My boyfriend and I will be taking our first trip to London in February. We're planning to mostly check out the theatre and museums. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on what not to miss in either of those departments. I've read the guidebooks, but I'd like to hear the opinions of other travelers. <BR> <BR>As far as theatre goes, I am more interested in hearing about off-West End or the Fringe, but any tips on West End are also appreciated, especially getting inexpensive tickets (Nosebleed is fine). <BR> <BR>Also, can anyone explain these zones to me? What is in Zone 1, 2, and 3? I'm trying to figure out what Travelpass we need to buy. <BR> <BR>Thanks! <BR> <BR>Alex

Alex, <BR>Check out the West End Theatre Guide at: www.londontheatre.co.uk/ You'll find opening, closing dates, reviews, seating arrangements, ticket prices for all the West End theatrical productions. Check out city.net/countries/united-kingdom/england/london Once there look at "where to go", you'll find the off-West End theatre info. <BR> <BR>Almost all of the sights a tourist would wish to see are in zone 1, some in 2. Buy the zone 1-2 travel pass. If you find something outside the 1-2 zones simply by an individual ticket to that location. Dokn't waste money on a travel pass for anything more than zone 1-2. <BR> <BR>Email me directly if you have any questions. Don't know what your museum interests are but do consider the City of London museum, the Cortauld Institute and the Wallace Collection.

<BR>Definitely don't miss the British Museum!!

I'd also strongly recommend the British Library Museum (name may be wrong). It's what used to be in the British Museum, but has recently been relocated a little north of the British Museum. It contains original copies of the Magna Carta, as well as an astonishing array of other ancient, original documents. <BR> <BR>The London Musuem of Transport is also good. The gift shop is also great - tons of "Tube" related stuff (everything imaginable), plus good posters. It's also right beside Covent Garden, so you can explore that too. <BR> <BR>I'd second the suggestion of the Courtald and the British Museum. Lastly, the British War Museum is also quite fascinating. <BR> <BR>Have a great trip! <BR> <BR>Mike

The comprehensive description of the London Tubes and Buses are at <BR>http://www.londontransport.co.uk. <BR> <BR>The rate scheme is pretty complicated. So decide on what you want before you go. <BR> <BR>In case of weekly passes, you'll need a passport size picture. You do NOT have to spend money taking passport regulation compliant pictures. We just took snap shots from my scrap pile and cut to passport picture dimensions. The London transport line at the Heathrow moves VERY SLOWLY, so plan accordingly if you see any size line at the windows.

Hi Alex. Thought I'd add my 2 cents worth on museums......we loved the Victoria & Albert (great "modern" history, photo gallery) and the Tate (modernish art). Have fun.

Hello <BR> <BR>The Tate Gallery is worth a look, especially as it is free. It has lots of art and artefacts from around the world. They sometimes do 'specials' on places, like Korea or Japan, for which there is a charge. <BR>As regards travel, it can be complicated. I would recommend a weekly Zones 1 and 2 Travelcard {if you are there for a week, or most of a week} allowing you transport on tube, bus and overland rail within those zones. It will cost £16.60 and you can use it as many times as you like. Take your photos to the ticket window of any tube station or railway station. Some newsagents sell them too. They are not valid on night buses. <BR>If you don't want a weekly pass, buy daily Travelcards. They are only available after 9.30 am, so if you plan a lot of early starts and to use the transport system every day, the weekly pass will be the best bet. A daily card is £3.60 for Zones 1 and 2. <BR>N B Tubes can be very warm, even if it is cold outside. Wear layers, and remove when necessary! <BR>If you need to go outside the zone, just go to the ticket window with your Travelcard and explain where you want to go. They will give you an extra ticket, but ask them to remind you which one to insert at the journey's end. {I think it is the upgrade ticket.} <BR>Don't miss the Tower too. In February, with dark, chilly days the atmosphere will be just right.

Alex, I just adore London - you'll probably find that you'll either love it or hate it. Hope my suggestions below will help you love it: <BR>- agree re: British Museum, it is truly amazing. My advice, because there is so much, is to look over the map beforehand and start with the areas you are already interested in. Doesn't matter if you pop around, there is far too much to see in a day, so concentrate on what you really need to see. <BR>- don't miss the National Portrait Gallery, and use the same system. I believe it goes chronologically, starting at the top, but depending on what you are interested in you may find the most interesting/modern stuff on the lower levels. <BR>- the Courtauld Institute is very worthwhile, when I was there you were allowed to stand as close as you liked to the beautiful Manets, Renoirs, etc. But I thought I read somewhere that the place was being renovated and much of the collection was on tour. Check before you go. <BR>- altho not quite a museum I would also recommend the Cabinet War Rooms. Not far fr. Buckingham Palace and was the underground bunker where Churchill ran the war from. <BR>- Tate is good if you love artwork, and National Gallery but I usually take turns seeing them on my trips <BR>- V&A is worth a day - like your grandmother's closets sort of <BR>- if you love gardening you might want to try the Garden Museum at Lambeth - they have a website for more info <BR>- the Museum of London has some awesome displays. My nephew particularly enjoyed them, but they are really well done. <BR>- Never been to the Scotland Yard museum or the Theatre Museum - but have heard they are interesting for devotees. <BR>Have fun.