TRAVELING IN EUROPE / LONDON: The city with a thousand faces!

Melancholic but also joyful, colourful and modern at the same time, noisy and quiet, safe the day but dangerous at night, mysterious and interesting, rainy but also intimate... London, the city with a thousand faces, is waiting each visitor, ready to fulfil every taste and whim. The city in which you can find whatever you are looking for. Fun, relaxation, shopping, luxury, economy, rides, attractions, museums... The capital of England, capital of civilization and culture. I could write endless hours on this magical city but will confine myself to what I saw with my eyes, to what I visited and what I experienced. I will miss the rest, I will pass what I’ve just heard ...

THE LANDSCAPES, integral part of the city. Among other things, the Buckingham Palace, a benchmark for Londoners - always surrounded by people in the heart of the capital. Westminster Abbey, the Cathedral of the blue-blooded family, it seems to accompany the English Parliament and the famous clock «Big Ben», which towers on the river Thames. On the opposite side, the London-Eye, the giant wheel offers an amazing view of the four horizons of the city, built by British Airways on the occasion of the new millennium. The squares Trafalgar, in front of the National Gallery, and Leicester, which houses all the world premieres of the films. Still, just west of the Piccadilly circus, a modern square with the statue of love to decorate the centre of the square, the Covent Garden, the London Tower, symbol of the city's history, accompanied by the Tower Bridge, whose towers are closed to the public the recent years due to the large number of suicides that occurred at the place. In the same area, the famous St. Paul's Cathedral, the Globe Theatre of Shakespeare and the Millennium Bridge. Of course it is not worth a visit to London if not even move from one station to the famous King's Cross!

THE PARKS are in turn a characteristic part of this city, away from the hubbub and bustle. Most famous, Hyde Park, offers a few moments of relaxation in the perfectionists Londoners, with the lake, grass and trees, is recommended after several hours of walking down the streets and boulevards of the city. Below there are Kensington park and Regent's Park.

THE MUSEUMS, thanks to the large number and diversity, are there to coverthe tastes of even the most demanding visitor. The British Museum, with its vast collections, taken mainly from Greece and Egypt, offers free entrance to those who wish to admire an entire culture. For those who do not take an interest in archaeological projects and looking for something more modern, what’s better than Madame Tussaud's, the most famous around the world wax museum, with a big collection of artists, athletes, political, and historical figures? One of the most important museums is the Natural History that through its exhibits presents the entire history of human and animal evolution. Just opposite the museum Victoria & Albert which is now one with the Theatre Museum, as well as the Science Museum, some of the city’s MUST SEE places. Another museum that is of particular interest is the transport museum, whose exhibits range from the carriages to the teleportation. As to the more artistic types, is offered the Theatre Museum, full of artefacts that are dedicated to the history of theatre in England, and the house of an important writer, Charles Dickens.

THE LONDON MARKET, one of the largest in the world, always first in the new fashion trends. The most important avenue, New Oxford Street, the main London market, basically in the clothing and footwear, offers a wide variety of designs, colours, quality and cost. One of the most famous department stores in the world, Harrods, waits for the wealthier guests. If you do not have the option of shopping, a stroll in the stained glasses is always pleasant. A little further north is the paradise for children, Hamley’s, one of the largest toy stores in the world and also Michael Jackson’s favourite (!)... For most economic markets offered Chinatown, Camden and Harringay district.

THAMES, the royal river. What’s better than an evening cruise along the Thames after a busy day in the city? Admire the monuments and buildings that hang on the river’s coasts, the Parliament and Big Ben, the London Eye, the Tower Bridge and the Globe theatre, etc. Even if your pocket allows it, you can dine under the sounds of the ubiquitous rain and a live orchestra and allow you to travel to another era.

PUBS, part of the tradition of the city. A trip to London does not worth if not visiting a Pub. Enjoy your wine or beer in a very atmosphere of a London-based rainy afternoon and feel like genuine Londoners. One of the most famous pubs is the Sherlock Holmes, near the Trafalgar Square, waiting to welcome and offer you a special kind of fun.

