London experiences

[Poodleone]

My sister and I are going to London for a week in September. Although I am an England "newbie", she has been there before so I think we have the tourist thing pretty well mapped out.

I was wondering if anyone has places or experiences to share that would be "can't miss" for you. Or something unique or special that you would recommend a friend see or do.

 

[Franny]

Cork and Allifunn are wonderful tour guides or search their trip reports. Have a grayt trip!!!

 

[scooterbug44]

Don't eat the food! If it isn't a pub or an Indian restaurant (great Indian food!) you'll learn the hard way that the stories of English cuisine are true!

I thought the tour of the Tower of London was cool though can be a bit touristy in high season I'd imagine.

 

[30A Skunkape]

It is clean, they speak English and you can drink the water straight out of the tap. One of my favorite spots was St Paul's.

 

[Carol G]

If you are a fan of the theatre in any way, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre is absolutely a "can't miss": http://www.shakespeares-globe.org/

I spent an entire day wandering Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, the most scenic place for people-watching I've ever been, it was lovely: http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde_park/
http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington_gardens/

Have fun planning your trip, I'm sure you'll have an amazing time...

 

[Kurt]

Ride the Underground as much as you can.
Go to Speaker's Corner in Hyde Park.
Eat a pub lunch every day.
Get a [ame="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shawarma"]Shawarma[/ame] as often as you can - on King's Road around midnight preferred.
Hang out at Picadilly Circus and watch the world walk by.

 

[Roadroo]

Do not miss the fish and chips. Try a fried Mars bar while ordering, it might change the way you eat chocolate bars forever. Do not miss a meat pie, cornish parstie and a doner kabob. The Ethnic restaurants are always great. You must have a Sunday roast dinner, complete with yorkshire pudding. Try your local pub for that. Camden markets are cool on the weekend. Lots of funky arts, crafts and music. Take the tube, and they are right across the street. Some great restaurants in that same area. A favorite past time of mine on Sundays, is Hyde park. Speakers corner is a very eye opening and entertaining experience. And the best thing is that both these activities are free ( More pounds for a pint) Also on Sunday's the "Church" was the best party in town. Thousands of Aussies, Kiwi's and South Africans in a old church singing and drinking like it was there last day in the U.K! Was a huge institution when I lived there 8-9 years ago. I hope it is still going. Not for the faint hearted though. The Best thing I ever found there, is a free street mag called TNT. It comes out every Thursday I think, and it is designed for the younger inderpentant traveller/ Backpackers. It is a wealth of great info on travel, very cheap airfair and priceless tips. Enjoy your trip. I am jelous! I just saw roundtrip airfairs from ATL to London for around $300 right now. Check out clarkhoward.com
Hope this helps, It has been many years since I lived there. I am sure there are a few things I am missing.

 

[scooterbug44]

OOH! I'd forgotten about speaker's corner!

If you see a guy wearing viking horns and a cape, cancel your plans for the rest of the afternoon. :funn:

 

[rosiee7777]

Take a tour on the double decker buses, you can buy a one, two or three day ticket and can get on and off as many times as you like a great way to see the city, most of them have guides so you get an education on the city and the history of a lot of the buildings,Covent Garden is a must full of street performers, bars and funky shops. Oxford Street and Regent Street for shopping and of course Harrods
If you like History then the museums are awesome, my uncle was the head of security at the Natural History Museum and I remember him giving us the grand backstage tour .
The English food is not as bad as you all think , ask anyone who has come to dinner at my house but do try a Ploughmans Lunch or a Pastie at the local pub, if you try the cider just have a pint , 2 will put out you under the table .
it does not always rain and the people are really friendly
If you would like a personal guide then let me know I am avaliable anytime......

 

[Mermaid]

One of my favorite spots was St Paul's.

Climb to the tippy-top of the dome and see all of London beneath your feet!