Travel guide London
Fascinating, cosmopolitan and unusual, your tour guide will confirm it: London is the city of all possibilities. We go there for shopping weekends, but also to appreciate its exceptional heritage, from Westminster to St. Paul's Cathedral, including the London Eye and its museums(Tate Gallery, Madame Tussauds, British Museum...). Soho, Chelsea, the City, Notting Hill..., all the districts of London deserve a visit and offer surprising discoveries. Gardens, museums, galleries and markets are so many propositions that a too short stay will surely be the first of a long series... A perpetual invitation to immerse oneself in the heart of a creative city, avant-garde and strongly anchored in its history. An astonishing contrast that makes the English capital one of the most touristy destinations in the world. While the Brexit crisis has nevertheless hit Britain hard, London remains the symbol of cross-fertilization and renewal. Vibrant and intoxicating, dynamic and creative, London intrigues, fascinates and never tires...
What to see, what to do London?
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When to go London ?
You can go to London all year round, but it is in July and August that tourists are most numerous and prices are highest (accommodation in particular is becoming more expensive, as hotels often have a high season rate policy). Autumn and winter are pleasant seasons for a trip: you will pay less and the lines will be shorter. Winter is quickly cold and rainy, but the period before Christmas remains magical thanks to the illuminations and the festive atmosphere that reigns in London (Christmas carols), especially in the shops.
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How to go London
How to go alone
London is served by two major airports, Heathrow and Gatwick. More and more charter companies have moved some of their flights to Stansted or Luton, further away but just as well served as the first two, mainly by train and bus. There are many direct flights from major cities to London. But to get to the heart of the capital, at the St Pancras International terminal, the best way is to use the Eurostar.
How to go on a tour
There are many tour operators that offer stays. The most common ones are getaways (3 days and 2 nights or 4 days and 3 nights) and long weekends. Prices vary according to the means of transportation chosen and the time of booking; last minute offers are the most interesting. In London, because of the location, there are many cultural trips.
How to get around
It would be useless and expensive to take a car inside London. All the tourist places, even the most remote, are accessible by bus or metro. London has even pioneered car-free capitals with several measures to limit traffic in its city center: congestion charge, T-Charge tax...
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Discover London
London is a bustling world-city, rich in history, culture and art, where sport and gastronomy also play a fundamental role. It's the city of the Royal Family and its fascinating adventures, a city that knows how to set itself apart from the rest of the country through its political and social choices. When you think of London, it's impossible not to think of literature and theater, from Shakespeare's round theater to Oliver Twist's London, or to forget its soccer clubs with such famous names: Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal... Fans of architecture will not be left out and will enjoy exciting visits to London, from Victorian mansions to Renzo Piano's ultra-modern Shard. Of course, London is also the capital of fashion and vintage, of markets, pop and punk. A surprising city always on the move, sometimes exhausting, but always stimulating.
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The 12 keywords London
1. #Bobbies
The bobbies are the famous London police officers with their characteristic domed helmets. They roam the streets of London to maintain order in a capital that is increasingly prone to crime, particularly with regard to stabbings. This nickname comes from Sir Robert Peel who created the Metropolitan Police in 1829.
2. #Roommate
As apartments for rent or for sale are prohibitively expensive in London, many Londoners live in shared flats. So it's often a case of getting used to sharing your room-mates ' or flat-mates' little habits. It's a whole new way of life. Sometimes, entire families share houses.
3. #Fish & chips
The most famous of British dishes! Fish & chips is simply white fish dipped in batter, fried in boiling oil and served with French fries. Seasoned with salt and vinegar. It used to be served in newspaper. Enjoy it in a typical pub.
4. #Gherkin
The Gherkin is one of the symbols of East London's architectural revival. Originally called 30 St Mary Axe, this oblong building quickly earned the affectionate nickname "Gherkin". Londoners love this superb building, which can be spotted from everywhere, is entirely glazed, and boosts the London skyline with its futuristic shape.
5. #Jerk chicken
Marinated chicken, grilled, spiced and cooked Jamaican style, who could resist? It's a classic London snack, especially when you're out late. You can also opt for fried chicken, a non-spicy version that's just as delicious. In short, Londoners love chicken, and you won't be able to resist it during your stay!
6. #Markets
London is one of Europe's cities with the most markets. You'll find everything from street-food to vintage and flowers... Some, like Borough Market, have been around since the Middle Ages. There are over 200 markets across the city, embodying London's cultural diversity. The most emblematic are Camden Market, Brick Lane Market and Covent Garden.
7. #Musicals
London is THE European capital ofmusicals. Nearly twenty West End theaters present musicals every night. Some have been running for several years. Among the most popular shows are The Lion King, Wicked, Les Misérables, Mamma Mia, Hamilton, etc..
8. #Pub
Although the word "pub" was coined in Victorian times as a contraction of public houses, it was the Romans who gave the British their first pubs 2,000 years ago. The English spend their lives here, drinking one pint after another in a convivial atmosphere. After work, on Friday evenings, Sunday afternoons: they're always packed!
9. #Smog
This is the name given to London's famous fog, a combination of smoke and fog. In reality, however, the phenomenon has less to do with the weather than with the pollution that reigned in the city during the Industrial Revolution in the 18thcentury , when London was overrun by factories..
10. #Thames
The Thames, 338 km long, is London's mythical river, crossing the city from east to west and splitting it in two. Its quays make for pleasant strolls. The river was heavily polluted during the industrial revolution, but is now gradually regaining its fish inhabitants, thanks to major clean-up operations.
11. #Tube
Tube is the colloquial name given by Londoners to their subway railway, normally known as the Underground. The nickname refers to its cylindrical shape. The London Underground is the oldest in the world, built in 1863. It carries almost 3 million people every day. It's an expensive means of transport, but the most efficient.
12. #Vintage
Vintage is a word that is used to describe anything that is retro. In London, vintage is like a second religion. The fashion capital of the 1960s, London is now the temple of vintage. Vintage markets and shops abound in Brick Lane and Camden and offer great deals.
You are from here, if...
You say " Cheers " at the drop of a hat. Originally used to toast, in London it's become an all-purpose word: thank you, goodbye, see you later..
You're up to date with the latest news about the royal family. A birth, a wedding, the name of the latest arrival... An Englishman needs to know all the latest news. It's always a good subject for discussion.
You never go out without your umbrella, even on a sunny day. London is not the Côte d'Azur, and rain is frequent. Londoners are never surprised by the unpredictable drizzle..
You take advantage of the slightest ray of sunshine to sunbathe (a little too much) in the parks. You can spot the English by their crayfish tans on the lawns of Hyde Park.
You never forget that you drive on the left-hand side of the road, and you wait your turn wisely in queues, even those waiting to board the bus or the subway.