Traveling to London/Amsterdam and would like advice

[coltink]

Hi all! I'm just begining to plan a trip to Europe. This will be our first trip out of the country. Nothing is set in stone at the moment but we are planning to travel to London(4 nights) and Amstersdam(3 nights). I know nothing about traveling abroad and in need of some help. I am interested in some casual conversations about traveling to London and Amsterdam.

From what I understand the cheapest time to fly to London is in January to February. Do you find this to be true?

Is the weather at this time bareable enough to be able to go out and do things without freezing to death?

With only 4 nights in London what are the must see's and must do's?

Any hotels that you would recommend?

Has anyone experienced hostels? Thoughts?

Is there public transportation(buses or tube) from the airport(Heathrow or Gathwick) to the city? Or will we have to use a taxi or a shuttle?

In the US typically Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are the cheaper days to fly within the states. Does Europe have 'cheaper days' when flying from London to Amsterdam?

Airline recommendation when flying from London to Amsterdam (and back)?

Amsterdam must see's and must do's?

I think that's all I have at the moment. I'm sure I'll have more questions. I'm looking forward to the responses!

 

[Danauk]

Hi all! I'm just begining to plan a trip to Europe. This will be our first trip out of the country. Nothing is set in stone at the moment but we are planning to travel to London(4 nights) and Amstersdam(3 nights). I know nothing about traveling abroad and in need of some help. I am interested in some casual conversations about traveling to London and Amsterdam.

From what I understand the cheapest time to fly to London is in January to February. Do you find this to be true?
Not sure about this, but I guess those times of year will be cheaper travel times.

Is the weather at this time bareable enough to be able to go out and do things without freezing to death?
The weather in England at that time of year will be very cold, freezing temperatures during the night and expect snow. Having said that wrap up warm and you will be fine.

With only 4 nights in London what are the must see's and must do's?
I would recommend the London eye, maybe one of the cities bus tours to get around all the sites. Most of the London museums are free to visit and are very good.

Any hotels that you would recommend?
Not sure, we usually just go to London for a day.

Has anyone experienced hostels? Thoughts?
Sorry, don't know.

Is there public transportation(buses or tube) from the airport(Heathrow or Gathwick) to the city? Or will we have to use a taxi or a shuttle?
Heathrow has a direct tube link into the city plus there is a bus service. Gatwick also has a bus service.

In the US typically Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are the cheaper days to fly within the states. Does Europe have 'cheaper days' when flying from London to Amsterdam?
Not sure

Airline recommendation when flying from London to Amsterdam (and back)?
Not sure

Amsterdam must see's and must do's?
The boat tours along the canals are good. If you are just wondering around just be aware that the red light district is just off the main square and very easy to accidentally wonder into (we found that out on a school trip much to the headmasters horror!!)

I think that's all I have at the moment. I'm sure I'll have more questions. I'm looking forward to the responses!

Hope this helps a little.

 

[coltink]

This does help! Thank you so much.

Glad to know there is a bus/tube line from the airports to the city. Most places I have done mock bookings through give you a driver option for like $33 per person.

Hoping others can chime in on the questions you didn't know the answer to.

 

[Dimplenose]

Another London day visitor here.

Jan and early Feb are very quiet months which makes visiting attractions quite pleasant. The end of Feb sees a school holiday for most English schools so museums get a lot busier.

It is a cold and usually wet time. For the past couple of years we've had snow but we don't get it every year in this part of the country. It will get dark early, though, about 5pm - so you might want to plan some indoor evening activities (a show, or some of the museums and galleries have a late night.

A river cruise is good but might be a bit cold!

Places to see in London

the Tower of London
St Paul's Cathedral (wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana took place here)
Westminster Abbey (where most Kings and Queens have been crowned)
London Eye (I'm told this is good but I'm too scared of heights to give it a go)
Covent Garden Market
Oxford Street/ Regent Street for shopping

Bus tours are not cheap but you do get to see a lot in a short time (having done an open top tour of Paris in February I'd recommend you sit inside or wear ski gear!!)

Things to see in Amsterdam

Van Gogh museum
Anne Franks' House

 

[coltink]

Thanks Libby!

We are definately interested in seeing the EYE, Tower of London, Westminster, and Oxford Street in London. As well as both places mentioned in regards to Amsterdam.

Have you had any experiences with Hostels?

 

[gemmybear83]

Gatwick is also linked by train (not tube though).

I have no experience of hostels in London but I have found hostels.com very useful in the past as there are lots of photos and honest reviews.

For flights to Amsterdam British airways will fly as will the cheaper airlines such as easyjet and ryanair, I would base the decision on the cheapest price and moat suitable flight time.

 

[Dimplenose]

Be careful if using one of the cheaper airlines as they use airports that (although called London) can be a long way from London. The airports that are nearest London are London Heathrow, London Gatwick and London City.

I think you may be limited to using British Airways or KLM for your flight to Amsterdam.

