London and Spain - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

diddagirl · 02-20-2005, 06:25 PM

So I will be heading to England and Spain for a few weeks, leaving on March 13. Specifically i am going to London, and then Seville and Malaga. I am a bit nervous, as I have never been further then the USA. Anyone have any tips (whats great to do, not do, safety tips, ect...). I would love to hear!

SAM821 · 02-24-2005, 08:50 PM

I recommend (if you are not renting hotel rooms) to leave your bags in the bus station lockers everyday that way you dont have to carry them around everywhere.... London is a beautiful city, hopefully the skies are clear. I went 2 years ago from the date you are leaving. lets see... take the tour buses, they show you all the hot spots, and then you can spend time in the areas that interest you... The "tube" (subway) is your friend... learn the routes!!! you can travel around fast!

Safety tips... dont flash cash around, always look around at your surroundings, you the the basics. I RECOMMEND wearing those "fanny packs" (you know those things you strap around your waist, and its a pouch) and put your money there and your passport, that way its always on you and you cant get it stolen... very valuable!

Other then that, enjoy! its sooo much fun... If you want anything else specific, let me know... I know a few of my favorites....

PS: if you can travel outside of london, try and hit scotland for a day (edinburg, its beautiful) and try to see stonehenge (outside of london), and Bath (very pretty).... so much to do, so little time..

Grasshopper Green · 02-26-2005, 08:17 PM

Definitely take a guided tour of London. It will not only be a day well spent, but it will give you an idea of other things you would like to see, or see again when you have more time. The hotel I stayed at booked it for me at the reception desk, if you are staying at one they may offer the same service. I felt very safe while in London, and I was by myself, but do be aware of your surroundings. I've never been to Spain, but hubby has, and he said it is beautiful. Have fun!

JJRousseau · 03-08-2005, 04:56 PM

Great advice. The tubes are your friend! Be prepared for a price shock. In London, prices are the same as in Canada but replace the dollar sign with the Pound. I was dropping $15/day on Starbucks alone last year!

Heathrow isn't the greatest. Oh, and don't take the express train from the airport as it doesn't take you in to the centre of town. Stick with the tube.

All the famous places are walkable, Regent Street, Covington Gardens, etc.

guy44 · 03-08-2005, 08:53 PM

I spent near half a year in London recently.

Visit as many museums as possible: they are all free. I suggest starting with the British Museum (you get to see so much cool stuff, including the Rosetta Stone) and going from there.

St. Paul's Cathedral is staggeringly beautiful. After you finish with that, it is a tiny walk to the Millenium Bridge. Just stand on top of it and look to your left and right for a while, preferably at dusk.

There is just so much stuff to look at and do that I don't even know where to start. Follow whatever interests you; I guarantee that you won't be let down.

P.S. Wear not a fanny pack, but a pouch that goes under your clothes. Also, know ahead of time if you plan on going outside of Zone 1 on any given day. This is for the Tube - feel free to ask the folks working on the Tube, they are usually quite helpful. Pick whatever zones you expect to be traveling in that day and get an all day pass for those zones - it'll save you a lot of money.

Plus, those passes will be good on buses as well.

Have fun - I'm jealous!

wrongfullyaccuzd · 03-12-2005, 07:31 PM

I'm an American in London right now, and I just had some friends from the States in town for a week so we did a lot of touristy stuff.

Get a weekly pass for the tube if you'll be here that long, you'll use it, and as someone said, that'll be good for the buses too, which is good because the tube stops running as early as 11:30 in places and you're going to want to be out later than that! Lots of buses run all night.

Get a hop-on, hop-off pass for either the Big Bus Tour or the Original London Tour. These are doubledecker buses that drive around hitting all the big landmarks, and you can get off whenever you want and walk around or take pictures or whatever, then hop on the next one that comes along, hence the name.

Go to Stonehenge. I always tell people "It wasn't a religious experience, but..." it's really amazing. I love history and it was a beautiful day and it was really incredible.

The British Museum is unmatched. They have so much stolen stuff from the Empire, it's great. Greek, Roman, Egyptian, African, anywhere you can think of. The Rosetta Stone, the sarcophagus, bust of Ramses II, I can't emphasize how much they have. There's also the huge reading room in the middle that you have to go in just to see how immense it is. Sure, you could say the NYC public library is bigger, but this place is really something else. Also, whenever I go I get a "tube steak", a hot dog, from the guy out front on the street. They're so good! Oh and the museum is free!

I could go on all day.

You have to go see the Houses of Parliament, which you'll probably swing by on your hop-on hop-off tour. Not only is Big Ben there, but that's where I work! Also, Westminster Abbey is there, and it's right on the river, which is a great view and close to the London Eye, which will get its own paragraph.

