What are some things to know before visiting London?
- Helen Ochyra
- Correspondent
London can be the greatest city in the world; it can also be the most frustrating. Here are a few points to bear in mind for your visit to make it as pleasant as possible:
Getting around
Walking is the best way to get around but distances between attractions can be huge. Comfortable, practical shoes are a must if you plan to get around on two legs - as are plenty of pitstops! The tube is an excellent way to travel but avoid rush hours (before 9.30am and between 5pm and 7pm) if at all possible. Keep to the right on escalators and move along the platform away from the entrances to avoid incurring the wrath of busy locals!
Eating
Food in London is varied, plentiful and not as expensive as you might imagine. However, costs can rack up if you aren't careful. A good tip is to eat your main meal in the middle of the day. Many of the top restaurants offer cut-price fixed menus for lunch and you are more likely to be able to get a table as a walk-in. Pubs make a great choice for a simple dinner, though try to pick one where locals are eating to avoid tourist traps, particularly in the West End where mediocre pubs are - in my opinion - largely to blame for the poor reputation of London's food abroad! Reservations are recommended in well-known or popular restaurants and on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Drinking
Londoners like a drink and pubs and bars will be very busy most evenings, especially on Friday nights when the weekend gets started for most people with a few after-work drinks. If you don't like crowded bars, spending a little more per drink will often buy you a quieter environment and hotel bars can be a good choice. But pubs are an integral part of our culture and no visit to London is complete without joining the locals at the bar one evening.
Tipping
Tipping is less ubiquitous in London than it is in America, but is more customary than it is in many other places, and there are some important rules to bear in mind. Taxi drivers should be tipped by rounding up the fare slightly. In restaurants, 10% is a standard tip, and increasingly 12.5% is added on automatically as a service charge; it is not necessary to tip in addition to this. Tips are not expected in pubs but are appreciated when ordering food - just add 10% or so to the bill.
-
20 hours agoJo Caird answered the question:
What are the best holiday events in London?
We have eight national holidays – known as bank holidays – every year in the UK. Not all of them are accompanied by particular traditions or events but the following are all well worth planning a trip around.
Notting Hill Carnival
This raucous street festival takes place each year on the August bank holiday weekend, transforming the streets of West London into one huge party. The carnival parade – made up steel bands, extravagantly-clad dancers, floats and moving sound systems – begins at 9am on both days, finishing at around 7pm. Meanwhile static sound systems and live stages play hip-hop, funk, reggae, soul and much more. Go with an appetite and tuck into delicious Caribbean cuisine sold from stalls lining the route. Sunday, children's day, offers a more atmosphere, while those keen to party should go on Monday. August 25-26.
Christmas and New Year's Eve
The next public holidays after that aren't until Christmas and New Year, when we have December 25 and 26 off, as well as January 1. Most people spend Christmas Day itself at home with family and friends but many venture out for a stroll in the afternoon. Gorgeous parks like Hampstead Heath can get surprisingly crowded with locals attempting to walk off their festive overindulgence. December 26, or Boxing Day as it's known here, is when most shops begin their January sales. It's not uncommon for bargain hunters to arrive several hours before stores are due to open in a bid to nab the best deals. And though January 1 is the holiday, it's December 31 when you'll find Londoners celebrating the arrival of the new year. Pubs, bars and clubs host both ticketed and open access event, but the biggest party in the capital is along the banks of the Thames, where stupendous fireworks are let off at midnight to the delight of the thousands lining the riverside.
Easter
Next up is Easter, which means two bank holidays, one on Easter Friday and one on Easter Monday. Family events are the order of the day at this time of year, with egg hunts and other fun activities for kids taking place at venues all over the capital. Some venues to check out are the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and the London Wetland Centre. -
1 day agoJo Caird answered the question:
What are the hottest upcoming concerts in London?
London is well served by major concert venues and the summer is always a busy time for big gigs. Here are a few of the most exciting taking place over the next couple of months.
First up is Meltdown Festival at the Southbank Centre. Each year a different respected musician curates this extravaganza of music and talks at the Southbank Centre and this summer Yoko Ono is in charge. There's plenty to see, but Iggy & The Stooges on June 20 is a good place to start. Runs until June 23.
