

You can find all sorts of great works here, some you may even recognize. Spanning from Gothic to Renaissance to Baroque, and on to several Impressionist works, the Gallery features a who's who from the art world.

Be sure to check out the reflection in Jan van Eyck's wedding portrait. Leonardo's "Madonna of the Rocks" is one of his more famous works, and a prime example of the revolutionary composition featured in some religious Renaissance paintings. Be sure to see the works of Vermeer and Caravaggio, two artists who mastered the use of light in their own special way. The latter's use of stark shadows and incredible realism is on display in his masterpiece "The Supper at Emmaus."

The most striking work which I was not originally familiar with was Delaroche's "Execution of Lady Jane Grey." This massive painting helps you visualize the final moments of England's young queen, as she gropes blindly for the block while exclaiming that she doesn't know what she's supposed to do.

The girl's story can be heard on the yeoman's (Beefeater) tour at the Tower of London, and knowing the history of the event beforehand will make the painting even more significant.

Admission is free, though there are always suggested donations. The Gallery can be found in Trafalgar Square, with the lesser Portrait Gallery next door.

Piccadilly!
Ah, Piccadilly. It's really nothing more than Times Square, with a Starbucks or Claire's Accessories every ten feet. Oh, and you will find the theatres nearby. Avoid the umpteen steak houses though. I just like saying the word "Piccadilly."

The Tower of London
One of London's more expensive tourist attractions, and it's actually worth the 11 quid. The Beefeater tour is an absolute must, especially if you get the character we had leading us. He loved to emphasize "beheaded" and "executed," and you hear about that quite a bit. The tour doesn't cost any extra, though your guide will gladly take tips at the end.

See the nasty ol' ravens, and wander on your own through the complex. The Crown jewels are also housed here, though it's not all that exciting, as you get whisked by them on a conveyor belt. Across the water... no, that's not the London Bridge, that's the Tower Bridge (duh).