Some information about London?

Question

Hi, I'm an italian girl and I'm leaving for London for 1week. I'm planning my tour there but noted that most of the museums and attractions remain open till 6pm so I'd like to know what can I do from 6pm to about 8pm? What are the coolest zones of the city and where are the most beautiful(and not expensive) shops?

I've got another question: what about using the metro? Instead of spending money every day for daily tickets, what can I buy to save money and time? I heard something 'bout "travel card" or "oyster card" but I don't have clear ideas about them. Is there somebody who can "enlighten" me??Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

Check out london.com

Answer 2

Tate Modern is open until late (10pm) Friday and Saturday. This is one of the most popular art museums in the world. Get off at Waterloo for a nice stroll along the Thames or approach the museum from the back (a shorter route) from Southwark.

http://www.tate.org.uk/modern/

The British Library is open until 8 pm on Tuesdays (this has a small exhibition area but is also a funky building with cafes. King's Cross station (or Euston and walk a tiny bit further).

http://www.bl.uk/

The Almeida theatre sometimes has good shows and is up north by Angel tube stop. But it looks like maybe they are not back up with shows until September.

http://www.almeida.co.uk/event_listings....

You can check out Oyster Cards at:

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/

These are really handy and do get you the cheapest price. I set up accounts for my parents and had them sent to me, because I live in the UK. I mailed them to them so that when they landed at Heathrow they could just get on the underground without sorting out money. You might not be able to get them sent overseas but you might be able to arrange collection at your first destination if you can tell them where that will be. When money runs out, it is topped up using your credit card - £20 at a time - when you leave, you will want to return your card and get your £3 deposit back and if you have a credit balance ask for that back too and close the account, otherwise it will be very expensive if you are not planning on coming back to London. If you are only in the centre of the London (Zones 1 & 2 or even zones 1-4) it might be easiest just to get a Day Travelcard each day - cheaper off-peak (after 9.30 am I think). There might be weekend passes and week-long ones too. Make sure you get one that covers your furthest journey on each day, as if you ride out to zone 3 with only a zone 2 pass, it is no good and you could be fined.

Maison Bertaux on Greek Street is a funky young person's cafe - looks sweet on the ground floor for tourists - upstairs is more grungy and there are other cafes/sweet shops in that area to pass the time.

Sorry I am not so much up on shopping. My cheapie favourite at the moment is Primark and they have a huge branch on Oxford Street but down near the Marble Arch tube stop. It has the added bonus of being open until 9 pm, and you could walk the length of Oxford Street for both high and low end shopping - H&M is by the Oxford Street stop.

http://www.primark.co.uk/all_store_detai...