There's nothing like a city break to revive your senses and experience new cultures, traditions and lifestyles. London is one of the greatest cities in the world and well worth a visit for the adventurous tourist who has never been before. Of course, before you set off into one of the most sprawling and diverse cities on the planet there are a few things you should know in order to get the most from your trip.
Firstly, remember that you're a tourist, the locals will race around at the speed of light and you may be tempted to get swept up into the speed they live life at but you're on holiday. Slow down, relax, and let the world rush by. There are a lot of tourist sights to visit in London and the by far the best way to get around the city is by using the underground. Equip yourself with a tube map and oyster card on arrival. You'll save yourself a lot of time and money by paying drastically reduced fares by using the card instead of buying individual travel tickets.
Of course there are some must-sees for those who have never been to the English capital before. A spin on the London Eye, a visit to St Paul's Cathedral or stopping to take in a show in the West End are all vital past times for visitors. Whatever you want to do on your break in London it is advisable to plan and if possible book in advance. There are a variety of combination tickets on offer for top attractions, which could save you money and mean you avoid lengthy queues.
If you want to see the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace make sure you know the times before you go and remember that a lot of things in London will be disrupted by the Olympics this summer. After a hectic day of sight seeing make sure you check into a centrally located hotel. There is a huge variety of cheap hotels in London which means you'll have more money to spend on your break.
If you fancy a spot of shopping there is markets, stalls and shops to suit all tastes and budgets. In Carnaby Street and Covent Garden you will find some of the most unique items you're ever likely to lay eyes on but if luxury stores are more your style a trip to Oxford Street might be more up your street. Be warned though, it can be busy and hectic, dedicated shoppers must be brave.
But if just taking in the city is more your scene there are two new attractions you may want to look at. The newest building in London, The Shard, is also the tallest with stunning views across the city. The View will be open to the public in February 2013 but advance tickets can be booked now.
A new cable car has also recently opened, riders can enjoy views of London's skyline from the Greenwich Peninsula to the Royal Docks for only 3.20 for a single trip, not bad for an attraction that cost 44 million to build.
Firstly, remember that you're a tourist, the locals will race around at the speed of light and you may be tempted to get swept up into the speed they live life at but you're on holiday. Slow down, relax, and let the world rush by. There are a lot of tourist sights to visit in London and the by far the best way to get around the city is by using the underground. Equip yourself with a tube map and oyster card on arrival. You'll save yourself a lot of time and money by paying drastically reduced fares by using the card instead of buying individual travel tickets.
Of course there are some must-sees for those who have never been to the English capital before. A spin on the London Eye, a visit to St Paul's Cathedral or stopping to take in a show in the West End are all vital past times for visitors. Whatever you want to do on your break in London it is advisable to plan and if possible book in advance. There are a variety of combination tickets on offer for top attractions, which could save you money and mean you avoid lengthy queues.
If you want to see the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace make sure you know the times before you go and remember that a lot of things in London will be disrupted by the Olympics this summer. After a hectic day of sight seeing make sure you check into a centrally located hotel. There is a huge variety of cheap hotels in London which means you'll have more money to spend on your break.
If you fancy a spot of shopping there is markets, stalls and shops to suit all tastes and budgets. In Carnaby Street and Covent Garden you will find some of the most unique items you're ever likely to lay eyes on but if luxury stores are more your style a trip to Oxford Street might be more up your street. Be warned though, it can be busy and hectic, dedicated shoppers must be brave.
But if just taking in the city is more your scene there are two new attractions you may want to look at. The newest building in London, The Shard, is also the tallest with stunning views across the city. The View will be open to the public in February 2013 but advance tickets can be booked now.
A new cable car has also recently opened, riders can enjoy views of London's skyline from the Greenwich Peninsula to the Royal Docks for only 3.20 for a single trip, not bad for an attraction that cost 44 million to build.
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