SuzanneS09

I would love input from anyone that could guide me in places to go /shopping to do (good deals)and things not to miss out on in London. I will be going there for the first time next week and would LOVE to already have some good knowledge on how to spend my days. I will have about 5 days to explore on my own.

thursdaysd

1. Ask on the Europe board.
2. Get a guidebook. If you're leaving in a week you should already have spent time with several guidebooks at the library or a book store.

suze

Once you arrive pick up entertainment guides, local newspapers listing events, things that you wouldn't have been able to find in advance or in a guidebook.

But if you truly don't have a guidebook yet, I would purchase one pronto, and read it on the plane ride over. Something like "Let's Go" for London, a city-specific guide.

coldplay

Camden Market is ok but it is mostly very young people who frequent the area now. Portobello Market is much better also the east end has Spitalfields and the Brick Lane area which are interesting.

SuzanneS09

Yep, I have been reading up on London. I was just looking for insight on those that have been there before.

BobbyPam

Hi Suzanne -

I really enjoyed Covent Garden, where I bought a fab frog bracelet. After you've shopped til you've dropped, you can head to Rules, which is the oldest restaurant in London. It's on Maiden Lane in Covent Garden, and their rhubarb apple crumble is superb! I also liked Gray's Antiques Market (Bond St. tube stop). The Charles Dickens Museum (Russell Square tube stop) is worth a visit if you enjoy his books. The Victoria and Albert Museum is beautiful and has a lovely cafe. Make sure to take a flight on the London Eye too.

dfr4848

We like Portobello quite a bit, but get their when it opens. Gets crowded very fast.