HOME::Travel-and-Leisure/City-Guides-and-Information X Visit London - Top 10 Attractions By Andrea Vian Article Word Count: 505 [View Summar

As the city is really full of great spots to visit, during your London trip you can miss something important to see. London is huge and you need time to move from one area to another. The suggestion is to take information about what you want to visit and plan your London tour. Here is a top 10 list of the main things to see:

1. The London Eye: the major feature of London skyline, it is one of the biggest panorama wheel in the world. The complete run lasts 20 minutes and the view is really wonderful.

2. The tower of London: one of the most famous buildings in the world, during its visit you can discover its great history as a royal palace, prison and place of execution, arsenal and jewel house. Tip for the visit: interesting guided tours are organized every day.

3. National Gallery: it displays one of the greatest collections of painting in the world, especially by European artists (from 1200 to 1900). If you want some names, here they are: Leonardo Da Vinci, Botticelli, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Turner.

4. Houses of Parliament: the building is really stunning but it is also worth taking a walk over Wastminster Birdge, you will get the view from the South bank. The famous Big Ben is the bell in the clock tower, one of the city symbols. If you want to visit the building inside, there are tour visit only during August and September.

5. Madame Tussauds: visit this museum and meet face-to-face some of the most famous persons in the world. Figures from the field of politics, sport, Royalty and showbiz are present there. Some examples: Shakespeare, Rooney, Britney Spears and Her Majesty the Queen.

6. Tate Modern: On the banks of River Thames, housed in the former Bankside Power Station, the Tate Modern displays great paintings by Picasso and Matisse and other important contemporary artists.

7. British Museum: one of the most famous collection in the world, the British Museum host very famous objects such as the Rosetta Stone, the Portland Vase and sculpture from the Parthenon. You can admire also an important drawing collection.

8. Buckingham Palace: The Queen's official residence, Buckingham Palace is the famous official residence of the Queen. In front of this palace take place the very famous Changing of the Guard, scheduled on specific days and times. You can check before and organize your trip, you will be able to get there early and find a good position to watch. You can visit the State Rooms and the Palace only during the Annual Summer Opening (months of August and September).

9. Trafalgar Square: Trafalgar Square is one of the most iconic areas of the city and the famous Nelson's Column is really something to see. The National Gallery is located close there.

10. Natural History Museum: It boasts a collection of the rarest animals in the world as well as the dinosaur exhibition (permanent). The brand new Darwin center is going to open in September 2009.

If you need an accommodation just check now this list of London apartments that you can book directly online.

London Attractions

London is Europe's largest city, spanning more than six hundred and twenty square miles from its heart on the River Thames. London is Europe's most diverse metropolises: there are around two hundred languages spoken within its confines, and more than thirty percent of the population is made up of first, second and third generation immigrants.

Despite Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish transference, London is still where the country's news and money are made. London is where the central government resides and where unsophisticated life begins. Londoners' sense of superiority causes enormous resentment in the regions, but it is undeniable that the capital has a great measure of success in most walks of British life.

Most of the major attractions in Europe is located in London. London boasts four World Heritage Sites, 238 attractions that are free to enter (so there's nowhere else in the world where you can see so much for so little). Visit the many museums and castles that the city has to offer.

About thirty percent of London is open space; the other areas are filled with one of the 143 registered parks and gardens. Many of the parks have short walking paths and nature trails can be found in places like Hampstead Heath and Mile End Park, so let us put on our walking shoes and go for a stroll, take a picnic lunch for the end of your walk.

The National Gallery houses paintings ranging from 1250 to 1900, including the works of Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Botticelli, Gainsborough, Turner, Cezanne along with other great works.

The British Museum exhibits the works of man from primitive to modern times with a collection from all around the world. The Rosetta stone, sculptures from the Parthenon and the Portland Vase are included in this museum.

Attractions to Explore On Your London Vacation

London is among the most famous cities in the whole world. Millions of tourists flock to it every year, but most of them are not able to explore the entire city and witness its grandeur. Thus many visitors return to London during several vacations to relish more of its wonderful attractions. If you are yet to see this beautiful city, or if you have already went there but still want to see more of what it can offer, consider visiting the following attractions that will truly make your visit unforgettable:

1. The Tower of London - one of the most important sites in the great city. Consider yourself not being in London if you have not been to this attraction. This medieval fortress houses the world famous Crown Jewels. It is also known as a prison and execution sites of many of England's historical icons including Anne Boleyn, Katherine Howard, and the Duke of Norfolk.

2. The Tower Bridge - this drawbridge serves as the easternmost entry of Thames. It also has a museum which allows tourists to walk along the old pedestrian paths to have a great view of the city. It is a must see for any London vacation.

3. The London Eye - this is one of the newest attractions in the city, created by the British Airways. It is a giant Ferris Wheel that sports 32 closed capsules that allow people to have a 360-degree view of the great historical city. A great theme park, this can make a vacation fun for any age.

4. Westminster Abbey - this famous religious site is known for being the venue for many coronations of English monarchs as well as their burial. It boasts of great architecture that exemplifies the style of the 13th and 16th centuries.

5. The British Museum - an art and history museum. This attraction is home to one of the world's largest collections of antiquities from ancient Rome, Greece, and Asia. It also houses artifacts from prehistoric and ancient Britain.

6. The Buckingham Palace - you probably know this as the home of the British Royal Family. Be sure not to miss the changing of the guards, which is one of London's iconic attractions.

7. The Houses of Parliament - this site combines three attractions in one. It is the location of the House of Lords and the House of Commons, and the Big Ben, which is probably the most recognizable attraction in the city. It exemplifies great gothic architecture from the Victorian era.

8. The National Gallery - this gallery is home to a great collection of European paintings. The great thing about this attraction is that the entrance is free. The permanent collection encompasses paintings from 1250 to 1900 from Western Europe.

9. St. Paul's Cathedral - this historic site has been the venue of many notable events such as the funeral of Winston Churchill and the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales. It is an architectural masterpiece rebuilt by renowned Christopher Wren in 1710. This is also one of London's attractions that offers a great view of the city, with its 530-stair high gallery.

10. Shakespeare's Globe Theater - this theater is a reconstruction of the original Globe theater where several of Shakespeare's plays were first showcased. It is a replica of the original theater and is considered to be a historical site. A great site for a cultural vacation.

11. Trafalgar Square and the Admiralty Arch - this attraction is a monument honoring England's most respected maritime heroes. Its main feature is the statue of Lord Horatio Nelson that stands 145 feet high. It is also considered to be the centermost part of London. The Admiralty Arch, which is just across this landmark, was built in 1910.

12. Sir John Soane's Museum - this attraction is an exemplification of eccentric architecture. It features a unique and unusual combination of colors, curious perspectives, and a weird display of ornaments from different historical periods.

13. Notting Hill - this very fashionable and trendy district has been popularized by a film starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. It has a very characteristic and cozy feel of a small village.

There are many other great attractions in the great city of London. A few days of vacation in the city would not be enough to see them all. However that might be an excuse to keep on returning to this fabulous city over and over again - an ordeal that you probably would not mind.

Five London Attractions You Cannot Afford to Miss

As the largest city in Western Europe and with a metropolitan area that encompasses over 14 million people from across the globe, London truly is one of the most dynamic, vibrant and interesting cities in the world. With so many unique attractions to visit it can be difficult to choose which are the most deserving of your attention, but the following five are attractions that you perhaps cannot afford to miss on a London holiday.

One of the most popular attractions, Buckingham Palace attracts millions of visitors every year. A symbol of the British monarchy and modern day Britain, the palace is the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II. Originally known as Buckingham House, the palace was originally just a townhouse built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703. Since then many additional buildings have been added, and it is today known as Buckingham Palace, serving as a Royal residence and reception for popular royal parties, which attracts more than 50,000 people per year.

Another popular attraction which draws in more than a million visitors per year is Westminster Abbey. The large Gothic church is located in Westminster and is the traditional place for coronation as well as a popular burial place for Commonwealth monarchs. During its existence the abbey has severed as a monastery, a church and a burial site and is now recognised as one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world.

St Paul's Cathedral continues to be one of London's most popular attractions. Designed by Christopher Wren, the current cathedral is a replacement of the original Gothic building which was destroyed in 1666. The cathedral is open to the public and is free if you attend the midday service; however, it is not possible to get to the top without a valid ticket. What's more, below the cathedral are the tombs of some of the most famous figures in British history, including Admiral Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington.

The Tower of London - founded by William the Conqueror in 1066 - is one of the city's most famous attractions. During its 900 year existence the tower of London has served as a Royal Palace, a prison, jewel house, a place of execution, and countless other roles. If visiting the castle it is worth going to the Ceremony of the Keys, a locking up ceremony performed every night at ten o'clock. During the tower's existence the tradition has never been missed and only delayed once when the Luftwaffe bombed the tower.

Trafalgar Square continues to serve as one of London's most popular attractions. Designed by John Nash in the 1820's as a commemoration of London Nelson's victory against Napoleon at the battle of Trafalgar, the pigeon-popular columns attract millions of visitors every year. Trafalgar square is also the location of London's smallest police station and within walking distance of the popular National Gallery.

Indeed, central London offers travellers a wide range of activities to enjoy, which means it is all the more important to understand that there are a wide range of hotels in London available to help ensure that you make the most of your holiday. And with so many attractions to visit and enjoy, such an option can only be a good thing.

Top Attractions in London - A List For Tourists

A new advertising campaign has been introduced to attract overseas visitors to England's capital. Simply known as Only in London; the campaign revolves around a list of 100 attractions and things that visitors can do in the city.

