Sightseeing

There are three main ways of travel in London… Well, four actually, because your feet are probably the best means of transportation. They will take you into the little alleys and squares, they will bring you close to people and events. So make sure to wear stout shoes when you visit the city.

The quickest, but definitely not the most comfortable way to get to places. Especially not in the    << rush hours >>

(between 08:00 – 09:30 and 16:00 – 18:00).

                                        Each underground line has a different colour on the map; Victoria Line is light blue, Central Line is red, etc… The direction is important: north or south on some lines, east or west on others.

You buy your ticket from an office or a machine (unless you have a day pass). Then you go through the barrier and follow the signs to the right platform. You need to remember the name of your line, your direction and your destination.

In the trains, above each door, there is a map of the line you are on. You can follow where you are by looking at this map and the names on the walls at the stations.

You must hand your ticket, or show your day pass, to the ticket collector at the end of your journey. At the escalators, please observe the signs: stand on the right.

Do you remember the difference between these two kinds of stop?

At a compulsory stop all buses stop.

At a request stop you stop the bus by putting out your arm.

The way to see the most in London is to travel by bus and sit on the top deck, upstairs. Look and see if the stop you are standing at is a << request >> stop. If it is, the bus will not stop unless you signal to the driver. There are two kinds of buses in London: A one-man operated bus, on which you pay as you enter; and the traditional bus on which the conductor asks for your fare and the driver does the driving. On both types, show your travelcard and everything will be fine. If you don´t have one, tell the conductor where you are going. Most conductors are very helpful and, if you ask them in advance, they will be happy to tell you when to get off.

Have exact money ready for the fare when going by bus. Avoid using 5 pounds or ten pounds notes.

London transport´s Sightseeing Tour is the best way to see the most of London – the original double – deck bus tour of the capital, and still the best. It is the only one with genuine red London buses… part of the excitement of London itself. It´s a great introduction to a great city, covers 18 miles and lasts about one and a half hours, passing most of London´s landmarks including St Paul´s, Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Hyde Park, the Houses of Parliament and lots more. Tickets are bought in advance from any London Transport or LVCB Information Centre at a special low price. Otherwise, just pay as you board the bus. All tours are guided and there is also a special tour which includes direct entrance to Madame Tussaud´s. a fully qualified Tourist Board guide will tell you all about London and bring the history to life. There are frequent departures daily from Piccadilly Circus Haymarket, Victoria, Marble Arch and Baker Street Station. French and German commentary is available on certain departures from Baker Street.

Useful Questions: Where can you start the tour?

How long does the tour last? What distance does it cover? Will there be a guide? Where can you book seats?

          

THE TAXIS

In London taxis, the black taxis at least have got metres. But be careful, there are other taxis. These can be any colours or type of car and they haven´t got metres. These are the minicabs. Some are good, and some are not so good, and some of them charge too much.

Did you know, by the way, that taxi drivers in London have to pass a test, the Knowledge, before they get their licence? It takes several years to prepare for this test, future taxi drivers have to know every detail of Central London by heart, and all the main routes in the suburbs.