Ok, as promised here is what I recommend that you see while in London. Thanks to the internet and a plethora of guidebooks I do not think that this is the most important part of the blog but I will include it anyway!
St Paul's Cathedral is obviously a tourist must, if you want to get in for free just go to the Sunday service. You can also climb to the top for a great view but it is dependent on weather as you cannot do it if there is too much wind. (Central Line, St. Paul's)
Tower Hill is usually on most people's lists but I think it is totally overrated. If you have a good tour guide you might find it amusing but it is honestly just a lot of brick. The main reason people go is because the crown jewels are kept inside. While they certainly are impressive you only get to see them up close very quickly. So no potential thieves can study the case long enough they actually put you on people movers so you just glide by the jewels. If you only plan on going to London once in your life, are dying to see them, have loads of money and loads of times then by all means put it on your list (it is historically important). However if you are on a tight budget or do not have a lot of time I would personally skip this one. (Circle and District Line, Tower Hill)
On the other hand if you are on a tight budget the art museums in London are fantastic, at the National Gallery you can see all sorts of famous paintings free of charge and the same goes for the National Portrait Gallery and the Tates (modern and britain). For these you only pay for the special exhibits so unless you are dying to see one just skip that part.
On a side note the Tate modern has amazing views and the architecture of the building is pretty cool too.
Parliament and Westminster are both on most lists of things to see as well. If you plan in advance (and get a special pass from the American Embassy) you can actually get tickets to see the Prime Minsters Questions in Parliament. Westminster is really expensive to get into but also really worth seeing so pinch some pennies and go for it. http://www.parliament.uk/visiting/attend/debates/
Also on most people's list is the changing of the guard. Please note that it is not held every day so check in advance (it is also near St James Park, Big Ben/ parliament, and Westminster so consider doing all of those together).
If you want a totally random museum the Brand Museum in Nottinghill is not half bad. It gives you the history of Britain through marketing and is really different from most museums you would see. If you are visiting a resident who has already been dragged to all the main sights multiple times (like I was) suggest this one!
If you are into walking or running I think it is the best way to see London. There are actually free walking tours (http://www.newlondon-tours.com/) which are really worth it (I have done the Munich one). Also just walking up along the river from Tower Bridge to the Tate and then across to St Pauls is a great walk (and lets you walk over the famous millennium bridge). It is also a really good way to avoid the rip offs that are the double decker tour buses. If you really want to be on a double decker bus just take a regular one for less than £2 and see where it takes you.
Most tourists have to go to Harrods (which I dread) but if you are insistent on going remember these two things. One- at least take the Egyptian escalators so you have done something that does not exist in other over priced department stores. Two- if you go to the very very bottom floor you can buy all these various 'Harrods brand' items and is probably the cheapest part of the store. Instead of Harrods I recommend Selfridges which is equally luxurious but not as crowded. Go to the amazing shoe hall or take tea here and you will feel instantly stylish. Alternatively take a walk up Sloane St for all the luxury stores.
Shoe Hall at Selfridges.
If you have a lot of time on your hands, head out to Greenwhich, it requires at least a half day so keep that in mind while planning. While most people go for the observatory Greenwhich is great for other reasons. Take the clipper boat out to take in the sights along the river to get there. It is a little more expensive than the tube or train but worth it (and drops you off right at the centre). There are a few pubs along the river that have great views and are worth a trip. Also unbeknownst to most there is a market with plenty of neat little gadgets as well. In the summer the grounds of the college and the observatory are worth a stroll.
Finally while it pains me to include this I must add the London Dungeon. It is possibly the biggest tourist trap in London but if you are in the right mind set it can be hilarious. If you get out at the London Bridge tube stop you cannot miss it (or its rip off across the street the London bridge experience, avoid this like the plague). It tells you the horrible scary history of London and includes a few rides as well (although I think the hanging is a bit too morbid). If you are really keen for something totally random to do, include this stop.
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