Book stores are filled with London guidebooks. But you only need one or two good ones. If you plan to travel with your guide, size is as important a factor as the wisdom contained within. So select the smallest book that suits your needs. I recommend these three, shown in size order, from smallest to largest, to guide you around London and ensure you don't miss any important sights.
1. Eyewitness Top 10 London
I appreciate a) concision, b) clear organization, and c) color images in a travel guidebook. On all counts, this pocket-size London guide rocks. Whether you're looking for must-see museums, restaurants, architectural monuments, or hotels, it's here. The back of the book is color-coded to inform readers of the top 10 best things in each of London's different areas. This is the one to pack.
2. Access London
Also well organized, this taller-and-wider (but not much thicker) London travel guide book provides historical tidbits and other asides to help give the reader a context for what she's visiting. Plus its London area maps are among the few that don't require a magnifying glass to read.3. Rick Steves' London 2008
One of the most user-friendly London travel guidebooks and exceptionally helpful for first-time visitors, Rick Steves' London doesn't merely tell readers what to see in London. He helps them navigate the city, explains British currency, suggests walking routes, and features good maps. His hotel choices will disappoint readers favoring posh surroundings but will appeal to those on a budget.