London attractions within walking distance of each other
Jul 23rd, 2010, 11:38 AM
#22
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I wouldn't skip rides on the tube -- the trains are far faster than the buses and during the day the buses run frequently and in central London numerous routes converge. Frequent buses, numerous routes, narrow streets = horrible traffic.
That said, rides on the "heritage routes" of the 9 and 15, which still run the old Routemasters, would let you see a lot. The 15 runs right near your hotel at Marble Arch.
That said, rides on the "heritage routes" of the 9 and 15, which still run the old Routemasters, would let you see a lot. The 15 runs right near your hotel at Marble Arch.
Jul 23rd, 2010, 12:15 PM
#23
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I like the Tate Britain then taking a boat to the South Bank, hitting Borough Market, The Globe, the Eye if that interests you...I loved it.. Vinopolis, then you can walk across the bridge to St Paul
Covent Graden , Leicester Square, Nat'l Portrait gallery, Nat'l gallery, St Martines, Trefalgar all an easy walk and lots of theatresnearby but with only 2 1/2 days you probably won't have time for theatre, too bad!
Covent Graden , Leicester Square, Nat'l Portrait gallery, Nat'l gallery, St Martines, Trefalgar all an easy walk and lots of theatresnearby but with only 2 1/2 days you probably won't have time for theatre, too bad!
Jul 23rd, 2010, 06:43 PM
#24
"<i>I think with only 2 and a half days, that you should skip any rides on the Tube in favor of the buses. On the Tube you don't see anything, while on the buses you can stare out the window and see everything.</i>"
Maybe when one has the luxury of several/many days in London. But when you only have 2+ days and want to squeeze in a lot of sites -- for many trips, the tube will get you there much faster. The buses are fine, especially for some specific routes, but fast they generally ain't.
And I actually think you do have time for a show (or even 2). Few sites are open in the evenings except for specific late nights at the British/V&A/National Gallery. Might as well fill your evenings w/ theatre.
Maybe when one has the luxury of several/many days in London. But when you only have 2+ days and want to squeeze in a lot of sites -- for many trips, the tube will get you there much faster. The buses are fine, especially for some specific routes, but fast they generally ain't.
And I actually think you do have time for a show (or even 2). Few sites are open in the evenings except for specific late nights at the British/V&A/National Gallery. Might as well fill your evenings w/ theatre.
Jul 24th, 2010, 08:56 AM
#26
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<<< Get a 3 day travel pass and hop on and ioff the buses or tubes - it is SOOOOOO easy! >>>
3 day travelcards don't exist anymore, it's one or seven day.
Which brings up the subject of 2-4-1 offers from www.daysoutguide.com which you can get by buying Travelcards at a central London TRAIN station booking office. You can easily save the total cost of all your travel within London using the offers
3 day travelcards don't exist anymore, it's one or seven day.
Which brings up the subject of 2-4-1 offers from www.daysoutguide.com which you can get by buying Travelcards at a central London TRAIN station booking office. You can easily save the total cost of all your travel within London using the offers
Jul 24th, 2010, 09:11 AM
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I find that interesting attractions are so thick on the ground that you stumble over them one after the other. I don't think you'll have any problems criss-crossing the city too much. If you stay in/near Bloomsbury you're within striking distance of many things first-timers want to see.
Jul 26th, 2010, 01:05 AM
#32
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Thank you again for all the suggestions. I have purchased the London for Dummies book. It has great info, but I still am learning new things on this board that is not in the book. We will most likely try to squeeze in as many attractions as we can. We do not have children in tow and we figure we can catch up on sleep later. Anyway, we are too excited to sleep. Everyone's tips and opinions are much appreciated.
Jul 26th, 2010, 03:42 AM
#33
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Another suggestion which I push endlessly... if you check out London Walks you may find a walk that covers some of what you'd like to see. It's always much more interesting to hear the history behind something while you are viewing it!
www.walks.com
I would likewise skip Harrods and as much as I enjoy Greenwich you may not have time in only 2 days. If you have other priorities you may have to leave that for another time.
On the other hand, if it's a nice day, a Thames cruise and then wander around Greenwich is quite pleasant. You can walk in a tunnel under the Thames from Greenwich and then pop up and take the DLR back - you can reach the Tower of London from the DLR as a matter of fact.
www.walks.com
I would likewise skip Harrods and as much as I enjoy Greenwich you may not have time in only 2 days. If you have other priorities you may have to leave that for another time.
