INTRODUCTING LONDON

One of the world's most visited cities, London has something for everyone: from history and
culture to fine food and good times.
A Tale of Two Cities
London is as much about wide-open spaces and leafy escapes as it is high-density, sight-
packed exploration. Central London is where you will find the major museums, galleries and
most iconic sights, but visit Hampstead Heath or the new Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to
escape the crowds and view the citys greener hues up close. Or venture even further out to
Kew Gardens, Richmond or Hampton Court Palace for excellent panoramas of riverside
London.
Diversity
This city is very multicultural, with a third of all Londoners foreign born, representing 270
different nationalities. What unites them and visitors alike is the English language, for this is both
our tongues birthplace and its epicentre. These cultures season the culinary aromas on
Londons streets, the often exotic clothing people wear and the music they listen to. Londons
diverse cultural dynamism makes it among the worlds most international cities. And diversity
reaches intrinsically British institutions too; the British and Victoria & Albert Museums have
collections as varied as they are magnificent, while flavours at centuries-old Borough Market
now run the full gourmet and cosmopolitan spectrum.
Why I love London
By Steve Fallon, Author

Like most Londoners, I revel in all our familiar landmarks Big Ben, Tower Bridge, the murky
Thames, the London Eye. I still thank the former government that made some of the greatest
museums and art galleries in the world free to one and all. The choice of restaurants, bars and
clubs is legion, and whats not to love about a city with more lush parkland than any other world
capital? But the one thing that sets my adopted city apart from any other is its amazing
tolerance. 'As long as you dont scare the horses, mate, youll be all right here, I was told when I
arrived here more than 20 years ago. Guess what It still hasnt happened.
Art & Culture
A tireless innovator of art and culture, London is a city of ideas and the imagination. Londoners
have always been fiercely independent thinkers (and critics), but until not so long ago people
were inherently suspicious of anything they considered avant-garde. Thats all in the past now,
and the citys creative milieu is streaked with left-field attitude, from theatrical innovation to
contemporary art, pioneering music, writing and design. Food in all its permutations has become
almost an obsession in certain circles.
 Time Travel
London is immersed in history, with more than its share of mind-blowing antiquity and historic
splendour. Londons buildings are eye-catching milestones in the citys unique and compelling
biography, and a great many of them the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben are
familiar landmarks. Theres more than enough innovation (the Shard, the London Eye, the
planned Garden Bridge) to put a crackle in the air, but it never drowns out Londons well-
preserved, centuries-old narrative. Architectural grandeur rises up all around you in the West
End, ancient remains dot the City and charming pubs punctuate the banks of the Thames. Take
your pick.

Money and costs

COSTS DAILY
BUDGET (up to)
85
Dorm bed: 10-32
Market-stall lunch: 5, supermarket sandwich 3.50-4.50
Many museums: free
Standby theatre tickets: 5-25
Santander Cycles daily rental fee: 2

MIDRANGE
85-185
Double room: 90-160
Two-course dinner with glass of wine: 35
Theatre ticket: 15-60
T O P E ND (more than)
185
Four-star/boutique hotel room: 200
Three-course dinner in top restaurant with wine: 60-90
Black cab trip: 30
Top theatre ticket: 65
Although it is a member of the EU, the UK has not adopted the euro and has retained the pound
sterling () as its unit of currency.

One pound sterling is made up of 100 pence (called pee, colloquially).

Notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20 and 50, while coins are 1p ('penny'), 2p, 5p, 10p,
20p, 50p, 1 and 2.

Unless otherwise noted, all prices are in pounds sterling.

Tipping
Hotels Pay a porter 1 per bag; gratuity for room staff is at your discretion.
 Pubs Not is expected unless table service is provided, then 1 for a round of drinks sufficient.
Restaurants Service charge often included in the bill. If not, 10% for decent service, up to 15%
if exceptional.
Taxis Round up to nearest fare pound only.

London Pass
Tour description provided by Viator
Discover the joy of sightseeing with the London Pass, and enjoy free entry to 60 of its world-
class sites like Westminster Abbey and the Tower of
London
. Save time as you skip the queues with fast-track entry at countless attractions, and take
advantage of special offers at quality
London
restaurants and shops.
Even better, why not upgrade and include transport with your London Pass? Choose from a 1-,
2-, 3- or 6-day sightseeing pass with transport included and see the highlights of
England
s cosmopolitan capital with ease.
With the London Pass, save both time and money as you skip admission lines with fast-track
entrance and enjoy free entry to more than 60 top London attractions. There is no need to use
cash simply show your London Pass for fast and easy entry to Londons most popular sites.
Choose from a 1-, 2-, 3- or 6-day pass, plus enjoy discounts on your shopping and dining. Keen
to explore the city in the most hassle-free way? Upgrade your London Pass to include a zones
1-6 London Travelcard. Competitively priced, the upgrade option covers all journeys made on
the London Underground, London Overground, buses and Dockland Light Railway for the
validity of your pass.London Pass includes:
A 120-page London guidebook
Public transport in travel zones 1-6 for the validity of your pass (if Travelcard upgrade option
selected)
Free entry to 60 attractions (see Itinerary)
Discounts and benefits at selected London restaurants, theaters and shops
Fast-track entrance to many top London-area attractions, like Westminster Abbey and the
Tower of London
What's included
London pass
Skip-the-line entry to selected london attractions
Many special offers and benefits
Free entry to 60 attractions
Free guidebook
What isn't included
Food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities (optional)

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/england/london