Get the most out of London by seeing the essentials - and then some
(ARA) - When you think of the world's most famous capitals, London is always near the top of the list. It's a microcosm of the world, but the city is on a macro scale. It's a place you could return to as a visitor year after year, and still never see all its nooks and crannies.
Don't let London's size overwhelm or intimidate you - it's actually quite a welcoming place. Just break it up into smaller bits and prioritize what you want to see. As with any major world capital, London has a list of must-sees. Set aside as much time as you need to see the "biggies" and then bring a little local charm into your vacation with smaller-scale sights and experiences.
If you're really strapped for time - maybe during an extended layover - try two things that will give you the best abridged views of London: a boat tour on the Thames and a whirl on the London Eye. In good weather (yes, indeed, it does exist in London) you can see for 25 miles around from your bird's eye view on the Eye, which is probably the newest iconic symbol of the city (built in 1999). A floating tour on the city's legendary river will take you past classic sights like Parliament and Big Ben, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and more. If you can, choose from among the numerous great London hotels that are close to the river, and you can easily walk to both the Eye and many of the tour boat docks.
If you're lucky enough to have time to explore the city at a leisurely pace, start by looking for London hotels that are centrally located. Sites like Travelocity.com allow you to look at hotels based on where they're located in the city. The more central you are, the easier it can be to walk, but in London, never underestimate the appeal of being close to a tube station that zips you around the city in no time. Use it to hit major sites like the British Museum, St. Paul's Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, Picadilly Circus, Hyde Park - and all those that you'd float past on a Thames cruise.
To add a bit of unique flavor to your trip, pick and choose from among the big-name sights and then fill in the blanks by visiting smaller spots and spending some time just strolling the city. Art buffs will be enamored with the Cortauld Gallery, a small museum bursting at the seams with quality works from artists like Cezanne, Rubens, Goya and more, from across the ages.
While it might not normally be on your list, if you've got kids, consider an outing to Science Night at the Science Museum. It's an evening packed with science fun for kids and their parents, ending in a slumber party. It might mean a night away from your hotel, but how often do you get the chance to literally spend a night at the museum?
Spend a day nosing around Notting Hill, relaxing in its parks, noshing in its cozy restaurants and attempting to restrain yourself in its shops. Stop by a grocer and pick up some items for a picnic lunch and enjoy it al fresco, if you're in the area on a sunny day. Or, get some good walking in by choosing one of London's many markets for some truly idiosyncratic shopping. Try Covent Garden, Camden Lock or Portobello Road, among others - you can get more information at www.londonmarkets.co.uk.
When you're planning your trip to London, start by mining the Internet for information. It's often easiest (and a good value) to book London hotels, flights and tours all in one go on travel sites like Travelocity.com. And because it's such a popular tourist destination, you can find sites specifically tailored to your interests - and those with more general information - with ease. Using a little bit of both will help you plan a vacation that is unique to you.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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