First Stop...

How can you not love the Union Jack? With ALL the hoopla of the Royal wedding and the fact that Prince Harry is still available... What's not to LOVE?!?!?! Here is a list from one of Pierina's friend who has lived in London or been several times or both. Of course we have books, apps & maps, BUT  a list of favorites is a great place to start!!!

"I was trying to think of good places to tell you to go to have a "pint" but my favorite places to go out were just neighborhood bars - and trust me there are lots of them. Oh - my favorite drinks, one is called a snake bite and it's black current juice and hard cider. It's delicious! Also I am a big fan of hard ciders - a new one I discovered this past time I was in London was pear flavored cider. I highly recommend it!! It's light and refreshing and so good!!! 

Also as far as getting around, the tube (subway) is very easy to use and safe. Cabs are also fine, but obviously more expensive.

House of Parliament, West Minister Abby, and Big Ben – all in the same area, definitely a place to see. Near this area is the London Eye. It’s a big farris wheel that gives you great views of the city. If it’s a clear day, it’s something fun to do.

Tower of London – old fortress – interesting to walk through, but takes a few hours. Basically you just walk through the different rooms of the fortress – there is armor, jewelry and other things to look at throughout the rooms.

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre – I thought it was really neat to see where Shakespeare’s plays were put on, I believe you just walk through the theatre on your own, I can't remember if there were guides or not. I haven't been there since my first trip.

Tower Bridge – very pretty bridge. Everyone thinks London Bridge is the “pretty one” but Tower Bridge actually is the pretty one. There isn’t a tour of Tower Bridge, but if my memory serves me correctly, you can see it from Tower of London if you decide to go there.

Buckingham Palace – this is where the changing of the guards takes place. Your hotel should be able to tell you when this takes place.

Covent Garden – this is a fun place to walk around. It’s a square with some small shops and restaurants. A lot of the restaurants have outdoor seating and there are also often street performers. Its a good place to have diner and just relax and people watch.

Kensington Place – this was Princess Diana’s favorite palace. It has beautiful gardens around it. I’m not sure if you can go inside at all – I don’t believe you can. There is also some good shopping around this area (on and around Kensington Street). I lived in South Kensington when I went to school in London.

Harrods – very famous department store and fun to look through – Harrods is in the same general area of London as Kensington Palace

Oxford Street – SHOPPING!!! This is one of the best shopping areas. There are tons of stores on this street. When we were there last summer there were tons of sales!

Piccadilly Circus – this is the Times Square of London. Interesting to see and walk around, but I didn’t do much else in this area

There are a lot of “Broadway” shows in London also, if you are interested. There are half priced ticket booths (like in NYC) that you can buy tickets. The half price ticket booths are located throughout the city. Someone should be able to point you in the right direction."