Planning First visit to London... recommendations?

[m32]

Hey folks,

I'm planning on visiting London 12/24-31 and wanted to get some recommendations on what area to visit and stay around. Mainly going to do the tourist stuff so any input is appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Edwin

[Rockrolex]

I would recommend staying in the Mayfair or St. Jameses area. They're both close to Green Park tube station, a major hub station. Also, do the Tower of London and the museums, including the British Museum, the National Gallery, the Tate, the Victoria & Albert Museum. Also consider doing one or more London Walks (http://www.walks.com/); they are usually quite good.

[OmegaJJH]

Hi Edwin,

Why not take in a Premier league football match whilst you're here to see what "soccer" is all about. (To take a break from all the sightseeing).

Monday 26th Dec
Arsenal and Chelsea are both playing at home.

Saturday 31st
Chelsea are playing at home.

There's so much to see and do in London. Have a wonderful trip.

[KarlS]

Forget what we say...there is so much to do and so much of it is free you will be busy for ages. They definitely are Changing if the Guard (check winter times), London Eye, Hop on / Off Bus just so you get your bearings, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Sq abd National Gallery, museums def do V&A and Natural History abd Science (all free). That's pretty much time up and you haven't even done shopping and major touristy attractions.. Enjoy...I will be in Bath over the period. Accommodation is busy and expensive. So your budget will determine where you stay.

[Tony64]

If you like military history, then check out Winston Churchill's "secret" bunker in the basement of Whitehall.

[Limestonedan]

Originally Posted by Tony64

If you like military history, then check out Winston Churchill's "secret" bunker in the basement of Whitehall.

X2. Wonderful experience. Highly recommend it.

Also, if you're into maritime history take a short boat ride down the Thames to Greenwich, England. Wonderful British maritime museums, history of the chronometer for time keeping/positioning at sea (perfected by John Harrison) and course the famous sailing vessel CuttySark.

[NewEnthusiast]

Oooh so much choice.

I would highly recommend coffee in Peter Jones on Sloane Square... great views over London. That can be followed by a stroll up Sloane Street past numerous desirable boutiques culminating at Harrods. Go in there for a look around. Set yourself a strict nominal budget for shopping. Most stuff in there can be found elsewhere and doesn't attract a Harrods premium but it's no fun going and not buying anything. For a gentleman of taste I also suggest a stroll along Jermyn Street which has some fantastic shoemakers, shirtmakers, tobaconnists, barbours, etc.

For museums I can't recommend the Natural History and Science museums enough.The Imperial War Museum is also worth a visit. It's housed in what was Bethlehem Royal Hospital or Bedlam as it was otherwise known. The Tower of London is also worth a visit.

If you need refreshment I suggest going to Gordon's Wine Bar on the Embankment or for a late night cocktail in the Lanesborough on Hyde Park Corner. For good, traditional British Beer most pubs will pull a decent pint. Look out for Sharps Doombar, Fullers London Pride or Deuchars IPA. Pubs owned by the chain Nicholsons have reliably good beer and excellent sausage and mash. They can be found throughout zones 1 and 2. (For sentimental reasons I also recommend a visit to the Blue Anchor in Hammersmith although that's mainly because my wife and I had our first date there).

For food, there are lots of Michellin Starred restaurants to take your pick from. For traditional grandeur I suggest Boisdales near Victoria.

If you want a tour, I suggest a company called Small Car Big City. They do driving tours in classic mini Coopers. Either that or Duck Tours can be quite fun... these use WW2 amphibious landing craft to give tours both on the river and the surrounding landmarks.

Above all else, I suggest simply walking around and soaking it up. Central London is surprisingly compact so many attractions are in easy walking distance from each other. It's always quite satisfying to be strolling down a street, turn a corner and see a world-famous landmark.

Hope this helps.

[austinp]

I was there this time of year year ago. We staid at the St Ermins in Westminnster

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[austinp]

Sorry. About the chopped post. We stayed at the
St. Ermins in Westminster. It was a great location for tourists stuff.