I'd suggest jumping off the bus somewhere by Parliament and walk through St. James Park if it is a nice day, you will be hard pressed to find a more beautiful place in London!

The London Eye is great on a nice day, which I don't know if you'll get in March. As you go higher and higher you can begin to see the old Roman lines of the city, very neat.

I just realized it is 3:30 am on the 13th, you are leaving today! I have lots more I could share if you'd like, just PM me if you see this in time. Have a good time!

Cynthetiq · 03-14-2005, 02:22 PM

Malaga...

was there in 2003... beautiful space.

Make sure to go to the Parador near Gibralfaro. If you cannot afford to have an elegant dinner, go there for drinks.

A typical breakfast is churros (long, fluted doughnuts) – coincidentally the first objects that Picasso ever drew – dunked into thick hot chocolate. A wonderful breakfast or merienda about 5pm) Cafe Arno (i think that's the name) is excellent.

Also get used to the siesta. Most places will be closed for lunch, and open at 2pm, (this included McDonald's) but you can go to any bar and have tapas.

Jamon Serrano and Manchego Cheese in a bocadillo, (sandwich)

DJ Happy · 03-16-2005, 05:27 AM

A few things I'd recommend doing in London:

1) Have lunch on a restaurant boat on the Thames river (especially if it's a nice day). There are quite a few of them near the Elephant & Castle tube station.

2) Enjoy an afternoon pint or seven in the upper level of the Punch & Judy pub in Covent Garden. It has a very special vibe about it, especially with all the street performers you'll be able to see as you look over the balcony. Oh, and don't order bitter. It tastes like muddy water. There are some really good restaurants in Covent Garden as well. I'd recommend Belgo's, a Belgian restaurant set in the basement of a building. They have a menu for beer that's longer than the food menu. Top class nosh.

3) Camden Market. Full of weird shit, and some funky pubs in the area as well. But don't go to the World's End pub, unless you want to be crammed in with a bunch of pretentious hippy students who could all do with a wash and a haircut.

You'll have a great time though. London is a fabulous city. I miss it very much.

02-20-2005, 06:25 PM	#1 (permalink)
diddagirl Addict Location: Calgary, AB	London and Spain So I will be heading to England and Spain for a few weeks, leaving on March 13. Specifically i am going to London, and then Seville and Malaga. I am a bit nervous, as I have never been further then the USA. Anyone have any tips (whats great to do, not do, safety tips, ect...). I would love to hear! __________________ "Is it so small a thing to have enjoyed the sun, to have lived long in the spring, to have loved, to have thought, to have done." -Matthew Arnold

02-26-2005, 08:17 PM	#3 (permalink)
Grasshopper Green ...is a comical chap Location: Where morons reign supreme	Definitely take a guided tour of London. It will not only be a day well spent, but it will give you an idea of other things you would like to see, or see again when you have more time. The hotel I stayed at booked it for me at the reception desk, if you are staying at one they may offer the same service. I felt very safe while in London, and I was by myself, but do be aware of your surroundings. I've never been to Spain, but hubby has, and he said it is beautiful. Have fun! __________________ "They say that patriotism is the last refuge to which a scoundrel clings; steal a little and they throw you in jail, steal a lot and they make you king" Formerly Medusa

03-08-2005, 04:56 PM	#4 (permalink)
JJRousseau Psycho Location: Vancouver, Canada	Great advice. The tubes are your friend! Be prepared for a price shock. In London, prices are the same as in Canada but replace the dollar sign with the Pound. I was dropping $15/day on Starbucks alone last year! Heathrow isn't the greatest. Oh, and don't take the express train from the airport as it doesn't take you in to the centre of town. Stick with the tube. All the famous places are walkable, Regent Street, Covington Gardens, etc. __________________ Take from the philosopher the pleasure of being heard and his desire for knowledge ceases.

03-08-2005, 08:53 PM	#5 (permalink)
guy44 Somnabulist Location: corner of No and Where	I spent near half a year in London recently. Visit as many museums as possible: they are all free. I suggest starting with the British Museum (you get to see so much cool stuff, including the Rosetta Stone) and going from there. St. Paul's Cathedral is staggeringly beautiful. After you finish with that, it is a tiny walk to the Millenium Bridge. Just stand on top of it and look to your left and right for a while, preferably at dusk. There is just so much stuff to look at and do that I don't even know where to start. Follow whatever interests you; I guarantee that you won't be let down. P.S. Wear not a fanny pack, but a pouch that goes under your clothes. Also, know ahead of time if you plan on going outside of Zone 1 on any given day. This is for the Tube - feel free to ask the folks working on the Tube, they are usually quite helpful. Pick whatever zones you expect to be traveling in that day and get an all day pass for those zones - it'll save you a lot of money. Plus, those passes will be good on buses as well. Have fun - I'm jealous! __________________ "You have reached Ritual Sacrifice. For goats press one, or say 'goats.'"

