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Going to London; What to do?
- Thread starter JzeroT1437
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Nexus Zero
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JzeroT1437 said:
If nothing else it is similar in attitude... just a little more cynicism. If you want to book train tickets I'd do it asap - they get more expensive closer to the date of travel. Go off-peak and choose some 'supersaver return' or whatever from thetrainline.com
I used to work near St Thomas' hospital, often pass S.bank and i have neever gone on the Lonon eye, the queues are insane. London IMO seems tgo be a lot like NY. Very busy, large global city however i have never been to NY i am just basing this on what you see on TV. I would recommend starting the day off around Covent garden see the shops and street performers, go to Leicester square, possibly see the stars at a premier go to Trocadero, then go to Goodge street station and see the arcade, go to Tottenham Court road and see the British museum take a tube to Knightsbridge and see Harrod's then go to the science museum, Imperial war museum. Then you can go to Waterloo and see the London eye and then take a tour bus to see and learn about the city i call home. London is one of those cities you can get lost in and find yourself near a toursit landmark. With it's great nightlife, beautiful women, extensive culture, it manages to strike the perfect balance of dripping with history yet still blessed with cutting-edge modern architecture.
Oh and when's the meetup?
Oh and when's the meetup?
JzeroT1437 said:
Like...It's really cool to see - a little bit of the Raj in the middle of a bustling city, but...dont be expecting to be there all day.
An hour or two is enough.
Outside of that, Brighton is pretty great. Lots of really cool shops/bars/restaurants in the lanes (a bunch of connected tiny streets in the middle of Brighton that start at the beach, and head into town) and a really good clubbing scene.
Lots of good looking girls (and guys, if you're into that) also.
Johnlenham
Member
Yeah was going to suggest that.J Tourettes said:
Natural history meuseum is a favourite of mine
My gf likes the Tate/Tate Britain.
As other have said:
Harrods/Oxford Street
Camden
China Town is quite good (food is lush and cheap)
Covent Garden (Weekends all the nutty street performers are out) I still rememeber it clear as day the first time I was there and a homeless guy was playing a street cone like a trumpet (and was pretty good!)
All the other touristy junk like the London Dungeons/ Big ben& houses of parliment and such.
JzeroT1437
Member
Think I pretty much have London figured out--now I'm trying to decide if I want to do a London/Paris itinerary or a London/Bath/York/Salisbury itinerary. Thoughts?
MrPing1000
Member
Pretend you're Canadian.
JzeroT1437
Member
I'm having difficulties understanding the British Rail System. From what I can tell, Eurostar doesn't offer lines past London. Instead, tourists have to use the British Rail System--Britrail. When I go to Britrail.com and schedule a trip from London to Bath for the day of, the cost is an outrageous 97 dollars! Is this accurate? I remember traveling between the cities of Italy for about 25-60 Euro each on Eurostar, and those were LONG trips. Is there some element that I'm missing out on or is the British Rail System just really expensive? Is there a cheaper way to get around Britain from london?
J Tourettes
Banned
JzeroT1437 said:
Welcome to the British Rail system :lol Have you tried using thetrainline.com instead?
J Tourettes
Banned
On thetrainline.com you can get return journey from London to Bath for £31.50.
Obviously you'll have to visit the museums like British museum, science museum, V&A museum but also head towards Notting Hill and visit Portobello Market, it's very international and crowded but it has a great feel to it. Another nice modern place to go have a walk is by Embakment, you cross the modern bridges over the thames and you have a great selection of restaurants overlooking the river. China Town, near leicester square, is a must. You can taste the best chinese food there (I recommend pekin duck) in the weirdest ambience! then the typical places are Leicester square, Oxford street, Carnaby street & Knightsbridge(Harrods, Harvey Nicols, Hyde park, Museums).
When more stuff comes up I'll keep you updated!
When more stuff comes up I'll keep you updated!
Completely forgot, behind the Natural History museum you have South Kensington and I use to go to the french school there. It's quite a french area and there is a great french brasserie on Bute street if I'm not wrong. And there's a cool little lebanese restaurant (I'm lebanese so I can assure u it's good quality and good price) called Beirut Express on Harrington road opposite the french school.
Then I know they've opened this Big shopping mall not long ago called Westfield. I haven't been but apparently it's BIG. So if you want to buy stuff try it.
Then I know they've opened this Big shopping mall not long ago called Westfield. I haven't been but apparently it's BIG. So if you want to buy stuff try it.