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[AK797]

Lots of great suggestions, I'd recommend for my two great passions, firstly watches, a stroll down Bond Street starting from Selfridges Watch Room and passing the Roosevelt and Churchill bronze Bench and gazing at the Patek window full of only ladies watches, ha! And for dinner or Afternoon Tea I recommend the Ritz, a stunning Hotel and it will make you and yours feel like royalty. Also Le Gavroche for the Cheese Souffle, a favourite of the late Queen Mother's. And Fish and Chips at London's oldest Rock and Sole Plaice. Also got to have Pie and Mash and Jellied eels if you're feeling brave.


[img]

[Peter99]

I would also much recommend the Ritz Hotel, Piccadilly. Afternoon tea with champagne with the Palm Court orchestra is very pleasant and next door The Wolseley Restaurant for lunch. Excellent places each with their own different atmospheres!

[m32]

Thanks for all that have responded so far! Still finalizing plans but I'm getting very excited! Does any folks have any recommendations on local, good places to eat as well? Would love to try some authentic food

Originally Posted by Rockrolex

I would recommend staying in the Mayfair or St. Jameses area. They're both close to Green Park tube station, a major hub station. Also, do the Tower of London and the museums, including the British Museum, the National Gallery, the Tate, the Victoria & Albert Museum. Also consider doing one or more London Walks (http://www.walks.com/); they are usually quite good.

Thanks! We are looking at staying near Mayfair or Soho. I'll definitely note the suggestions you listed

Originally Posted by OmegaJJH

Hi Edwin,

Why not take in a Premier league football match whilst you're here to see what "soccer" is all about. (To take a break from all the sightseeing).

Monday 26th Dec
Arsenal and Chelsea are both playing at home.

Saturday 31st
Chelsea are playing at home.

There's so much to see and do in London. Have a wonderful trip.

James, great idea and that would definitely be an experience! I'll take a look at tickets!

Originally Posted by KarlS

Forget what we say...there is so much to do and so much of it is free you will be busy for ages. They definitely are Changing if the Guard (check winter times), London Eye, Hop on / Off Bus just so you get your bearings, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Sq abd National Gallery, museums def do V&A and Natural History abd Science (all free). That's pretty much time up and you haven't even done shopping and major touristy attractions.. Enjoy...I will be in Bath over the period. Accommodation is busy and expensive. So your budget will determine where you stay.

Great (and free) recommendations, Karl! You're right... accomdation isn't cheap but it's not too bad... besides, you only live once right?

Originally Posted by NewEnthusiast

Oooh so much choice.

I would highly recommend coffee in Peter Jones on Sloane Square... great views over London. That can be followed by a stroll up Sloane Street past numerous desirable boutiques culminating at Harrods. Go in there for a look around. Set yourself a strict nominal budget for shopping. Most stuff in there can be found elsewhere and doesn't attract a Harrods premium but it's no fun going and not buying anything. For a gentleman of taste I also suggest a stroll along Jermyn Street which has some fantastic shoemakers, shirtmakers, tobaconnists, barbours, etc.

For museums I can't recommend the Natural History and Science museums enough.The Imperial War Museum is also worth a visit. It's housed in what was Bethlehem Royal Hospital or Bedlam as it was otherwise known. The Tower of London is also worth a visit.

If you need refreshment I suggest going to Gordon's Wine Bar on the Embankment or for a late night cocktail in the Lanesborough on Hyde Park Corner. For good, traditional British Beer most pubs will pull a decent pint. Look out for Sharps Doombar, Fullers London Pride or Deuchars IPA. Pubs owned by the chain Nicholsons have reliably good beer and excellent sausage and mash. They can be found throughout zones 1 and 2. (For sentimental reasons I also recommend a visit to the Blue Anchor in Hammersmith although that's mainly because my wife and I had our first date there).

For food, there are lots of Michellin Starred restaurants to take your pick from. For traditional grandeur I suggest Boisdales near Victoria.