The Pet Shop Boys are going all over the world promoting their new album, Electric, which comes out next month. Tomorrow (June 18) will find them at the O2 Arena and if past concerts are anything to go by, this is sure to be a dynamic spectacular.
On June 22 Wembley Stadium hosts The Killers, with support by James and Gaslight Anthem. This will be the Las Vegas band's biggest ever standalone show.
Another top US act to take to the London stage this month is Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons. You can see Jersey Boys, the musical about the band's rise to prominence, in the West End whenever you like, but even that fantastic show isn't a patch on the real thing. They'll be playing at the Royal Albert Hall on June 25-26.
The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park doesn't officially open until the end of next month, but that little detail isn't getting in the way of the London festival Hard Rock Calling (previously held in Hyde Park) taking over on June 29-30. Saturday's acts include Kasabian and Paul Weller, while Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band are headlining on Sunday with support from the mighty Alabama Shakes.
Finally, there's the BBC Proms, which run from July 12 to September 7. The hugely varied programme of mainly classical music kicks off with work by Britten, Rachmaninov and Vaughan Williams and culminates in the glorious extravaganza that is the Last Night of the Proms. Get yourself a Union Jack and learn the words to Rule Britannia – there is no more British experience that this. -
5 days agoJo Caird answered the question:
What are the best spas in London?
If you need to relax, look no further than London's top spas. These temples of wellness will have you back to your best in no time.
The Dorchester Spa
For a traditional spa experience, try the Dorchester. Lose yourself in the glamorous 1930s design, relax in the aromatherapy steam room and treat your skin to a facial – some of the best on offer in London. Time your visit to coincide with afternoon tea at The Spatisserie, where you're welcome to dine in the comfort of your dressing gown: the 'Beau-Tea-Ful' spa offer includes an hour-long treatment of your choice and use of all the spa facilities.
Espa Life at Corinthia
With in-house fitness professionals, nutritionists and complementary therapists alongside the beauty experts you'd expect from a top spa, Espa Life is designed to meet your every need. Personal training is available in the hi-tech gym and private relaxation pods are just perfect for lounging between treatments. The design is strikingly modern – there are 3,000 square metres to explore, but you may be tempted not to even leave the beautiful changing rooms, which could easily be mistaken for the lounge of a five-star hotel.
Hamam Turkish Bath
But London spa culture isn't confined to its luxury hotels; there are more down-to-earth options here too. Take a tip from the capital's large Turkish community and give the Hamam Turkish Bath in Dalston, East London a try. This is a truly authentic haman experience – spend time in the sauna-like 'warm room' before enjoying a vigorous foaming massage in the steamy 'hot room'. Then splash with cold water to cool down and relax with a fresh fruit juice in the lounge. A range of additional treatments are also available. -
6 days agoJoseph Reaney answered the question:
What are the best places for opera in London?
As a tourist in London, the best place to watch opera is at the Royal Opera House. Not only as it is located in the heart of touristic London, on the edge of Covent Garden, but also because its status as the permanent residence of The Royal Opera means this venue guarantees excellent operatic productions throughout the year. During this 2013/2014 season they will show a variety of classics, such as Giacomo Puccini's Turandot and Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro, alongside brand new productions like Ben Frost's The Wasp Factory.
Another good option for opera lovers is the London Coliseum in St. Martin's Lane, just moments from Leicester Square - home to the English National Opera. During the second half of 2013 they will show Beethoven's Fidelio, Johann Strauss' Die Fledermaus, Mozart's The Magic Flute and Philip Glass' Satyagraha - plus a brand new version of Madame Butterfly by Academy Award-winning film director Anthony Minghella (The English Patient).
Elsewhere, you will find stand-alone operatic productions in various prestigious theaters, including a production of Monteverdi's L'Orfeo at the Barbican Centre and Gilbert & Sullivan's The Mikado at Hackney Empire. -
On June 12Joseph Reaney answered the question:
What are the best holiday events in London?
England only has eight regular public holidays (known locally as bank holidays) thoughout the year, which is the lowest in Europe and one of the lowest in the world. So when busy Londoners do get a rare day off from the office, they like to make sure its memorable.
Visit the capital city on any public holiday, whether New Year's Day, Easter Monday, May Day or Boxing Day, and you'll be sure to find a host of activities to occupy your time.
