London Tips/Advice For A 1st Timer

[Tyler]

So work is sending me to London for 10 days at the end of the month, and I figure its a great opportunity to take in the sites and see all that I can of swingin' London.

I've never been there, and really don't even know how Im supposed to get from the airport (Heathrow) and into town, but I figured I'd tap into the collective CP braintrust for good travel tips and recommendations for London.

Also I've been given tickets to an Arsenal game at Emirates Stadium (against West Ham United). I've never been to a football game before. Anything I should be aware of before I go there?

[ok, ok,....I get it]

Hit up a rugby game, there are a number of clubs in and around London. If you never have seen a game live it is awesome.

http://www.guinnesspremiership.com/84_10883.php

http://www.guinnesspremiership.com/1...43e99e5f46a9a0

[ken0042]

The transit system in London is amazing. I had use of my cousin's car but only used it once and took the tubes/trains everywhere. I would think there would be some connection from the airport to the rest of the system.

It has been over 20 years since I was there, but what I would do is get the day pass. However make sure you get the one that is good for British Rail as well as the subway, as British Rail has a few shortcuts through London. It was only 10 or 20p difference between the two, and very handy if there was a delay somewhere.

I was only in London for a few days, but by the end I was giving people directions and what lines to take to get places.

[I-Hate-Hulse]

Get an Oyster card for the Tube/bus/trains. You'll save way more money and it's far more convenient to just swipe it. The Tube has a stop at Heathrow.

An "A to Z' is invaluable if you're trying to find specific addresses in London. Quite confusing there let me tell you. Though a GPS might work well too.

Go to Primark for the cheapest clothing (yet still stylish) known to mankind. Right on Oxford Street.

[Berger_4_]

Originally Posted by Tyler

So work is sending me to London for 10 days at the end of the month, and I figure its a great opportunity to take in the sites and see all that I can of swingin' London.

I've never been there, and really don't even know how Im supposed to get from the airport (Heathrow) and into town, but I figured I'd tap into the collective CP braintrust for good travel tips and recommendations for London.

Also I've been given tickets to an Arsenal game at Emirates Stadium (against West Ham United). I've never been to a football game before. Anything I should be aware of before I go there?

I have nothing to add advice wise, since my entire time in London consisted of me walking from one airport terminal to the next, then freaking out because I thought I lost my passport (ended up it was in the bottom of my bag) But what I do have to say is this...you lucky SOB. That'd be so awesome to get to see an Arsenal home game. I just missed them during the beginning of the season in Austria. Anyways, I hate you, and hope you have a good time over there!

[I-Hate-Hulse]

Originally Posted by Tyler

Also I've been given tickets to an Arsenal game at Emirates Stadium (against West Ham United). I've never been to a football game before. Anything I should be aware of before I go there?

This is just second hand info but I've been told that seating is by Team. Fans of opposing teams don't sit with each other, unless it's the family section.

[Byrns]

Some recommendations of things I enjoyed when I worked there a few years ago...

- Visit the British museum (it's huge), and the Imperial War Muesum (slightly less huge). Both shouldn't be missed.
- Have a pint in Leister Square or anywhere, and enjoy the pub food.
- Take in a show?
- Very Greenwich Observatory to step across Earth's dividing line.
- HMS Belfast
- Tower of London (a bit pricey for what you see though)
- Watch tourists get crapped on by pigeons in Trafalger Square
- Buckingham Palace (the outside is a bit dull though)
- 10 Downing Street (can't get too close though)
- Horse Guards at Whitehall


Things to skip:
- The wax museum
- The London Dungeon

[ok, ok,....I get it]

Originally Posted by I-Hate-Hulse

This is just second hand info but I've been told that seating is by Team. Fans of opposing teams don't sit with each other, unless it's the family section.

it is not that bad.....times have changed...

Be sure to try and make the guard a buckingham palace try to smile....they love it no really they do.

All cool is St Paul's, I am not religous but it is one big ass church.

[I-Hate-Hulse]

You might find this site useful. Apparently ~3,000 tickets are held for away team fans in their own section. Small in comparison to the whole capacity of the stadium though.

http://www.footballgroundguide.com/a.../away_fans.htm

I should add that I'm jealous. I'd love to go to an EPL game. London is one of my favorite cities in the world.

[Byrns]

Oh, another tip I learned was, if someone starts a conversation with you, they're trying to scam you. (unless they're an obvious tourist)

[ok, ok,....I get it]

Originally Posted by I-Hate-Hulse

You might find this site useful. Apparently ~3,000 tickets are held for away team fans in their own section. Small in comparison to the whole capacity of the stadium though.

http://www.footballgroundguide.com/a.../away_fans.htm

I should add that I'm jealous. I'd love to go to an EPL game. London is one of my favorite cities in the world.

on a side note, what is wrong with soccer players/handbag carriers......you need to worry about where you sit to watch the game....seriously.....idiots....this is an example of why soccer stinks

[ok, ok,....I get it]

Originally Posted by Byrns

Oh, another tip I learned was, if someone starts a conversation with you, they're trying to scam you. (unless they're an obvious tourist)

so you never talk to locals when you travel?

[kermitology]

I loved the natural history museum, Tower of London, and definitely take in a show. The best theatre in the world is in London as far as I'm concerned. Though I haven't been to New York.

[troutman]

Bring your own food.

[ok, ok,....I get it]

Originally Posted by troutman

Bring your own food.

while I love making fun of the English, their teeth and their food....they have surprisingly good food........I would suggest you bring your own bank.....it can be expensive

[Byrns]

Originally Posted by ok, ok,....I get it

so you never talk to locals when you travel?

I talk to plenty of them, but I'm wary when some random guy comes up to me on the street with some story or trys to get me to go somewhere with him. Both of these happen a LOT when I lived in London.

Obviously it depends on the circumstances.

[ok, ok,....I get it]

Originally Posted by Byrns

I talk to plenty of them, but I'm wary when some random guy comes up to me on the street with some story or trys to get me to go somewhere with him.

Obviously it depends on the circumstances.

ah, ok that's clearer.....I agree with that...but I do like to hear what people have to say.....it is part of the journey

[Byrns]

Originally Posted by troutman

Bring your own food.

Just stay away from traditional British food and eat what the British do now... Kebabs and Curries.

[ok, ok,....I get it]

Originally Posted by Byrns

Just stay away from traditional British food and eat what the British do now... Kebabs and Curries.

that is traditional british food................bradistan anyone

[Tyler]

Thanks for the advice guys. They're corporate seats, so I'm sure they're on the Gunners side.

Thanks for the tip on the tube pass. I'll be sure to get one of those as that will probably be my primary means of getting around.