 

[janiebubble]

we went to Amsterdam a few years ago

There is a very straightforward train from the airport into the city so that should be fine for you.

Must see (in my opinion) - Anne Frank's house
We also enjoyed the Heineken experience (http://www.heinekenexperience.com)- and I don't even drink beer! and the House of Bols (http://www.houseofbols.com/index.asp) cocktail experience. There are great museums and galleries scattered around. The Red Light district was just behind our hotel and yet we weren't bothered by it - in fact during the day we ventured in to see the Church in the Attic.

 

[coltink]

Thank you everyone for your hints and tips!!!

I checked the rates with KLM which are fairly reasonable but haven't checked british airways as of yet.

We will definately be checking out Anne Frank's house (I have been reading a lot of Holocaust stuff lately) Not sure what the Church in the Attic is. And we will probably venture in to the RLD just to see what all the hoopala is all about.

I really appreciate everything you guys are suggesting to me.
Keep it coming!!!

 

[coltink]

Out of these 3 months which do you feel is a better time to visit and why? Weather? Events?

January
February
November

 

[Disneymad]

November is definitely the month for milder weather, it's a bit cold but snow is extremely unlikely. It's rare to get snow actually in central London at any time of the year however it can obviously effect the airports and we did have a few issues with weather in Jan and Feb this year.

Christmas decorations go up usually in the first or 2nd week of November iirc in Oxford St, Regent St, Leicester Sq, maybe Trafalgar Sq (can't remember what time we get our xmas tree from Norway!) - they're not a patch on WDW, but still prettier with them than without

If around on the 13th of November we also have the Lord Mayors Show in the city - bit of a parade during the day (bear in mind this is a historical parade that has a fair bit of funding from the Financial district rather than a Disney parade so it's a bit of PR mainly but there are some marching bands and stuff like that I think - been years since I've seen it though!) - however, it does come with a rather nice firework show that takes place over the Thames.

Hope that helps

 

[coltink]

Thanks! Does anyone have a suggestion on what part of the city to stay in London?
We are interested in shopping, the Eye, several museums, and London Tower...

 

[wishspirit]

Hi all! I'm just begining to plan a trip to Europe. This will be our first trip out of the country. Nothing is set in stone at the moment but we are planning to travel to London(4 nights) and Amstersdam(3 nights). I know nothing about traveling abroad and in need of some help. I am interested in some casual conversations about traveling to London and Amsterdam.

From what I understand the cheapest time to fly to London is in January to February. Do you find this to be true?

I honestly don't know, but I know that flying mid-week tends to be cheaper I think. Fiddle around with your days, especially on the British Airways website it will tell you the prices for the days around the one you want as well. I would also look into Virgin Atlantic, since I have had a few issues with British Airways recently

Is the weather at this time bareable enough to be able to go out and do things without freezing to death?

You won't freeze to death if you wrap up warm. This year has been unseasonably cold, but a warm hat, coat and gloves as well as some decent waterproof shoes and you should be fine!

With only 4 nights in London what are the must see's and must do's?

The usual stuff
-London Eye
- West End shows
- Museums
-Bus Tours (weather depending)
-shopping


Any hotels that you would recommend?

We stayed in the Westbury Hotel in Mayfair about 4 years back now for a weekend, and it was very nice. However it has some less than good reviews on Trip Advisor. I would definitely read that before booking any hotel!

Has anyone experienced hostels? Thoughts?

I haven't, but it all depends on your age and finances. I personally would not stay in one, as for me hotels are more than just where you lay your head! However a friend of mine works for the Youth Hostel Association, and from the ones I've seen have all been clean if a bit clinical. Here is the website: www.yha.org.uk/find-accommodation/london

Is there public transportation(buses or tube) from the airport(Heathrow or Gathwick) to the city? Or will we have to use a taxi or a shuttle?

Heathrow is on the Piccadilly line of the tube, Gatwick you take the overground train into London (I do this a lot when I fly to Florida)

In the US typically Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are the cheaper days to fly within the states. Does Europe have 'cheaper days' when flying from London to Amsterdam?

I am guessing mid week would be better, but shop around

Airline recommendation when flying from London to Amsterdam (and back)?

For cost, Ryanair or Easyjet are the cheap carriers, but they do have a lot of hidden costs so be careful

Amsterdam must see's and must do's?

Never been, but it depends what you are in to.

I think that's all I have at the moment. I'm sure I'll have more questions. I'm looking forward to the responses!

Thanks! Does anyone have a suggestion on what part of the city to stay in London?

Depends what you are interested in, however the tube and bus services will get you pretty much anywhere. I would recommend staying somewhere central, look at a map before booking a hotel, and see what the nearest tube station is, and what lines it's on. For more information about the tube use www.tfl.gov.uk/

We are interested in shopping, the Eye, several museums, and London Tower...

Hope this helps!

