London

[cmleidi]

Posted: 12/11/05 at 9:04pm

Posted On: 12/11/05 at 09:03:35 PM by: cmleidi

I'm going to London this week. I'm a bit anxious because I'm going alone, and in the past, someone else has made the arrangements when I've gone to London. I have a few questions.

1. What is the best way to get into London from Gatwick? Is the Gatwick Express the best option? I'm staying at Premier Travel Inn, London County Hall on Belevedere.

2. What are my best options for transportation? I remember something about a travelcard the last time I went. Or should I just take taxis?

3. Where are the best places to eat for someone alone?

4. If I don't drink, is there anything to do after 10PM when I'm done attending the plays? I used to just go to films, but I can't any movie theatres showing films after nine.

5. Is the London Eye worth it? I've always passed it up, but I thought I might give it a try. Is there something in London that I absolutely should not miss?

Thanks in advance for any help.

[JLSatUD]

Posted: 12/11/05 at 9:14pm

When I was there, the weekly tube card was the best deal, and since their system goes so many places it saved us tons of money and we avoided a lot of traffic. The London Eye was fine, I got some neat pictures, but I was there in the summer so it was not getting dark til really late and I went up at sunset. There was no line ... dunno if I would have waited forever for it. Dunno what to tell you about the rest of your questions. A few of my friends have gone over and stayed in hostels - even if you aren't staying at one maybe that would be a good place to seek out other single travelers to share a meal or an evening with. I personally didn't do anything after seeing shows at night cause the 10 days I was there I never did manage to switch time zones in my brain. :) I think London went smoke free, so if you coul find a pub with food service it might still be fun to hang out at even if you're not drinking. Good luck and have a great time!!!

[BlueWizard]

Posted: 12/11/05 at 9:52pm

1. Yes, Gatwick Express is your best bet (although a bit pricey). There's a local train, too, but it takes a lot longer to get into London.

2. The London Underground and bus system are the best way to get around London, hands down. Unless you're rich, DON'T use the taxis -- they're amongst the most expensive in the world. The London Underground offers both a 1- and 3-day travelcard (and I think a 7-day card, too), which also includes busrides.

3. I always liked going to Marks & Spenser and picking up their ready-made meals.

5. I love urban vistas, but I still found the London Eye a rip-off. It's 9-11 pounds, and the ride only lasts a half-hour, with no narration or anything. If you must go, though, go at night to see London all lit up.

Must-see-and-dos in London:

-- St. Paul's Cathedral. You can climb the dome and get a great view of London. The Whispering Gallery, where you can hear someone whisper from 100 feet away, is alone worth the price.

-- Try to get a ticket to see a performance at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. It's surprisingly cheap, but book ahead because it sells out.

-- The British Museum, which has such treasures as the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon's Elgin Marbles.

-- The National Gallery and Trafalgar's Square

-- St. James' Park is beautiful in the summer, but I don't know how picturesque it is in the winter.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 12/11/05 at 9:55pm

If you're eating alone, eat at a pub. Sit at the bar and ask for a menu. You'll be impressed with how easily conversations start and how friendly the experience can be.

Posted: 12/11/05 at 9:58pm

About 6 years ago I spent a very long weekend one my own in London and had a terrific time. I hadn't been before that in many years, and it was great to explore on my own.

Here's a thread created last month for one of our members who is currently there. Perhaps you'll find something of interest among the many, many suggesttions made by a number of posters.

London Sights Updated On: 12/11/05 at 09:58 PM

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 12/11/05 at 10:13pm

I. Love. London. It was my first love, and I am going to live there someday.

[Plum]

Posted: 12/13/05 at 10:06am

Okay. I was just about to point out that the Globe is out of the question except as a tour this time of year. :) I pretty much agree with everything- just saying that if you think you're even capable of developing a fear of heights, be careful when climbing St. Paul's. Also, if you need to get back to your hotel past midnight or so, you'll need to take night buses because they shut down the Tube. Also, they shut down everything (including mass transit) during Christmas, so make sure the places you want to go are open.

And BlueWizard, at this point I'm so used to paying waaaay too much for everything except movie tickets that I totally didn't notice the price of the London Eye. :P