recommended guide books?
 

I'd like to buy a guidebook for my upcoming trip to London. In the past I've relied on the Blue Guide, which is great for my husband and me--but I'm taking my teenaged daughter and thought something else might be more accessible for her. <BR> <BR>I've seen recommendations for the Eyewitness Guide to London. I'm not sure that's the right name, but it's published by Dorling Kindersley. Also, I read somewhere about London for Less--getting the full, not compact, version. <BR> <BR>What are others' recommendations? <BR> <BR>Thanks!

I've never been to London and never seen this guide myself, but I read a newspaper article about the Virgin London City Guide -- it's supposed to be very up-to-date and hip, so it might be more up your teenager's alley. You can read about it on amazon. Maybe someone else who's used the guide will be able to recommend it or not . . . .

Penny, <BR>The Blue Guide is indeed the most comprehensive, authoritative guidebook you could ever hope to find and ideal if you're fascinated by architecture, history and art. It reads like a college textbook or encyclopedia, packed with facts, dates and erudite descriptions. The Eyewitness Guide is the perfect guide to a first timer in London, of whatever age. Comprehensive, with excellent illustrations, photographs and maps it provides a good overview of the city and its attractions. The Insight Guide to London with a less formal writing style, excellent photos and a good deal of light humor interspersed throughout its text, coupled with short essays on the idiosyncrasies of London's life style is a good introductory guide for a young person. Once in London, tourist offices have a number of publications that will spell out things and sites of interest to a teenager. Upon arrival,check out free booklets available from the British Tourist Authority such as "TimeOut Guide to London Life" and "London Planner" for current things to do, exhibits and things to see, theatre schedules and the like.

It's hard to improve on the excellent comments by Wes Fowler. Eyewitness Guides are indeed candy for the eyes. I own ten of 'em. <BR> <BR>For an objecive look at what is good, take a look at what people are buying. Amazon.com permits you to see the tope 25 or top 100 on any subject - - you'll see just where the Eyewitness guide is positioned. <BR> <BR>This is not a plug for Amazon - - I do my best to support bookstores (brick and mortar) of multiple persuasions. B&N, Borders, small independents alike.

The Eyewitness Guide is one of my favorites, along with the Access Guide.

My vote goes to Rick Steves' London Guide. Good advice that is right on with mini-guides to some of the top attractions. Used it more than any other guide I had.