 

[Disneymad]

Thanks! Does anyone have a suggestion on what part of the city to stay in London?
We are interested in shopping, the Eye, several museums, and London Tower...

That would rather depend on budget and also what kind of experience you want. Small, no frills but cosy hotel (perhaps closer to a hostel experience rather than a hotel) or a bigger chain/big name.

The more you're in the middle of it though, the more expensive it is. There are I believe some smaller hotel/guest houses which are pretty cheap for London and it's location to the tourist area near Paddington Station (handy if you come in from Heathrow as the overground train brings you right in there in 15 mins). It is walking distance to Hyde Park and Marble Arch (the start of Oxford Street) but it's also potentially a bit, er, colourful in the wee hours of the night, but I've been up there during more social hours and never noticed anything or felt uncomfortable. People have different tolerances for things though - what some people call dodgy areas, others will deem it as simply having character.

There's a Travel Lodge near Tottenham Court Road too iirc (close to Oxford Street and Covent Garden which is a nice pub/bar/restaurant area), it's a chain hotel which I have a feeling isn't particularly a bargain (though you may feel different with the good exchange rate) but it's bigger, trusted brand and mainstream - it does I imagine lack character. Bit like going to a Holiday Inn I guess.

As Wishspirit said, perhaps check out a map and see what area looks good to you then see if you can find something you fancy after that.

 

[coltink]

Cheap and cozy is it for us. Not sure what you mean by colorful but we can handle anything. Some would say we are colorful!

Thanks for letting me know that the underground goes to Paddington Station. Definately beats having to pay for a ride (other than the underground fee).

Is there ever any issues with people riding the underground with luggage?

 

[wishspirit]

Cheap and cozy is it for us. Not sure what you mean by colorful but we can handle anything. Some would say we are colorful!

Thanks for letting me know that the underground goes to Paddington Station. Definately beats having to pay for a ride (other than the underground fee).

Is there ever any issues with people riding the underground with luggage?

Underground with luggage can definitely be difficult! Try and pack as light as you can, and make sure your luggage has wheels! We don't have many elevators (lifts) in Underground stations, it is all escalators, so you need to feel happy with them on steel downhills, and have them not block the stairs (as if you are stationary you keep to the right, and people who want to walk up do so on the left).

When in the train itself, I would put your suitcases by the door and stand next to them (or have at least one of you with them). Don't let them block or lean the doors, and remember they open both sides of the carriage, you don't want them falling out!

I have taken a medium sized suitcase on the tube, and never had a problem! But then again, I am so used to them I know the etiquette!

 

[Disneymad]

It's actually the Heathrow Express that runs in to Paddington Station which is an overground train not the underground. It's a dedicated train line that was built especially for the purpose of getting from the airport to central london F-A-S-T and the whole journey takes just 15 mins.
The carriages are air conditioned and spacious with lots of special areas set aside for storing luggage. If you take the underground then it's more like an hour to get in to town (though not to Paddington, that line doesn't run there). There is of course a downside to this which is that the HE isn't particularly cheap (especially compared to a tube fare) - however for sheer speed and convenience it really cannot be beaten.

If you do decide to take the tube in to London then no, no problems at all with taking suitcases, in fact it's a common sight on the Picadilly Line - however bear in mind that if you're travelling on it anywhere remotely around rush hour on a work day it'll get really busy the closer you get in to town and you can get jostled a little bit with people going back and forth past the cases etc.

As for the 'colourful' aspect. I'll stress again that I've never seen it first hand myself and I believe you only would if you were hanging out in the small hours of the morning. But the area has in the past had a little bit of a reputation for ladies in the streets who are looking for...companionship. That said I know that in the last year or 2 the police have really been working to clean all that up so may not even be an issue at all by now.

Anyhow, if you google Norfolk Square hotels and/or Sussex Gardens hotels (W2 is the postcode) then those the 2 streets are just full of small hotels/hostels. Literally, it's just one after another after another all next door to each other so hopefully you can find something that sounds right for you!

 

[coltink]

Thank you Disneymad!!!

I just want to confirm that the Norfolk Square hotels and/or Sussex Gardens hotels are in the Paddington Station Vicinity correct?

 

[Disneymad]

Norfolk Sq is fairly big (and more of a rectangle really ) and Sussex Gardens is a very long road so it would depend where you stayed on it but it's literally just a few minutes walk to the corner intersection of the square from Paddington Station - we're talking Main Street train station to Castle distance. Sussex Gardens is Toon Town Faire!

Hope that helps *grin*

Ps, if you find yourself wavering between a Norfolk Sq hotel and a Sussex Garden one and have trouble choosing I'd go for the Square. It's actually quite pretty and quiet there with no through traffic. Sussex Gardens is a fairly busy road so there's going to be more street noise.

Edit: oops, by the way, a thought that just occurred to me. Paddington Station is HUGE, takes up an entire block, so coming out the right exit is massively important - if you do end up staying in one of these hotels then you need to exit via the Praed Street side of the station.