A tale of two cities
The global and the local rub shoulders in the British capital. Renowned art galleries, iconic buildings and Michelin-starred restaurants are a ‘Tube’ (metro/subway) ride away from traditional pubs, quaint markets and the village feel of many London boroughs.
WHAT TO SEE
Museum piece
Cruise the Thames to see the London Eye (www.londoneye.com), Tower of London (www.hrp.org.uk) and Tate Modern (www.tate.org.uk). South Kensington’s ‘Museum Mile’ offers decorative art at the Victoria & Albert Museum (www.vam.ac.uk), and the National Gallery (www.nationalgallery.org.uk) in Trafalgar Square has European art from the 13th century.
WHERE TO SHOP
Passion for fashion
Battle Oxford Street’s crowds for high-street fashion or pick up a tailored suit on Savile Row. Camden Passage is best for antiques on Wednesdays, gourmands flock to Borough Market on Saturdays, and upcoming designers sell new creations in Spitalfields Market on Sundays.
WHERE TO STAY
Courtly crib
Converted townhouse The Rockwell (www../em>therockwell.com) in Earls Court stands out for its boutique design flourishes, private garden and modern British restaurant. It’s also well priced, given that the shops, palaces and museums of west London are nearby, Soho is 15 minutes away by Tube, and Heathrow just half an hour.
HOW TO GET THERE
KLM operates several daily direct flights to London Heathrow Airport, and to London City Airport in cooperation with Cityjet, from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
Looking for handy, up-to-date travel information? Check out KLM’s Destination Guide pages – and book your flight – on klm.com. Content provided by Frommer’s Unlimited © 2010, Whatsonwhen Limited.
DON’T MISS
‘Tis the season
For many Londoners, the appearance of the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square marks the start of the festive season. The twinkling lights adorning the majestic 20-metre spruce will be switched on on December 2, and different groups will sing Christmas carols around the tree every evening from December 7-22. www.visitlondon.com
