A guide to those must see places in the London besides the usual!

As a Brit, I talk to many people who have visited or have plans to visit the United Kingdom! London is the place to be for most- but there are many other wonderful places to check out besides the usual tourist spots of Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. Here is a look at some of these cannot miss highlights!

London

Travel

Oh there really is so much to see and do here! You must being with purchasing an all day pass to the Underground - London's answer to the New York Subway. Rates vary due to the zones you intend to use and if you are travelling during peak (monday  - friday rush hour, hours) but you can expect to pay just under 7 British pounds  for a ticket to all the main spots which at the current exchage rate is about $12  - really not bad for unlimited use of the Underground all day!

Harrods

London has great shopping - and you cannot miss Harrods harrods- set in the keart of Knightsbridge, London! It was recently voted the Worlds Best Department Store....and it easy to see why - 7 floors of shopping, from the mundane to the outrageous....yep, this caters to many clientele....especially the rich, so do not be surprised to see a celeb or two wandering around!  There is everythign you could possibly want in Harrods - designer clothes, furniture, beauty supplies and salons, restuarants, couture for your pet - there is an Egyptian shop that is so opulant you would never know you are in a shop in London and the foot hall has to be seen to be believed....each day grand displays made out of produce. fish and bread are assembled....people actually stop and take pictures of these displays!

One of the most bizarre things here  - the toilets are really beautiful...but expect to pay a pound to use them....there are not many places in the world you would pay to use this service, but this is one of them!

Camden

Camden is another fun and indeed unique shopping spot - a series of six open air and indoor markets where you will find some unique 'alternative' fashion - everything from goth, punk, tie-dye to logo tee's , vintage clothes, and leather jackets which you can try to negotiate on the price! You will also find book stores, furniture, music, jewellery. This ia a cool, urban area with a really unique vibe . This area also has a wonderful selection of pubs  - you simply cannot leave the Uk without a trip to a pub or two - they really are everywhere and carry a wide assortment of beverages including some great British beers and contrary to the belief - the are not always served warm!!

SOHO

Soho - this is a small maze of shops, pubs, and cafe's  - the cool spot in London with lots to see and do as long as you are not too bothered by crowds! Close to Oxford Circus, Regent Street and Carnaby Street! Be aware that Soho was once known only as a Red Light district and some shops and advertisements still would make the more reserved blush!! Check out the Indian food here  - this really is as British as Fish and Chips these days - it is superb and wash it down with a pint from one of the many, many pubs nearby suhc as Alphabet or Yo! Below then check out the great selection of music  -especially hard to find vinyl at uptown Records!

The West End

Londons answer to Broadway - home to many major theatres and shows. Tickets may be purchased from the actual theatre you wish to attend, from the "TKTS" tickets booth in Leicester sqaure which is a great way to find discounted tickets on the day of the show or finally a ticket agency though here you will normally pay a mark up and not all are reputable! For as little as thirty pounds - about $52 you might get to see - The Lion King, Mama Mia, Mary Poppins, The Producers or We will Rock You!

Afternoon Tea at Claridges

You may not be able to fork out to stay at this top London Hotel - but it does not bar you from visiting this fabulous Hotel  - the history of which can be traced back to 1812!  Dress smart but casual and expect to pay for this wonderful afternoon tea - an old British Tradition! Enjoy one of more than 30 teas from around the world - with the traditional finger sandwiches  - yep so dainty and no crusts - followed by scones smothered in clotted cream - a thick, rich and yep, full of fat, treat from Devon...topped off with jam! You are looking at $50 with tea and about $64 with some bubbly thrown in!!

The National Gallery

This Gallery houses one of the most superb collections of European Art in the world....and in a City that is expensive - this may come as a surprise as it is FREE!! This is a little North of Trafalger Square. Check out works from Van Gogh, Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Monet among many others! Wtih over 2300 paintings is is best to plan your visit before you go so you get to see those works you really want to find! Also check out an y of the Tate Museum's which are also free!

And that concludes this guide...just a snippet of some of the things to see and do in London...I shall follow this with a dining guide then a guide to places to see outide of the capital!!