Sightseeing
Sightseeing Overview
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London may be a vast, sprawling city that lives life at breakneck speed, but there is no need to feel intimidated. Before setting off it is wise to study a London Underground map to get a feel for the straightforward colour-coded system and also to bear in mind that many central areas are easily navigable on foot.
The tourist heart of London lies mainly on the north bank of the River Thames, with the chunk of flat land between South Kensington in the west to Tower Bridge in the east stuffed full of things to do and see. Starting in the west, there are the three major South Kensington Museums: the Victoria & Albert Museum, the National History Museum and the Science Museum. Moving eastwards, the next attraction is Buckingham Palace, the city’s biggest single tourist attraction, back en vogue after the Jubilee Year in 2002. Within walking distance through St James’ Park, one of London’s most underrated parks, is Westminster with the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. The section of river between Westminster and Embankment is particularly impressive for a stroll, although the action is further north. Here, the maelstrom of Trafalgar Square with the National Gallery and other attractions is backed up by Leicester Square, a madly busy tourist-infested piazza where many native Londoners would not be seen dead. Just north of Leicester Square is Soho, a bohemian quarter of gay bars, trendy restaurants and new media offices that merges into Theatreland, while slightly further northeast there is the complete contrast of the stately old British Museum. Just west of Leicester Square is Piccadilly Circus and just east Covent Garden.
Over to the south side of the river, which is accessible from Embankment by the new pedestrian Hungerford Bridge, the once rundown South Bank is currently enjoying something of a renaissance with the British Airways London Eye dominating the scene, as well as the London Aquarium and the cultural South Bank Centre. Heading east along the south bank of the river is the Tate Modern and the Globe Theatre. Another pedestrian bridge, Lord Foster’s Millennium Bridge, connects the Tate Modern with St Paul’s Cathedral, back on the north bank. From St Paul’s, it is possible to walk through the City of London to reach the Tower of London further east. Tower Bridge connects this ancient seat of power to the new state-of-the-art home of London mayor Ken Livingstone on the south bank, City Hall.
Tourist Information
London Tourist Board Tourist Information Centre
Victoria station forecourt, SW1
Tel: (0906) 133 7799 (24-hour general tourist information).
Website: www.visitlondon.com
Opening hours: Daily 0800-1900; Sun until 1700 (Dec-Mar).
There are a further 18 tourist information centres (TIC) throughout the city.
Passes
The London Pass (tel: (020) 7287 6020; website: www.londonpass.com) allows free access for one adult to over 60 attractions (including the London Dungeon, Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace and Buckingham Palace). The ‘with transport’ option also includes free transport on all London buses, tubes and trains. The price varies depending on whether you take the ‘with transport’ option. A pass for one day costs £14 without transport and £21 with transport; for two days £23 or £33, three days £27 or £42 and six days £31 or £59. All prices exclude VAT. The London Pass can be purchased at the airport and tourist information offices around London.
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