BeTraveler

A citytrip normally only lasts a couple of days. So you should try to get the best deals in such a short time. Here are some personal tips & tricks for a succesful visit to London.

Things you MUST see in London

1. Westminster Cathedral
The Roman-Catholic Westminster Cathedral is less famous than Wesminster Abbey, but it is definitely a must. The architecture is byzantine and you can find wonderful mosaics. (www.westminster-cathedral.org.uk)

2. Leadenhall Market
A wonderful markethall that houses boutiques, delicatesse shops and pubs.(www.leadenhallmarket.co.uk)

3. Inns of Courts
The four British law courts form a huge campus with squares, parcs and gardens. Don't forget to pay a visit to Sir John Soane's Museum (www.soane.org) and Temple Church (www.templechurch.com).

4. Covent Garden
This used to be the old vegetable and fruit market of Central London, but now it is situated in one of the most lively regions in London. You can do your shopping, relax on a terrace or just enjoy the streetlife. (www.coventgarden-market.co.uk)

5. The Wallace Collection
The Wallace Collection is a wonderfully rich but not very well-known artmuseum. It exhibits a beautiful range of furniture, china, weaponry, sculptures and paintings, including work by Frans Hals and Fragonard. (www.wallacecollection.org)

Things to avoid in London

1. Cheap Hotels
Stay away from hotels that are too cheap: you won't get good service, the rooms will be small and dirty, and the famous English Breakfast will disappoint you. Especially in areas like Kensington, South Kensington and Mayfair the hotels can be dodgy. It is true that prices in London are more expensive than in most other cities, but if you do some research you might find some good value for money.

2. Asian Fastfood
Londen, and especially Chinatown, offer many Asian fastfood restaurants where you can get an all-you-can-eat buffet. The hygiene has improved over the years, but the quality of the food not. Luckily not all Asian restaurants suffer from the same problem, so look out for those that offer set meals at reasonable prices.

3. madame Tussauds
Some travelers put this on the list of 'must see' attractions, but we feel Madame Tussauds is simply overrated.
Maybe children like to have their picture taken with David Beckham and the Hulk, but paying 22,50 pounds or 27 euros) and waiting for hours in the queue, is not our idea of fun.

4. Bustours
Avoid the hop-on hop-off busses in London. They offer sightseeing tours but are shamelessly overpriced and give dismal information. No, it's much better to pay 3,50 pounds (4,10 euros) for a day ticket on the London Public Transport, which gives free use of all busses and metros in London for a day. Take Route 11 and sit on the top of the double-decker. You will see all the sights!