A list of what I want to do in London...please help me fit it all in! :)

[Febs]

Hi all,

(Posted this on another non-travel forum, but figured I'd get a better response here.)

Despite spending about 3 months overseas each year (mostly in the US)...I've never actually been to London, apart from one transit through LHR. I decided it was about time I actually saw what all the fuss was about, and have 3 nights coming up in August.

I've done my research, and what I'd love some help with is suggesting a bit of a schedule/order for the things I'd like to do. I'm not exactly sure where everything is in relation to everything else, and while Google Maps is a good start, I'd appreciate any advice from anyone who's been before.

Plans are to land at around 4pm on Sat 9th August and leave ~4pm on Tues 12th August. I'm staying at the Hilton London Tower Bridge (next to Tower Bridge) and plan on using the tube and whatever other public transport is recommended.

The things I'd like to squeeze in are:

Definite:
- London Eye (booked for Monday 10am)
- King Tut exhibition (booked for Monday midday, with a river cruise from London Eye)
- Buckingham Palace (thinking of doing this after I get back from the King Tut exhibit on Monday)
- Big Ben
- Harrods
- Downing St
- British Museum
- Westminster Abbey
- Visit a Paul Smith shop
- Visit a Zara (love Zara )

Maybe's:
- British Library
- Do a "Monopoly" photo tour
- Saville Row (is this worth doing, just for a look? I don't plan on getting a bespoke suit made up.)
- London Docklands

Google Maps seems to indicate a lot of what I want to do is around Buckingham Palace...about 4mi from my hotel. Would it be worth changing hotels, or would the trip on the tube (say, London Bridge station to Leicester Square station) be reasonably quick? I can switch to any Hilton (as I've booked with points and they all pretty much cost the same), but I've been told the Tower Bridge one is a great hotel/location.

So, given that Monday morning/early arvo is taken up, and I'll be arriving on Saturday arvo...any suggestions for how to fit the above into Sat arvo and Sunday? I'd also like to meet up with a few mates...though will probably fit that around lunch and night-time.

A mate is going to sort out what to do at night (he's been to London before so doesn't need to do the tourist stuff), but if anyone has any recommendations for decent bars that you "have to" check out, I'm all ears. For what it's worth, my type of place is Ivy, Argyle, Horizon Bar - nice, classy, chilled out bars. Though I wouldn't mind checking out a club one night too.

Would really appreciate any advice! Also feel free to tell me that I'm wasting my time with any of the above sights too.

Thanks in advance!

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[serfty]

The Tower of London's good for several hours ...

Buckingham palace? Changing of the guards take place @ 11:30am daily; the area get very busy.

 

[Warks]

3 days? You could spend 3 months there just seeing tourist attractions! Good luck!

I'd spend all 3 days in the British Museum. Fantastic!
Still what you've got is ambitious but on the right track. Go for quality over quantity this time and bookmark places for a return trip is my advice.

 

[Happy Dude]

Hi Febs,

I'd recommend for any first time visitor to London to get on one of those JO-JO double-decker tourist buses. They cover all the major sights.

Dunno about clubs/bars, but a beer at a Thames-side pub in Hammersmith is superb.

For your Sunday, if good weather, I'd recommend Hyde Park.

Enjoy....

 

[bambbbam2]

I hear the Victoria & Albert museum is fantastic.. incredibly for London, it's also free.

Maybe someone who has been there can give more info?

 

[tuapekastar]

I know your schedule is full, but there are 3 great museums pretty much next to each other...the Science Museum, Natural History Museum and Victoria & Albert Museum. Can't recall the tube station (Sth Kensington?). I haven't actually visited V&A (I'm assuming it's great based on what I've read/heard), but have been to the other two more than once and would go again.

And if you like and are interested in wine there used to be a place not far from your digs called Vinopolis...well worth a visit (but only if you have an interest)

Whatever happens, there'll still be plenty of things left to see on your next trip to London!

 

[flyer4703]

You can do Zara and Harrods by taking the tube to Knightsbridge, there is a large Zara store right next door to Harrods.
Try some Galler chocolate from Harrods food hall it's the best you will ever eat.

