If you like the history, the first recommendations have to be the British Museum and John Soanes' museum. The BM is completely stuffed with incredible pieces of history, and Soane's is a great way to spend a couple of hours.

(special bonus tip:) There's also a good day's worth of stuff up here in North London that I did with my parents when they came to visit and worked out really well:

• Start off by visiting Highgate Cemetery. It's an historic cemetery full of many famous burials and massively interesting sculpture set in gorgeous woodland. I've linked to the page that has tour information - it's well worth it.

• Head up the hill into Highgate itself and get yourself some lunch at one of the pubs up there. The Angel does a good roast & has a good selection of british ale and european weiss bier.

• Wander through Highgate (it's a lovely area full of interesting houses) to the north of Hampstead Heath. Walk off that big lunch.

• Have a gander round the Heath (great views over London, a lovely open green space), then head over to Kenwood House. That link's currently broken, but hopefully it'll work by the time you come to check it out. The House is a gorgeous old stately home full of art and old paintings of the area as it was at the time. It's a great way to spend a couple of hours, if you like that sort of thing.

• Wander back down through the Heath towards Hampstead to find yourself somewhere for dinner. There are a bunch of restaurants and pubs with good food around there, but my choice would be The Garden Gate.

• Finally (yes, all my favourite places are pubs), head back past the Heath to the east and find The Southampton Arms. It's my absolute favourite pub, and it's a great place to spend an evening.

As with all things, YMMV, but I had a great day doing all that stuff! Hope you have a great trip, man.