Tourist Guide For London

London is an exciting, vibrant city, offering a whole host of things to do and see. It is also one of the safest cities in the world.

In order to make your experience as enjoyable as possible you should exercise the same amount of caution as you would at home.

London Transport
Avoid using unlicensed cabs. Safe cabs to use are those licensed by the Police. The driver will wear a badge and the cab will have a licence on display.

When using a hire car, be sure to fully check the car over for any damage prior to signing the forms.

Accommodation in London

Accommodation in London is given a Star and Diamond rating by official tourist organisations. The greater the number of stars or diamonds, the higher the quality.

Crime

As with any major city, crime can be a problem. However, if you follow the same basic principles as you would at home, you will be perfectly safe. Keep purses and wallets in zipped compartments. Avoid using rucksacks. Keep cameras hanging round your neck, not over your shoulder. Never put your bag on the floor of a restaurant or bar, keep it with you at all times.

Your Money

It is not always cost effective to change your money up at your Hotel. Try to shop around for the best rate. Banks and Building Societies often offer the best rates.

Once you have changed up your money, be sure to store it in the safe at your hotel.

Eating And Drinking

Be wary of young ladies inviting you into bars for a drink. These ladies are often escorts and you may end up paying hundreds of pounds for one drink and the privilege of the ladies company for the evening.

It is now expected that diners will tip their waitress or waiter in a restaurant. Before doing this, check your bill to see if service is included. It is accepted that a tip of around 10% of your total bill is reasonable. However, don't be tempted to tip if the service or the food is poor.

Weapons

It is illegal to carry a knife, a gun or CS spray in London.

Important Holiday Dates

Holiday dates for 2006 are as follows:

New Year's Day - 2 January (substitute bank holiday in lieu of 1 January)

Good Friday – 14 April March

Easter Monday – 17 April

May Day - 1 May

Spring Bank Holiday - 29 May

Summer Bank Holiday - 28 August

Christmas Day - 25 December

Boxing Day - 26 December

Our Banks are closed on Bank Holidays however the most popular shops now open between the hours of 10am to 4pm.

Bank Holidays are classed as family days, therefore there are usually plenty of activities organised to keep everyone entertained.

Shopping

It may distress American ladies to know that you will gain a dress size during your stay in London, and it won't be down to the food. If you are a size 8 in America, you will be a size 10 over here and in Europe. Let's hope that doesn't put you off your shopping! If it's any consolation, you will need shoes 2 sizes smaller, a 7 in America is a 5 over here for ladies. Mens clothes sizes are no different. Their shoes however are 1 size smaller over here.

Driving In London

We could write a book about driving in London. It is of course much easier to say, "don't do it!” Driving in London is not a pleasurable experience. You may be interested to learn that in 1898 the average speed of cars in London was 11mph, in 1998 it was also 11mph, so much for progress. It may be some comfort to you to know that there is an excellent underground system, which is cheap and fast. If driving is your thing we have a wealth of information for you to read and digest.

Should the above make you reconsider your decision to drive in London, check out our 'getting around' section under the tourist guide on www.24-7london.co.uk for alternatives!