The focus of the campaign is to increase the number of overseas visitors and judging by the amount of diverse activities listed, it is hoping to attract people from many different countries and backgrounds. For example, the first item on the list is a suggested visit to Eastbury Manor House in Barking where, according to the compilers of this list, the Gunpowder Plot was first contrived.

Plenty more historical references appear on the list including trips to St. Paul's Cathedral, The Tower of London and a more obscure reference to stroll the gardens of Down House in Bromley, which was home to Charles Darwin and where he wrote 'On The Origin of Species'.

Sports fans will be interested to see a number of items quoted on the list. The first at number five is the opportunity to see the NFL in action at Wembley. This has now become an annual event featuring a regular season game - the only one to be played outside of continental USA - between two of the League's top American football teams. In October 2009 the game will be contested by the New England Patriots and The Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 15th suggestion on the list is a tour of Wembley Stadium itself, but there is no mention of any of the capital's top football teams; Chelsea, Arsenal, West Ham, Fulham or Tottenham.

However, the option to experience the capital's transport systems does feature. Take a ride on the tube appears low down on the list at 79, but higher up at 39 there is the invitation to connect to the world at Heathrow airport where many of the flights to London arrive.

Music lovers are also catered for on the list with the first suggestion just scraping into the top 10; namely recreate the famous Beatles album cover at the Abbey Road zebra crossing. At 45, a suggestion is to view Pete Townshend of The Who's smashed guitar at the Victoria and Albert's new Theatre and Performance Galleries. Also included at 27 in the list is to buy a ticket to see Michael Jackson at the O2, or alternatively any other O2 show at 24th place!

As you would expect, The London Eye - which was recently voted the UK's number one tourist attraction - appears in the list, as do many other 'must-see' London attractions such as the British Museum, Tower Bridge and Hyde Park. But, however exhaustive the compilers of the list themselves say, this is only a tiny snapshot of the thousands of things visitors can do in London.

10 Free London Attractions

I have visited London almost every year since 1984. Like other major cities it can be expensive. During my visits. I discovered many free attractions. The ones I have listed here are among the favorites. Check out the following 10 free London attractions for an enlightened and satisfying visit.

Among the sites I have chosen are some of the many museums and galleries that are free. There are large ones where you have to choose what you want to see and smaller ones where you can view the contents in one or two hours. Any one of them is well worth your time. While you are visiting you can also stop for food. The large museum and galleries have cares where you can get homemade food at reasonable prices.

1. British Museum
Located in the Bloomsbury section of the city, this museum is one of the most visited in the world. Opened in 1759, it is best known for its Egyptian, Greek and Roman collections. The Egyptian collection includes large and small displays. The most famous is the Rosetta Stone. It provided the key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphics. Among other displays are sculptures from the Parthenon in Greece, and artifacts from Rome, Assyria, China and India.

2. National Gallery
Located on the north side of Trafalgar Square, it houses one of the world's great art collections. The art is contained in sixty rooms and divided into periods. Among the artists included are Michelangelo, Da Vinci and the impressionists. It's impossible to view the whole collection in one visit. For a quick overview, join one of the free guided tours.

3. Victoria and Albert Museum
Locally known as the V&A, it's located in South Kensington. In addition to sculptures and paintings, the V&A has one of the world's largest collections of furnishings, textiles. carpets, jewelry, tapestries, musical instruments and glass in the world. There is something to please everyone's taste. Spread over seven levels and organized into major themes, you have to choose what you want to see.

4. Natural History Museum
In the same neighborhood as the V&A, this is a great place to take the family. The collection is divided into zones.

• Red Zone - the earth
• Green Zone - planets, environment, evolution
• Blue Zone - Smallest invertebrates to the great Blue Whale
• Orange Zone - Wildlife Garden

5 Tate Britain
Opened in 1897 in Millbank, this collection covers five centuries of art. It is divided into two main groups: the British Collection and the European and American works. The U.K. collection dates from 1500 to the present.

6. Tate Modern
On the South Bank of the Thames River at Bankside, this collection is housed in a renovated ex-power station. It gives you a very different feel from the traditional museum. There are five galleries of international modern art that covers the periods from 1900 to the present. Included in the presentation are works by Picasso, Dali, Warhol, Rothko and Lichtenstein. After your visit you can walk the South Bank and view the Globe Theater and the National Theater. There is a spectacular of St Pauls' across the river.

7. National Maritime Museum
For a day out take the short trip to Greenwich were you can visit this museum and the adjoining sites. It houses the world's largest collection of maritime artifacts including a permanent display from Vice-admiral Horatio Nelson, hero of the Battle of Trafalgar. You can also visit the Queen's House with it's collection of maritime art. Up the hill is the Royal Observatory, site of the Prime Meridian, from which all time on earth is measured. You can stand with one foot in the Western hemisphere and one in the east. All these sites are fee.

8. St. Martin in the Field
This small Palladian style church, where Bach and Mozart played, is located on the east side of Trafalgar Square. If you enjoy music, stop in for one of the free lunchtime concerts held three days a week. Known for its outstanding acoustics, you can enjoy an hour of artists that range from the piano, violin to trios and quartets. You could combine this with a trip to the National Gallery, and you can walk through Trafalgar Square.

9. Covent Garden
The main building in the center of Covent Garden houses a number of restaurants and boutiques. The area's main attraction is the numerous street entertainers who must audition and obtain a license before performing. Within walking distance of Trafalgar Square, it's a delight for the whole family. Always crowded, you can find restaurants where you sit outside and can enjoy the entertainment in comfort.

10. Changing of the Guard.
Viewed from the outskirts of Buckingham Palace this is one of the favorites of London visitors. You can get there by strolling through St. James Park from Trafalgar Square. Get there early to get a place where you can see. It takes place every day during the spring and summer and every other day in the fall and winter at 11:30 AM. It's the pageantry the British are known for.

I can say, without a doubt, that London is my favorite city. I continue to go back to these sites and see something new each time. The ten free attractions that are included in this article are but a few of the ones in London.

London's Free Attractions

London's a great city to visit and it doesn't have to be expensive if you don't want it to be. I've found that it is actually possible to visit London on a budget! There are plenty of museums in London that are free (apart from some special exhibitions).

Two of the best are The Natural History Museum and the Science Museum, both museums are located in South Kensington and are open seven days a week. The Natural History Museum is great for anyone who is interested in nature. September would be the best time to visit, as a new building called the Darwin centre is opening, which gives the public a chance to see real scientists at work. If this doesn't appeal and you wish to have a more hands-on experience then the Science Museum is the one for you! It is here that you can shout down a giant tube, play with huge spinning drums and even morph your face to make yourself look younger!

A visit to the British Museum is also free and lets you explore different world cultures. These include the Aztecs, where you can see the masks of Xipe Totec and Ancient Egypt that displays the Mummy mask of Syros. The British Museum is located on Great Russell Street and is also open seven days a week.

If you're looking to gain some knowledge on London and to learn about its history, then the Museum of London located on London Wall, is the place to visit. Entry is free and the permanent galleries at this museum include Roman and Medieval London.

If art galleries are more your thing, then the Tate Modern is a must! Entry is free and the Tate is also open seven days a week. Here you can find pieces of art for everyone's taste and they even have exhibitions to keep the kids entertained. The National Portrait Gallery located on St Martins Place is a fantastic building to visit and the Beatles to Bowie: The 60s exposed exhibition opens in October.

The best way to get to all these museums is on London's public transport. An oyster card will be the cheapest way to travel round London and can be used on buses, tubes and trams. They are pay as you go cards so you can just top them up, as you need them.

If you want to find cheap places to stay in London, then read a London travel guide for some recommendations! They might even recommend some good value for money restaurants to eat out at too!

Shopping at Oxford Street and Places to Stay in London

Oxford Street is Europe's largest high street with more than 300 shops from leading department stores and flagships, for everything from fashion to furniture, toys to toiletries and the most recent gadgets from all over the world. It is Europe's busiest shopping street. The street derives its name from being part of the old London-Oxford Road. Today the road forms part of the A40, although it is not signposted as this, like other roads in central London.

Oxford Street is one and a half miles from one end to the other. Most of the shops open from 10.00 am until 7.00 pm and some even operate until 8.pm. Some of the Shops now open on Sundays from 12.00 pm to 6.00 pm with very late nights on Thursday. The Flagship of Oxford Street is Selfridges and the other big department stores which can be found in the section from Marble Arch to Oxford Circus, along with most of the very big name multinationals. It is more of the same as you continue towards Tottenham Court Road, but generally on a smaller scale. It is home to major department stores and numerous brands' flagship stores, as well as hundreds of smaller shops. It is the major shopping street in central London, though not the most expensive or fashionable, and part of a larger shopping district with Regent Street, Bond Street and other smaller nearby streets. For many British chain stores, their Oxford Street branches are regarded as their 'flagship' stores and used for celebrity launches and promotions.

The Tube is probably the best way to reach Oxford Street; although there are many London buses serving the area, the traffic congestion is pretty bad, and the wait is lengthy. The Central Line runs pretty much directly beneath Oxford Street at this point, with four stations along its length: Marble Arch, Bond Street (also served by the Jubilee Line), Oxford Circus (also served by the Bakerloo and Victoria lines), and Tottenham Court Road (also served by the Charing Cross branch of the Northern Line). If possible, avoid Oxford Circus Station, as its layout is confusing and it's also very busy; at times it can be difficult to get out of the station at all due to pedestrian congestion outside.