JzeroT1437
Member
Razorback PT said:
How is Ryanair? I've heard pretty awful things about them.
I'm staying within Zone 2 at all times so walking/underground access shouldn't be a problem. I'm more concerned about getting around the other parts of England now. So far I'd like to visit Bath for 1/2 day, Stratford Upon Avon for 1/2 day and York for 1-2 days.
You can't rely on Ryanair. I know friends who have been delayed more than 14 hours and weren't even able to go back home because ryanair staff didn't know at what time they would be able to board the plane. And then I know that another group of friends who had their luggage lost on their way to Paris! So it's risky it but obviously the thing is you pay nothing to travel anywhere to europe!
JzeroT1437 said:
Yeah. The rail system in this country is a real problem, decades of government underinvestment and shitty operators have left us with extortionately expensive fares. Our european buddies are much better at this, its just what you have to deal with here. You can take coaches to most places, which is cheaper, but that is quite unpleasant.
You get what you pay for with Ryanair, don't expect anything other than bare minimum, low quality, service, but you get there and it's cheap.
Razorback
Member
JzeroT1437 said:
Raynair is only crazy cheap if you book way in advance. Other than that it's pretty normal, they have a plane, you get on it, and it takes you places. They'll try to sell you stuff midflight. Ignore it, don't buy anything to eat or drink either. Most expensive can of pepsi I drank in my life.
If you're looking to travel around the UK and the train is working out too expensive, check out National Express coaches, or if you really don't mind no-frills, MegaBus. Won't be as quick as a train and MegaBus won't be comfortable, but if you don't mind an early start/losing a few hours stuck on the road, it could work out cheaper. It's also worth bearing in mind that with TheTrainLine.com, single (one-way) can work out cheaper than a return.
Things to do - people have already mentioned the museums, so I won't go there. Have a look for events that are only running for a certain period of time, sometimes there can be one-off events/festivals etc. that you won't see at other times. Similarly, check out the Time Out London site (or pick up a copy when you get here) to see if there's anything on you fancy taking in whilst you're here. There are also free newspapers in the morning at Tube stations and in the evening handed out by stations that might be useful to see if there's anything on.
My gf and I use http://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/ Gives a good idea of the main attractions in London, and provides 2 for 1 deals if you're going with someone else.
I quite enjoy a walk along the south bank, and it gives you a good excuse to visit the Tate Modern. If you get off as St Pauls, go over the Millenium bridge (don't forget to look back at St Pauls!) and walk towards the Modern, it's not a long walk. Continue on further down past the Tate Modern, there are some nice bars and the National Theatres. I quite like the view from the bridges at night (weather permitting!), so if it's dark, take a stroll over one of the bridges round that way (I think Embankment bridge is a good one...)
Having said all that... I prefer crossing the Millenium Bridge towards St Pauls rather than away from it, I think that's a better view. I usually cross Embankment bridge in the other direction as well.
Still, have fun!
Things to do - people have already mentioned the museums, so I won't go there. Have a look for events that are only running for a certain period of time, sometimes there can be one-off events/festivals etc. that you won't see at other times. Similarly, check out the Time Out London site (or pick up a copy when you get here) to see if there's anything on you fancy taking in whilst you're here. There are also free newspapers in the morning at Tube stations and in the evening handed out by stations that might be useful to see if there's anything on.
My gf and I use http://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/ Gives a good idea of the main attractions in London, and provides 2 for 1 deals if you're going with someone else.
I quite enjoy a walk along the south bank, and it gives you a good excuse to visit the Tate Modern. If you get off as St Pauls, go over the Millenium bridge (don't forget to look back at St Pauls!) and walk towards the Modern, it's not a long walk. Continue on further down past the Tate Modern, there are some nice bars and the National Theatres. I quite like the view from the bridges at night (weather permitting!), so if it's dark, take a stroll over one of the bridges round that way (I think Embankment bridge is a good one...)
Having said all that... I prefer crossing the Millenium Bridge towards St Pauls rather than away from it, I think that's a better view. I usually cross Embankment bridge in the other direction as well.
Still, have fun!
I'd try and stretch to full days for Bath and Stratford. I take it you're planning to go to Bath, then on to Stratford Upon Avon, then on to York? Sorry, not read the full thread...
D
Deleted member 1235
Unconfirmed Member
Parts said:
it's a good view. 25 pounds or some shit though :lol
I remember going to london, flew to one of the 'cheap' airports and by the time we got the train to town, go a coffee and a bagel and coffee and a ride on the london eye I was already about 60 euro down :lol
London is fucking expensive.
