London Sightseeing Guide Needed

Mysteria · Post by **Mysteria** » Tue Aug 13, 2002 10:38 am

Well, I'm going to London with a few friends next week and we're still undecided about what to do once we're there. So, I thought I'd ask the all-knowing SYM-community what we should see, what we must see and what we should avoid at all costs.

Suggestions should be reachable by subway (hm, can't find the proper Londonian name for it), and there's no need to suggest good drinking establishments as we're all rather on the sober side. Good restaurants would be appreciated though.

(Oh, and perhaps you could keep from spamming too much until after we go away, which is on 19th August

)

*hopes for some good replies*

Xandax · Post by **Xandax** » Tue Aug 13, 2002 10:44 am

Originally posted by Mysteria
<snip>
Suggestions should be reachable by subway (hm, can't find the proper Londonian name for it<snip>

To long time ago I was in London to suggest sites, but the subway iirc is called "The Tube"

fable · Post by **fable** » Tue Aug 13, 2002 10:45 am

Check out the National Gallery. As a rule I don't suggest doing more than one or two museums when you're on a trip in another country, because it takes time away from just watching people and observing the world, but the National Gallery is worth it. It houses the premiere art collection in the UK, and there's an enormous amount of the stuff from many periods, in many styles.

C Elegans · Post by **C Elegans** » Tue Aug 13, 2002 10:45 am

If you have the tiniest interest in modern art, you must visit Tate Modern.

Best restaurant area IMO: Islington, go to tube station Angel and just walk up the high street. Plenty of nice restaurants and cafes, best coffee in London.

There are also plenty of really good clubs in London, if you like clubbing.

HighLordDave · Post by **HighLordDave** » Tue Aug 13, 2002 10:47 am

I've never been (so perhaps I shouldn't be posting in this thread), but I've heard that the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace is something not to be missed.

C Elegans · Post by **C Elegans** » Tue Aug 13, 2002 10:53 am

Yes, National Gallery is good. When I lived in London I used to got here at least once a week

Like British Museum it is huge, so don't even try to see all at once, it just makes you tired.

Originally posted by HighLordDave
I've heard that the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace is something not to be missed.

If you like old traditions such, I am sure it is a sight.

Minerva · Post by **Minerva** » Tue Aug 13, 2002 10:57 am

London's Eye (big ferris wheel): It's quite good, though I recommend to buy tickets beforehand. There's long wait if you don't have one.

Tate Modern (gallary): Contemporary arts may not your thing, but the building itself is worth a look (it's free, anyway). The best way to get there is to go to St.Paul's, then walk across the footbridge. The top floor restaurant is quite good, though it's not cheap. Just have a tea for the view from there.

Science Museum, Victoria & Albart Museum, British Museum: Take your pick!

Greenwich: It's quite easy to reach by Dockland Light Railway (DLR) from Bank, using your travelcard. It's nice village with pubs, Maritime Museum, and the Royal Observatory.

Which area are you going to stay?

Rob-hin · Post by **Rob-hin** » Tue Aug 13, 2002 11:01 am

The tower of London is pretty cool if you have the time.
It's impressive how many people actually lost their heads there!:O

And if you are into games, you should check out sega world. It's a game arcade of 4 floors with some fun fair stuff too.

The Vigin cd store is massive, just go and see once.

RandomThug · Post by **RandomThug** » Tue Aug 13, 2002 11:09 am

London

Theres nothing to do in London, I mean its in europe. Come on now, whats over there?

(American Ignorant)

thug

p.s. I've never been anywhere and I cant wait to go somewhere.

Mysteria · Post by **Mysteria** » Tue Aug 13, 2002 12:43 pm

Keep the ideas coming ... even though if I want to do all of it I'll need a second trip

I'll sure try to check out as much as we can cram into the days.

It seems like I will have to take at least a look at an art gallery, even if I'm not too much into art.

frogus · Post by **frogus** » Tue Aug 13, 2002 12:49 pm

Yes, I thoroughly reccomend a trip to the Tate Modern while you're over here

. They are currently showing an exhibition of Matisse and Picasso's paintings together, probably the biggest exhibition of Matisse's work there has ever been, and an equal number of Picassos...Even if you are not a fan of either artist (like me

) it is undoubtedly a good cultural experience

Also check out Portobello market on a saturday morning if you can - the coolest

shopping in the world...and umm...that's about all I can think of...

Mr Flibble · Post by **Mr Flibble** » Tue Aug 13, 2002 2:13 pm

Just been there, just done all of that!

I actually found the most interesting way to travel is by bus. You get to see a lot of London that you wouldn't do so if you use the Tube.

There's too many things to name in London to look at, but here's some of the things I found worthwhile:

London Eye. On a clear day (good luck) it's an amazing sight. It takes about 30 minutes, but you definitely get a good look at the layoutof the city.

Tower of London. Definintely for the tourists and history buffs. Still, I was quite amused going through the vault looking at the crown jewels, and found an empty space with an "In use" sign in place of something. The best part for me was running into the only non-native guardsman, who happenend to be from NZ!

London Dungeons. A representation of the nastier side of English history. Not for the faint hearted, but fun all the same.

St Paul's Cathedral. Big. There is no other way to describe this building. The climb to the top of the dome is a long one, but do it anyway! Awesome views of central London. The crypts underneath the cathedral are fascinating too. Lots of very famous people buried there.