There are many London luxury hotels and also cheap London bed and breakfast properties found in the area. It is an affluent area and hotels found there tend to have high room rates. However, Hotels in Bloomsbury which are just about 15 minutes walking distance from Oxford Street will give you very good rates. For instance, the Imperial London hotels which are a concentration of Hotels in Russell Square

It is advisable for someone who does not want to spend much on London accommodation but wants to get high standard of London high standard accommodation facilities to stay in Bloomsbury and just stroll to Oxford Street to do his or her shopping.

How Best to Travel to Central London From Heathrow

Heathrow is one of the most popular airports for London holiday-goers. Whether you've arrived on a long International flight or a short flight from a nearby destination, you'll want to be on your way to your London accommodations as quickly as possible. There are several options for reaching the centre of London from Heathrow, and travel time along the roughly 15-mile route depends on a variety of factors.

National Express Dot2Dot Transfer Service

One of the fastest, most comfortable and convenient ways to travel from Heathrow to your central London or Canary Wharf destination is via National Express Dot2Dot transfer service. Dot2Dot service desks are available at Heathrow Terminals 1, 3, 4 and 5, and if you arrive at Terminal 2, a representative will meet you. You'll enjoy a comfortable ride in a modern minibus with Wi-Fi service and air-conditioning available, and your cost will be less than half of that of a taxi.

If you're traveling as part of a larger group, Dot2Dot offers discounts, too. Service is available 24 hours a day, and return shuttle service from your hotel to Heathrow can also be arranged. Dot2Dot shuttle service costs a maximum of £20.00, and it's easy to pre-book transportation at Dot2Dot. You can also phone +44 (0)845 368 2368 for more information.

Taxi or Limousine Service from Heathrow

Taxis offer another option for transportation from Heathrow to your central London destination. There are several taxi companies that serve Heathrow, and you can find taxis by following signs in each of Heathrow's terminals. A taxi ride to central London usually takes an hour or slightly less, and prices run between £45 and £70. You may be able to save on the cost by booking your taxi from Heathrow in advance.

If you're interested in traveling from Heathrow to London in luxury, you can book a limousine in advance from one of several agencies. This is the most expensive form of transportation available between Heathrow and central London, but it will also be the most luxurious.

Train Service to Central London

If you aren't too encumbered with luggage, you may opt to take the Underground to your London destination. Heathrow Airport is located on the Piccadilly line on the Underground, and Heathrow Express trains also operate frequently to London Paddington station. You can access train service from each of the airport's terminals. Trains run roughly every 4 to 9 minutes and fares start at just £4.00. Depending on your stop, you'll reach your destination in approximately 45 to 60 minutes.

Bus Service from Heathrow to London

Bus service is another public transportation option for transfer from Heathrow to central London. Expect your journey to take approximately an hour, although traffic delays could significantly increase your travel time. Fares start at approximately £10 for bus travel.

Heathrow to London by Car

If you are driving yourself, you will want to obtain directions to your destination in advance of your arrival. Your directions will vary depending on which Terminal you are exiting, but ultimately you will need to arrive at the M4 motorway to reach London.

If you are travelling with a significant amount of luggage or with children, it may be easiest to opt for Taxi or Dot2Dot transfer service from Heathrow. Although public transportation such as rail and bus service is less expensive, you will need to carry your luggage yourself along the way. Many travellers find the convenience of Dot2Dot or Taxi service well worth the extra cost, especially upon arrival at Heathrow. You can always choose another option for your return trip to Heathrow if you decide to opt for savings over convenience instead.

Shopping in London

Shopping is one of the main reasons people flock to London in their hoards all year round. With over 40,000 shops from huge department stores to fabulous fashion shops, London is the heart for fashion, style and music. A wide variety of shops are all over London, from high priced exclusive clothing and goods, (some severely over priced I might add) to some amazing deals. For lovers of clothes and shoe shopping and more shoe shopping ladies, London has all the designs and the wackiest looks. But before you start, ring your bank, up your credit card limit, its time to start spending!

Camden Market is the place to go if you want cheaper stuff, it's located next to the Camden Locks; this is London's most popular market. It gets extremely busy here at weekends with thousands of traders, but watch out for the "buggy brigade" (parents with pushchairs!) your feet will be swollen, but not from the incessant shopping... from having them continuously rolled over and stamped on! Even so, you are sure to find the perfect pair of shoes to match that expensive designer outfit you just spent your whole months wages on. On the other hand, if you are looking for something a little different then Kensington Market might be a good choice, it's located on Kensington High Street, this market caters for the underground fashions. You can also find an extensive range of outrageous hair colours, punk and gothic clothing and accessories, record stores, the latest in techno, platform shoes, leather goods and jewellery.

Portobello Road Market features antique goods, as well as clothing and music, hundreds of stalls on weekends, and cafes and bars. It is also a "celeb hotspot" with many famous people living and shopping in the area.

Oxford Street & Regent Street are the main areas in which to find many High Street stores. All the main ones are here from Marks and Spencer, Debenhams, John Lewis, Boots, W.H. Smith, Bhs, C&A and of course Hamley's Toy Shop, which I must add is absolutely breath taking, especially at Christmas, every child and "older child's" dream come true. You may not find many low priced goods here, but it really is worth a look. So credit cards at the ready!

You will also find Harrods; most people make a visit to this shop just to look at the costly price tags, as well as the wide variety of food on offer. But be sure to dress respectively, no light coloured clothing caked in the muddy tyre marks from the "buggy brigade" in the markets!! There is a dress code to shop here!

And then there is Soho. Soho is the place to go for a variety of boutiques; Janet Fitch for designer jewellery, Metalmorphis for body piercings, and Ann Summers for kinky lingerie. Ambient Soho and Black Market Records stock the best of techno, jungle and dance music. Try the Vintage Magazine Shop for excellent movie & TV memorabilia and posters. Soho is the ideal place if you are looking for something to do "After Dark"; it offers a wide range of erotic videos, sex toys, good cafes and restaurants and strip clubs. Soho is an interesting place to wander around, especially for the men who like to "window shop"!!

Shopping in London can be an exciting experience, whether you want to spend or just browse. It's a vibrant city - buying something often involves discovering interesting surroundings and exploring new ones. At the seasonal times of year it is probably best to start early, London streets begin to look like an anthill around lunchtime! I myself am a true Londoner... born and bred, everyday there is something new to be found.

Top 5 'Must Buy Something In' Shops In London - (just for the feel good factor, oh, and the carrier bag!)

Hamleys Toy Shop

Wow! That is the only word that came out of our mouths when we walked through the doors of Hamley's, I lost my two kids and my husband immediately! Unfortunately, they found me again when they wanted money! But if you are looking for a reminder of your childhood or looking for something special for your own kids then this is the shop, and it really isn't that expensive either, you can pick up a gift for as little as a fiver. It really is magical, 7 floors of it, a definite must. Nearest tubes: Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Circus. Official website: http://www.hamleys.com

Covent Garden

If you are on a visit to London then try to visit the very trendy Covent Garden, with all the up-to-date designer shops like French Connection, H&M, Calvin Klein and Gap to name but a few. If you are shopaholic like myself then you will love Covent Garden, a fair few celebrities also shop and eat here. The Ivy restaurant is a well-known celebrity hotspot, if you can't get in to enjoy the tasty food on offer then take a stroll past... 2 or 3 times... spot the celebrity! Nearest tube: Covent Garden

Harrods

A trip to London wouldn't be complete without a visit to world-famous Harrods. Some just want to check out the expensive price tags, others buy stuff just for the carrier bag. Even so, you will find everything you need here, mind you, the store is huge and it is easy to get lost. And remember; if you need the loo... take some money with you! Nearest tube: Knightsbridge. Official website: http://www.harrods.com

Carnaby Street

Carnaby Street has loads on offer for yourself and a guilt gift for him (well, we have to buy him something don't we? After all, it's his credit card!). For him, there are sports shops like Puma, Ben Sherman, G-room and if he's a budding DJ then there's Kingly Court, this a great place to buy great vinyls. Oh, and not forgetting a place where he can re-fuel... there's a few pubs too! And for the ladies, there is a number of fine cosmetics shops, a few boutiques selling vintage mod clothing, designer shoe shops and Liberty's is just round the corner in Fouberts Place. There are places where we can re-fuel too... coffee shops and sandwich bars. Nearest tube: Oxford Circus

New Bond Street and Old Bond Street

Just off of Oxford Street, is the less crowded but far more expensive New Bond Street and Old Bond Street, for all those that have an endless flow of cash then this is the place to spend all of it! Most of the shops here have "greeters" who will smile, open doors for you, and wish you a nice day! Oh, and keep your eyes open for the odd celebrity here too, London's Bond streets are well known for bringing out the odd one or two. Nearest tube: Bond Street

It's a vast, fast and vibrant city; London has it all. Don't miss it... come and visit!

Top Shopping Destinations In London

London is the top tourist destination in the world, and for very good reasons. The numerous historical landmarks will make your trip a memorable one, and the diverse atmosphere is not like any other city. Another thing that many find notable in London is the numerous shopping opportunities. Because of the high amounts of tourism, retailers have stepped up and created shopping destinations that you won’t want to miss.

You’ll have to decide exactly what you want to shop for, since stores are generally grouped by type. If you want to see the really top-notch shops and department stores, Knightsbridge is the place to go. The hyper-fashionable person will find all of the latest trends, and all of the name brand items that you can handle.

If you aren’t looking to stay on the bleeding edge of fashion, and you’d rather just have some fun, then Covent Garden is the place for you. It has a little bit of everything, including some surprising stuff that you wouldn’t quite group with “everything”. Even if you aren’t looking to buy anything, it’s still fun to window shop and eat at one of the many cafés.