03-14-2005, 02:22 PM	#7 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	Malaga... was there in 2003... beautiful space. Make sure to go to the Parador near Gibralfaro. If you cannot afford to have an elegant dinner, go there for drinks. A typical breakfast is churros (long, fluted doughnuts) – coincidentally the first objects that Picasso ever drew – dunked into thick hot chocolate. A wonderful breakfast or merienda about 5pm) Cafe Arno (i think that's the name) is excellent. Also get used to the siesta. Most places will be closed for lunch, and open at 2pm, (this included McDonald's) but you can go to any bar and have tapas. Jamon Serrano and Manchego Cheese in a bocadillo, (sandwich) __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!

02-24-2005, 08:50 PM	#2 (permalink)
SAM821 Surviving Hurricanes Location: Miami, Florida	I recommend (if you are not renting hotel rooms) to leave your bags in the bus station lockers everyday that way you dont have to carry them around everywhere.... London is a beautiful city, hopefully the skies are clear. I went 2 years ago from the date you are leaving. lets see... take the tour buses, they show you all the hot spots, and then you can spend time in the areas that interest you... The "tube" (subway) is your friend... learn the routes!!! you can travel around fast! Safety tips... dont flash cash around, always look around at your surroundings, you the the basics. I RECOMMEND wearing those "fanny packs" (you know those things you strap around your waist, and its a pouch) and put your money there and your passport, that way its always on you and you cant get it stolen... very valuable! Other then that, enjoy! its sooo much fun... If you want anything else specific, let me know... I know a few of my favorites.... PS: if you can travel outside of london, try and hit scotland for a day (edinburg, its beautiful) and try to see stonehenge (outside of london), and Bath (very pretty).... so much to do, so little time..

03-12-2005, 07:31 PM	#6 (permalink)
wrongfullyaccuzd Addict Location: NoVA	I'm an American in London right now, and I just had some friends from the States in town for a week so we did a lot of touristy stuff. Get a weekly pass for the tube if you'll be here that long, you'll use it, and as someone said, that'll be good for the buses too, which is good because the tube stops running as early as 11:30 in places and you're going to want to be out later than that! Lots of buses run all night. Get a hop-on, hop-off pass for either the Big Bus Tour or the Original London Tour. These are doubledecker buses that drive around hitting all the big landmarks, and you can get off whenever you want and walk around or take pictures or whatever, then hop on the next one that comes along, hence the name. Go to Stonehenge. I always tell people "It wasn't a religious experience, but..." it's really amazing. I love history and it was a beautiful day and it was really incredible. The British Museum is unmatched. They have so much stolen stuff from the Empire, it's great. Greek, Roman, Egyptian, African, anywhere you can think of. The Rosetta Stone, the sarcophagus, bust of Ramses II, I can't emphasize how much they have. There's also the huge reading room in the middle that you have to go in just to see how immense it is. Sure, you could say the NYC public library is bigger, but this place is really something else. Also, whenever I go I get a "tube steak", a hot dog, from the guy out front on the street. They're so good! Oh and the museum is free! I could go on all day. You have to go see the Houses of Parliament, which you'll probably swing by on your hop-on hop-off tour. Not only is Big Ben there, but that's where I work! Also, Westminster Abbey is there, and it's right on the river, which is a great view and close to the London Eye, which will get its own paragraph. I'd suggest jumping off the bus somewhere by Parliament and walk through St. James Park if it is a nice day, you will be hard pressed to find a more beautiful place in London! The London Eye is great on a nice day, which I don't know if you'll get in March. As you go higher and higher you can begin to see the old Roman lines of the city, very neat. I just realized it is 3:30 am on the 13th, you are leaving today! I have lots more I could share if you'd like, just PM me if you see this in time. Have a good time!

03-16-2005, 05:27 AM	#8 (permalink)
DJ Happy Psycho	A few things I'd recommend doing in London: 1) Have lunch on a restaurant boat on the Thames river (especially if it's a nice day). There are quite a few of them near the Elephant & Castle tube station. 2) Enjoy an afternoon pint or seven in the upper level of the Punch & Judy pub in Covent Garden. It has a very special vibe about it, especially with all the street performers you'll be able to see as you look over the balcony. Oh, and don't order bitter. It tastes like muddy water. There are some really good restaurants in Covent Garden as well. I'd recommend Belgo's, a Belgian restaurant set in the basement of a building. They have a menu for beer that's longer than the food menu. Top class nosh. 3) Camden Market. Full of weird shit, and some funky pubs in the area as well. But don't go to the World's End pub, unless you want to be crammed in with a bunch of pretentious hippy students who could all do with a wash and a haircut. You'll have a great time though. London is a fabulous city. I miss it very much.