Honeymooners
A fun-loving city with art, theater, shopping and culture, along with the picturesque English countryside a short drive away, is the perfect romantic getaway.

Families
Excellent museums, fun-filled parks and gardens, and many other family-friendly attractions make London a winner.

Shoppers & Fashion Buffs
Whether shopping to buy or for inspiration, window-shopping is optional – just take a look around and marvel at the iconic street style or street fashion. Everyone’s a model in London, or so it may seem.

Anyone
The city is truly for anyone — first-time Europe travelers, seasoned travelers, etc. — with all the different wonders and attractions this city holds.

Transfers
The city is truly for anyone — first-time Europe travelers, seasoned travelers, etc. — with all the different wonders and attractions this city holds.

Bus
Buses are a good way to see the city, but not if you are in a hurry. Make sure you have the correct fare.

Taxi
Taxis can be found in the main tourist areas at cabstands; they can also be hailed from the street. The famous black taxicabs are fast disappearing, but can still be found for a traditional London ride. Tip 10-15%.

Subway
London’s Underground "Tube" is one of the most extensive underground systems in the world, with 10 lines getting you just about anywhere in London. Whatever you want to see is most likely within a few blocks from a Tube stop. Routes are color coded and then further segmented by direction (North, South, East and West). There are six fare zones, but most of what the traveler wants to see is in the first zone. There are multiple options on how to buy tickets. If you plan to do a lot of traveling throughout the city on a given day, one of the best ways to get around is the One-Day Travelcard. Or better yet, buy a reusable and rechargeable Oyster Card. The Oyster Card will always automatically calculate the cheapest fare for the journeys you make in a single day and you don't have to stand in line to buy a ticket. Oyster single fares are always cheaper than cash.

Car and Rail
If traveling outside of London, you can either rent a car or travel on Britain’s extensive rail system. Roads are in good condition and the motorways move traffic along quite quickly once outside of central London (Due to fees and parking limitations, it is not recommended to have a car while in London). Remember — Britain drives on the left! It isn’t too difficult for right-sided drivers to switch over, but the driver must pay attention at all times, especially that first day of driving. Rail travel, though it won’t get you to the smallest of villages, is efficient and convenient and serves all the main tourist areas; from London to York only takes two hours travel time. You can purchase a single ticket or a multi-day rail pass, depending on how much you plan to travel.

The long outdated thought that London restaurants don’t offer good food is just that – long outdated. Today the London city scene is full of top-notch chefs, trendy new restaurants, and an international selection of cuisine. From the Docklands to Knightsbridge you’ll find anything and everything from traditional British fare to slick European cafés and family-run Indian restaurants to the latest and trendiest franchises. There are literally thousands upon thousands of restaurants in London, so choosing one may be difficult. Ask your hotel to recommend one, check out the newspaper, or here is a list of some to try:

• Anchor & Hope
  Make sure to arrive at this gastropub early, as the fabulous food and uncompromising dishes go quickly. South Bank.
• The Belvedere
  Hidden away in Holland Park, this beautiful bar and restaurant offers an oasis of tranquillity, surrounded by lawns and stunning flower gardens, in addition to superb cuisine. West London.
• Carluccio’s Café
  Part of a distinctive chain of very stylish cafés, offering an authentic open-all-day rustic Italian experience with low prices and friendly staff. St. Christopher’s Place.
• Gay Hussar
  A fine restaurant with superb cuisine and many things uniquely Hungarian. Soho.
• Incognico
  This theatreland bistro offers up a lot of atmosphere and comfort for your money, especially with the pre-theater and set lunch menus. West End.
• Mela
  Generous portions of Indian fare and unusual country dishes make this conveniently located theatreland restaurant a favorite. Excellent value and great service, too. West End.
• Racine
  Described as simple, unpretentious, and sophisticated, the restaurant has a long been a favorite and given the well-heeled Knightsbridge location, the prices are cheap, especially on the wine list. Knightsbridge.

For afternoon tea, head to Brown’s, the Goring Hotel, or the Palm Court at the Waldorf Meridien, complete with ballroom dancing. For a less stuffy and more affordable afternoon tea, try the St. James Restaurant in the Fortnum and Mason department store or the Charing Cross Hotel.