Brick Lane. Great place for a curry. Also, if it's still open, check out the Korperwelten exhibition "Body Worlds".

There are also more museums and art galleries than you could poke a stick at. I visited a few of them, but that's not really my scene.

Another good thing I found was, as Fable mentioned, people watching. After all, the city would be rather boring without them!

Basically there's more to see and do than you're likely to fit in. I was there for 2 weeks and it wasn't enough! Want to go back now.

Have a good trip!

Nippy · Post by **Nippy** » Tue Aug 13, 2002 2:36 pm

Originally posted by Mr Flibble

There are also more museums and art galleries than you could poke a stick at. I visited a few of them, but that's not really my scene.

It's shake a stick at. Sheesh. Foreigners.

Tom · Post by **Tom** » Wed Aug 14, 2002 3:54 am

Museums museums and more museums is that what Sym recomend?!?! how bloody boring.

I see no drinking, was that a typo? Surly a drink or two…

Ohh well, if I was you I would head for Camden - especially during the weekend. Its a huge market selling just about everything. Its a good place to walk around and take it easy - its getting more and more touristy but its still good in my opinion. (don't eat the food from the stalls)

Its a bit hard to recommend stuff because I don't know your age and interests.

But thinking about restaurants I will say this. In the centre, along oxford street, tottenham court road, Piccadilly - infact anywhere touristy, it is really hard to find a good place to eat if you don't feel like chinese. If you do feel like chinese then just make your way to china town. If you dont you can go to pizza express and get a small but decent pizza but that is about it.
So here is what I used to do when I was travelling. Go to a book shop and find a restaurant guide - locate the eatery of your choice and then don't pay for the book.
That probably means you will have to go a little out side the centre but that is nice as well - CE is right to recommend Islington.
Mr flible recommended Bricklane and it is the best place for Indian food in london. Tons of good restaurants but again its a bit outside the centre, its also interesting area. If you go there and just feel like a non-indian snack try the bagel bakery - best damn bagels - it is the one with the long queue outside closest to the main road (there is two right next to each other).

Well good luck and do try to enjoy the polluted, noisy, smelly and overcrowded Hellhole known as London

Mr Flibble · Post by **Mr Flibble** » Wed Aug 14, 2002 4:54 am

Originally posted by Tom
I see no drinking, was that a typo? Surly a drink or two…

Well, there's always the Monopoly board pub crawl if you're keen!

Ode to a Grasshopper · Wed Aug 14, 2002 7:21 am

Originally posted by Mr Flibble

Well, there's always the Monopoly board pub crawl if you're keen!

I so have to do this one day, including drunkenly searching for a monopoly board so you know where to go next...

It's been a while since I was last there, but there are some nice places. According to Georgi the Millenium Dome isn't worth seeing though.

Tom · Post by **Tom** » Wed Aug 14, 2002 7:26 am

Originally posted by Ode to a Grasshopper

It's been a while since I was last there, but there are some nice places. According to Georgi the Millenium Dome isn't worth seeing though.

Its closed now. They are trying to sell it - actually they are trying to give it away - but with little luck.

frogus · Post by **frogus** » Wed Aug 14, 2002 7:27 am

*as Ode utters 'Millenium D...' frogus leaps across the room to try and cover his mouth...landing about three feet short, the dread name is completed*

You'd better hope noone british heard you say that Ode, r we'll have a riot on our hands

Kameleon · Post by **Kameleon** » Wed Aug 14, 2002 7:51 am

I'm sorry, did someone say the M-word???

London's a great place, if you ignore the smog.

The museums that Minerva mentioned are great - get off the District or Circle line at South Kensington and make your way up to the Science Museum, Natural History Museum and the V&A - definitely worth a look. The British Museum is elsewhere (George Street station, I think)

Something that noone has yet mentioned is the Monument - it was built as a monument (duh

) to the Great Fire of London in 1666 and when you get up (if they haven't gone and closed it again) you get a great view of the city. Same with Tower Bridge. St. Paul's Cathedral is also something not to be missed, especially if you go up to the Whispering Gallery.

A personal recommendation is to go to St. Olave's Church on a lunchtime - they have free classical music recitals there, and if you're the least bit interested it's a great place to have your lunch whilst listening to some very good music. You'll find that a little north-west of the Tower of London, on Hart Street very near Fenchurch Street Station.

C Elegans · Post by **C Elegans** » Wed Aug 14, 2002 8:04 am

Originally posted by Tom
Ohh well, if I was you I would head for Camden - especially during the weekend. Its a huge market selling just about everything. Its a good place to walk around and take it easy - its getting more and more touristy but its still good in my opinion. (don't eat the food from the stalls)

I'll second Tom for Camden, although it's getting more touristy it's still a nice area to walk around in, funny shops and people with interesting looks. I like Stable's market best, there are several different markets along the street. There are also several little coffee shops and restaurants.

Don't fall into the museum trap, like Fable I think you should go for just one or two. Personally, I'd choose Tate modern and British museum.

@Frogus and everybody who has been to Tate modern: I really love "Mother", the huge spider in the entrance.

I am surprised I am the only person who had even mentioned London's excellent club scene, perhaps SYMers don't like clubbing?

@Kam: IIRC, British Museum is close to Tottemham court road tube station. And give the Elgin marbles back to Greece! The belong to Parthenon, not to a museum in London!