Notting Hill has a very unique blend of shops. You’ll find many different eclectic shops that give you alternative options. If you appreciate antique clothes or furniture, you’ll find many shops to provide you with exactly that. It is also home to a popular market that makes for an interesting afternoon visit.

If you’re looking for computers or electronics, then you should look on Oxford Street. It has literally dozens of shops selling everything from cameras and batteries to compact discs and video games. With a little haggling, you can get better prices than you would find anywhere else in the city.

Finally, arguably the most infamous shopping destination in London is New Bond Street. It is filled to the brim with the most premium (and expensive) fashion boutiques. If you just need to go on a shopping spree for some of the most famous brands in the world, then New Bond Street is the place to do it.

As you can see, there truly is something for everyone in the many London shopping destinations. You can do casual window shopping, or you can do extreme fashion shopping. So if you are headed to London soon, consider what sort of shopping you want to do – because there is almost surely a destination to do it at.

Christmas Shopping in Central London

Shopping District of Central London

If you can't find it here you won't find it anywhere! The main shopping areas of Central London are found in the West End. This area includes Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street and Covent Garden.

Oxford Street is definitely the main shopping street of the whole city and is an excellent starting point. Many chain stores host their flagship store on this street such as Selfridges, the UK's 2nd largest department store; John Lewis, the UK's 3rd largest department store; and others such as Marks & Spencer, Debenhams, Zavvi, House of Fraser, Topshop and Primark.

Half way down Oxford Street, the street is intersected by Regent Street and this area is called Oxford Circus. The shops found here include Nike Town, H&M, Topshop/Topman, United Colors of Benetton and Miss Selfridge.

Regent Street stretches from Oxford Circus to Piccadilly Circus. On this street you can visit Hamley's which has 6 storeys of toy store! Formerly the worlds biggest toy store, this is definitely the place to pick up that must have toy for your little loved ones. Another shop found on Regent Street is the London Apple Store, which is the largest one in the world.

At Piccadilly Circus there is another Zavvi store on the site where there used to be Tower Records.

Bond Street runs parallel, and to the west, of Regent Street. Here you will find some of the world's most luxurious designer stores such as Cartier, D&G, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton and Versace.

Located away from the West End and situated in Knightsbridge is Harrods located on Brompton street. The second biggest shopping store in the world after Macy's in New York. Harrods occupies a site of 18,000 m2 and contains over 300 departments! Harrods motto is 'Omnia Omnibus Ubique' - All Things for All People.

Also located in Knightsbridge you can find Harvey Nichols, which caters for a younger crowd though its designer gear tends to be more expensive.

Other shops found on Sloane Street, around the corner from Knightsbridge, include Christian Dior, Chanel, Prada, Gucci, Armani, Alberta Ferretti, Nicole Fahri and Katharine Hamnett.

Kensington High Street in the main shopping street of Kensington and is essentially a smaller and less crowded version of Oxford Street. Located on this street you can fins such shops as Karen Millen, Monsoon, Gap, H&M, Ann Summers, Laura Ashey and a few others.

The one downside to this immense range of options is that you won't find too many bargains as this is one of the more expensive places to shop in England, especially if you have been unfortunate with the exchange rate to Sterling.

Getting to the Shopping Districts of Central London

If you are driving in from Heathrow Airport then it a simple matter of heading out of the airport and onto the M4. Follow it directly into the heart of the city, as it becomes the A4, turn left at Piccadilly Circus and you will be driving up Regent Street with access to all the West End Shopping Streets. This route will also take you directly through Knightsbridge, so no need for any turn offs.

For Kensington, you will need to turn left onto Warwick Road after you have past through Hammersmith and then right onto Kensington High Street.

Parking in the Shopping Districts of Central London

For the above shopping streets, there are a number of car parks you can avail of. Parking on the streets on Sundays is free, but if you are staying overnight be sure to move your car before the wardens are out at around 7:30am.

For the West End, you will find the Oxford Street Car Park located just off the street in Cavendish Square. Parking costs £5 for the first hour and is £32 for a 24-hour period. To the north of this one there is Harley Car Park on Queen Anne Mews, where parking is £5 for the first hour and is £30 for a 24-hour period.

There is also Soho Car Park, on Poland Street which branches off Oxford Street. Parking costs £5.50 for the first hour and is £36 for a 24-hour period, though there is also a £14 over night option (enter after 18:00 and leave before 9:00).

For Knightsbridge and Kensington, you will find the Knightsbridge Car Park on Kinnerton Street which is located just to the south of Knightsbridge Street and can be accessed from Sloane Road. Parking costs £3.50 for the first hour and is £33 for a 24-hour period.

A car can be a blessing or a curse in the city, driving in the city centre can be 'interesting' but the luggage space of even a small car can be very helpful especially when you are doing a lot of shopping

Indulge in Some Shopping in London

If you fancy a day out on the town, London has plenty to offer you. Like many other cities it has the combination of well known chain stores and 'one off' shops that are run by individuals.

But no matter where you go or what you want to buy, London has everything you could hope for. And you might be surprised at the difference between areas that aren't too far apart geographically.

For example, there are lots of markets in London, and Camden Market is arguably one of the most popular of all. The area is actually made up of stalls which spread out into several streets, all of which are open every day. It is the mix of stalls which invariably delights all those who visit, and you can get some great bargains here.

Elsewhere in London there are some very different shopping experiences on offer. Many people go to areas like Bond Street merely to window shop - largely because of the prices! But it is still an experience you will want to indulge in. This is the place where all the top designers can be found, such as Donna Karan and Calvin Klein for example.

If you want to do more than just window shop, be sure you don't miss out on Oxford Street. This is far more accessible and is widely regarded as the place to go if you want to do some serious shopping in the capital. You will find lots of well known chain stores here, and because of the well known nature of the street itself many of them have their biggest stores in the country on this very street.

But if chain stores don't appeal to you, don't worry. There are plenty of more quirky shops available nearby if you hop on the Tube and visit Covent Garden. This is an area known for its street entertainment, market stalls and shops, so it can offer a vibrant and exciting day out. In fact, it has been a hub for entertainment for centuries - even Samuel Pepys - the famous diarist, who reported on entertainment in the area some three hundred and fifty years ago!

It is the design of this area - as much as what it holds - that makes Covent Garden so appealing. In fact, if you are looking to stay in London for the weekend - or longer - there are plenty of hotels in London that are situated close by.

The thing you need to be aware of above all else is that shopping in London can be a very expensive pastime! But you don't need to spend lots of money to come home with some new additions to your wardrobe. There are bargains to be found around every corner - you just need to shop long enough to find them.

Stansted Airport London - An Independent Travellers Guide

Of London’s airports, Stansted Airport is furthest from the centre of London, nearly 40 miles. The airport is dominated by low cost budget airlines and in particular Ryanair and easyJet, Europe’s largest low cost airlines.

The overwhelming majority of flights are European or UK domestic flights.
The airport also has significant charter traffic, particularly for the British travelling on package tours to the sun.
The main intercontinental and state carriers like British Airways, Virgin, American and Singapore Airlines all use London’s Heathrow or Gatwick Airports.

The airport is an established airport but was relaunched 15 years ago with a brand new terminal and infrastructure, including a direct rail link and motorway to London. At first it was a white elephant but the emergence of the low cost budget carriers has transformed Stansted into one of the fastest growing airports in Europe in the last decade.
Today, full capacity of the main terminal is within sight and a new terminal and further out a second runway is planned.

There are no surprises with the terminal itself, all the standard facilities are in place including choice of foreign exchange, pharmacies, news stands etc. There is a good range of eating opportunities ranging from fast food and pub food through to sit down restaurants. In common with all airports run by BAA, the owner, there is a lot of luxury shopping outlets. But remember, the vast majority of flights from Stansted are within the EEC and do not qualify for duty free status.

It normally takes around 30 minutes from touch down to exiting customs with most flights if you have luggage. There is an airport information desk immediately outside customs and a desk for AirportCarz who have a monopoly on taxi services at the airport. Taking a taxi to London is only used by a very small minority of passengers because of the distance and expense.

If your destination is London, the quickest option is to take the Stansted Express train. The train station is underneath the terminal so you just descend to the platforms by escalators or lifts.
The Stansted Express takes 45 minutes to London’s Liverpool Street Station and runs about every 15 minutes during the day. Last trains are around midnight. The fares on the Stansted Express are expensive, well over $US40 for a single return fare. The Liverpool Street terminus is also not very convenient for most travellers, being sited in the middle of the financial district of London, 3-5 miles from most of the most popular hotel accommodation. The train stops at an intermediate stop called Tottenham Hale, 10 minutes before Liverpool Street, an interchange with the London Underground (Victoria Line).
Many of the airlines will sell tickets for the Stansted Express, some at a discount, before landing at Stansted Airport.

The budget transfer option into London is to take one of four scheduled coach services run by National Express and Terravision. There is a large, modern coach station in front of the terminal, adjacent to the rail station.

The cheapest option is the Terravision service to Liverpool Street Station, the same route as the Stansted Express. The price is about half that of the Stansted Express Train. Downside like all road based transfers is the London traffic, on a good day the coach will make it in about an hour. National Express run services about every 30 minutes to nearby Stratford Underground at a similar price.

The other route taken by the coaches is Stansted to London Victoria. Both have return fares around $US25. The Terravision service is non-stop, the National Express service makes stops through central London, many of them close to the major hotel districts. The National Express service is a true 24x7 service, the Terravision service only stops for a couple of hours early morning. Some of the highest frequencies are around midnight Stansted-London and very early morning London-Stansted for the first and last flights when the Stansted Express and London Underground have shut down.