Nightlife in London centers on the theater, pubs, and the late-night clubs. Hundreds of theaters offer the best in live performance, all concentrated in the West End. For the top-rated shows, you’ll need to buy your tickets long before arriving in London. Otherwise, you can opt for the TKTS booth in Leicester Square. The Encore Theater Passes are also available from us, allowing you to exchange your pass for a ticket to a play of your choice from an exciting selection.

Pubs can range from quiet conversation and a warm fireplace to jam-packed, happy hour, full-of-life establishments. With more than 5,000 pubs in London alone, there is a pub for everyone, so try a few and find your own.

• Bunch of Grapes
  A large pub features four bars where you can sit on ornately carved stools and select from a large assortment of beers. The pub’s Old World ambience is completely authentic – the place has been around since 1770. Knightsbridge.
• The Churchill Arms
  A traditional pub with an amazingly good Thai restaurant attached. Great for just a pint in the pub or an inexpensive and delicious lunch in the restaurant.
• The Rising Sun
  For 150 years, The Rising Sun has occupied an imposing, four-story structure known around Tottenham Court for its Gothic exterior and traditional pub interior. Pub favorites and house specialties are available until late. Soho.

Clubs don’t usually get hopping until 10pm at the earliest. To get the scoop on hours, locations, and which clubs are operating, get a copy of Time Out at a local London newsstand or your hotel.

For one of the best flea markets in Europe, head over to the New Caledonian Market, or Bermondsey Market, which takes place on Fridays. The market is outstanding for the number and quality of the antiques and other goods. Get there early, as most of the really good deals are gone by 9am. Other good markets include the popular Portobello Market, Camden Passage, and the Covent Garden Market.

Most major department stores have their big sales in January and July, sometimes discounting merchandise as much as 50%. Major shopping areas include Oxford and Bond Streets, the West End, Knightsbridge, Chelsea, and Kensington. Make sure to get off the major streets and explore the shops in the smaller lanes and streets.

Best buys in England are on porcelain, pewterware, sterling silver, tweeds, woolens, and rainwear.

Pomp and pageantry often define London's numerous events:

Changing of the Guard
Daily. This ceremony’s roots date back to 1660 and can now be seen at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, Horse Guards Arch and the Tower of London.

Chelsea Flower Show
May. The world-renowned show with display gardens, endless flowers and exhibits.

Trooping of the Colour
June 12. A parade in honor of the Queen’s birthday.

City of London Festival
June – July. Arts festival with events throughout the city including music, street theater and dance.

Notting Hill Carnival
August. A gigantic street festival with costumes, music, dance, drama and food.

Opening of Parliament
First Monday in October. People line the streets from Buckingham Palace to the House of Parliament to catch a glimpse of the Queen in her Royal Coach.

Spectator Sports

• London Marathon
  Mid April. The 26-mile course from Greenwich Park and Black Heath to the Buckingham Palace Mall forms the core of a continuous line of live bands, pubs with live entertainment, and thousands of cheering fans. Around 30,000 people run.
• Wimbledon-Lawn Tennis Championship
  June – July. This tournament that started in 1877 at Wimbledon has drawn a socially prominent crowd ever since its beginnings. Location: Wimbledon, Southwest London.

Festival Riverside
The Royal Festival Hall offers a wide promenade dotted with art, cafés, galleries, shops and open-air performance spaces.

Seeing Stars
Film premieres occur in London almost weekly at the movie theaters around Leicester Square. Check the events listing in the entertainment sections of daily newspapers.

Driving Tip
If renting a car in Great Britain, remove the left front hubcap. Between negotiating the narrow roads and driving on the left, your left front wheel may bump up against the curb more than you’d like, taking the hubcap with it. If you remove the hubcap yourself, the curb won’t — and you won’t have to pay for a missing one.

Flea Markets
For one of the best flea markets in Europe, head over to the New Caledonian Market or Bermondsey Market, which takes place on Fridays. The market is outstanding for the number and quality of the antiques and other goods. Get there early, as most of the really good deals are gone by 9 am.