CityBreak: London!
Posted by Christie - 05/05/10 at 08:05 am
So, we admit that the Icelandic volcano (we refuse to attempt to even try to pronounce the name), kept us trapped in London longer than we intended. But, the good news is that made our experience all the richer for you lovely fellow city girls. So, if you are looking for a CityBreak, look no further!
Do: Dear God, there is so so much. For shopping, try one of the Karen Millen stores, conveniently located near Bond Street, Oxford Circus, and Covent Garden. There are a few few Karen Millen stores in the US, but the prices are better in the UK (even with the exchange). We like her, she gets us.
For sites you must see, go to the Tower of London. Not only is it a historic and AWESOME landmark, you get a chance to flirt with the Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters), better known as retired British military master sargeants.
Do this for several reasons: 1. It is fun and
2. You can get them to let you into the ceremony of the keys. Which has been going on, without fail, for 700 years. Basically, you get to see the Tower locked up at night from the inside, and it is both free and VERY VERY cool. Without said flirting, the only way in is to write in months ahead and somehow have British postage. Basically, annoying. Also, while at the Tower check out Henry VIII’s armor–wow…the codpiece alone is worth a MUCH closer look. And there are the crown jewels….ahhhhhh.
Also, things that must be done: Afternoon Tea, preferably at the Savoy, though the Ritz or Brown’s will do at a pinch. So much fun, and also very filling. Totally worth the expensive price tag.
The theatre! We love Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap (longest running show of all time), but a visit to the half price ticket booth in Leicester Square can yield fun results. Wicked, Dirty Dancing, or Phantom all come to mind! Also at night there are plenty of fun London Walks, but we love the Jack the Ripper walk because we are old school and like a little mystery/horror/serial killing to put us straight to bed. Just remember to wrap up warmly at night no matter what time of year. London is COLD.
Also, check out the view at the Tate Modern’s top floor restaurant. Doesn’t cost you anything to enter (maybe the price of a drink if you stick around at the bar for a bit) and is probably the BEST view of London. Great for lunch especially on a sunny day. Other good eats include Jaime Oliver’s 15, Brick Street for curry, and any good gastro-pub. Beef suet, anyone?
Finally, London zone 1 is a smaller area than it appears on the tube map. Much of the city is walkable, and you can see some seriously cool neighborhoods, and parks. We love the Queen Mary’s Rose Garden in Regent’s Park (the English, they know their roses. Wow!) and St. James Park….so pretty. Also free! Yay! We could wax on forever about London, but the above are our favorite things to do/see.
For places to stay–it’s crazy. We stayed at the CityInn in Westminster and were pleased with the location (right by parliment) and hotel, but found it to be more of a business hotel (though with a hopping bar scene late at night). Prices right now aren’t SO bad…around $800 roundtrip, depending on what airport you leave from. But it’s LONDON baby!