Jamesearlcash
Member
Museums are decent, i was pretty underwelmed with london tbh.
Scythian Empire
Member
If you want to go clubbing then go to Fabric.
A few things I haven't seen mentioned yet are The British Library and Brick Lane. The room in the BL with ancient documents blew me away when I went and for Indian and Bengali food Brick Lane is a great choice (also you can haggle with the guys outside of the restaurants there and get free drinks)
I lived right near the British Museum so some good pubs in the area would be The Crown in Soho and The Princess Louise.
Also go on the south bank and check out borough market. You can get an ostrich burger and its delicious. I tried a venison burger as well, also great.
As far as the rest of England, Bath is really nice and the history is certainly rich but if you can take a trip to Tintagel the coastal views are really incredible. Also Newquay has really good surfing and the coastline is really great, too.
I lived right near the British Museum so some good pubs in the area would be The Crown in Soho and The Princess Louise.
Also go on the south bank and check out borough market. You can get an ostrich burger and its delicious. I tried a venison burger as well, also great.
As far as the rest of England, Bath is really nice and the history is certainly rich but if you can take a trip to Tintagel the coastal views are really incredible. Also Newquay has really good surfing and the coastline is really great, too.
JzeroT1437
Member
Okay--the trains aren't THAT expensive (though they're still pretty ridiculous)--how difficult is it to find your way around London on foot? Like I said, will be staying in Zone 2 most of the time, so I'm close to the center. The more I look at the street map, though, the more intimidated I get.
I live a little bit outside London and whenever I've gone their for the day I've found the best way to get around is to buy a 1-day travel ticket as it gives you unlimited use of the buses and the underground.
You could easily spend the day in one area and never need to use a bus/underground, but if you did want to go further out to some places then a 1-day travel pass is much better value than taxis.
As long as you plan your days then you shouldn't get too lost as there's lots of landmarks wherever you go and the underground is easy enough to figure out.
You could easily spend the day in one area and never need to use a bus/underground, but if you did want to go further out to some places then a 1-day travel pass is much better value than taxis.
As long as you plan your days then you shouldn't get too lost as there's lots of landmarks wherever you go and the underground is easy enough to figure out.
Stay away from the food. It is absolutely disgusting.
I liked Madamme' Tussauds or whatever. Also, visit the cathedrals, Big Ben, etc.
Shop shop shop!
Don't drive. The drivers are lunatics.
If you're into clubbing, there is LOTS of that. I'm not though.
I've been to London three times though, and I got pretty bored of it fairly quickly, so I'm not that great with tourist advice.
EDIT: oh yeah and the place is ridiculously expensive. Like Tokyo. You will be so poor when you get out of there.
And having birds shit on you in Trafalgar Square is always a good laugh.
I liked Madamme' Tussauds or whatever. Also, visit the cathedrals, Big Ben, etc.
Shop shop shop!
Don't drive. The drivers are lunatics.
they even drive on the wrong side of the road
If you're into clubbing, there is LOTS of that. I'm not though.
I've been to London three times though, and I got pretty bored of it fairly quickly, so I'm not that great with tourist advice.
EDIT: oh yeah and the place is ridiculously expensive. Like Tokyo. You will be so poor when you get out of there.
And having birds shit on you in Trafalgar Square is always a good laugh.
PumpkinPie
Banned
Don't get into a fight, you will be stabbed.
J Tourettes
Banned
JzeroT1437 said:
Whereabouts in Zone 2? As a general rule of thumb in zone 1, it's generally quicker to walk if it's only 1 or 2 stops (and a lot more interesting). Anything further and a tube is probably advisable
Shin Kojima
Banned
Go to Beltbusters every morning for awesome breakfasts involving beans and chips and such.
- Check out Pasaje del Terror near Piccadilly Circus (http://www.pasajedelterror.co.uk/)
- The Tower is great, take a funny Beefeater tour.
- Visit the Tower Bridge.
- Go shopping @ Harrods.
- Take a look at the Changing of the Guards @ Buckingham Palace.
- Visit the Westminster Abbey. Not that cheap, but great.
- Great places to hang out: Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, Hyde Park, Victoria Station
Make sure that your shoes are good, you'll walk a lot!
Rktk
Member
Have an Indian meal on Brick Lane. Pick a restaurant that's busy rather than one where they have people on the door trying to get you in.
