A tale of 4 cities (London)

Honeymoon. London --> Paris --> Amsterdam --> Brussels --> London

Sept - Oct 2009.

Before setting off for the trip, we had booked some of our accommodation via hostel.com or booking.com. Needless to say, accommodation in western Europe is expensive and basically the cost is the major consideration, followed by the location and whether the room had attached bathroom. A good proportion of our accommodation was in the range of 60 Euro for a twin ensuite per day. (London cost more!)



For travellers who do not really have the time to explore a place in great detail, I find these guidebooks friendly. They recommended the top 10 places and well, you won't get wrong. Of course, there are not as many recommendations as LonelyPlanet or Fodors.

So here goes, some of my own recommendations!








London

Accommodation is the main wallet-drainer. In Britain, you can pay a lot and still get a shoebox, so go as basic as possible. Also, aim for rates that include breakfast as that will save you a small sum.

Places where I have visited and enjoyed.

1. Westminster Abbey and Parliament Square

2. Buckingham Palace

3. National Gallery

4. Tate Modern

5. Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens (go for English tea at one of the cafes there).

6. Visit Harrods!

7. Soho and the West End - Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly circus, Leicester Square (could buy cut-price theatre tickets), Chinatown...

7. Shopping area - Oxford Street, Porttobello Road, Harrods (do dress well if you intend to go in!)

The city of London is easily explorable on foot. You see more things too! Of course, when you arrive at Heathrow Airport, get a top-up card called Oyster Card (aka our Ezlink card) to travel on the tube. We put in 25 pounds. It should be sufficient but we also walked A LOT!

Check this out! http://www.londontown.com/London_for_Backpackers.pdf

Eating in London can be expensive, so grab a sandwich for a leisurely picnic at several parks in the heart of the city such as Hyde Park, Green Park and Regent's Park. I like those at Pret A Manger (wide range and healthy!) and EAT. If cost is still the issue, you will always have the supermarket! Camden market has cheap food there, though a bit far from the city centre. Must eat - duck @ Four Seasons at Bayswater!