Because of the sometimes extraordinarily cheap fares of Ryanair and easyJet a lot of transcontinental travellers have found it cheapest to fly into Heathrow and then complete their journey to their European destination using a low cost airline from Stansted.
National Express run shuttle services between Heathrow and Stansted from the coach station at Stansted. There are usually a couple of services an hour, the journey taking around 90 minutes (though delays on the motorway are almost routine at rush hours). The fare is not cheap either. The return fare is about $US50. It is cheaper to use the indirect National Express service to Stratford and then catch the London Underground to Heathrow, but less comfortable.

If you want to stay over at Stansted Airport before a flight there are plenty of options available. Like all airport hotels at London, room rates are normally much cheaper at weekends than mid-week. If you are transiting from Heathrow or Gatwick which have much fiercer competition, you will probably find rates more expensive at Stansted, particularly in the budget sector.

Immediately adjacent to the terminal is the luxury Stansted Radisson SAS, the only airport hotel where you do not need a hotel transfer vehicle. This is perhaps the most luxurious hotel and at weekends rates can be fairly competitive. The original luxury hotel at Stansted is the 4 star Hilton Hotel on the airport perimeter. The Hilton Stansted runs its own shuttle bus from the coach station about every 30 minutes.
In the immediate vicinity of the airport is an Express by Holiday Inn and a Best Western. The consistently cheapest option is the Days Inn on a motorway services area at the entrance to Stansted Airport. It provides no airport transfer facility itself though of course there are taxis and a local bus service.
Apart from the chains there are a lot of independent hotels in the vicinity. These feature hotels for all budgets and tastes, ranging from Country House Hotels, to pubs to traditional Bed and Breakfasts. The countryside around Stansted is surprisingly unspoilt and there is opportunity to stay in a traditional market town or coaching inn for example.

For current London transfer fares and timetables see: Rail and Road Transfers Between Stansted Airport and Central London.

Shopping Breaks In London - Something For Everyone

As one of the most notorious global centres of fashion, it's only natural that London should boast a number of desirable high street shopping areas and designer boutiques. In fact, if you can get over the high cost of living, London offers one of the world's best locations for shopping breaks - and anyone thinking of commencing a shopping holiday in London will definitely be able to locate an area of the city in which they can find the key to all their retail desires.

First and foremost, shoppers in London will adore the world-famous Oxford Street - Europe's busiest shopping district. Oxford Street extends over two kilometres and offers retail enthusiasts a range of fashion, shoes and clothing stores - many of which include flagship stores of major British brands. For instance, on Oxford Street you'll find Selfridges department store - a London shopping institution - as well as Marks and Spencer, John Lewis, Debenhams, House of Fraser, HMV, Borders, the Disney Store and Topshop, the latter of which claims to be "the largest fashion store in the world".

If you're looking for a more alternative location for your shopping break in London, head straight to Camden Market. Camden Market comprises a range of markets, including Camden Lock Market, Stables Market, Buck Street Market and Inverness Street Market. Here, you'll find a variety of market stalls selling offbeat, vintage and second hand clothing, as well as handmade crafts, accessories and other goods. You'll also find one of London's oldest street markets in Portobello Road, in London's Notting Hill district. While Portobello Road Market also offers unique vintage clothing, additionally, it is known as one of London's premier destinations for antique-buying - so is sure to cater to shoppers with a variety of interests.

However, London's most prestigious shopping destination is undoubtedly Knightsbridge, home to some of Europe's most exclusive designer stores and boutiques. The Knightsbridge area houses the UK's top two luxury department stores - Harrods and Harvey Nichols - as well as leading designer brands, including Cartier, Jimmy Choo, Chanel, Stella McCartney and Vivienne Westwood. And the popularity of weekend shopping breaks in Knightsbridge means that hotels near Harrods are in high demand, ensuring that Knightsbridge is a first class shopping location in London year-round.

What's more, Knightsbridge and its surrounding areas of Mayfair and Chelsea, are home to a number of art and fashion schools. As a result, London - like Paris, Milan and New York - offers a constantly regenerating fashion climate as new generations of designers and artists come and go with regular frequency. So if you don't make it on a luxury shopping break to Knightsbridge this year, you can rest assured that there'll be many more years to come!

How to Get Best Shopping Deals in London?

London shopping is a tiring experience, especially on the season sales. Major designer brands in Oxford Street, High Street Kensington, Harrods, Selfridge's and even Primark sell things for the most attractive prices. Then the grab-and-buy starts for London bargains.

To avoid queues and faster shoppers try to plan which shops you want to visit and start early. The best time for shopping is weekday mornings when most people are working. Avoid weekends as they will only make you tired. Most of the designer-style shops open around 9:30-10:00 in the morning.

The great thing is that usually all shops do the sale at once. So if you pick up Selfridge's, Gap, Zara and Anna Summers - you will know that you can get the most at once.

If you are visiting London solely for the purpose of shopping, it would be wise to stay at central London hotels. This way you would save a lot of time. Major designer shops are in Oxford Street, which is close to the Paddington and Hyde Park Hotels, High Street Kensington and Knightsbridge shops are close to the Kensington hotels.

To get the best shopping deals in London, check the dates on each shop's website (most of them have it every season) and decide which dates and shops you want. To give you a short brief, Oxford Street features shops like Evans; Wallis; Dorothy Perkins; Next; New Look; Monsoon; River Island; Marks & Spencer; Selfridges; French Connection; Jane Norman; Gap; Suits You; H&M; Mexx; Debenhams; House of Fraser; John Lewis; Ann Harvey; Zara; Nike; Top Shop; Adidas; Miss Selfridge; Urban Outfitters; Office; Uniqlo; Esprit; Moss; Sports Direct; Claire's and many more. So once you go there from a central London hotel you can spend the whole day touring the shops.

Get excited as you are going for the best shopping deals in London!

London Heathrow - Taxi to Terminal Four

As a Private Hire Taxi driver based in the South of England, a lot of my business is made up of fares to and from London's Heathrow Airport. I thought I'd share some tips for meeting and greeting, as Airports can seem so daunting to the occasional visitor! Many BA long-haul flights arrive at Terminal 4, along with some European flights. It's my favourite Terminal to meet and greet at - at least it is at the moment, let's see whether T5 is easier still! T4 is only five to tem minutes from Junction 14 of the M25.

I'm assuming that you are driving to Heathrow, either to drop off or meet a friend or associate. As you approach the Terminal, unless you've prearranged to meet someone at the kerbside outside Arrivals, go UP the ramp! Stay left to drop off a passenger right outside the Check-In area, stay right to park. A good tip on entering the car park is to use a credit card at the entry barrier rather than pressing the button for a ticket - this saves time when you leave, no queuing at the ticket machine, and one less piece of paper to hold on to: just use the same card at the barrier on exit and it'll automatically give you a receipt. Warning - these machines will let you in with a Switch / Solo card, but they won't let you out again - to be sure, only use a Credit card for this operation! When you get into the Terminal 4 Short Stay car park, go down the ramp to the right and try and find a space. Once parked, the Terminal building is a short walk away. Both Arrivals and Departures/ Check-In are clearly signed.

On entering Terminal Four, one's first impression of Arrivals is one of Chaos! There are always crowds of people there; there are a lot of Jumbo jets disgorging at this terminal! Unless you know the person you're meeting, then join the crowd close to the centrally located exit doors and try to get to the barrier with a 'welcome' sign. The best thing is something distinctive and A4 sized - a logo maybe, but definitely something eye-catching and colourful. Make it easy on the person you're meeting - most signs have names and flight numbers on - make yours different! Stand somewhere prominent - where you'll be seen as soon as your passenger emerges through the sliding doors - although it's best to pre-arrange to meet under the 'meeting point' sign - this is to the right of the doors as your passenger exits - beware, they can turn right or left as they exit.

Always check the monitors when you enter the building - a good rule of thumb is that your passenger will come through T4 Arrivals about forty minutes to an hour after landing - but always watch the screen for the 'Baggage In Hall' message - this is usually a reliable indicator of their imminent emergence! Terminal Four Arrivals can be very variable - long haul planes are often early, and always have lots of passengers - I have known people to be through in less than half an hour, whilst last week I waited an hour and a half for someone coming from the Middle East! If you have a mobile phone contact number, then a quick call or SMS message can help keep track of your passenger to let them know where you are, and reassure them that you're there and waiting - takes away one more anxiety for the traveller. Once you've got your passenger, get out of there quick smart - the car park is expensive! Oh, and please drive carefully and considerately on the way home!

Airport Transfers - London

London is one of the most exciting cities in the world, but it's also one of the most expensive. London is both the capital of England and the United Kingdom and it serves as the headquarters for the Roy. London is one of Europe's most populated city and holds some of its most impressive tourist attractions. This is great for travelers who plan to spend some time exploring London, rather than just a day or two hitting the main tourist sights.

Due to London's huge global city status it is the most served destination in the world when it comes to flights. London is served by a total of six airports.

Heathrow is London and Europe's largest airport and the world's busiest airport in terms of international passenger movement, with services available from most major airports world-wide. A taxi from Heathrow to central London will cost £45-60. You may wish to consider taking a taxi if you have a lot of baggage or small children. Alternatively catch public transport into the city centre and then catch a taxi. There are over 1000 minicab companies in London.

London Gatwick London's second airport, also serving a large spectrum of places world-wide. To get to the centre of the city. A door 2 door shuttle service, running 24/7. Costs about half of the taxi, with wide leather seats and plenty of room for luggage. Pre bookings are required for Gatwick services.

