Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - OK, so what do you love about LONDON?

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Joe, I have to tell you, every time I read your post, I crack up. I do not remember the name of the poet who came up with the quote ("the man who has grown tired of London...") but you added a novel spin to it. London has EVERYTHING, plus, Cadbury Flake bars. or, maybe I am just a flake myself. :-)

A "poignant human tragedy" is the fact that the Brits have stricter animal protection laws than children protection laws--certainly NOT Princess Diana.

Woo Hoooo! There is nothing like a post of this nature to make me sit up and appreciate my home... Mind the Gap really means Be Mindful of the Gap. And yes, sadly, a number of accidents involving people slipping down between train and platform have occured in the history of LUL. But I still cant help thinking of the Gap clothing store anyway... Kavey

London is fascinating for anyone interested in the history of western culture, but the notion that there is virtually no crime in England is simply incorrect. According to statistics compiled by the US Department of Justice England surpasses the US in robbery, assault, burglary and motor vehicle theft.

Beth It was Samuel Johnson who said that. He also said that "the happiest sight a Scotsman sees is the high road which leads to London" so he is NOT the most reliable witness

I love the hugeness of London - one can never see it all and probably never will. I love the energy, the crowds, the historic buildings everywhere, the gorgeous parks, the drool-inducing shops and the great variety of eccentric characters in the streets. I love the museums and art galleries, the Georgian and Victorian residential squares and the ease of tube transport (most of the time!)... and that's just scratching the surface about what I love about London.

london is great! i have to say that paris is my favorite, but london does run a very close second. for all the reasons you have all listed. it's wonderful!!

I love the good looking men with their English accents!

Maybe it's because I'm a Londoner that I love London town!!

Cindy, you forgot to mention that those good looking men are so WELL-DRESSED!!! I walked around for days drooling, even the dorky guys had style.

Ok, I totally agree with everyones love of London, but you all are obviously pretty well off, rich people. Esp. the ones that post they love the cruises and such on the Thames. Well, as a "frugal" college student...here's a normal Middle class persons' love of London. Walking down Soho at night, and looking at all the weird, odd, cool, sophisticated fashions of the fabulous city, hearing Big Ben strike 12 at midnight, staring at the police officer's neon yellow jackets until your eyes glaze over(ha ha), Walking Regent's park during the day, and sometimes catching a glimpse of some of Britain's famous actors/actresses walking by, the little Indian restaurant in Notting Hill, laughing at the zig zagged lines on the road,and wondering what they're for, scones, scones, scones, people of differnet races and nationalities, all mostly with british accents, when people call you "love" instead of miss...ahh..there are so many little things..i could go on and on!!

I have just finished reading this thread and feel quite proud that everyone loves London so much. I am English and do live in inner London. You all make me feel that I had better hop on the bus and start appreciating this wonderful city. However, at present it is school holiday time and buses and tubes are very crowded.Can I add a note of caution. Someone mentioned that they feel safe at any hour of the day or night walking the streets.You really do need to take care. John Lill, the concert pianist was mugged last week in a quiet street in Hampstead in the middle of the day and his hand was badly cut by the muggers. A woman was strolling along the canal late at night and was gang raped and thrown into the river.This was only two weeks ago. London is comparatively safe but I certainly drive with my doors locked and am very careful not to walk up dark streets at night. Most older people will confirm what I say and I live in Hampstead which is one of the better areas of London. Still, I love it and now I am over 60 I get a freedom pass which allows me to travel on all buses, tubes and trains within the circle of the M25 for free...isn't that wonderful? Please keep coming to London. We need you!

Sheila, that comment was totally unnecessary. There are cities in the UK that I dont like but I dont feel I have to yell my dislike over a forum.

Emily, how do you define the well dressed London men? I think the men in the city look good but then I like a nice smart suit :-) Anyway, the things I love about London (from someone who lives on the outskirts): - The great atmosphere in the weeks leading up to Christmas - the Harrods building at night - the beautiful parks - so much to see and do that you never get bored - walking along the embankment at night, either summer or winter - how great London looks when the sun finally comes out - eating lunch on the steps of St Pauls - Maxwell & Kennedy chocolate shops - expensive but the BEST chocolate - walking down The Strand on a summers evening, with everyone getting ready to go to the theatre and for dinner - the Tower of London floodlit at night - eerie - discovering parts of the Roman wall dotted around the city - the view from the front of the Tower of London - looking out over the Thames & Tower Bridge - being a tour guide for overseas friends visiting while still being a bit of a tourist myself... Karen

No matter how many times I visit London, I still have to spend time in Westminster Abbey. There's so much history there and so much to take in, I don't think I've ever seen it all in 4 visits ! Also, I know it's touristy, but I love the food court at Harrods. It's like an art gallery of food !!

