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London for a week- suggestions?

post #1 of 11
1/24/10 at 3:27pm
Thread Starter 
Hello all-

A friend and I will be spending a week in London somewhere in between March 1st through 14th (haven't settled on exact dates yet). This is my first time traveling to London with someone else, I was hoping for some suggestions on interesting places to see that aren't extravagantly touristy (or seriously overpriced). My budget for the whole trip is around $4000.

Any ideas are much appreciated.
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post #2 of 11
1/24/10 at 3:47pm
Terminal 5 FTW.
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post #3 of 11
1/24/10 at 3:50pm
I assume you already know about the museums if that is something that interests you.

Get a Time Out at the airport or online before you arrive. Browse for things to do (concerts, theater, exhibitions, etc.).

Definitely take in a professional soccer match while you're there. Even if you don't like the game, the atmosphere is an experience.
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post #4 of 11
1/24/10 at 3:58pm
I'll rack my brain and write later when I'm not on the iPhone.... First off, do you have an idea of where you will be/ want to stay? You've been here before right? There are plenty of interesting things that aren't the usual touristy things.
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post #5 of 11
1/25/10 at 7:35am
Do the touristy things. You're a tourist.

A hop on / hop off tour bus and a Thames river cruise are actually good fun.

K
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post #6 of 11
1/25/10 at 8:38am
london museum, national gallery.

eat chinese in china town - aromatic duck and crispy beef are charactoristic english chinese foods.

have a pint of bitter in a real pub

eat a meat pie
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post #7 of 11
1/25/10 at 9:28am
Quote:
Originally Posted by JetBlast View Post
Hello all-

A friend and I will be spending a week in London somewhere in between March 1st through 14th (haven't settled on exact dates yet). This is my first time traveling to London with someone else, I was hoping for some suggestions on interesting places to see that aren't extravagantly touristy (or seriously overpriced). My budget for the whole trip is around $4000.

Any ideas are much appreciated.

Borough Markets are great if touristy. Try some of the rare breed pork or wild boar hot dogs and fresh English strawberries/raspberries. Drink a Fentimans soft drink.

Also the Chelsea Physic Garden and Charing Cross bookshop area.

Avoid Madame Tusseauds at all costs, most overpriced tourist trap there is.
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post #8 of 11
1/25/10 at 9:54am
+ Tate Modern (one off my favorites), Imperial War Museum, Churchill Museum, British Museum, Tower of London,, St. Paul's Cathedral. Touristy but all worth it. Ride the tube, go to the parks, go to the pubs, go to all the posh neighborhoods, walk around until you can't anymore, etc, etc, etc.
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post #9 of 11
1/25/10 at 11:21am
Round London bus tour. At least you can say you've seen everything. Not sure of your tastes, but I would definitely see the following: 1. Wesminster Abbey 2. Big Ben 3. The Eye is a nice view 4. St Paul's 5. Tate Gallery 6. National Gallery 7. Boat ride on the Thames from Wesminster to The Tower of London 8. The Tower of London 9. British Museum All amazing. Now, that's the tourist (albeit great) stuff done. There is so much to see and do in London to suit all tastes. I spent five years studying there and hardly scratched the surface. It's the most amazing city. A week is going to be tough, but you'll get to see some wonderful things. Now, the shopping, parks, restaurants and clubs. You'll need another lifetime and fortune! Expect to pay a lot for everything. Do not convert or it'll depress you. Have a fun trip.
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post #10 of 11
1/25/10 at 11:31am
I had a lot of suggestions, most were covered by other posters, the only touristy thing not covered is having high tea - you could look at the Ritz or the wolesley other places do this too.
The ritz has a no denim policy, the wolesley the service is not as good as it should be, but it is otherwise pretty cool.
The deparment stores "Liberty" and "fortnum and masons" are both worth a quick look around if you pass them, not for shopping (although liberty does have some menswear) but just for fun, much nicer than harrods, although not as gloriosly tacky.

If you enjoy your food do a bit of research - you can get lunch from a set menu at many very good restraunts for a fraction of the cost of dinner.

If you fancy having a night out clubbing or what have you but don't fancy the super clubs hoxton is quite fun.
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post #11 of 11
1/25/10 at 11:40am
I believe the Ritz is coat and tie. At least the Rivoli bar is.

K
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