Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / United Kingdom / England / London
 |  | Destination Guide : London |
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| | | London renaissance |  | Why go on holiday to London?
The largest city in Europe, it's undergoing a renaissance with an upsurge in exciting new bars, galleries and buildings. Here you'll find everything from 2,000 years of history to the latest in street culture.
It's a place to stimulate the mind and the senses but it's also one of the most expensive cities in the world.
How much does it cost?
Accommodation in London can be expensive for the quality of hotel room you'll get. Expect to pay anything from £45 per person per night. It's best to book before you arrive in London as demand can outstrip supply. On a break the best place to stay for value and accessibility is in the Bloomsbury/Russell Square area.
How do I get there?
By train: London has eight major railway stations, all of which are central. Charing Cross, Victoria, Liverpool St, King's Cross, Waterloo, Paddington, Euston and Marylebone all have Underground and bus links nearby.
The nearest to the West End are Victoria and Waterloo, although King's Cross and Euston are at the northern side of that area. Marylebone and Paddington are in the west of the city, Liverpool St to the east.
By coach: most coaches arrive at Victoria Coach Station, about 10 minutes' walk from the Victoria railway/Underground station where you can connect with Circle, District and Victoria tube lines, as well as with local transport buses.
By air: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and London City airports all serve London. From Heathrow catch the Piccadilly line, the Airbus or the new Heathrow Express train into central London. From Gatwick get the rail link to Victoria station.
From Stansted you can get a train to Liverpool St Station, which has various transport links. From London City Airport take the shuttle bus to Liverpool St or Canary Wharf.
By car: the M1, M20, M23, M26, M3, M4, M40 and M11 all connect to the M25 circular around London.
When should I go?
July to September is packed with tourists. More than 20 million people visit London every year. The best times to go are April to June and January/February when some hotel prices may be cheaper, and queues for attractions are generally shorter.
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| | | Buses, boats and walking |  | What should I do when I'm there?
The best way to see the sights, such as Buckingham Palace, St Paul's, the Tower of London and the Houses of Parliament is on a sightseeing bus. You can get on one at Piccadilly Circus and many other stops. For a bird's eye view of the city, take a trip on the London Eye. On a good day you can see as far as Windsor Castle, 25 miles away, as well as London favourites like the Houses of Parliament and Tower Bridge.
Away from the hustle and bustle there are lots of parks to enjoy such as Hyde Park and Regent's Park. For a quirky day out try Camden or Notting Hill markets at the weekend. London has the greatest variety of theatre in the world, so catch a show.
For museums and galleries, visit Tate Britain, the Tate Modern, the National Gallery or the Victoria and Albert, or the grandaddy of them all, the British Museum.
Can I see London on foot?
Both the centre and the City of London can easily be explored on foot. There are many organised walks, including London Walks (tel 020 7624 3978).
There are also theme walks such as Sherlock Holmes and Jack the Ripper Tours. Check with the London Tourist Board.
Can you take boat trips along the Thames?
If walking doesn't seem a good idea, catch a boat from Westminster Pier down river to Greenwich (return fare £7.50). You'll pass Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, Tower Bridge and the Millennium Dome - and many more major landmarks.
There's also a good craft market at Greenwich at the weekends.
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| | | Cool Britannia | | Where's good for nightlife?
Some of the best nightclubs, theatre, dance and music are here, so your best bet is to buy Time Out which comes out every Wednesday. The biggest problem is transport - the last Tube is currently at 12.30am.
For a night out at the theatre go to the Leicester Square theatre ticket booth for half-price tickets.
What's the food like?
London is the culinary capital of the UK and virtually every national cuisine and cooking style is on offer. Best places to go include Soho, Camden Town and Notting Hill. To people-watch, hang out with a coffee in Old Compton Street, in Soho, which is popular with the gay crowd.
What should I buy?
If you've got money to burn then try Knightsbridge and visit Harvey Nichols and Harrods. For the latest in street fashion visit Neal Street in Covent Garden. For high street fashion try Oxford and Regent Streets - though the crowds can be off-putting.
What is there for children to do?
They can get close up to animal life at Battersea Park Children's Zoo, London Zoo, and the London Aquarium. Among London's many museums the Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood and Pollock's Toy Museum are highly entertaining.
The Natural History Museum (particularly the earthquake exhibit and the dinosaur galleries), and the Science Museum ("Gardens" and "Things" galleries) should prove popular with kids.
Quirkier attractions which older children in particular will enjoy include the waxworks at Madame Tussaud's, the Planetarium, HMS Belfast, the Cutty Sark, the Tower of London, and the Brass Rubbing Centre at St Martin-in-the-Fields.
Tourist office
Tourist Information Service, 12 Regent St, London W1. Tel 020 7370 7744 or the 24-hour helpline on 0905 123 5000.
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| | Available rental properties in London |
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