THE WEATHER always rainy and cloudy, it fits perfectly into the style of this wonderful city. An umbrella is always necessary. If you're lucky and get a sunny morning not rest assured because you never know what will happen during the day.

LONDONERS despite the reputations that they are cold and inhospitable, take care always in the best possible way of tourists, even if it is needed to take you by the hand and lead you to your destination.

TIPS AND USEFUL

1. Currency: In England the currency is British Pound. The best thing to do is change your currency in an exchange office near the station Victoria, so you benefit better rate and will not have a big loss. ATTENTION! Before you change money, ask if they keep tax and negotiate the basic rate, regardless of that indicated in the table.
2. Transfer to and from airports: The most economical solution is to book your ticket from the site of the bus National Express. LINK: http://www.nationalexpress.com/
3. Transportation: Depending on the duration of your stay in the capital you can get the equivalent Oyster card or Travelcard which gives you unlimited travels on all modes of transport and the underground, day and night. Prices vary depending on days and zones you choose. Starting from £ 8.40 (reduced £ 4.20) for zones 1-2 for a day up to £ 2136 for zones 1-6 for a year. Unless you plan to move to the outskirts, zones 1-2 is that you need. To take an Oyster card you will be charged 5 pounds and when leave you can give the card back and take the money. Link: http://www.londontoolkit.com/briefing/travelcard.htm, https://oyster.tfl.gov.uk/oyster/entry.do
4. Entrance fees to museums and attractions: Most of the museums offer free admission. London eye, Madame Tussaud's and the cruises cost more than all, so you can take advantage of this opportunity to combine them and book your tickets from the page of London eye, to get the best price. Links: http://www.londoneye.com/TicketsAndPrices/CombiTickets/Default.aspx?utm_source=londoneye&utm_medium=hppromo&utm_campaign=londoneye&promoId=185
5. Flight: Many low cost companies, like Ryan air and Easy jet, frequently flying directly to London with tickets starting at a price of 22 Euros (with hand luggage only).  Links: http://www.ryanair.com/en , http://www.easyjet.com/EN
6. Accommodation: London offers a wide variety of hotels and hostels with prices from 30 euros per night, featuring a private bathroom. Good deals can be found both in the Booking and Venere. Links: http://www.booking.com/ , http://www.venere.com/
7. Pubs and nightlife: In the most pubs, bars and clubs is banned the consumption of alcoholic beverages by minors and the entrance to young people less than 16 years. Smoking is prohibited in almost all indoor spaces except from a few stores that have a special area for smokers.
8. Theatre: Do not forget to watch a theatrical play. You'll never forget it. I suggest the Phantom of the Opera. Buy your tickets from the ticket offices in Leicester Square and get up to 80% discount. LINK: http://www.lsbo.co.uk/, http://www.theatrebookings.co.uk/
9. Sightseeing: There are free daily tours of the city centre. The tour guides are all professionals and offer a comprehensive view of the city. If you are completely satisfied, you can provide (optional) the amount you think fits, if not, there's no problem. LINK: http://www.newlondon-tours.com/daily-tours/royal-london-free-tour.html

LINKS:

British museum: http://www.britishmuseum.org/

Madame Tussaud’s: http://www.madametussauds.com/London/

Natural History Museum: http://www.nhm.ac.uk/

Museum Victoria & Albert: http://www.vam.ac.uk/

Science museum: http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/

Transport museum: http://www.ltmuseum.co.uk/

Theatre museum: http://www.timetravel-britain.com/articles/london/theatre.shtml

Charles Dicken’s home: http://www.dickensmuseum.com/

Sherlock Holmes Pub: http://www.sherlockholmespub.com/

Παμπ Σέρλοκ Χόλμς: http://www.sherlockholmespub.com/

...by Odysseas Karamitros!