Get yourself an Oyster Card to keep the cost of public transport as low as you can, it might be worth getting a week travel card.
Do some shopping in Oxford St.
If you like clubbing then there's Fabric, Ministry of Sound, Egg, Kokos...
A good site is http://www.timeout.com/london/ for knowing what's on when you're there. There's an unbelievable amount of live music and events that don't take place every day.
Get yourself an Oyster Card to keep the cost of public transport as low as you can, it might be worth getting a week travel card.
Do some shopping in Oxford St.
If you like clubbing then there's Fabric, Ministry of Sound, Egg, Kokos...
A good site is http://www.timeout.com/london/ for knowing what's on when you're there. There's an unbelievable amount of live music and events that don't take place every day.
Nex Superne
Member
If you like offal and organ meats, St. John or St. John Bread and Wine are must visits. They're among the best and most distinctive restaurants in London (and the world).
St. John
http://www.stjohnrestaurant.com/home/
St. John Bread and Wine
http://www.stjohnbreadandwine.com/home/
Anthony Bourdain with chef Fergus Henderson @ St. John Bread and Wine
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5gGYCjr2pA#t=2m20s
St. John
http://www.stjohnrestaurant.com/home/
St. John Bread and Wine
http://www.stjohnbreadandwine.com/home/
Anthony Bourdain with chef Fergus Henderson @ St. John Bread and Wine
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5gGYCjr2pA#t=2m20s
Dogenzaka said:
That's so not true. Tons of amazing restaurants in London. Plus if you're a vegetarian it's like heaven. London has been named the most vegetarian-friendly city in the world and I agree (of course you've gotta know where to go!).
Even if you aren't vegetarian, there are tons of good restaurants, just look them up online on Yelp or whatever.
I haven't seen anyone talk about Old Street/Shoreditch. It's hipster central and if you're not put off by it, there are tons of really good places there to go out at night. I guess it's kinda like Williamsburg in NY, very Brooklyn-ish anyway. There's a place for brunch in the morning called the Breakfast Club that is kinda cool. If you wanna chill it's definitely a good place (there's one in Angel and Soho as well but I've not been to any of those). Lots of people though, so if you go in the weekend be ready to queue a bit or arrive before 11am.
If you can, make sure to get a proper English tea, with scones, finger sandwiches and shit. They are usually expensive but it's worth it.
Fabric and Ministry of Sound are shit. No offense to people who like it but I've had terrible evenings in both of those places.
I dunno it Shunt is opened or not these days but it might be worth checking it out. I also like Koko but it's a pretty young crowd and I felt old last time I went (and I'm 24 :3).
If it's sunny, you should check out Richmond. It's far in zone 5 (6?) but it's really pretty and you can walk along the river, shop and why not even swing by Kew Gardens like someone suggested.
Greenwich is a good idea too, especially since you'll have a nice view of Canary Wharf and the London skyline up on that hill.
There's also a roller disco night at the Renaissance Rooms in Vauxhall, supposed to be fun so why not try that if you're into roller skating and shaking your booty.
I'm guessing you're straight so I won't list you some of the cool gay places I know but Soho can be fun at night even without being gay.
There also is a all you can eat sushi place there if you want. Food is not that good but if you wanna get filled up with ok sushis it's called Hi Sushi.
What else... well since you like theatre and shit, make sure to go see a play. I won't advise you because I don't know shit about it but it's worth it. Musicals are legion too, but I guess you have Broadway back home so maybe that's not interesting for you.
When you are near Picadilly Circus, be sure to go down Picadilly (the street), there is a department store called Fortnum and Mason that's worth seeing. Plus they sell good (expensive) tea if you want to bring some back. Buckingham Palace is in the vicinity as well, I think it's worth seeing at least once.
I haven't been out of London that much (which is a shame since I've been in the UK for 2years and a half now) but I remember Bath and York as being cute and worth a day trip.
As for Paris, the train makes it really easy to go for a couple of days. You take the train in the centre of London and get to the centre or Paris so you won't have to transit from the airport. Plus if you do it during the week you should be able to get return tickets for £50. Might be a good idea!
JzeroT1437
Member
J Tourettes said:
I'm actually staying in three hotels to reduce costs (sounds weird but it worked). One's across from Kensington Gardens, one's at Canary Wharf, and the other one's in Bloomsbury near the British Museum and Camden.
I've got about 500 pound to waste while I'm there--and from the looks of it, that'll be easy.
Johnlenham
Member
WHAT!Dogenzaka said:
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