If you don't want to take up your sightseeing time during the day stores in Oxford St and Knightsbridge are open until 9pm every every night except Sunday, three Zara's in Oxford St at last count plus Top Shops amazing flagship store and Selfriges.

 

[Leumas]

Personally, I feel Harrods is over-rated. It's not much more like Myer and not even as nice as David Jones...

I'd definitely agree with visiting the V&A and the other 2 museums in the same area.

I'd skip Harrods and visit Convent Gardens. I think there's also a Paul Smith store there. Zara is all over town, i.e., the West End and Oxford/Regent Sts.

Do you have plans to go to a show at the West End? I haven't been to London for a couple of years now, but some of the long running shows are well worth it, e.g., the Lion King.

 

[Febs]

The Tower of London's good for several hours ...

Buckingham palace? Changing of the guards take place @ 11:30am daily; the area get very busy.

Thanks, will keep that in mind. What's good to do at Tower of London?

3 days? You could spend 3 months there just seeing tourist attractions! Good luck!

Ha, yeah I know. It's a quick trip (not just London...the whole DONE4) but I figure it'll give me a taste of what's good and what's not, so I know where to spend more time on my next trip.

(The annoying part is, I'm spending more time in Dubai than London! Blame D-class availability for that one...)

And if you like and are interested in wine there used to be a place not far from your digs called Vinopolis...well worth a visit (but only if you have an interest)

Cheers...definitely have an interest in wine. Is it a wine bar, restaurant, shop...?

Would love to do a few museums too, but don't think I'll have time for more than one unfortunately.

Personally, I feel Harrods is over-rated. It's not much more like Myer and not even as nice as David Jones...

Maybe, but to me it's just one of those things you have todo.

Do you have plans to go to a show at the West End? I haven't been to London for a couple of years now, but some of the long running shows are well worth it, e.g., the Lion King.

Hmm...I hadn't planned to. I'd like to, but just don't think I'll have the time (i.e. I'll want to prioritise nightlife ). May still consider it. Thanks

Thanks guys. Keep the suggestions coming.

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[Keith009]

Isn't Zara from Spain? [I'm assuming you want to see things that are native to the UK]

For Paul Smith you want to visit Westbourne House at Notting Hill. However the best Paul Smith shopping experience I've ever had wasn't in London; it was his concept store at Harajuku (or somewhere in the vicinity) in Tokyo - you have to see it to believe it, it's a phenomenon.

Harrods is pretty tacky IMO, but obligatory for a first time visit just to say you've been there. Food hall there ain't bad. If you actually want to shop at a department store, try Selfridges or Harvey Nicols.

And please avoid H+M and Topshop at all costs... i beg you! PLEASE, NO!!!!

As for drinks, it changes quite abit I'm afraid. Last time I was properly there was Dec 2006 so I daren't mention specific places in case the scene has moved on - but it seems like the Hoxton area is now rather trendy. At least it was when I was there. Was quite surprised as not too long ago the area had a rather poor rep for crime but now all cleaned up and gentrified with nice coughtail and champagne bars, clubs and the like.

 

[Febs]

Isn't Zara from Spain? [I'm assuming you want to see things that are native to the UK]

Zara originated in Spain, but they have shops all over Europe, Asia, US, Canada and Mexico. I don't want to "visit" as such, I want to shop there! I'm a huge fan of their business shirts (equivalent to shirts worth 3 times the price in Australia, and quite unique) so I always stock up when I go to countries that have Zaras. I plan on visiting one everywhere I'm going - particularly London, NYC and Vegas.

(The Zara model is a very unique one, and basically ensures that, save for a few staple items, stock will vary wildly from shop to shop, week to week. )

H+M I've been to all over the US, so I know what to expect. Nothing wrong with H+M for the bare basics.

Cheers
- Febs.

 

[serfty]

Thanks, will keep that in mind. What's good to do at Tower of London? ...

Believe it or not, I once spent 5 entertaining hours wandering around, Yeoman Warder tour, reading the displays etc.

