THE LATEST TRAVEL GUIDE TO HELP YOU SEE LONDON THE CITY GUIDE LOCAL WAY! 3

CONTENT ABOUT

THIS GUIDE BOOK WILL HELP YOU NAVIGATE THROUGH THE BEST SPOTS IN LONDON THAT FITS THE BUDGET!

3 ABOUT The capital of the United Currency: The British Pound, Cold season: From December Kingdom is a thriving which is usually exchanged at to February, temperatures 4 HOW TO GET AROUND multicultural metropolis. 1.65 US Dollars per pound. are usually 0 degrees Celsius. The contrast between the 6 TAKE THE TUBE spectacular historic sights Warm season: Between June RED LINE- CENTRAL and cultural scene makes a and August, the summer BLUE LINE- PICADALLY visit to London an interesting temperatures are still 10 QUEEN ELIZABETH OLYMPIC PARK and exciting adventure. comfortable with highs rarely going above 25 degrees Celsius. 12 TIPS FROM THE LOCALS Language: English is by far WHERE TO STAY the most spoken language WHERE TO EAT WHERE TO SHOP 4 5

GUIDE TO: Taxis – Taxis are everywhere and cost about £6 ($7.80 USD) per one mile, but the price decreases the further you go. HOW You can also use an app such as TO GET “mytaxi” to order your ride.

AROUNDLondon has excellent public transportation, and getting an OYSTER PASS is cheaper than buying single tickets all the time.

The bus system uses the Oyster Card and costs £1.50 ($1.95 USD) per ride. However, a day of unlimited bus or tram-only travel will cost a No matter how many trips you take per day, your Oyster maximum of £4.50. Card will cap at £7 ($9.10 USD). This is applicable across all public transit, including buses and trams. Also, you can take unlimited buses or trams for free within one hour of beginning your initial journey.

Bicycle – London’s public bike-sharing program is . You can find docking stations all over the city. You can rent a bike from as little as £2 ($2.60 USD).

Keep in mind! London isn’t the bike-friendliest city in The tram system in London the world! works the same way as the bus system. 6 7

What you need to know:

The Underground is divided into nine zones: is covered by zone 1.

There are 11 Tube lines.

• The Tube fare depends on how far you travel, time of day, and how you pay.

• Oyster or contactless payments are the cheapest ways to pay for single fares.

• Tube services usually run from 5am until midnight, with Night Tube services on some lines on Friday and Saturday evenings.

TAKE THE TUBE The rail network, or “the Tube” is a great way to travel to and from central London. TIP: If you want to travel around by the tube, staying within that area would be a good choice. 8 9

REDTAKE LINE- CENTRAL THE TUBE

SHEPERD’S BUSH ROTHTENHAM COURT STRATFORD OXFORD CIRCUS Bush Hall Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club Queen’s Olympic Park 100 Club

Originally a dance hall, it is now an European jazz and blues from A sporting complex in Stratford. Compact basement club with independent music venue. world’s top musicians, in basement It was built for the 2012 Summer illustrious musical history, for gigs, club with late bar. Olympics and the Paralympics. dance classes and secret shows.

NOTTING HILL GATE BETHNAL GREEN LIVERPOOL LANCASTER GATE The Churchill Arms V&A Museum Of Childhood Dennis Servers’ House Serpentine Galleries

Flower-bedecked real ale boozer, United Kingdom’s national A “still-life drama” created by Two contemporary art galleries in filled with Churchill memorabilia. museum of applied arts. Dennis Severs as the 1800’s. , Hyde Park. 10 11

QUEEN ELIZABETH THE ARCELORMITTAL ORBIT OLYMPIC PARK The world’s tallest and The Park knits a vibrant area of East London into Former Olympic and Paralympic venues – longest tunnel slide. a modern urban destination. Redefining the including London , the London Aquatics Created by: Anish Kapoor’s historic industrial and creative heartlands of Centre, the and Lee Valley Stratford and Hackney Wick as an exciting and VeloPark – sit alongside innovative business sustainable place to live, work, study, play and districts, quality neighborhoods, excellent schools visit. Award winning parklands, waterways and and universities, the biggest names in culture 178m Tall playgrounds are free to visit every day. and a talented workforce, and combine to make It soars over London skyline. Olympic Park a global center for London. Steel Sturcture: 2,000 tonnes of looping lattice of tubular steel, 60% comes from recycled sources

Observation Floors two indoor platforms offer views upto 30km.

