Fodor's upCLOSE London, 2nd Edition

by FODOR'S

• ISBN13: 9780679003823
• ISBN10: 0679003827
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Trade Paper
• Copyright: 1999-12-28
• Publisher: Fodor's

Summary

Fodor's upCLOSE London"Good writing and a sassy attitude." --Chicago Sun-Times "Takes you places locals love and tourists don't know about." --American Waymagazine "Perfect for finding bargains." --Shapemagazine Designed for people who want to travel well and spend less:With candid reviews and a fresh outlook, Fodor's upCLOSE points the way to authentic experiences that will take you away from the crowds and close to the culture -- without having to spend a fortune. Great places to stay that don't cost a fortune-- From Georgian-terrace row houses to the coolest hostel in town. The best places to eat, drink, and play with the locals-- From Shakespeare and experimental theater to perfect pub-grub. On-the-money insights into local culture, history, and sights. Great side trips and adventures beyond the obvious. Packed with savvy tips and practical information-- From airfare deals to tips on losing the crowds. Clear, readable maps

Table of Contents

Traveling up

Close

Our Gang A Send-Off Introduction

Basics Covering topics from air travel to working in London, our Basics chapter provides all the information you'll need to get started on planning your trip

Exploring London Major Attractions

London Neighborhoods

West London

Central London

East London

South of the Thames

North London

Near London Museums and Galleries

Where to Sleep

Hotels and B&Bs Hostels

Student Housing Camping Food Restaurants

Cafés, Patisseries, and Teas Markets and Specialty Stores

Reference

Listings Pubs and Bars After Dark Theater

Comedy Classical Music, Opera, Dance

Dance Clubs Live Music Film

Shopping Department Stores

Specialty Stores

Street Markets

Outdoor Activities

Spectator Sports

Participant Sports

Trips from London

Oxford Stratford-upon-Avon Bath Cambridge

Brighton Canterbury Althorp Stonehenge

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.

Excerpts

Traveling upCLOSE

Shop for a picnic at the Queen's grocers. Commune with Chaucer at Westminster Abbey. Stay at a bargain B&B (and get mothered with a full English breakfast). Take a Beatles' Magical Mystery Walking Tour. Catch a sunset on Waterloo Bridge. Raise a pint at Dickens's favorite pub. Memorize the symphony of the city streets. In other words, if you want to experience the heart and soul of London, whatever you do, don't spend too much money.

The deep and rich experience of London that every true traveler yearns for is one of the things in life that money can't buy. In fact, if you have it, don't use it. Traveling lavishly is the surest way to turn yourself into a sideline traveler. Restaurants with white-glove service are great -- sometimes -- but they're usually not the best place to find the perfect ploughman's pie. Doormen at plush hotels have their place, but not when your look-alike room could be anywhere from Düsseldorf to Detroit. Better to stay in a more intimate place that truly gives you the atmosphere you traveled so far to experience. Don't just stand and watch -- jump into the spirit of what's around you.

If you want to see London up close and savor the essence of the city and its people in all their charming glory, this book is for you. We'll show you the local culture, the offbeat sights, the bars and cafés where tourists rarely tread, and the B&Bs and other hostelries where you'll meet fellow travelers -- places where the locals would send their friends. And because you'll probably want to see the famous places if you haven't already been there, we give you tips on losing the crowds, plus the quirky and obscure facts you want as well as the basics everyone needs.

Our Gang

Who's are we? We're artists and poets, slackers and straight arrows, and travel writers and journalists, who in our less hedonistic moments report on local news and spin out an occasional opinion piece. What we share is a certain footloose spirit and a passion for Olde London Towne, which we celebrate in this guidebook. Shamelessly, we've revealed all of our favorite places and our deepest, darkest travel secrets, all so that you can learn from our past mistakes and experience the best part of London to the fullest. If you can't take your best friend on the road or if your best friend is hopeless with directions, stick with us.

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Excerpted from London: The Buzz on Shopping, Restaurants and Royals, Doing the Town, What's Worth It, What's Not, Top Hotels, Rock-Bottom to Ritzy by Fodor's Travel Publications, Inc. Staff
All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.