| Types of Vacations |
|
| Travel Info |
|
|
 |
| London, England |
|
Explore London by Day and Enjoy Entertainment at Night
London is a complex city, and there is so much to it you will never fully realize everything it has to offer on a short visit. Yet you can enjoy experiencing many facets of London life just by being in the city. Once you are in London, you are immersed in a city that is rich in historical attractions, modern and trendy, stately and grand yet charming and even cozy in certain ways. Opening yourself up to an appreciation of variety is one way to enjoy London.
London Hotels
Like most things in London, hotels range from the high-priced, luxurious and grand to the simple, quaint and affordable. If you take your time and research hotels carefully, you can find stylish and comfortable accommodations in London that don't cost a small fortune.
It is a good idea to check out guest reviews of hotels to get a good idea of what to expect in terms of facilities and amenities, especially with "budget" hotels. Of course, if you'd rather not invest the time in researching hotels, you can always opt for an American or European chain hotel, too.
If you are interested in luxury accommodations, try The Capital on Basil Street, in close proximity to Sloane Street and Hyde Park and within easy access of the West End. Rooms are furnished with art, antiques and fine linens, and you can enjoy access to the fitness and health spa. The Capital Restaurant boasts two Michelin stars and the bar is quite impressive.
A mid-range priced London hotel is the Fielding at Broad Court on Bow Street. This is a beautiful Victorian hotel conveniently located across from the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. Guests enjoy easy access to entertainment venues, shopping areas and attractions, and the atmosphere is comfortable and informal.
Eating and Drinking in London
Visitors in London can enjoy practically any type of cuisine they wish, but traditional English food is a treat worth exploring. Fresh, local foods are offered in many restaurants and taverns throughout London, and you can sample many types of English fare at London's pubs.
Fresh seafood is just one of the culinary delights you can enjoy in London, and there are many options for enjoying fish and chips throughout the city. You can purchase a serving of fish and chips at a pub or a restaurant to enjoy on site or take away. The Sea Shell of Lisson Grove is an excellent choice for fish and chips or any other seafood dishes you might be craving. The Sea Shell features both a restaurant and a take away menu.
Porters English Restaurant in Covent Garden is another excellent choice for home-cooked, fresh English food at reasonable prices. Enjoy traditional main dish English pies, steaks or puddings as well as other dishes and choose from a variety of appetizers, soups and desserts. The food is delicious and the service is superb.
London Attractions
Simply walking around London exploring markets, shops, pubs, parks and gardens is entertaining, but there are many attractions you probably won't want to miss during your stay. There are many interesting and unique museums to explore in London, such as the Pollock's Toy Museum, the Dennis Severs House, the Freud Museum and the somewhat eccentric Fan Museum.
Larger, more popular attractions in London include Buckingham Palace and the Royal Opera House. You can tour 19 of Buckingham Palace's State Rooms as well as the Royal Mews. You may be able to watch The Changing of the Guards, but you can also watch this ceremony at other palaces throughout London. At the Royal Opera House, you can tour the props rooms, see rehearsals and learn how opera productions are created today.
The London Dungeon is another popular tourist attraction. This is a waxwork museum located beneath London Bridge Station that takes a macabre approach to London's history. It focuses on such horrors as the Great Fire of London, the Plague and Jack the Ripper.
London's Exciting Nightlife
No matter how you spend your day, you'll want to rest up for an unforgettable night on the town in London. London's nightlife is notorious and if you love to party until dawn, you won't be disappointed.
One of the best things about London nightlife is the variety of ways there are to spend your night. Thanks to new licensing laws, you have plenty of options for late-night drinking establishments. There are traditional drinking pubs as well as newer, more modern establishments that feature organic ales and fine wines as well as delicious food.
If you feel like clubbing, there are so many options in London it isn't uncommon to forget the names of places you've been. The Fabric at the Charter House on Farrington Road is one of London's most popular clubs, and it's easy to get lost in its three-storied labyrinth design. If you like a spacious dance floor and a multicultural, down-to-earth crowd, try Plan B in Brixton.
Traveling around London
Fortunately, night buses are available to help you navigate your way through London's night scene once the Tube closes down. During the day, buses are an affordable and convenient way to access many tourist sights. For daytime travel, London's Underground or the Tube is probably the easiest way to get around. Fares are cheaper and you can avoid lines if you pick up an Oyster Card or a Travelcard for Tube travel. |
|
|
|