Some Links:

• Top ten things to see and do
• Tower of London - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[tuapekastar]

Cheers...definitely have an interest in wine. Is it a wine bar, restaurant, shop...?

Unfortunately for reasons best known to themsleves, work has blocked the Vinopolis website, so I can't refesh my memory ATM, but I recall taking a tour through 'themed' rooms representing both the history of wine and some of the different regions. Wore one of those talking guide thingies with headphones. Don't think it was real cheap, but not OTT either. Some tasting coupons were included and there was a reasonable range to choose from. This was about 8 years ago, so best to check it out on the web first! You could make purchases as well, but ISTR the prices not being really competitive (no surprise there).

 

[serfty]

"Welcome to Vinopolis, London’s unique wine tasting attraction and stunning conference and events venue"

Oz Clarke Wine Tasting

• Discover the secrets of wine with celebrity wine expert Oz Clarke, exclusively at Vinopolis. ...

The Wine Tours

• Tour the world's finest wines, Champagne, coughtails, whisky, beer and absinthe with the Vinopolis self-guided tour. ...

Jimmy's Food & Wine

• Join Jimmy for a gourmet food and wine session, focusing on the best of British produce. ...

 

[Keith009]

Zara originated in Spain, but they have shops all over Europe, Asia, US, Canada and Mexico. I don't want to "visit" as such, I want to shop there! I'm a huge fan of their business shirts (equivalent to shirts worth 3 times the price in Australia, and quite unique) so I always stock up when I go to countries that have Zaras. I plan on visiting one everywhere I'm going - particularly London, NYC and Vegas.

(The Zara model is a very unique one, and basically ensures that, save for a few staple items, stock will vary wildly from shop to shop, week to week. )

H+M I've been to all over the US, so I know what to expect. Nothing wrong with H+M for the bare basics.

Cheers
- Febs.

Gotta shop at Westbourne House too.

Yeah I quite like the Zara stuff, inexpensive yet classy. They're now available in DJ's but the range isn't that big.

If you've been to H+M... then Topshop/Topman is a slightly more upmarket version but equally westie and wannabe. I've bought something from Topman once (when i was only 15 mind you!!! :shock but only cause it was an emergency and promptly given away after wearing the shirt once. Topshop was rather popular in Singapore and Malaysia when I was there. It's funny how these brands get marketed as vaguely upscale brands when they're exported to Asia...:-|

 

[Paul_PER]

Having lived in London for 2 years my one-day intro walking tour for visitors was something like this:

Tube to Victoria - Buckingham Palace - walk through Regents Park (towards Green Square tube) to Picadilly. Down Picadilly, past the Mayfair Hotel (wonderful afternooon tea taking hours - fun, amazing, but expensive!) to Picadilly Circus. You can detour here up Regent Street towards Oxford Circus and come back via Saville Row. From Picadilly Circus walk to Leicester Square. Halftix has a booth here - and you can almost always gets cheapish tickets to a decent show here. From Leicester Square go onto Covent Garden where there are markets, the Transport Museum (?), or just relax.

If you have the energy catch the tube westwards until you switch to the DLR. DLR to Island Gardens. Walk down to the Thames and admire Greenwhich across the river. There is a pedestrian tunnel under the river so cross over and then walk up the hill. Great view of London / Canary Wharf from the top. The GMT line is there and in Greenwich village there's markets, etc. Unfortunately the Cutty Sark burn't down. You can DLR back into town from Greenwich or catch a boat down river.

This is a very big itinerary for one day - but London summer means you will have twilight until past 9.00pm. Last time I was there was 2003 so hopefully everything above is still there.

Personal favourites:
- tube to Warwick Avenue, walk from Little Venice along the canal to Camden (make sure to have a map or instructions - the start is tricky)
- London Silver Vaults (Chancery Lane tube). Great for sterling silver. (Yes expensive - but I could afford one pair of real sterling silver cufflings)
- Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower - unfortunately you have to apply for tickets to see this 700 year old ceremony - when they lock up The Tower for the night. It's free but you have to write months in advance.