London Stansted Currently London's third airport, Stansted Airport lies 35 miles northeast of London. Trains run directly to Liverpool Street Station in London every 30m 5am-11pm. It takes 45 minutes and costs £13.80. A1 Heathrow Cars provides online cab/taxi booking facility approximately £70.

London Luton has traditionally been a holiday charter airport, but is now also served by some budget scheduled carriers. As per Stansted, and for the same reasons, many choose to spend the night here before flying, although "First Capital Connect" trains run 24 hours.

London City Airport A commuter airport close to the city's financial district, and specializing in short-haul business flights to other major European cities. To get to the city centre by taxi. Journey time approximately 30 minutes.

London Southend Airport, Currently undergoing redevelopment and is set to become London's sixth international airport.

Southampton Airport & Birmingham International Airport are another non-London airports worth considering as a less congested and hectic alternative to Heathrow.

How to get to and from hundreds of the world's airports by car, bus, train and other forms of public transport. For transfers directly between London's airports, the fastest way is the direct inter-airport bus service by National Express.

Sightseeing: London is filled with attractions that appeal to young and old - take Madame Tussaud's wax museum, that all-time favorite. Great British Heritage Pass Discount Sightseeing. If your sightseeing style is leisurely, and you only visit one or two places a day, and if there are places you also want to visit that aren't on the Pass program. But if you're able to plan your sightseeing around the various places featured in the Pass, and if you're thinking of fitting two or three or more activities into every day, the savings can be huge.

That single day of sightseeing saves you more than the cost of an entire three day Pass. Your next two days of sightseeing will be entirely free. You have to buy the three-, four-, or seven-day Visitor Travelcards before you leave home, but you can get various other types of Travelcards once you reach London.you will be able to get just about anywhere you want to go in London on the Underground, or "tube ".

So, before you pack up and catch a flight to London you Invest in a copy of "London A to Z." This book of detailed maps is indispensable to anyone visiting London for more than a few days - even most London residents carry a copy.

The Five Greatest Unmissable London Tourist Attractions

London is one of the great capital cities of the world and if you are going to visit it there are 5 great London tourist attractions that you simply cannot afford to miss.

1. Number one on any tourists list has to be Buckingham Palace. Situated at the end of the world famous "Mall", Buckingham Palace is the official residency of The Queen (Queen Elizabeth) and is probably one of the most easily recognizable buildings in the world. A "must see" event for any tourist to take in is the ceremony of "The Changing of the Guard" which takes place at 11:30AM every day in the summer months, and every other day in the rest of the year. It's a wonderful sight, full of the famous British pomp and ceremony. Make sure you don't miss it.

2. The second unique London tourist attraction is the Tower of London. Standing guard over the river Thames, the Tower of London was built over 1000 years ago by William the Conqueror. It has been a royal palace and a prison, and it was here that Queen Anne Boleyn (one of the wives of Henry VIII) was beheaded. It is also infamous for being the place of imprisonment for King Richard II, and Queen Elizabeth I, and it was also here that the "Two Princes" were incarcerated, never to be seen again. It is also the place that witnessed the interrogation of Guy Fawkes, whose failed gunpowder plot to blow up the houses of Parliament is still commemorated today on the 5th of November, a night of Fireworks and Bonfires known as Bonfire Night. On a less gloomy note, The Tower houses the incomparable "Crown Jewels" one of the most famous jewelry collections in the world, worn on occasion by Queen Elizabeth II at various state functions. The Tower's other claims to fame are the famous Beefeaters in their special finery and regalia, and the Ravens of which it said that if they ever desert the Tower, London will fall.

3. The third London tourist attraction that just has to be seen is Tower Bridge. Situated next to the Tower of London, it strands the river Thames and is a wonderful piece of architecture and a brilliant piece of Victorian engineering. Built as the second crossing over the Thames (London Bridge was the original crossing), it is a Bascule bridge which means it can be raised (and still is today) to allow ships to pass underneath.

4. The fourth essential London tourist attraction is Maritime Greenwich which is sited amid stunning grounds on the banks of the river Thames. This is a world heritage site and houses the Royal Observatory. It is the home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), and sits on the Meridian longitude line 0.

5. Finally, our fifth not to be missed London tourist attraction is of course The Houses of Parliament. Once again, situated on the banks of the Thames, it is a masterpiece of architectural design and has one of the easiest recognized visages anywhere in the world. It is where British Government enacts its workings and is also home to the famous Big Ben, the giant clock whose chimes are affectionately know the world over.

Hotels in London, England - The Best Place to Stay

London, the capital of England, is the most urban area in the United Kingdom. It is one of the world's leading financial, business and cultural centers and contributes to be a major global city. It houses four major world heritage sites and one of the major developed areas in the world. Not only this, but London is one of the major tourist's destinations in the world because of several sightseeing tours, parks, gardens, palaces and world famous towers. Due to all these attractions, hotels in London England are well established to provide comfortable accommodation to tourists with several facilities and amenities.

It is beyond doubt that London is well developed city and attracts tourists from the world around. In order to make the provision for tourists' stay, there is wide network of hotels ranging from star hotels to cheap London hotels, to suit the taste and budget of every traveler. It is ineffable to describe the luxury for travelers in star hotels in London England. The immediate service and warm hospitality of the hotel staffs give the feeling of homely comfort to its visitors.

The visitors to London can easily come across many London airport hotels, which are located in proximity to airport. Most of these hotels include beautiful garden and restaurants, where visitors can enjoy several types of English and international dishes. The array of facilities offered at such hotels is excellent. It covers a wide range of network such as restaurant, bar, soundproof rooms; spa, sauna, pool, etc forms a long list. There are many hotels around tourists' attractions that add fun to your trip. Travelers can find hotel through London hotel map, which gives you entire elaboration of hotels in London and their location.

Such London hotel map provides ease to travelers to pre-decide the hotel to stay and several tourists' attractions to view. All these decisions can be taken according to one's own need. The traveler visiting London for exploring the city can go for some cheap hotel or star hotels on the basis of his affordability or in proximity to the places to be explored by him. A business traveler can look for the comfort of other members or for the facilities of various meeting and conference rooms offered.

The accommodation can be booked online through several agencies, which make the necessary lodging arrangements for the tourists, who might be busy in exploring the sightseeing views of the city. These online booking website have lent a helping hand to travelers in making arrangements for them in advance to save them from hustle and enjoy their trip.

Top Attractions in London - A List For Tourists

A new advertising campaign has been introduced to attract overseas visitors to England's capital. Simply known as Only in London; the campaign revolves around a list of 100 attractions and things that visitors can do in the city.

The focus of the campaign is to increase the number of overseas visitors and judging by the amount of diverse activities listed, it is hoping to attract people from many different countries and backgrounds. For example, the first item on the list is a suggested visit to Eastbury Manor House in Barking where, according to the compilers of this list, the Gunpowder Plot was first contrived.

Plenty more historical references appear on the list including trips to St. Paul's Cathedral, The Tower of London and a more obscure reference to stroll the gardens of Down House in Bromley, which was home to Charles Darwin and where he wrote 'On The Origin of Species'.

Sports fans will be interested to see a number of items quoted on the list. The first at number five is the opportunity to see the NFL in action at Wembley. This has now become an annual event featuring a regular season game - the only one to be played outside of continental USA - between two of the League's top American football teams. In October 2009 the game will be contested by the New England Patriots and The Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 15th suggestion on the list is a tour of Wembley Stadium itself, but there is no mention of any of the capital's top football teams; Chelsea, Arsenal, West Ham, Fulham or Tottenham.

However, the option to experience the capital's transport systems does feature. Take a ride on the tube appears low down on the list at 79, but higher up at 39 there is the invitation to connect to the world at Heathrow airport where many of the flights to London arrive.

Music lovers are also catered for on the list with the first suggestion just scraping into the top 10; namely recreate the famous Beatles album cover at the Abbey Road zebra crossing. At 45, a suggestion is to view Pete Townshend of The Who's smashed guitar at the Victoria and Albert's new Theatre and Performance Galleries. Also included at 27 in the list is to buy a ticket to see Michael Jackson at the O2, or alternatively any other O2 show at 24th place!

As you would expect, The London Eye - which was recently voted the UK's number one tourist attraction - appears in the list, as do many other 'must-see' London attractions such as the British Museum, Tower Bridge and Hyde Park. But, however exhaustive the compilers of the list themselves say, this is only a tiny snapshot of the thousands of things visitors can do in London.

Victoria Cochrane writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

The London Shopping Experience

Out of town shopping malls may well have started the decline of the traditional British high street over the last few years, and it’s easy to see why. However whilst London doesn’t offer any of these – it doesn’t need to!

London literally has it all. From market stalls to the world’s biggest department stores, from inexpensive bric-a-brac to extortionately priced cutting edge fashion from the world’s top designers, everyone is catered for by London’s many and varied shopping areas.

As convenient as malls are, they don’t even scratch the surface of what London is able to offer the shopper in terms of diversity and wherever you are in the city, it’s all just a short tube or bus ride away. With the chance of seeing some of the world’s most famous landmarks as well, the London shopping experience cannot be beaten.

Oxford Street

Britain's busiest high street and London's best known shopping area is chock-a-block full of the nation's most popular shops – over 300 in fact. Many of the biggest high street names have their flagship stores here and the street also boasts the oldest record shop in the world (HMV at number 363). Also home to the world famous Selfridges department store, Oxford Street is 1 ½ miles of shopping utopia for those that don’t mind the experience being a little on the hectic side.

Nearest Tubes: Marble Arch, Bond Street, Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road

Knightsbridge

Knightsbridge is the home of classy fashion boutiques and quality department stores - the jewels in the crown being the absolutely fabulous Harvey Nicholls and the world’s most famous corner shop, Harrods. Big name fashion designers can be found in Sloane Street and equally chic but smaller outlets at Beauchamp Place.

