Rick Steves' London 2006 - European Travel Books

Paperback - 09 January, 2006 - Avalon Travel Publishing, Rick Steves
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By: Rick Steves and Gene Openshaw
ISBN: 1566917298

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Reviews by readers

a MUST HAVE travel book

This book is packed with useful and extemely up-to-date information (I found this series to be one of the most accurate and up-to-date of the travel books). He really gives you the inside scoop on how to see London on a budget. I found some tips to be a little too cheap but that's my personal taste so no points were deducted - it's always great to have the option. Concise and clear cut directions were given on how to get to attractions (Legoland) and how to optimize each experience. The top attractions (Tate Gallery, British Musum, Westminster Abbey, etc.) were given a in-depth commentay and very detailed review that provided valuable advise. I especially appreciated the various sample "walks" for each neighborhood in London that gave easy directions and notes for what to look for along the way. This book is ESSENTIAL for traveling and I found the corresponding website (ricksteves.com) provided helpful information as well. Sections of the book gave good reviews and tips on where to eat, shop & sightsee and even more importantly, which ones to avoid! This book even provides some bargains to readers only. I highly recommend this book to anyone traveling to London.

Invaluable!

Having previously taken two of Rick Steves' guided trips (Paris and Rome), and found them both thorough and memorable,when I had the opportunity to visit London, I purchased this book, along with two others. After the second day, I discarded the others and carried this one everywhere. The "must see" list, Tube map, and walking and museum tours were clear and easy to follow, although I could disagree with the distances and times to allow guidelines in a few cases--notably the Tower of London, which the book described as a two hour tour and which I found could easily be an all day sightseeing event. The inclusion of the appropriate Tube stop for each sight was extremely useful, along with the grouping of geographically proximate sights. Although London is staggeringly expensive, this book makes it possible to experience it as a native, without going into debt.
If you're reading this review, no doubt you are planning a trip to London. Go!
Here are a couple of tips:
Although taxis in London are a bargain, and most cabbies a fountain of information who seem to like Americans, by all means purchase a Zones 1 and 2 Oyster card at a Tube station or newsstand, and reserve taxis for when you absolutely cannot walk another step. For 22 pounds ($39.60), you can go anywhere you need to for a week or so. My card paid for itself in a day and a half. A Tube station is never more than a block or two from the major sights and the Underground is fun and sooooo easy to use. If you mind your manners, Londoners will go out of their way to be helpful. I always began by saying, "Please excuse me for being an idiot American, but I can't seem to find..." and following up with profuse thanks. Even the stiffest Brit smiled and provided directions. Dress appropriately--no windbreakers, raggedy jeans, visors, or white athletic shoes. It makes a huge difference in how you're treated. London is a vibrant, energetic city and the people who live and work there are very proud of it. Dressing respectfully acknowledges that, and the locals appreciate it. They also appreciate well-informed tourists, and I highly recommend boning up on English history and culture before making the trip. During our Original London Bus Tour, the guide came over and said, "I can't tell you how nice it is to give a tour to people who actually know where they are" and proceeded to give us some tips about places to go that aren't in any guidebook. Know where you are!
Rick Steves is the righteous guru of European travel. If you have this book, you really don't need another, but any guidebook is only the beginning of your adventure.

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