Contents
WELCOME TO LONDON
History and tradition greet you at every turn in London; its also one of the coolest, most modern cities in the world. If London contained only landmarks such as Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace, it would still rank as one of the worlds great destinations, but Britains capital is much more. People come to glimpse the royals and stop by hot galleries; to take in theater and trendy shops; to sample tea and scones or cutting-edge cuisine. When you need a break from the action, pop into a pub, relax in a parkor take a walk and make London your own.
TOP REASONS TO GO
Architectural Icons: The Tower of London and Big Ben are quintessential London.
Art Museums: From the National Gallery to the Tate Modern, a visual feast awaits.
Top Theater: Whether its Shakespeare or avant-garde drama, the plays the thing.
City of Villages: Unique neighborhoods from Mayfair to the East End invite discovery.
Shopping: Fun markets, famous flagship department stores, chic boutiques.
Parks and Squares: Distinctive green spaces large and small are civilized retreats.
Editorial: Douglas Stallings, Editorial Director; Margaret Kelly, Jacinta OHalloran, Senior Editors; Kayla Becker, Alexis Kelly, Amanda Sadlowski, Editors; Teddy Minford, Content Editor; Rachael Roth, Content Manager
Design: Tina Malaney, Design and Production Director; Jessica Gonzalez, Production Designer
Photography: Jill Krueger, Senior Photo Editor
Maps: Rebecca Baer, Senior Map Editor; Mark Stroud (Moon Street Cartography) and David Lindroth, Cartographers
Production: Jennifer DePrima, Editorial Production Manager; Carrie Parker, Senior Production Editor; Elyse Rozelle, Production Editor
Business & Operations: Chuck Hoover, Chief Marketing Officer; Joy Lai, Vice President and General Manager; Stephen Horowitz, Director of Business Development and Revenue Operations; Tara McCrillis, Director of Publishing Operations
Public Relations and Marketing: Joe Ewaskiw, Manager; Esther Su, Marketing Manager
Writers: Jo Caird, Jack Jewers, James ONeill, Toby Orton, Ellin Stein, Alex Wijeratna
Editors: Amanda Sadlowski (lead editor), Debbie Harmsen
Production Editor: Jennifer DePrima
Copyright 2019 by Fodors Travel, a division of Internet Brands, Inc.
Fodors is a registered trademark of Internet Brands, Inc. All rights reserved. Published in the United States by Fodors Travel, a division of Internet Brands, Inc. No maps, illustrations, or other portions of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher.
ISBN9781640971141
Ebook ISBN9781640971158
ISSN 2328-2983
Library of Congress Control Number 2018954451
All details in this book are based on information supplied to us at press time. Always confirm information when it matters, especially if youre making a detour to visit a specific place. Fodors expressly disclaims any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, that is incurred as a consequence of the use of any of the contents of this book.
Photo Credits: Experience London: Danbreckwoldt | Dreamstime.com, Westminster and St. Jamess: Dutourdumonde Photography/Shutterstock, Mayfair and Marylebone: Benedict Johnson, Soho and Covent Garden: British Tourist Authority, Bloomsbury and Holborn: antb / Shutterstock, The City: Tomas1111 | Dreamstime.com, East London: Shutterstock, South of the Thames: Shutterstock / piotreknik, Kensington, Chelsea, Knightsbridge, and Belgravia: elRoce / Shutterstock, Notting Hill and Bayswater: Andreykr | Dreamstime.com, Regents Park and Hampstead: Shutterstock / Chris Seddon, Greenwich: Alicephotography | Dreamstime.com, The Thames Upstream: Mark6138 | Dreamstime.com, Where to Eat: Patronestaff | Dreamstime.com, Where to Stay: Araraadt | Dreamstime.com, Nightlife: Anizza | Dreamstime.com, Performing Arts: David Jensen 2013, Shopping: Anizza | Dreamstime.com, Side Trips from London: Nicholas E Jones.
v5.3.2
a
CONTENTS
MAPS
London Dining and Lodging Atlas
London Underground
ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Fodors Ratings
Everything in this guide is worth doingwe dont cover what isntbut exceptional sights, hotels, and restaurants are recognized with additional accolades. Fodors Choice indicates our top recommendations. Care to nominate a new place? Visit Fodors.com/contact-us.
Trip Costs
We list prices wherever possible to help you budget well. Hotel and restaurant price categories from $ to $$$$ are noted alongside each recommendation. For hotels, we include the lowest cost of a standard double room in high season. For restaurants, we cite the average price of a main course at dinner or, if dinner isnt served, at lunch. For attractions, we always list adult admission fees; discounts are usually available for children, students, and senior citizens.
Hotels
Our local writers vet every hotel to recommend the best overnights in each price category, from budget to expensive. Unless otherwise specified, you can expect private bath, phone, and TV in your room. For expanded hotel reviews, visit Fodors.com.
Restaurants
Unless we state otherwise, restaurants are open for lunch and dinner daily. We mention dress code only when theres a specific requirement and reservations only when theyre essential or not accepted.
Credit Cards
The hotels and restaurants in this guide typically accept credit cards. If not, well say so.
EUGENE FODOR
Hungarian-born Eugene Fodor (190591) began his travel career as an interpreter on a French cruise ship. The experience inspired him to write