London

Question of the week: What do you think distinguishes London from any other cosmopolitan city and makes it worth visiting a second time?

"It is impossible to see not all, but most, of London’s treasures in one visit as the city is so overwhelmingly filled with exciting places and events. London is not a static city but a bustling centre that is constantly evolving; chances are, when you get here a second time, there will be numerous places to see or events to visit that were not here the first time around!"- Christina

* Photo by MykReeve, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

London

Question of the week: What do you think distinguishes London from any other cosmopolitan city and makes it worth visiting a second time?

"I think – and this is a personal opinion without objective evidence – but I think the balance of past, present and future is what makes London so special – two thousand years of history, not preserved in aspic, but rubbing up alongside new development, new communities, new ways of life. Not even the history stands still – there are constantly new discoveries and new interpretations and presentations of London’s past. Whatever your area of interest, there’s always something new to come back for, as well as a goodly chance that your old favorite will still be here. "- Miss Alice

* Photo by ThisParticularGreg, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

What to do...again

Question of the week: If you only had two weeks left in London, what would you make sure to visit or see again?

"I would go visit the museums one last time. There aren't many cities that offer free entrance to the museums, and, well, I would make sure to go on my museum round one last time. Most importantly, I would have a walk around the centre of the city--watch people, cross the street with the characteristically round, lit globes showing the way on each pedestrian crossing, sit by the Thames with a cup of coffee, and take mental photos that would eventually morph into positive memories."- Christina

* Photo by xjyxjy, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

What to do...again

Question of the week: If you only had two weeks left in London, what would you make sure to visit or see again?

"One of my favorite places is the Tower of London - I know that it seems expensive, but it's one of the oldest castles in England, there are Beefeaters, ravens and the crown jewels. What more could you want?"- Kris

* Photo by mbrand, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

What to do...again

Question of the week: If you only had two weeks left in London, what would you make sure to visit or see again?

"A performance at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre."- Prof Kucich

* Photo by I am I.A.M., used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

What to do...again

Question of the week: If you only had two weeks left in London, what would you make sure to visit or see again?

"That’s a tough one, because it all depends on where you’ve already been, and what’s important to you… Personally, I’d be trying to squeeze in as much as possible – dinner in places that do good food *and* have something unique about them, studying at the Bishopsgate Institute or The British Museum, going to one of the lidos or up to Hampstead Heath to swim instead of a regular gym visit. I’d want to prioritize things that are very London specific – gigs and readings and events as well as historic sites and beautiful buildings – and if you can score some more double-value things at the same time, grab them with both hands – head up to Rough Trade East and explore Brick Lane and Spitalsfield Market.

I’d also put a premium on enjoying my regular locals before I had to leave – I’d probably spend my last day in London having lunch and tea at my local cafes, a final pilgrimage to Foyles and the British Museum, walk the familiar route down the river to Tower Hill, and hop on the DLR so I could admire the views on my way to Pudding Mill Lane for a final glimpse of the Olympic Park, and then walk home talking lots of photos of those very ordinary details that you tend not think about! "- Miss Alice

* Photo by J. A. Alcaide, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Outdoor London

Question of the week: Can you recommend a cafe or pub with an outdoor patio or rooftop terrace that you think is worth seeing?

"I like terraces and patios as long as there isn't too much street traffic. Considering that London is mostly made up of street-side restaurants, pubs, and cafes, it is a bit more challenging to find a tranquil outdoor space where the sound of the bus doesn't serve as your background music. For this reason, I recommend Covent Garden. Though crowded, the centre provides a great variety of little restaurants and cafes where you can sit, relax, and watch the pedestrian traffic instead of the car traffic!"- Christina

* Photo by Tilemahos_E, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Outdoor London

Question of the week: Can you recommend a cafe or pub with an outdoor patio or rooftop terrace that you think is worth seeing?

"Have you found the cafe in St. James' Park? There is seating, or take your goodies and have a picnic by the lake!"- Kris

* Photo by Alex Akopyan, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Outdoor London

Question of the week: Can you recommend a cafe or pub with an outdoor patio or rooftop terrace that you think is worth seeing?

"The Lamb, on Lamb’s Conduit Street, one of the best pubs in London, and even better, my local!"- Prof Kucich

* Photo by Cian O'Donovan, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Outdoor London

Question of the week: Can you recommend a cafe or pub with an outdoor patio or rooftop terrace that you think is worth seeing?

"No one’s going to be surprised if I come up with suggestions facing the river, are they? Head east on the north bank to find the Prospect of Whitby, and on the south side of the river, The Mayflower in Rotherhithe – both have history and river view patios to recommend them – and The Mayflower does an excellent Sunday lunch."- Miss Alice

* Photo by Fabiana Zonca, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Easter in London

Question of the week: Are there any Easter-related activities you would like to recommend?

"If it's a reasonably warm day, I suggest you spend the day outdoors as much as possible. Whether you are following the massive London Easter Egg-Hunt or relaxing at a nearby park with some food, or watching the boat race by the Thames, Easter is (hopefully) meant to be an outdoor occasion!"- Christina

* Photo by barryskeates, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Easter in London

Question of the week: Are there any Easter-related activities you would like to recommend?

"Check out The Old Vic Tunnels, which is planning to host an underground Victorian Era Easter theme park."- Prof Kucich

* Photo by guioconnor, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Easter in London

Question of the week: Are there any Easter-related activities you would like to recommend?

"Check out Strictly Easter Ballroom on Friday, 6 April. There are lessons for everyone, demonstrations, music, and it's all Free! "- Kris

* Photo by ktylerconk, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Easter in London

Question of the week: Are there any Easter-related activities you would like to recommend?

"The passion play staged in Trafalgar Square on Good Friday is always a huge event. Maybe balance out the crowds there with a visit to one of London’s City Farms, for some Easter-time chicks, lambs, and donkeys, and a breath of fresh air. Mudchute Park is a good bet for all of the above."- Miss Alice

* Photo by tomaszd, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.