Recommendations:
- If you can stand commuting on Sydney trains then the Tube should be fine for getting around.
- buy an A-Z street map. The smallest one should be fine. Available at any newsagent, 7-11 type store in London, and some larger book stores in Sydney

Enjoy

 

[roryg]

As someone has already said, 3 days is just not enough, even to get a taste of London.

I've done the Tower of London twice: once when I was 8; and once when I was 48. I loved it both times. Took my daughter (then 16) on the second visit and despite her not-so-silent misgivings - "I'm only going 'cause Dad wants to go" - she still talks about it, 8 years later. Highly recommended for all ages. The only other tourist place I would recommend would be the Imperial War Museum (no, I didn't take her there!).

What else? Just look, walk, look, ride, look, sit and look. There is ALWAYS something to see (and, usually, do) in London. Quiet little side-streets, noisy main roads, the buses, the taxis, the people, the shops (especially the book-shops), the buildings (ancient and modern), the stations, the Tube...

Just soak it up. (Yes, I'm biased! Born and lived there for many years.)

 

[Febs]

As someone has already said, 3 days is just not enough, even to get a taste of London.

Well I'm currently sitting in the BA T1 LHR Terrace, having done just that, so I'm going to have to disagree with you there.

From another forum I posted the same question on:

Once again, thanks guys. Just about to leave London so figured I'd give an update. In summary, I managed to do everything and more (and only lost one night of sleep).

Got in around 5pm on Saturday and went out to check out Leicster Sq/Picadilly Circus, just to get a feel for the place. Ended up at a bar called "Tiger Tiger", stayed there 'til it closed, then kicked on with some people I met to "Egg", which seems to be where everyone goes when they don't want to go home (it closes at midday). Got home around 7:45am...so much for the plans of getting up at 7:30am to start the big day of sightseeing.

Oh well, sleep is for the weak. Had a shower, brekky, then headed out. Decided that the only way I'd manage to survive on no sleep would be to walk everywhere - so I did just that. Started at my hotel (Tower Bridge), I walked along the Thames down past Embankment, then down to Westminster. Walked around Parliament/Westminster Abbey, then past Downing St, through St James Park, then up to Buckingham Palace. From there I walked to Harrods, checked out some of the shops down Sloane St (Zara, whoo), then headed to Oxford St. Walked the length of Oxford St, then back to Charing Cross station where I admitted defeat and caught the overground for the last two stops (and fell asleep about 10 times ). Got back to the hotel around 7pm and crashed pretty much straight away.

Monday I went for a ride on the London Eye, saw the Tutankhamun exhibit (caught a Clipper service to 02 but caught the Tube back - much quicker), then onto the British Museum, Savile Row (just for a quick look), found an awesome whisky shop, and headed back to Embankment to meet a mate for a few pints. Left there around 7pm, then went and saw "We Will Rock You". Quite good! Decided I really should check out a "Walkabout" on the way home, and happened to pick the night with 1gbp beers. Seedy as anything, but a cool crowd. Got home at 4:30am.

Then today (Tuesday) I packed, went and did Tower of London, then headed to the airport.

Pretty productive way to spend a few days in London I think. There were a few things I would've liked to add in, but you can't do everything.

Thanks again for all the suggestions. London wasn't quite as bad as I was expecting (still wouldn't want to live there though ).

Cheers,
- Febs.

PS: What's with the "London Dungeon" near London Bridge station? PACKED, all the time. Huge queues! Is it really any good?

 

[Leumas]

Sounds like you'd a great time in London. Good stuff!

London Dungeon is a tourist trap, it's like a 'horror house' type thing at an amusement park. It always have tour groups and it publishes 2-for-1 type vouchers everywhere, so it's always busy.

 

[simongr]

Ended up at a bar called "Tiger Tiger", stayed there 'til it closed,

I used to love that place - love the multiple bar styles in the same bar

PS: What's with the "London Dungeon" near London Bridge station? PACKED, all the time. Huge queues! Is it really any good?

Think Madame Toussaurds with more gore...