GETTING HERE ondon’s most exciting London’s dramatic skyscape That’s not all! Stand on top of Public transport is the best and easiest way to get to and attraction, The Slide at passes by. The Slide twists the world at the ArcelorMittal from the Park – by train, underground, bus or bicycle. the ArcelorMittal Orbit and turns 12 times, including Orbit and take in London’s opened in June 2016 and a tight corkscrew section stunning skyline- spot The Park has some of the best transport links in London: L visitors have been snapping named the ‘bettfeder’ – famous landmarks and use • Nine tube and train links (on the Central and Jubilee lines) up tickets to experience the after the German word for the interactive screens to find • Numerous bus and coach routes truly hair-raising experience! ‘bedspring.’ The Slide ends out more about them. Turn • Less than 40 minutes to all major railway stations Measuring 178m, The Slide is with a 50 metre straight the world upside down with • Seven minutes to St Pancras International the world’s tallest and longest run to the ground. In the Anish Kapoor’s spectacular • 30 minutes to the M25 TIP: There is no general parking at tunnel slide. exhilarating 40-second trip, mirrors and peek into the • An hour to all international airports from . the London Stadium. West Ham You will travel down the UK’s riders are expected to hit majestic London Stadium – The nearest train, tube and bus stops are at Stratford, United offer spaces to 49 blue badge tallest public artwork through great speeds of up to 15 miles the place where medals were Stratford International, Hackney Wick, and Leyton stations. holders at every home game. light and dark sections as per hour! won and lost in 2012. 12 13

AROUND THE PARK PARK TOURS

There’s lots to see in the vibrant area around Explore the Park with an expert guide, take a tour Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park - from historic of one of the London 2012 venues, or relax and riverside buildings to some of London’s best enjoy the view from the river. shops and boutiques.

GUIDED WALKING TOURS WESTFIELD Join one of our expert Park Champion volunteer As well as the many shops and restaurants, you’ll guides on a walking tour of Queen Elizabeth also find a range of world-class leisure facilities! Olympic Park. From its conception, creation, Boasting 17 screens, ’s use during the Games of 2012 through to its Vue Cinema is one of largest, most innovative transformation into the beautiful Park we all-digital cinemas in Europe. You can also enjoy have today - hear about the history of the a luxury bowling experience at All Star Lanes area, parklands and wildlife, biodiversity and while Aspers Casino, with its two bars and an 80- sustainability, artworks, continuing legacy seat restaurant, sets a benchmark in the UK for transformation and the world-class sporting. modern entertainment. Westfield Stratford City is part of one of the PARK BOAT TOURS largest urban regeneration projects ever Relax and unwind on a guided boat tour along undertaken in the UK, and ideally positioned on the river that runs through the Park. You’ll pass the doorstep of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. through beautifully landscaped parklands in the With so much to explore, don’t miss out on this shadows of some of the iconic venues from the iconic shopping destination. London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The London Stadium, ArcelorMittal Orbit, the London ENERGY CENTRE Aquatics Centre and Lee Valley VeloPark, all while The Park is powered by two cutting-edge energy learning fascinating facts about the Park and its centres – one in King’s Yard on the west of the future from a professional tour guide. Park, and one near Westfield Stratford City forming a decentralised energy network of SWAN PEDALOS heating, cooling and power. Swan pedalos have now closed for autumn This is the largest decentralised energy scheme winter. You can explore the Park in a unique and to be built in the UK and makes a key contribution fun way, on the exciting swan pedalos. Opening to the Park meeting its zero carbon ambitions. times are 12 noon - 5pm (last departure at 4pm). At the same time, their eye-catching design The pedalos are located from the pontoon means they are new landmarks on the Park’s adjacent to the , the skyline. Both energy centres were recognised for same place as the boat tours as above – subject their outstanding design by the Royal Institute of to availability. British Architects, winning regional awards in 2013. 14 15

BLUETAKE LINE- PICADILLY THE TUBE

COVENT GARDEN TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD KING’S CROSS ST. London Transport Museum Ormond Street Hospital Camely Street Natural Park

History of London transport from A children’s hospital located in the A royal residence set in the An urban nature reserve in King’s horse power onwards, with loads Bloomsbury area of the London. Borough of Kensington. Cross in central London.

of contraptions to clamber aboard.

LEICESTER SQUARE KNIGHT BRIDGE HAMMERSMITH Theatre Land River Thames

A pedestrianised square in the A department store located on Residence headquarters of the The longest river entirely in West End of London, England. Brompton Road , owned by the monarchy of the United Kingdom. England and the second-longest in state of Qatar. the United Kingdom 16 17

GUIDE TO:

WHAT 15 6. Mike and Ollie Handmade organic flatbread DISHES YOU TO EAT charred with zesty za’atar. HAVE TO TRY 7. Burger Boy Top 15 street foods Cheeseburger pimped up with ingredients. in London Ja’s Vegan Steaks Mouth-watering 8. Mother Clucker As the UK’s capital and one Steaks without beef. A soul-food specialist. of the world’s most popular tourist locations, London 9. Savage Salads acts as a representative Hearty ingredients to make of everything British to a your mouth water. wide array of visitors from around the world. What many visitors don’t realise, 10. Bian Dang Serving up Taiwanese boxes. however, is the extent of the BBQ Dreamz city’s ethnic diversity. London Filipino backyard gastronomy is teeming with 11. Meltsmiths barbecue. A carnival Coconuts Hut a smorgasbord of different Street-food outfit peddling of textures. Mauritian-inspired cultural influences and tastes street food. grilled cheese sandwiches. that offer locals and visitors a fantastic culinary experience. 12. Eat Chay The city has a rich history A Vietnamese vegan twist. when it comes to food, and many eateries reflect this in their representation of the 13. Sugo nation’s favourite cuisines The kind of street food you’d and tastes. find in Rome, and Italian cities.