Nearest Tube: Knightsbridge

Kensington High Street

Kensington offers a bit of everything to those shopping in London. It features all of the well known chain stores, plenty of one-offs, department stores (the main one being Barker’s), an array of antique shops (in nearby Kensington Church Street) and numerous restaurants. It’s less busy than the West End and certainly a touch classier.

Nearest Tube: High Street Kensington

Regent Street

Regent Street, running the ¾ of a mile between Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus, certainly provides the most visually elegant shopping experience in London as all the shops conform to the same ornate architectural style. It features department stores, fashion boutiques, restaurants and well known high street names and is also home to the world’s best known toy store, Hamley’s.

Nearest Tubes: Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus

Bond Street

If you’re looking for a London shopping experience with a touch of class – and you don’t mind paying for it – then Bond Street is for you. Full of the biggest designer names including Armani, Calvin Klein, Gucci, Cartier and Tiffany & Co, the street boasts more suppliers to the royal family than anywhere else in London. A world away from the ‘every man for themselves’ experience of Oxford Street, many stores have their own doormen. The street is also home to the world famous Sotheby’s auction house.

Nearest Tube: Bond Street

Tottenham Court Road

If you’re shopping in London for electrical items or home furnishings then Tottenham Court Road is well worth a visit. The backstreets of the area offer an array of interesting pubs and specialist shops and nearby Charlotte Street features a wide variety of restaurants.

Nearest Tubes: Tottenham Court Road, Goodge Street, Warren Street

Soho & Chinatown

Soho has cleaned up its act over the years and no longer has the seedy reputation it was once known for. If it’s sex shops you’re looking for in London, you’ll still be well catered for but its reputation nowadays is built just as much on the many cafes, bars and restaurants, all of which make the area an extremely popular attraction 24 hours a day. It’s an incredibly diverse area racially and culturally, has a thriving gay community and has also become the media capital over recent years. Soho is busy and untidy but well worth the experience.

Nearest Tubes: Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square

Carnaby Street

London’s fashion Mecca of the swinging 60s has today become almost as famous for souvenir shops cashing in on tourists who are drawn to the street by its iconic name, however it is now starting to regain something of a cutting edge reputation, particularly at the southern end of the street. Newburgh Street (which runs across Carnaby Street) features the shops of a number of top designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier and John Richmond and nearby Kingly Court has 3 floors of concept shops set around an open courtyard offering items not sold anywhere else in London.

Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus

King’s Road

The road gained a reputation for cutting edge fashion back in the 1960s and 70s which perhaps it doesn’t quite have nowadays, however it still features many independent clothes and shoe shops. There are also a number of contemporary furnishing stores and a huge array of bars and restaurants. The large Peter Jones department store is at the Sloane Square end of the road and opposite is the new Duke Of York shopping precinct. The road has always had something of a glamorous reputation and as well as providing a great London shopping experience, is also a top place to go celeb spotting.

Nearest Tube: Sloane Square

Fulham Road

The Fulham Road runs parallel to the King’s Road and offers an altogether more laid back London shopping experience. If it’s antiques you’re after or specialist interior furnishings then you’ll be more than ably catered for here.

Nearest Tube: South Kensington

Portobello Road

Notting Hill has become quite a fashionable area of late but long before the film and even the annual carnival – in fact ever since the 18th century – the Portobello Road market has drawn large numbers of visitors. Known predominantly for its antiques, bric-a-brac and collectables, there’s also shops and stalls selling everything from fruit and veg to trendy clothing. And if all that shopping makes you thirsty, there’s no shortage of pubs for you to choose from.

Nearest Tube: Ladbroke Grove

Islington

Another area of London that has become fashionable in recent years, Islington has a bit of everything to cater for both its inhabitants and visitors. Upper Street is the area’s ‘high street’ and features all of the familiar chain stores as well as lots of bars and restaurants. Chapel Market offers all of the usual market fare such as fruit and veg, clothes and homeware whilst Camden Passage has some nice antiques shops. Islington is not the obvious London shopping destination, but well worth a look.

Nearest Tube: Angel

Camden Town

If you're after a more bohemian London shopping experience than that offered by Knightsbridge or Bond Street, then get yourself up to Camden. One of the city’s coolest areas has a seemingly endless array of shops and stalls selling such items as clothing (new, second hand and retro), customised Doc Martins and trainers, jewellery, bootleg CDs and DVDs and craft ware. Open daily (and very busy at weekends), it's a multi cultural experience with some great little food outlets dotted all over.

Nearest Tube: Camden Town

Covent Garden

Formerly a fruit and vegetable market, 'The Garden' is now a constant and varied hive of activity. It has a hugely diverse selection of shops, eateries, bars, a market selling art, crafts, antiques and souvenirs, historic buildings, theatres, the Royal Opera House and fantastic free entertainment provided by street entertainers and musicians. If you can't find something to capture your interest at Covent Garden then there really is no hope.

Nearest Tube: Covent Garden

Five Must See London Attractions

If you're going to be visiting London for the first time, you'd be wise to maximize the use of your time in this amazingly vast, divers and historical metropolis by prioritizing. Following are five London attractions which should be must-sees on your list of things to do!

Piccadilly Circus

No, we're not suggesting that you spend some of your precious hours in London under a bigtop. Piccadilly Circus, at the intersection of five of London's major thoroughfares, is the British equivalent of New York's Times Square, with neon-lit glitz to suit. If you want London nightlife, head for Piccadilly Circus, where your fun will be watched over by the roundabout's fountain and statue of the archer now called simply "Eros."

Piccadilly Circus is named for the piccadill collar so popular among gentlemen of the 17th century, and within a block or two of Piccadilly today are some of London's most avant-garde fashion shops. Piccadilly Circus is also within walking distance of several London arcades, the precursors of today's shopping malls.

Trafalgar Square and the London Brass Rubbing Centre

If your trip to London is a family affair, or you simply love to collect unique souvenirs of your travels, a trip to the Crypt at St.-Martin-in-the-Fields Church at Trafalgar Square will be well worth your time. At the Church's Brass Rubbing Center, you can purchase a kit of papers and special waxes, and do your own rubbings of characters straight out of British history, from knights in armor and damsels in distress to Shakespeare himself. If you make a mistake with your rubbing technique, the staff at the Brass Rubbing Centre will be right there to undo the damage!

No matter the time of day, you can have a meal at the Brass Rubbing Centre's café in the Crypt, where you'll be treated to traditional British food at its best from a full English breakfast with a high tea or evening dinner. Your meal will be freshly prepared with ingredients from British suppliers.

The London Telecom Tower

Located on Howland Street in London's West End, the London Telecom tower was formerly the Post Office Tower, and until 1981 was the tallest (at 620 feet) tower in London. It's constructed of steel, concrete, and glass, with a design which is both stylish and highly wind-resistant. It's the heart of Britain's telecommunications network, with numerous enormous satellite dishes visible on its upper stories.

The Changing of the Guards

Christopher Robin and Alice were quite fond of the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace, and they weren't alone. The Changing of the Guards is one of London's major tourist draws, seen by countless visitors each year. You should check in advance of your visit to Buckingham Palace to determine if there will be a Changing of the guards on that day. Bring along a camera, because you can have your picture take with a guard whose duty it is to have his photo snapped with visitors.

Big Ben

None of its other landmarks is more recognizable than London's Big Ben. Visible from a distance of several miles, Big Ben looks down n the Houses of Parliament from a height of 316 feet, and was completed in 1859. Its hands are 14 feet in length, while its clock mechanism weighs over five tons. For security reason, however, only UK residents are allowed inside Big Ben's tower.

Three of these attractions are on every London visitor's must-see list, while two if them may be less well-known. But they are just a small sample of the wonders which await you on your London trip, and simply a place to begin!

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Cheap London Hotels

The trick to finding value for less in London, or for that matter any major tourist hub, is scouting around in the off-season. Here are some good hotels that can be had for below $150 (nightly rate) during the off-season.

Comfort Inn Harrow – This three-star inn is located in the suburb of Harrow, near central London. The Comfort Inn is 13 miles from Heathrow airport. The inn has 73 modern rooms with satellite television, private bathrooms and hospitality trays. Nightly rates start at $68 per night. Children aged 14 and below can stay free with 2 paying adults.

EasyHotel – This hotel offers clean, modern (though tiny) rooms in Kensington, west London. Rates start at $35 per night. Daily housekeeping, TV and windows cost extra.

Rubens At The Palace – Just across from Buckingham Palace, this elegant hotel is reputed for its high-quality service. All rooms are air-conditioned and some come with breakfast. Situated near the Victoria Station, Westminster and the Royal Parks, the Rubens is available for nightly rates from $109.

Darlington Hyde Park – This townhouse hotel is centrally located, near Paddington Station and Hyde Park. This 40-room hotel offers special security and comfort for solo female travelers. The hotel has been awarded the RAC Sparkling Diamond Award, for high levels of cleanliness and hygiene in their establishment. Rates start from $85 per night.

Ambassadors Hotel – The hotel is located in a residential area in South Kensington, a short distance from the famous West End theatre. It provides easy and quick access to key London attractions, like the Royal Albert Hall, Victoria and Albert Museum, and the famous Harrods store. Heathrow Airport is just 10 miles from the hotel. The hotel provides Internet access, safe-deposit boxes at the front desk as well as dry cleaning services. Pets are not allowed. Standard double room rates start at $68 per night.