I live in a wonderful and huge country, with more than 8 thousand km of hot and astonishing beaches, besides other marvels - Brazil -. If I had to change my address,in spite of having been in many places of this world already,I wouldn't have to think twice: LONDON, LONDON, LONDON, FOREVER!

For the past 15 years we spend christmas and New Years in London or Paris, alternating each year. We enjoy both immensely and never seem to do or see all that we planned. So we return and again and enjoy each city. We usually rent a flat in Knightsbridge or near the Champs Elysees.

Sorry, I haven't answer the question. I love the londoners (they are polite, chic, and when you ask for an information, they make you feel as if this is the most important thing of the day),their history (The Tower is to take your breathe away), their culture, tradition, parks, monuments, street markets, underground efficiency, the red bus, ufa! I could be writing for hours!Thank you. Lilian

All the McDonalds, Burger Kings, Pizza Hut, KFC, Starbucks and the 5 separate GAP's on Oxford Street. I wasn't sure if I was in London or still at home.

Having just returned on August 17 from a 10 day trip to London, I can only say that we just fell in love with the city, inspite of the large crowds everywhere. I think next time I might avoid August as we were told that not only are the American here, but also many European countries holiday during August. Consequently we heard more Italian, French and German being spoken on the streets than English. However, that being said, there are several places that stand out. Westminster Abbey. Take the self guided tour that includes a hand wand with recorded information. We found it to be most informative and you can proceed at your own pace. The British Museum was truly Indescribable. It is like a walk through ancient civilizations and is a must see. The Tower of London. We arrived early and at 9:30 a.m. when they open we were were the only ones in line. We thought we were in the wrong place and asked the guard if this normal. He told us in spite of telling everyone to arrive early, most people wait until 10:00 a.m. or later. By the time we had been there an hour the place was packed. However, we rushed over to the crown jewels and were able to linger over them for some time. The moving walkway had not yet started. (This applies to many other places as well. Get there as soon as they open and you will avoid much of the crowds..at least for an hour or so.) The Cabinet War Rooms where Churchill and the Cabinet conducted the affairs of the country during WWII. Walking through, one gets a feel for what England must have gone through during those days. It was really something to be able to stand just feet away from Churchill's private room with his bed and desk nearby. (Incidentally, our 13 year old daughter really found this place facinating, much to my surprise, as she has not taken modern history in school yet.) Windsor, Windsor Castle were lovely. We caught the changing of the guards there at 11:00 a.m. and were only a few feet away from them. Probably not as big as Buckingham Palace, but it has all the color, music and pageantry and getting that close to the action makes it worthwhile. The National Portrait Gallery - a word of advice, save this until you have been in London for a few days and have visited a castle or two and have heard the names of various British monarchs mentioned several times. You will then be able to place a face with the name. This was something that our 13 year old daughter very much enjoyed. Harrods. What a neat place to shop and browse. The food courts alone are worth going. Some of the other places we appreciated seeing were (in no particular order): Hampton Court Palace, Warwick Castle, the towns of Warwick and Eton (walking distance to Warwick Castle, The Imperial War Museum, National Gallery, Leeds Castle (known as the loveliest castle in the world ... and it is!), the changing of the Horse Guards, THE TUBE!- crowded, but practical and convenient. Last but not least, the people. The British people are friendly, helpful and just plain nice. There was so much we saw during those 10 days and each place in its own way was special. The places I listed above were things that I would say are must sees. Although as soon as I post this and have a chance to go over our video and photos taken, I am sure I will think of others as well. Thanks to so many Fodorites with whose advice made our trip so enjoyable. We printed our many of your suggestions and e-mails and they were invaluable in helping us plan our trip. I will be happy to answer any specific questions so feel free to e-mail me.