Here are three holiday events that are particularly entertaining:
Spring Bank Holiday (last weekend in May): The Big Picnic at Hampton Court
This wonderful Tudor palace – a favorite of King Henry VIII – is a wonderful place to visit all year round, but at Spring Bank Holiday it's particularly special. Come during the weekend to take part in a mass picnic on the Palace's East Front Gardens, complete with live music, food stalls, sports and games, historical storytelling and children's crafts.
Good Friday (April): The Easter Skate Eggstravaganza
Perfect for newcomers to the city, this annual three-hour skate takes participants past some of London's most famous visitor attrations. For those who aren't skate-savvy, there's also an Easter Bunny Stroll on the Sunday, taking in a similar route.
Late Summer Bank Holiday (last weekend in August): FrightFest
Always organized to make the most of the Monday off, FrightFest is an annual film festival with a primary focus on the horror genre. Hosted at The Empire, Leicester Square, and with late-night screenings of everything from early cinema scares to modern slasher movies, this is a holiday event guaranteed to get you jumping out of your skin.
-
On June 12Joseph Reaney answered the question:
What are the best holiday events in London?
England only has eight regular public holidays (known locally as bank holidays) thoughout the year, which is the lowest in Europe and one of the lowest in the world. So when busy Londoners do get a rare day off from the office, they like to make sure its memorable.
Visit the capital city on any public holiday, whether New Year's Day, Easter Monday, May Day or Boxing Day, and you'll be sure to find a host of activities to occupy your time.
Here are three holiday events that are particularly entertaining:
Spring Bank Holiday (last weekend in May): The Big Picnic at Hampton Court Palace
This wonderful Tudor Palace – a favorite of King Henry VIII – is a wonderful place to visit all year round, but at Spring Bank Holiday it's particularly special. Come during the weekend to take part in a mass picnic on the Palace's East Front Gardens, complete with live music, food stalls, sports and games, historical storytelling and children's crafts.
Good Friday (April): The Easter Skate Eggstravaganza
Perfect for newcomers to the city, this annual three-hour skate takes participants past some of London's most famous visitor attrations. For those who aren't skate-savvy, there's also an Easter Bunny Stroll on the Sunday, taking in a similar route.
Late Summer Bank Holiday (last weekend in August): FrightFest
Always organized to make the most of the Monday off, FrightFest is an annual film festival with a primary focus on the horror genre. Hosted at The Empire, Leicester Square, and with late-night screenings of everything from early cinema scares to modern slasher movies, this is a holiday event guaranteed to get you jumping out of your skin.
-
On June 11Joseph Reaney answered the question:
What are the best free museums in London?
All of London's best known museums are free to enter, from the British Museum to the Tate Modern, the Victoria and Albert to the Natural History Museum. But here are three independent museums which also don't have an entrance fee (though voluntary donations are always gratefully received).
Sir John Soane's Museum
I cannot bang the drum for this lesser-visited London museum enough (proof). Perhaps the greatest house museum on earth, this beautifully-designed building is home to a wealth of architectural artefacts, a sizeable selection of priceless paintings, and even the odd Egyptian sarcophagus.
The Library and Museum of Freemasonry
Freemasons’ Hall, the headquarters of the United Grand Lodge of England, was built in the 1920s... and is home to one of London's most fascinating museums. The exhibition includes a library laden with symbolic décor, a wide variety of Masonic artefacts (including ceremonial swords, regal thrones, painting and photographs) and a moving WWI memorial.
Geffrye Museum
Housed within a series of 18th century almhouses, this wonderful museum offers a visual history of the English domestic interior. You'll find original furnishings and fittings which chart the history of English living rooms from 1600 right up to the present day. It's also home to some period garden rooms, a small herb garden and a very decent restaurant. -
On June 11Joseph Reaney answered the question:
What are the hottest upcoming concerts in London?
Summer in London is all about music festivals – and throughout the next few months there are major fests held almost every weekend. Classic rock lovers can head to the Hard Rock Calling Festival on 29 and 30 June (featuring the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Paul Weller and Kasabian), pop fans can descend en masse upon the Wireless Festival from 12 through 14 July (now at the site of the 2012 Olympic Park and headlined by Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z), and classical music afficionados can make a beeline for the Last Night of the Proms on 7 September (featuring star soloists Nigel Kennedy and Joyce DiDonato).