London Hotels provides detailed information on London Hotels, Cheap London Hotels, Central London Hotels, London Luxury Hotels and more. London Hotels is affiliated with Cheap Dublin Hotels.

London Tourist Attractions

London is one of the more historically distinguished cities of the world with its contribution to culture, the arts, music, architecture, and almost every aspect of classical and modern living. There are also many tourist locations in London, attracting thousands of travelers each year. Here are a few of those attractions that are a "must see" for tourists.

King George III bought Buckingham Palace for his wife, Charlotte, in 1761. The original reason for the purchase was for use as a family house. Since then, the Palace has undergone several renovations and has become host to numerous royals personas making it the most popular tourist spot in London. Today, Buckingham Palace serves as the main focal point of the Monarchy where it conducts its day to day business. It has elegant state rooms which are usually used by the Royal family and royal guests but are open for public viewing at certain times. Buckingham Palace is also renowned for the Changing of the Guard and the Horse Guards Parade.

One of the most famous London tourist attractions is Big Ben. This landmark is more than three hundred feet high and has four clock faces which measure more than twenty feet square. The minute hand of the clock is about fourteen feet long. On record, it is the world's biggest four faced clock which delivers chimes. There is a clock in Wisconsin that is larger but that clock has no chimes. This monument was named after Sir Benjamin Hall who was the first Commissioner of Works in London. Big Ben was also used as a prison for some political prisoners back in the late 1800s. This London tourist attraction is not usually open to the public and can only be seen from outside. Special permits can be granted by Westminster Council to allow some to go inside the clock. Big Ben is situated at the north-east part of the Houses of Parliament which was known before as the Palace Of Westminster. Big Ben is a London landmark which has been the subject of countless photographs and postcards, movies and magazine articles, has survived 2 world wars and has operated almost continuously, except for maintenance since it was built in the 1500s. The lengthiest maintenance down time was twenty years!

The Tower of London is located on the north bank of the River Thames. When most people think of the Tower, they identify with the White Tower built in 1078, where the princes were held as prisoners. The Tower of London is actually a complex of several buildings with 2 concentric rings of defensive walls and a moat. It has served as a place of execution, an armoury, a library, a zoo and the Royal Mint. There is a legend that if the resident ravens were ever to leave the Tower of London, the White Tower, the monarchy, and the entire kingdom would fall.

Close to the Tower of London is the Tower Bridge. It is actually a suspension bridge which allows boats to conveniently navigate the River Thames. Walking its high walkways is something most people want to experience when in London. The bridge is an all time tourist attraction but it was closed in the early 1900s because it became a notorious site for crimes. It is now open to the public once again.

These are just a few of the important London tourist sites which one must not miss when visiting London. There are a lot more London sites to see, such as the British Museum, Princess Diana's Memorial, Hampstead Heath and Kew Gardens. Travel agencies usually offer air travel and hotel accommodation package tours.

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'When you're bored of London you're bored of life' - Poet Samuel Johnson

If you prefer to stay in a boutique hotel in London, then there are plenty of five star ones to choose from. Here are our pick of the top 5.

1. The K West Hotel and Spa is in Shepherds Bush, just a ten minute tube ride to Bond Street.

Close to Harrods and the Natural History Museum, this modern hotel has strong clean lines and the lobby is glass fronted, filling it with natural light. The tiny televisions studded in the walls of the lobby and corridors are just one of the many features of this luxury hotel.

Glass bricks in the Kanteen Restaurant enhance the vibes, and the sumptuous foods such as seared tuna complete the sensual experience. Imbibe a cocktail while seated on the leather sofas beside the open fire in the K lounge. Luxuriate in a Reiki Treatment or hot stone massage in the K Spa and sleep deeply in the wonderful beds. Dramatic yet peaceful colour schemes complement the expansive leather furniture and sand blasted glass in the bathrooms.

2. San Domenico House Hotel In Chelsea

Enjoy the excellent personalised service available at the San Domenico House Hotel in Chelsea. Each room here is individually themed using antiques from their personal collection. Featuring rare originals from the eighteenth century, the rich fabrics of the double superior rooms are a delight to behold. The marble bathrooms and chrome heated bath towel rails make life here pleasurable. Four posted or canopied beds are a feature in most rooms.

This fashionable fifteen room house has been converted from two Victorian houses and been awarded the best London B&B for the year 2008/2009 by the AA. With the tube directly across the road, it has easy access to anywhere in London. Have your pre-dinner drink or enjoy breakfast on the rooftop terrace, overlooking Sloane Square. There is no restaurant attached but Chelsea is at your doorstep.

3. Zetter Hotel

Constructed in 2004 the Zetter Hotel has only 59 rooms. It is a short taxi ride to West End and situated in Clerkinwell, on the edge of the financial district. The spiral staircase leads the eye up to the five story atrium where you gain access to the rooms.

While much of the old building has been kept, the young designers have made their mark with wallpaper, ceramics and artwork. Each room is designed with your comfort in mind. Cuddle up with duck-down pillows and enjoy the soft rain-like feeling of the showers. The rooftop studio has a large patio to rest in while you enjoy your drinks and with its large glass partitions, the suite has loads of natural light. If you prefer not to use the air conditioning, then you can snuggle up with a hot water bottle.

The Zetta Restaurant has fresh seasonal food with a modern take on Italian classics. This ultra modern hotel has all the hi-technology you could want with over four thousand music tracks to play for free. This cutting edge hotel is a feast for the senses.

4. Hazlitts, Soho

Another luxury, London boutique hotel to soothe the senses is Hazlitts. Situated in Soho, it is close to Covent Garden, Piccadilly and Bond Street. It was originally built in 1718 and renovated in 2006. It has kept some original quirky details and has genuine antique decorations, but unfortunately no lifts. Spread over three historic houses, Hazlitts sets out to provide comfortable rooms and genuine hospitality. Set in the middle of London's theatre precinct, it is popular with people from all over the world.

There is no restaurant attached but you are able to enjoy the freshly baked croissants for breakfast! Soho has numerous places to eat, just ask the friendly staff at the front desk.

5. Bingham Hotel, Richmond

If it is avant garde you are after, stay at the Bingham Hotel on Petersham Road, Richmond. This enchanting boutique hotel is set on the banks of the Thames, and its contemporary elegance and style is offset by its vintage Georgian architecture. Its fifteen rooms are each individually designed. Duck and goose down quilts are gorgeous to snuggle up under and each room is designed to create tranquillity and sensuous pleasure. The art deco furniture is complemented by every modern comfort available. The river rooms provide views of the Thames and a luxurious whirlpool bath.

The Bingham Restaurant and Bar provides delicious breakfasts, set lunches and fabulous dinners and sits alongside the Thames. The windows invite the tranquil scenery inside and the Bingham chef provides a sumptuous dinner menu and fantastic cheese selection to complete your meal.

There is a wonderful range of fabulous boutique hotels throughout London.

Karen Cooke is a professional consultant with Travel Associates, an exclusive Australian travel agency catering to the premium travel market. More helpful travel tips and suggestions are available at http://www.travel-associates.com.au

London is one of the great capital cities of the world and if you are going to visit it there are 5 great London tourist attractions that you simply c

Located in Bloomsbury, on the Guilford Street, WC1 and close to the Russell square underground station is a 3 star London hotel called the President hotel. The Hotel offers very competitive rates for its rooms and has become one of the popular hotels in the area for London tourists. It is one of the hotels which belong to the Imperial London hotels group which are all concentrated in the Bloomsbury district and precisely the Russell Square. Traveling from the property to all the terminals at Heathrow International Airport can be done without even the negligible difficulty because, the Russell Square underground is served by the Piccadilly line trains which run direct from Central London to the London Airport. It is one of the most sought after hotels in the Capital because of its prime location in the City center and the competitive rates which it offers.

President hotel offers its guest high standard of accommodation and high level hotel service and it no wonder that the hotel has repeat visits from guests from the United States, Canada and many travelers from Western Europe. Like all the other four 3 star hotels in the group, all the rooms at the President come with private en suite toilet and shower at least. Each room has a direct dial telephone and also a colour TV with remote control. Every room also has got coffee and tea making facilities. There are other amenities like trouser press, fridge and hair dryer which can be provided on request from the Hotel's reception.

The property has its own restaurants as well as bar where you can socialise with other guests or sit and chat with family and friends who are also guests of the hotel. It shares a day and night pub with one other hotel in the group called Imperial hotel. The pub operates until 1.00 am. The President hotel is just about two minutes walking distance to the Imperial. There are also a lot of eating places and bars in the area and guests of the hotel can also eat from outside. The night life in the Russell Square area it very entertaining. There is always someone at the front desk of the hotel to welcome guests because the hotel operates a 24 hour reception or front desk. The hotel's Concierge also works fro 24 hours and will be ready to assist guest who need help to organise their tours in Central London and other UK cities.

This Central London hotel is just a few minutes away from the Marble Arch and Oxford Circus as well as the Soho Area. If you decide to take a leisurely walk from the hotel to these destinations, it will take you about 25 minutes. The Piccadilly Circus, the Trafalgar Square and the Strand are just a short bus ride away. If you want to shop whilst in London and staying at this hotel, you are not far from the famous shopping streets in the United Kingdom; The Oxford Street, the Regent Street, The Bond Street and the Tottenham Court Road. You can easily access all other areas of Central London when you are staying in Bloomsbury because the area has an excellent transportation links to all the major areas of London.

When you are in the area, there are also many places of interest to visit. The University of London it very close to the hotel and so is the British Museum and the British Library. You are not far from the Covent Garden and Holborn. The Camden market and the Euston train station are all within your reach. The President hotel is indeed a place to stay in Central London.