First time in London? - Well read this won't you?!
Written: Aug 10 '01 (Updated Aug 10 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Lots to do - a great city
Cons: Can be expensive (very!)
The Bottom Line: Will always be a trip to remember
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| Juliejules's Full Review: London |
I get really excited when people I know from afar are visiting London because I can chat-on and suggest things for them to do.
I’m not actually ‘from’ London. I’m not a ‘real’ Londoner – just an honorary one who has probably spent too much time there. Still, because of this at least I can give some advice (and maybe it’s because I’m NOT a Londoner after all that I love London town).
I’m also a bit biased when it comes to the location of London itself. I’ve spent most of my time living and hanging-out in Southwest London including the nice (fun) parts of Surrey and Sussex. And subsequently I’m more of a South London person than North London fan, simply through circumstance, of course. Oh, how in England this North/South divide thing goes on!
Assuming you want to get a ‘real’ picture of London though I’ll base this epinion from there so at least you can get a few tips.
If you’re planning to fly into London from the U.S, do yourself a favor and take a British airline. No, I’m not trying to boost ‘our’ fumbling economy but most Americans/Canadians who do so appreciate the change. Virgin and British Airways are not bad value (especially Virgin) and the facilities, service and courtesy you get during your flight far outweigh American carriers in my opinion. Traveling into either London airport, Heathrow or Gatwick, you can make use of excellent public transport services into town by tube and bus respectively.
Regarding hotels – you choose. If I recommended a hotel at all I’d be either biased or lying. Friends always stay with me ‘chez Jules’ and before you ask, I’m fully booked. No, I really am – why can’t I go on holiday for a change?!
In terms of the all-important ‘things to do’ category, London is a fantastically diverse place. In the mind of the tourist or traveler it offers potentially the same kind of city break as New York does with a huge concentration of buildings, museums, monuments, parks, attractions, theater, shopping (but of course! – don’t you worry ladies it’s ALL there, bring your plastic and lots of it!) and general ‘cultural’ experience by just actually ‘being there’. In London there is generally ‘something’ for all tastes and a lot more besides and it’s easy (and cheap) to get around because of the excellent tube, train and bus network (don’t bother hiring a car – it’s not worth it – you’ll be more flexible and less frazzled without it – the M25 circular is NOT a nice thing at any time let alone rush hour).
Regarding sightseeing, London is actually really someplace with a plethora of historic monuments and places that world-wide travelers just gush over. This is obviously because they are actually famous the world over and so easily identifiable because of London's reputation as an 'empire' city. Get out your guide books here again (make your own choices) – but I personally recommend the staples. ‘Venues’ like Buck Palace, Tower Bridge, Tower of London (a good one this), Houses of Parliament, a good stroll by the South Bank of the Thames (which is truly an everyday secret wonder of the world that murky-London possesses – dark glamor folks!) and a nimble walk in the beautiful and splendidly regal Hyde Park (to name but a few) are worth the time and effort. Also catch a ride on the London Eye (a big and pretty glass-capsuled ‘big’ wheel) that you’ll pass on the South Bank with tremendous and breathtaking views over the whole city of London and beyond.
I suppose I have to mention eating out and I’m going to say something pretty revolutionary here (English people hold your horses!) – to get a lot of good food in London three times a day or on a ‘regular’ basis (roughly translated as when you’re walking round a lot, seeing loads of stuff and you’re HUNGRY) is like seeing an oasis in the Sahara, i.e. rare or nigh impossible. Sorry, it’s not that I’m controlling your tummy or anything but I’m just warning you! Be prepared to find little eateries that crop up or survive on your Marks and Spencer sandwiches during the daytime!
At night, the suppertime choice is uniquely yours but again, be careful! Much of London (still) likes the high-culture (snob) designer restaurant – yes they do (see I told you some people would be offended). From my humble opinion many of these highbrow restaurants, that could be described as flooding the place, are understandably expensive but do leave little satisfaction to the mental palate. The tip is to find your eating niche before you go and do some research on it. Ask around. Look at Time Out online (www.timeout.com). Ask me! But be prepared to eat either British stodge or lean cuisine at a price. Ethnic options are great – think Indian on Brick Lane, do any other cuisine apart from ‘English’. Either your wallet or your waist will be glad of that. (Right, I’ll have to do some restaurant reviews now – think quick!)
My last tip before I go and think of giving you some more wholesome and thorough food arrows in another review, is to advise you (for your own good) to see some other places even during a short trip. Oxford (the university town) and Brighton (the south coast seaside resort) are obvious choices to spend time and neither of these places is more than an hour away. Getting out of town allows you more glimpses into this strange and special thing called British culture. There is more to England and Britain than London - it’s just that it’s a jolly, jolly good place to go.
Enjoy your trip now!
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Jun - Aug
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Epinions.com ID:
Juliejules
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Member: Julie F-T
Location: London, UK
Reviews written: 32
Trusted by: 11 members
About Me:
A positive-thinking, quite-mad person who is honest to the very core!!!
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