If you want a tour, I suggest a company called Small Car Big City. They do driving tours in classic mini Coopers. Either that or Duck Tours can be quite fun... these use WW2 amphibious landing craft to give tours both on the river and the surrounding landmarks.

Above all else, I suggest simply walking around and soaking it up. Central London is surprisingly compact so many attractions are in easy walking distance from each other. It's always quite satisfying to be strolling down a street, turn a corner and see a world-famous landmark.

Hope this helps.

James, thanks for this! Where is "central london"? Is it by Westminster? Are there any areas to stay away from at night?

Originally Posted by Limestonedan

X2. Wonderful experience. Highly recommend it.

Also, if you're into maritime history take a short boat ride down the Thames to Greenwich, England. Wonderful British maritime museums, history of the chronometer for time keeping/positioning at sea (perfected by John Harrison) and course the famous sailing vessel CuttySark.

Nice!

Originally Posted by austinp

Sorry. About the chopped post. We stayed at the
St. Ermins in Westminster. It was a great location for tourists stuff.

Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by AK797

Lots of great suggestions, I'd recommend for my two great passions, firstly watches, a stroll down Bond Street starting from Selfridges Watch Room and passing the Roosevelt and Churchill bronze Bench and gazing at the Patek window full of only ladies watches, ha! And for dinner or Afternoon Tea I recommend the Ritz, a stunning Hotel and it will make you and yours feel like royalty. Also Le Gavroche for the Cheese Souffle, a favourite of the late Queen Mother's. And Fish and Chips at London's oldest Rock and Sole Plaice. Also got to have Pie and Mash and Jellied eels if you're feeling brave.


[img]

Thanks Neil! I'l be sure to head down Bond street

Originally Posted by Peter99

I would also much recommend the Ritz Hotel, Piccadilly. Afternoon tea with champagne with the Palm Court orchestra is very pleasant and next door The Wolseley Restaurant for lunch. Excellent places each with their own different atmospheres!

Thanks Peter!

[NewEnthusiast]

Originally Posted by m32

Thanks for all that have responded so far! Still finalizing plans but I'm getting very excited! Does any folks have any recommendations on local, good places to eat as well? Would love to try some authentic food



Thanks! We are looking at staying near Mayfair or Soho. I'll definitely note the suggestions you listed



James, great idea and that would definitely be an experience! I'll take a look at tickets!



Great (and free) recommendations, Karl! You're right... accomdation isn't cheap but it's not too bad... besides, you only live once right?



James, thanks for this! Where is "central london"? Is it by Westminster? Are there any areas to stay away from at night?



Nice!





Thanks Neil! I'l be sure to head down Bond street



Thanks Peter!

Hi Peter. For the purposes of touring around, I would define central London as within the Circle line on the tube. Not an official definition but it covers most of the major landmarks. (The precise center of the city is on a roundabout in Trafalgar Square if you want to go and see it). There are no areas within this boundary I would be particularly concerned about going to at night time but, like everywhere with high concentrations of people and especially tourists, keep your wits about you.

[sea-dweller]

London has the best museums, highly suggest visiting them. Burlington Arcade for watches.

[The Joker]

Natural History Museum, National Gallery(Trafalgar square) Tate modern(St Pauls, over millennium bridge)

Premiership footy match.

Only know bars over in the city, check out Sushi Samba and Madison(one change)

See what concerts are on at the O2

[Boothroyd]

Have a martini at Duke's Hotel, in addition to great suggestions here. I have a soft spot for Duke's.

[benlee]

Love London. Hands down my favourite city in the world. The watches ( yes, good selection + great prices now! ). The shopping. The museums. The food. And culture. Go to one of the musicals if you are into that sort of thing. Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera.

[Chewbacca]

20

[beer]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

20

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

20

Don't listen to a guy that's never been out of Miami.

[Xenophon]

I can recommend Veeraswamy restaurant just off Regent Street. It's Britains oldest Indian restaurant and, although it's not common knowledge yet, they have just been awarded a Michelin star

[m32]

Thanks for everyone's input... here's the aftermath :)

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthrea...43#post7255143

Edwin