On the other hand, if it's a nice day, a Thames cruise and then wander around Greenwich is quite pleasant. You can walk in a tunnel under the Thames from Greenwich and then pop up and take the DLR back - you can reach the Tower of London from the DLR as a matter of fact.
Jul 26th, 2010, 12:57 PM
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BigRuss and janisj both recommend using the tube in the event that you need to get somewhere fast. To that point (that the tube is faster from point A to B), I agree. However, you already have more than enough ideas on places to see - you indicated you wanted to walk a lot. I still think a ride on the bus is much preferable in the short time you have to a veritable foot race from one spot to another. If it is far enough away that you can't walk to it, slow down and enjoy London. A ride on the number 9 or 15 is worth it - even in heavy traffic. And janisj is correct about the theater - take in a show at night. Resolve to return - and take in all the sights you missed or only skimmed.
Aug 15th, 2010, 07:04 PM
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Lucky Jeans, I stayed for two days at the Thistle Marble Arch recently. I took the BIG RED BUS TOUR (good for 24 hours) from Marble Arch outside on the first day which gave an great overview of London. You can hop on and off at will. The weather happened to be spectacular in late June and the guides were most informative. Tour also includes a cruise on the Thames which I enjoyed. In reality, there is so much to do and see in London that once can not do it all in one visit. Another reason to return!
Aug 15th, 2010, 07:45 PM
#36
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I am in no way an expert or probably even know what I am talking about, BUT I am going in May and this is what I have gathered...
Not sure what others think of this guide book, but I have found it VERY helpful in my planning. I am using Lonley Planet London City Guide. It is FANTASTIC bc it breaks everything down into neighborhood and suggests "walks" that are by neighborhood. This makes it easy to group things that are close tg. It also comes w a map so that as you group you can highlight your walk/sites out. That's what I did anyway. Then you can actually see where things are and how close in proximity they are. I would recommend getting it if you have the chance!
According to my map-->
Big Ben, House of Parliament, Westminister Abbey, London Eye
Maybe Thames cruise from Westminister?? Dont know if they do that but I know they have one from Tower Bridge to Westminister...so assume they would do vice versa??
British Museum Down to Piccadilly Circus down to Buckingham Palace...this is alot of walking but would take you through the West End. Or you could tube/bus??
Tower of London, Tower Bridge, walk to Globe...this would take you through Southbank area along Thames.
As I said...everyone here can offer you WAY more info than I can, but if you get the book it will do exactly what you are asking for. Group things together. It also has sections on things outside london, which may be helpful.
I know it is overwhelming, I'm right there w/ you! After you start writing things out/mapping sites you will know whether what you have in mind is do-able or not. I had a reality check about half way through! haha!! Hope your planning goes well!! Good luck!
Not sure what others think of this guide book, but I have found it VERY helpful in my planning. I am using Lonley Planet London City Guide. It is FANTASTIC bc it breaks everything down into neighborhood and suggests "walks" that are by neighborhood. This makes it easy to group things that are close tg. It also comes w a map so that as you group you can highlight your walk/sites out. That's what I did anyway. Then you can actually see where things are and how close in proximity they are. I would recommend getting it if you have the chance!
According to my map-->
Big Ben, House of Parliament, Westminister Abbey, London Eye
Maybe Thames cruise from Westminister?? Dont know if they do that but I know they have one from Tower Bridge to Westminister...so assume they would do vice versa??
British Museum Down to Piccadilly Circus down to Buckingham Palace...this is alot of walking but would take you through the West End. Or you could tube/bus??
Tower of London, Tower Bridge, walk to Globe...this would take you through Southbank area along Thames.
As I said...everyone here can offer you WAY more info than I can, but if you get the book it will do exactly what you are asking for. Group things together. It also has sections on things outside london, which may be helpful.
I know it is overwhelming, I'm right there w/ you! After you start writing things out/mapping sites you will know whether what you have in mind is do-able or not. I had a reality check about half way through! haha!! Hope your planning goes well!! Good luck!
Aug 16th, 2010, 02:26 AM
#38
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