However, it's not just about the festivals – there are also some big name artists on tour in the capital. You can take in a show by the Grammy Award-winning crooner Michael Bublé at the O2 Arena (from 30 June through 13 July), come over all electropop with the Human League at Kew Gardens (on 10 July) or enjoy a prog-rock masterclass courtesy of Roger Waters at Wembley Stadium (on 14 September). -
On June 11Joseph Reaney answered the question:
What are the best farmers markets in London?
Head to almost any district of London on a clement weekend morning and you are more than likely to come across a local farmers market. It's the perfect place to pick up some classic English foodstuffs – from crumbly cheeses to fruity jams, sumptuous sausages to mouthwatering cakes – along with some fresh fruit, vegetables and dairy products. Plus continental favorites ranging from Italian breads to Greek olives.
To find the farmers market nearest to your hotel, take a look at this comprehensive list of London farmers markets. Or if you really have the time to seek out the best of the best, I recommend a trip to the Pimlico Road Farmers’ Market on the Saturday morning (from 9 a.m. through 1 p.m.), followed by a Sunday lunchtime in the Brixton Farmers' Market (10 a.m. through 2 p.m.) -
On June 11Joseph Reaney answered the question:
What are the best bookstores in London?
If you are looking for the latest bestseller, there are dozens of very good chain book shops to explore in London. But if you're after something a little more niche, try one of these three.
Stanfords
One of the largest travel bookshops in the world, Stanfords is the place to come to browse literally thousands of different travel guides on every conceivable destination, along with travelogues and narratives, travel fiction, maps and atlases, and travel-related accessories and gifts. It also houses a lovely coffee shop, so it's the perfect place to pop in for a quick read during a visit to Covent Garden.
Bookmarks
Billing itself as a 'socialist bookshop', Bookmarks sells a wide variety of published works, from dusty tomes on Marxist philosophy to recent releases on the Occupy Protest movement – plus everything in between. So whether you want to know about the economy, the Israel-Palestine conflict or the LGBT movement, take a trip to this Bloomsbury Street landmark.
Daunts
Another specialist travel bookshop – though it also sells everything from classic fiction to regional cookbooks – Daunts is housed in a magnificent 19th century Edwardian building on Marylebone High Street. The large glass roof allows the sun to illuminate the lines of oak shelving, giving the independent bookshop the feeling of an academic library, but without the stuffiness. Expect warm service and smiling advice.
-
On June 11Joseph Reaney answered the question:
What are the best spas in London?
London is a spa-lover's paradise, home to more than a dozen world-class Forbes Travel Guide Four and Five Star spa facilities. Here are three which are particularly special.
The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel
Located within a five-star hotel in one of London's most decadent districts, this luxurious Park Lane spa transports you a world away from the city's busy streets. Or, at least, ten floors away. This deliciously-designed facility – floor-to-ceiling windows, dark wood walls and warming fireplaces – offers an extensive range of revitalizing treatments: from massages to manicures; facials to foot treatments.
The Aman Spa at The Connaught
The most individual feature of this spa? How individual it is. Each guest gets their very own private spa suite, which includes a dressing area, a large wardrobe, a shower with a steam function and a range of grooming products. After they have enjoyed this, guests can either opt for one of the many treatments available, or simply enjoy a swim in the spa's unique pool, which looks like a large grotto (complete with waterfall).
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental
This beautiful spa, spread across two levels of one of London's finest hotels, comprises an amethyst crystal steam room, a color therapy area and a mineral vitality pool – not to mention the eight treatment rooms offering everything from facials to massages.
-
On June 11Jo Caird answered the question:
What are the best festivals in London?
Starting off London's festival season with a bang is the Greenwich + Docklands International Festival (21-29 June). It specialises in large-scale outdoor performing arts events, including dance, theatre and street arts. If you caught the spectacular Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games then you'll have a sense of what to expect from GDIF – the festival's artistic director, Bradley Hemmings, co-directed it. Prepare to be surprised by amazing acrobatics (The Limbless Knight: A Tale of Rights Regained and As the Whole World Tipped), innovative participatory events (A High Street Odyssey and Growth) and shows in all sorts of unusual locations (remor and Monkey & Crocodile). All events – the ones I've mentioned are just a taster – are free.
