In England. Any Advice for Touring London

[rgf207]

I am in Cambridge for 3 days and I have 1 day to myself to tour. I was going to take the train into London to do some site seeing but I have no idea where to start. I know that they have those Red double-decker buses that tour the city but I was wondering if anyone has every taken those and how they were?

Any information would be greatly appreciated

Thanks so much

 

[NMAmy]

Depends on what you're interested in. I've never done the tour bus in London but I did in Brighton. I liked the recording that played as you went past the sights.

I like the London Eye--the big Ferris wheel that provides fabulous views of the city. I also really enjoyed the Tower of London.

Next trip, I'm putting my foot down about getting to the British Museum and hopefully the National Gallery. Since Dh's family lives in England, I don't get a whole lot of time for the touristy stuff. I usually pick one or two must-do items.

 

[carolfoy]

If you've just got one day it may be better to get your self a good map or guide and an all zone tube ticket.
If you want any specifics join us on the UK community board, we're (fairly) friendly and theres a lot of londoners who can advise

 

[RadioFanatic]

I took one of the double deckers and loved it - it was a great way to see everything and you could get off and on - I totally recommend it. I'm jealous you are there - I LOVE London! Also, if you can take the London Eye, I would recommend that too - it's an amazing view - it's one of the stops off of the bus.

 

[minkydog]

We took the Big Red Bus in London and thought it was a great way to get our bearings. You can hop on & off and see what you like. I'm not big on organized tours, prefering to see what i want to see in-depth. Get off at Green Park and walk over to Buckingham Palace, if you like. Get to know the Tube system, too. It is safe and clean. We never needed a taxi or provate car.

I highly recommend the British Museum--there is none better. The Tower of London is quite interesting--the Crown Jewels are there. I loved St. Paul's cathedral--there is a nice little cafe in the crypt(!) Kinda weird but interesting. We went to Harrods just because we had always heard of it--I'm glad we did, but if you only have a short time I'd skip it. I wish we had gone into Westminster Abbey--we did see Big Ben and heard it chime. Lot of fun. I hope you have a great time.

 

[Laura]

I've never been on one of those double-decker tours, but they sound great to me if you only have the one day. I consider the musts to be the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey, and then go see what you'd like to see. Have fun!

 

[mrsv98]

OMG, I went to Cambridge! OK, here's what to do. Take the train from Cambridge to King's Cross, then get on the Tube and go to Trafalger Sq. Go to the National Gallery, see Nelson's Column, maybe take a peek in the Portrait Gallery or St. Martin's-in-the-Field.

Now, shopping or more sight seeing? If the weather is decent, hop on the Tube again and go to Tower Hill and see the Tower of London and take a Beefeater's tour (make sure to tip). If not, go the other direction and get off at High Street Kensington or Notting Hill and shop. Also Oxford St has many shops but more expensive.

If you are into Museums, then try the V&A (Victoria and Albert). It is fabulous and rarely crowded or the British Museum and see the Rosetta stone.

London is my favorite city in the world (and living in Chicago that is saying something). The transportation is easy and affordable and people are friendly and will help if you need it. I never took a tour bus, but that is me. I know that lots of people love the buses so if you want a good overview, go for it!

Oh, now I am "homesick"! I am taking DD in the summer of 2009 for Cambridge's 800th anniversary and I can't wait! Have a wonderful day!