Yahoo Lifestyle Great Idea: Travelling to London in 2012
A new red double-decker bus at Trafalgar Square
It’s the city that has given us red double-decker buses, a rather large timepiece called Ben, Jason Statham, Michael Caine and The Rolling Stones... and now London is getting ready for the greatest show on Earth: the 2012 Olympic Games.
Ever since it won the bid to host the Games – for a record third time – in 2005, the city, in particular east London, has undergone a big transformation. And with around 200 days to go, the construction of all main venues is either completed or ahead of schedule. And organisers have another reason to be proud: it is also on track to becoming the first ‘sustainable’ Olympics.
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If you miss the sport action, don’t worry, there’s still plenty to do. First-time visitors must check out Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London, as well as the magical London Eye, where you can see the whole city in one go.
A train leaves Fenchurch Street Train Station in London
And every visitor must take a ride on the London Underground, still one of the easiest-to-navigate and busiest public transport systems in the world. However, for a fun, private guided tour of the city, visit the lads at www.smallcarbigcity.com. They’ll make you feel like a Londoner as they chauffeur you around in a classic Mini Cooper.
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If you’re feeling a little peckish after the drive, enjoy the atmosphere and unpretentious food at Jamie’s Italian (www.jamieoliver.com/italian). And to indulge your senses as well as your stomach, book a table at Sketch (www.sketch.uk.com), which comprises several restaurants ranging from the Michelin-starred Lecture Room to the quirky Parlour.
Big Ben
With more than 100,000 hotel rooms to choose from, there’s something for everyone – but get in quick if you’re there during the Olympics. If you fancy splashing out, you can’t go past the majestic St Pancras Renaissance Hotel (www.marriott.co.uk) at the iconic Kings Cross-St Pancras train station.
Acclaimed as the city’s most romantic building,this Victorian palace has recently been refurbished at the cost of more than $300 million. Rooms cost from $380 a night in the modern extension and up to $15,250 in the Royal Suite – which is more like a giant apartment with several rooms! Even if you don’t stay there, go to experience the grandeur anyway.
You may even want to do a version of Wannabe on the hotel’s Grand Staircase – where the Spice Girls shot their memorable video clip. Zigga zig ah!
