ORGANIZED TOURS IN LONDON
The classic London bus tour is on an open-top double-decker; in good weather, it’s undoubtedly the best way to get a good overview of the city. Tickets for the Big Bus Company, 48 Buckingham Palace Rd. are valid for 24hr. on three hop-on, hop-off routes, with lhr. walking tours and a short Thames cruise included. ( 7233 9533; www.bigbus.co.uk. Tube: Victoria. £16, children £6.) For a more in-depth account, you can’t beat a walking tour led by a knowledgeable guide. Original London Walks is the biggest walking-tour company, running 12-16 walks per day, from the “Beatles Magical Mystery Tour” to the nighttime “Jack the Ripper’s Haunts” and guided visits to larger museums. Most walks last 2hr. and start from Tube stations, (iff 7624 3978; www.walks.com. £5, students and seniors £4. Under-16 free.)
