I prefer visiting museums in short bursts and taking in more of them. In May, I visited the Imperial War Museum to track down Agent 007 - or rather to see the exhibition on James Bond's creator, Ian Fleming. Admission to this special exhibition, which will run through March 1, is about $15, but viewing the giant guns, cannons, and other military displays is free.

Americans often miss the Victoria and Albert Museum. It boasts the world's largest collection of decorative and fine arts, including ceramics, furniture, architecture, photography, jewelry - even a Frank Lloyd Wright room. There's also a collection of fashion from the 17th century to the present.

One of the liveliest areas of London is the South Bank of the Thames, which has become an entertainment center, including Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, the London Eye (that big wheel), the National Theatre, the National Film Theatre, and the Tate Modern, plus lots of restaurants.

Walking is one of the greatest pleasures, though. Walk over the Millennium Bridge or the Waterloo Bridge, then along the promenade, with great views of St. Paul's Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben.