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Just got back from a week there. Heathrow (and I suppose Gatwick) in quite a turmoil but not too bad if you pack carefully. Try to travel light and have as little carry-on as possible. I checked everything except a paperback book that I stuffed in my pocket. Check with your airline to see what restrictions are in force and what has been eased up.
I always try to have dinner at 'Rules Restaurant', Maiden Lane near Covent Garden. Great game, roast beef, and wild salmon. Reduced price menu if order is placed before six PM. 'Simpson's in the Strand' is excellent for carved roast beef or lamb from a huge silver trolly, but it is rather pricy. For Dim Sum I like the 'New World' in China Town. The 'Standard' Indian Restaurant in Bayswater does good curry at reasonable prices. For Turkish food try the 'Sofra Aspava', several locations, I like the ones on St Christopher Place and Shepard's Market. The Old Bank of England Ale and Pie Shop on Fleet Street is a great pub that has good chow and is in the heart of Legal London about next to the Royal Courts of Justice (also good tour to see Barristers and Judges in Wigs, gowns, and bands).
Also take tour of the Inns of Court, all of which are right close by. For DaVinci Code fans, the chapel of the Inner Temple, one of the Inns of Court, is the Templar Church from that story. There are several good pubs in the immediate neighborhood. I am partial to 'The Jury Box' just out of the East Gate of the Inner Temple. (As must be obvious, I am a member of the Inner Temple).
For museums don't miss the British Museum, the V&A, Summerset House, the Tate, National Portrait Gallery, etc, etc.
The Brits are masters of ceremonial, if you don't see a Guard Mount at the Palace try to see a royal salute by the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery normally fired from Hyde Park. Full mounted charge, then unlimbering the guns and firing a 50 gun salute. Very impressive (and loud). Done on several occasions during the year, always announced in the Times.
I was impressed and touched by the obit the Times publishes every year on the anniversary of the Battle of Hastings marking the Norman Conquest of England in AD1066. The death notice obit reads "Harold, King of England, on the field of battle, in defence of the Realm".
For hotels, remember that London hotels are very expensive. A possible alternative near the British museum is The Russell, on Russell Square. Its a big old (1899) 300 room place thats in need of a bit of refurbishment but I am told that it is safe and the rooms are clean. Rates start at about L75.00 BPS ($140.00) + or -, which is rather cheaper than most large places.
I like the London Transport sponsored tour busses which give you a good overview of London so you can hit all the highspots and choose which ones appeal most to you to come back and check out in more detail.
Above all, get a good recent tour book like Fodor's or the Michelin Green Guide.
Have a great time and I hope you love London as much as I do.
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