By Stacy Ashworth
London’s huge. It’s also crowded and buzzing with an energy all it’s own. With the exception of wildlife you can find everything you’ve ever dreamt of – for a price.
When coming here the number one thing you can count on is that you’re not going to be bored. The number two thing is that you’re going to spend a lot more money than you planned (even considering most museums & galleries are free).
Guide Book Update
London has gone a little crazy for the Millennium and spent a lot of money on not so good attractions. The most expensive and famous of these is the Millennium Dome in Greenwich.
At £20 a ticket you can celebrate the Millennium inside what looks like a big circus tent. The dome is filled with different “zones” each offering entertainment and education. The Dome has been hugely controversial and is expected to fall short of its expected visitors target when it closes next year.
The London Eye, the world’s largest Ferris wheel, has been erected across the Thames from Big Ben. It was supposed to carry people during the New Years festivities, but a technical glitch left it spinning empty. “The Eye” is now open – but you have to book at least 5 days in advance or they won’t let you on, even if there are empty cars! (This is so typically British it’s not even funny)
Recommended Readings
Edward Rutherford’s “London.” Okay okay, it’s a long book, but if you have a long plane ride the payoff is excellent. There’s so much more to be had from the city when you can walk around and understand how the things you’re seeing got there.
Getting Around
I know all guidebooks will tell you to take black cabs, and they are pretty cool but also pretty expensive. You can get much cheaper travel by finding a minicab, with whom you can negotiate the price upfront. They are really easy to find at night, they hang around outside of night clubs and other attractions, and they’re listed in the phone book if you want to get one from your hotel.
Click here for a map of the London Underground that opens into a new window.
Where to Find Info
The what’s on bible for most Londoners is “Time Out” which is widely available and comes out weekly for £1.80.
Every Thursday the very similar (though not as comprehensive) guide “Hot Tickets” comes free with the 35p Evening Standard – which is sold on all street corners.
