Reader Question: First-Time-in-London Tips
Reader Arthur McKeldin of New York, NY, was getting ready to jet off with his girlfriend for 48 hours in London. It would be their first time in the capital, and Arthur was asking about day tours in the city.
The escorted trip Arthur spotted had a lot of the sights first-timers want to see, including a Thames River cruise and a no-wait visit to see the Crown Jewels.
There was also a stop at Buckingham Palace to see the Changing of the Guard. It’s great if you’re eight feet tall and can see over the crowds, but I also suggested the Changing of the Guards at the Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall, one of the ancient seats of government in London. I recently took my sister-in-law to London for her first time, and she got to see the changing of the Horse Guards up close–great for photos. Very few other travelers were there at 10 a.m. Sunday morning.
Monday-Saturday, the Changing of the Guard takes place at 11 a.m. at the Horse Guards Parade. When the Olympics come to Britain in 2012, the beach volleyball competitions will be at the Horse Guards Parade.
I also suggested an Oyster Card for the best transit value for zipping around London on the tube and buses.
