London – High Tea by the Thames

London is the frisson which is produced at the meeting of the old with the new, the old world with the cosmopolitan, and the rubbing of shoulders of nationalities from all over the world. London’s a curious city with a schizophrenic identity. In today’s shrinking world, London is the quintessential global city.

London has long been the world’s culture capital and now it rests, basking in its past glory. The place where the mini skirt and punk rock were born, London has the trendiest restaurants, wildest nightclubs and yet, it has an old world charm which endears the city to you. Walk the Thames’ water front and see the old-old monuments reflected in the river. After a hearty English breakfast, walk the city many boroughs, each with its own identity.

Go to the famous Oxford Street to shop to your heart’s content or visit Notting Hill for some quaint book shops. Go to Covent Garden to see performances of street artists, grab an al fresco Italian meal or head to the pub for a traditional pub lunch. Wind the day up; soaking up the city from the ‘London Eye’ or go to ‘Soho’ to a trendy cocktail bar.

PLACES to VISIT

• Covent Garden: Street shopping, eccentric little shops, al fresco dining and performers doing acrobatics – all at one place at the square. A must visit during your London vacation.
• Oxford Street: Lined with stores of brands from world over, Oxford Street is a shopaholic’s dream come true. Branch out into neighbouring alleys such as Carnaby Street for some offbeat fashions and quirky boutiques.
• Leicester Square: Lined with cafes, restaurants and theatres, Leicester Square is perfect for an evening of culture. Catch a musical concert, a classical performance of watch a musical in one of the many theatres down the West End. Nip into the neighbouring bars for a quick drink or head to China Town for some mean Cantonese, lying just behind it.
• London Eye: See the sprawl of this great city atop this wheel. London stretches by, all spires and sky scrapers and cottages, with the Thames cutting through it, and the view is spectacular.
• Madam Taussad’s museum: Pose with some of the biggest celebrities of the world and get your picture clicked. Never mind that they’re made of wax!

TRAVEL TIPS

• You never know when it might start raining in England, so always keep an umbrella handy. A small one that can be carried around easily is the best.
• The weather in London can vary from sunny intervals, to mild showers and sudden chilly spells in the space of a few hours. Wearing layered clothing is a good idea.
• The tube is the easiest and the fastest way to get around the city. Walking briskly to catch you train in the London underground, keeping pace with the sound of buskers singing everything from the Beatles to Bob Marley is as London as you can get.

BEST TIME to go

The months of April to September, when the weather is pleasant and the sun doesn't set till 11 pm. For those willing to brave the cold, London can be a sight to behold in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

BEST WAY to get there

• Air: All major airlines fly to London from India.
• Rail: London is well connected by rail with the rest of the country.

ACCOMMODATION

London offers accommodation for the shoe string travellers as well as for the high end one. Those looking to travel cheap can shack up in its numerous hostels, dormitories and bed and breakfasts. Those looking to splurge can choose from a variety of hotels, complete with a Victorian architecture and all the trappings of civilization.