BELGRAVIA. The traditional way to see all of London's top attractions, these open-topped buses offer interesting commentary and plenty of opportunity to jump off when you reach an attraction that interests you. You can complete the tour in less than two hours and get a city overview, or you can spend all day at stops such as Speaker's Corner, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and St. Paul's Cathedral. Reliable and informative. TUBE: Green Park (for stop #1, though tickets can be purchased at each of 30 stops)

THE CITY. A welcome player in London's recent glut of blood-and-gore tourist attractions, this walk is guided by a local actor who knows how to tell a gruesome story. Lasting about an hour and a half, the walk points out major sites related to tortures, executions, grave robbers, and serial killers. Despite the gore, there's a lot of unique historic information provided. If you have a penchant for the creepy, try this tour ­ which, of course, kids love. The walk starts from the Barbican underground station (on Aldersgate Street between Long Lane and Carthusian Street). Always call beforehand to check availabilty and times. TUBE: Barbican

BOREHAMWOOD. See London from a unique vantage point ­ high in the sky. This helicopter tour grants views of the historic Thames and London's dramatic skyline from a windowed seat in a helicopter and lets you take in more square miles than any land-bound tour. An ideal tour for the adventurer or flying enthusiast. TUBE: Elstree

PIMLICO. Evan Evans Tours was formed in 1933 and since then has become known as Britain's premier provider of luxury tours. Tours take place in plush, air-conditioned coaches and feature professional guides. The diverse array of options includes a full day London sightseeing trip, a hop on-hop off London sightseeing tour, luncheon cruise, a nightclub tour, and Bus Trip to Murder. Many of the tours also include evening entertainment and meals. TUBE: Victoria Station or one of 30 other stops.

BELGRAVIA. Golden Tours offer the broadest variety of tours and is sure to offer something in an available time frame that covers the sights and attractions you want to see. Day tours include Panoramic London, Millennium Dome tours, and Historic and Modern London, not to mention romantic river cruises and trips out of London to Windsor Castle, Stratford, and more. Multi-lingual guides are available. TUBE: Victoria Station and 30 additional stops.