In previous years the most recognised symbols of the City of London Festival (23 June to 26 July) have been the playable 'street pianos' that popped up all over the Square Mile. The pianos aren't part of the fun this year (though two remain from last year at St. Pancras International Station) but there will more than enough other exciting happenings to take their place, including Mobile Orchard, a pop-up installation-cum-performance platform that will appear in various locations in the City. The festival programme features dance, art, film and poetry events, as well as walking tours and lectures, but it's best known for its concerts. Celebrating the bicentenary of Benjamin Britten, one of Britain's most important composers, are a series of events in atmospheric locations: there's the Britten Sinfonia at Mansion House, the Britten War Requieum at St. Paul's Cathedral and the Britten Church Parables at Southwark Cathedral. Over 150 events take place outdoors; more than 100 are free and unticketed.
The River Thames has always played a vital role in the life of the city: in trade, transport and culture to name just a few. The Mayor's Thames Festival (6-15 September) is a glorious celebration of the extraordinary waterway that takes place each year along its banks and bridges. The full programme is yet to be announced, but a handful of events have been revealed. One for diary is 1513: A Ship's Opera, which will see an armada of historic ships present a moving concerto of nautical noises. Also not to be missed are the fireworks on the final evening of the festival, one of only three displays permitted in the city centre each year. -
On June 10Jo Caird answered the question:
What are the best farmers markets in London?
Farmers' markets are more popular than ever, taking place all over the capital. Whether you're based at the heart of the action or further afield, chances are you won't need to travel far to get your foodie fix. Arriving early is always a good idea if you want to sample the most popular products – some stalls sell out of their signature offerings. It's also usually a bit quieter early in the day, giving you the chance to explore at your leisure, chat to stallholders and try before you buy.
Of the central London farmers' markets, my favourite is Marylebone. It takes place every Sunday from 10am to 2pm in Cramer Street Car Park, tucked away behind elegant Marylebone High Street. Thirty to forty stalls cater to locals doing their regular shop, as well as to visitors snacking on a huge range of cheeses, breads, eggs, home-made pies and fresh fruit and vegetables.
A little bit further afield is the Islington Farmers' Market, the first in the capital. It's held on Sundays too (10am to 2pm) in the unique environment of Chapel Market, a traditional London street market. You'll find at least 30 stalls there each week.
Further north still is Parliament Hill Farmers' Market, which takes place in the playground of a school abutting Hampstead Heath each Saturday from 10am to 2pm. With one of London's most glorious green spaces on its doorstep, this market is the ultimate choice for picnic fans. Choose your goodies then make the short climb to the top of Parliament Hill for spectacular views across London, or take a longer walk and find your very own private patch of wilderness. -
On June 7Helen Ochyra answered the question:
What are the best Indian restaurants in London?
London is home to literally hundreds (possibly thousands) of Indian restaurants, from local curry houses dishing up classic curries to upmarket dining rooms serving Michelin-starred Indian cuisine. Here are my top three, depending on your budget:
On a budget: Sartaj
This traditional curry house in Seven Dials, Covent Garden serves all the usual British-Bangladeshi classics, from chicken tikka masala to bhuna, madras and jalfrezi. Order the "family naan" to get the biggest naan bread we've ever seen draped over a centrepiece on your table. You won't leave hungry.
Midrange: Cinnamon Soho
This is the third restaurant from Vivek Singh of The Cinnamon Club and Cinnamon Kitchen and offers his perfectly pitched modern Indian cuisine in laidback contemporary surroundings. Start with the "balls" – a selection of crab, beef, potato, vegetable and scotch eggs balls with dipping sauces – before moving on to a main course of Tandoori chicken with cashew nut korma or the Laal maas, a fiery Rajasthani lamb curry. The wine list has some good choices and the cocktails are delicious.
Splashing the cash: Quilon
Michelin-starred Indian cuisine remains a rarity in London, but Quilon, near St James Park, has had its star for six years and continues to set the bar for upscale Indian dining. The menu of southwest coastal Indian cuisine features dishes such as curry leaf and lentil crusted fish, and pink pepper chilli prawns – delicious and quite unlike anything you'll have had elsewhere.