14. Chalé Let’s Eat! Marty’s Corner Native food from West African A local selection of Club Mexicana freshly made dishes. A vegan South 15. Gyoza Guys Farm to table. American cuisine. Steamy flavoured dumplings. 18 19

GUIDE TO: Stüdyo Paddington St. Christottpher’s Inn Hostel

Represents a brand new concept and type Offers a traditional taste of English life and easy WHERE of accommodation: hybrid of a hotel and an access to the attractions of the South Bank. apartment suite. Passfield Hall TO STAY Generator Hostel Passfield Hall provides great value bed and Affordable The location, just a few blocks from Russell Square breakfast accommodation in Bloomsbury. underground station and walking distance to the stays in London and Square. The W14 Kensington Wombats Hostel Point A Hotel Providing an ideal mix of value, comfort and convenience, it offers a budget friendly setting The location of the hotel is fantastic- Kings Cross with an array of amenities. Station and St Pancras, Eurostar terminal is just a 10 minute walk from the hotel. There are plenty of places to Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage Kennington B & B stay in London on a budget and cheap accommodation They offer a more social atmosphere and that Family run, Boutique B & B in a beautifully restored options, including cheap cosy, home away from home atmosphere. Grade II listed Georgian House built in 1786. hotels, charming bed and breakfast guesthouses and Green Rooms MEININGER Hotel many friendly hostels. A refreshing departure from your typical hotel in Located centrally and even the Queen has visited London. It is the United Kingdonm’s first arts led it. Starting in South Kensington near Hyde Park it’s social enterprise hotel. easy to explore this European metropolis.

Wombats Hostel Clink! 78 YHA London St Pauls

Clink! 78 is set in a stylishly renovated Victorian Minutes walk away from sights such as Tower Housed in a grand, redbrick Victorian-era 200 year old courthouse in an excellent location Bridge, the and City Hall and townhouse with wood panelling, this modern just a few minutes walk from Kings Cross station . you are an easy walk from the buzzing nightlife hostel is a 1-minute walk from Hyde Park. of Shoreditch and Wilton’s Music Hall. Safestay Hostel Caring Hotel Safestay Hostel is in a great location near TIP: Staying in central London and close to The hotel has a good location in Bayswater Elephant & Castle tube station and is situated a station means that getting around will be just a short 10 minute walk from Baywater in John Smith House which , in a previous easier and many of the main attractions will be Underground station. incarnation, served as the Labour party. relatively close. Safestay Hostel 20 21

GUIDE TO: WHERE TO SHOP 15 Places To Glam Up The city has innumerable streets that have countless luxury Your Wardrobe! brands, and is filled with eye candies for Shopaholics.

Oxford Street: Knightsbridge: The Designer Wear Trendiest Fashion Market: Unique Souvenirs The famous An array of shops and is home to more than 300 department stores, this From hip fashion wear to shops, which offer the most place has all the top-notch unique souvenirs, this place exquisite London shopping brands in the house and is a paradise for having a experience. boasts the trendiest high style London shopping experience. glamourous fashion. : Popular : Amongst Celebs Notting Hill: Boho Where The Fashion Chics Revolution Began Whether you wish to splurge on the best city fashion for Unique shops that have Where the fashion revolution yourself or take a stroll and vintage in store to high-end began in the 60’s and you indulge in window shopping. designer boutiques that have ought to visit it if you’ve got a mix of boho and chic stores. a good amount of time for And exploring London’s real gems. : City’s The King’s Road: Oldest Stores Antiques & Chic London Markets: Food Dresses And Shopping Savile Row: Old Fashioned Style If you are looking for typical : A Shopper’s Paradise British fashionstore, head Antiques for your home or There are innumerable of Harrods: Fancy Stores here without any second chic dresses from unique the likes and needless to : An All In One Street thoughts and glam up your labels for your wardrobe, this say, they are perfect if you London Fashion wadrobe place is absolutely perfectfor are looking for bargains and St. Jame’s: High End Fashion look while you indulge in very anyone visiting London. stylish London wear. Mayfair: Exclusive Shopping cheap shopping . 22

Sloane Square Station, London, United Kingdom Photographer: Tomas Anton Escobar

For more information on the city of London, Visit our website: www.londoncityguide.co.uk Copyright © 2020 by Kimberly Dsa Printed in the United States of America