London City break advice

s4uch1e

I'm hoping to take the wife too London for a Friday-Monday in June but honestly don't know where too start.
Looking on advice on a base where too stay?
Is there a multi attraction package I can book before arriving?
Best way around the city? Tube,bus,taxi
Any advice appreciated 

strawb_shortcake

I find London quite spread out, so we either book a hotel near the station or near our main attraction/event. 

I'd start with looking at the areas/attractions you plan to see and where they sit on a map then look at accommodation.

We always used to use the underground, then found the amount of walking for the underground was not all that different to walking above ground to where you want to go. 

When we did use the underground the travel card was great for using both under and bus, but we were travelling with a younger family then. 

Taxi will be your most expensive option, but the one time we did that it was a lot cheaper than anticipated. 

Neil49

First step is to check hotel prices. The sooner you book the better the price but in reality you should have booked weeks ago for a half decent price.

We often use hotels in the Imperial Group as their prices don't inflate based on demand (unlike say Travelodge or Premier Inn). They are based around Southampton Row (below Euston Station). Sign up for membership for better rates. 

https://www.imperialhotels.co.uk

Otherwise look at Booking.com, Secret Escapes, or Travelzoo for prices.

For getting around tube is fast (but you don't see anything). Bus is slower but go upstairs and see the sights. Get a day pass for public transport. You can use your debit card as there is a daily maximum charge but personally I would buy a zone one (probably) day ticket to avoid any problems with touching on and off the tube etc. 

You don't say what interests you so here's a few ideas. 

River trips can be reasonable if you use the regular boat services, say from Houses of Parliament up to Tower Bridge.

Top attraction for me (If you can get a booking) is the Skygarden down by the Tower of London. View is excellent (and it's free). Book now and make sure you have id on you.

https://skygarden.london/

Tower of London - but fairly expensive. 

Covent Garden area is touristy but worth a visit.

Avoid Oxford Street but Carnaby Street is worth a look (but busy).

For weekend markets, Camden, Portobello Road, Old Spitalfields (with Petticoat Lane nearby for really cheap).

Also there are all the museums etc plus Westminster Abbey (chargeable) 

You really need to decide what interests you and do your own research. 

oldernonethewiser

Why have you chosen London?

If you think you know why and what things you want to see then that is a start.

Best way round the city again depends on where you are staying and where you want to go.

Public transport is good and you can use contactless payment methods.

There is no one central base that allows easy access to everything, it is a big place that London.

Some people prefer to stay further out but then you have to weigh the cost savings of accommodation with the extra travel costs & time.

GrannyKate

I've stayed lots of places in London both work and leisure but agree with others you need to decide what you want to see.  Canary Wharf area can be a good spot and we have also stayed out at Greenwich and taken the boat to Westminster or the DLR.  Once I am in the city I usually walk - you see so much more and a good map (or google) makes it easy although most bus stops and street corners have a local map showing where you are and nearby attractions.  Eating out can be expensive but lots of small supermarkets at which you can buy a meal deal and sit on a bench.  Theatres and musicals are expensive but worthwhile if it's a special treat.  

daveyjp

Main attractions are quite spread out, but clustered so you can do different areas on different days, but I wouldn't try and do all areas in one visit!

Where to stay is a choice between price and convenience.  More central (i.e Covent Garden etc)  is generally more expensive, but more convenient as less time travelling between lots of attractions in that area and lots of places for eating and drinking.  We've had good value hotels in London Bridge and Southwark areas.

V&A, Science Museum, Natural History Museum, Albert Hall, Knightsbridge, Harrods are all west of Buckingham Palace.

Buckingham Palace, Mayfair, St James Palace, Mall, Westminster Abbey, Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, National Gallery, Piccadilly, Regent Street, Oxford Street, Theatreland, China Town are spread out across Westminster.  

City of London is east of Westminster for City of London, St Pauls, Monument, Tate Modern (south bank), Bank of England, Inns of Court, Tower of London Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast, Borough Market.

Docklands, Canary Wharf is further east and Greenwich for Observatory, National Maritime Museum, Cutty Sark is south of the river near Canary Wharf.

For longer distances tube is quick.  For hops between areas buses can be a better option as you see more.  Walking is likely to be a requirement so comfy shoes are required!

Taxis are good for door to door trips if you aren't sure where places are.

zagubov

Take the bus and sit upstairs to take in the view.

Get info on free buses that mimic the paid bus tours here: 

https://tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/visiting-london/experience-london/bus-leisure-routes?intcmp=53128

Citymapper is a really good app for moving around.

There are few good-value restaurants in the centre apart from some in Chinatown, or chains like Marugame.

High viewpoints are rare due to London's signature flatness - go to the Eye, the Sky garden. the Shard or Post Building (both of these are free).

Ask your mp for an invite to tour the houses of parliament. 

Watch a tv show being filmed, if you can fit it in. bbcshowsandtours@shows.bbc.co.uk