London for Dummies [Paperback]

Donald Olson (Author)

Book Description

Series: Dummies Travel | Publication Date: September 26, 2000

Combining the proven For Dummies "RM" formula with Frommer's peerless travel content, this all-new series extension is sure to fly off your shelves. Travelers get:
-- Candid, irreverent advice -- like a trusted friend describing the ins and out
-- A selective, streamlined choice of hotels and restaurants for every budget
-- Easy-to-scan icons that point out tips, warnings, bargains, and kid stuff
-- Expert guidance on what to see, what to kip -- and how to get the best prices
-- Dozens of detailed maps

From Big Ben to the Tower of London, Carnaby Street to Harrod's, Buckingham Palace to Leicster Square, London continues to be the top choice for novice visitors to Europe. With this user-friendly guide, they'll enjoy all the sounds, sights, and tastes this great city has to offer. London For Dummies makes it easy to understand and navigate the city, with lots of must-have information that includes:
-- Dozens of maps and simple-to-follow directions
-- A thorough overview of the transit system and tips on using double decker buses, the Underground, and cabs
-- Complete coverage of the city's little-known culinary delights, with reviews of all the latest restaurants and designer pubs
-- Travel strategies for seeing it all, from the changing of the guard to the world's largest Ferris wheel
-- Day trips to Stratford-upon-Avon, Bath, Oxford, and more

Product Details

• Paperback: 408 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (September 26, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764561944
• ISBN-13: 978-0764561948
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,641,886 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Recommended not only to tourists but also to expats, December 1, 2000

By 

Azlan Adnan - See all my reviews

This review is from: London for Dummies (Paperback)

Although obviously written for an American audience, this easy-to-understand guide is all you need to make the most of an unforgettable trip to, or an extended stay in, London. As someone who has lived in London for a total of eight years, I would recommend this guide not only to tourists but also to foreigners who live in London, including students and businessmen.

This guide is divided into seven parts, each consisting of between three and six chapters. Parts I & II, Getting Started and Ironing Out the Details are really meant to be read before you arrive in London as they deal with the advance planning aspects of your trip; such as booking your flight and hotel, and obtaining your passport.

The other Parts deal with transportation (including how to use London buses and The Tube), accommodation, dining, entertainment, and shopping. My favourite in Chapter 17: More Cool Things to See and Do which will really make your stay in London unforgettable. London has many unique sights and cultural features that are not available elsewhere. While many Londoners take these for granted, foreigners simply do not know that such places exist and tend to go to the usual tourist spots. Chapter 17 will be a real eye-opener to the heart and soul of historical and cultural London. Much of the information in the other chapters may be obtained for free from a number of sources, either on the Internet or tourist brochures but Chapter 17 and Part VII are what really make this guide unique and invaluable.

The final Part, Part VII, consists of various interesting odds and ends that don't fit into the other chapters. Overall, the many maps, addresses and websites make this guide extremely handy indeed.

Reviewed by Azlan Adnan, MA who has lived in lived for a total of eight years, initially as a student at Brunel University, the University of Westminster and the University of London. He has also worked in London as a research officer and university lecturer. Azlan is currently Managing Partner of Azlan & Koh Knowledge and Professional Management, an education and management consulting practice based in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysian Borneo. He may be contacted at Tel: [phone] E-mail: [e-mail]

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Didn't want anyone to see the title, but..., August 31, 2003

By 

felicitaz "felicitaz" (USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: London for Dummies (Paperback)

...it was VERY helpful. I bought 7 books on travel to England, but the ones I took with me on the trip were London for Dummies and Middleditch's London Mapguide.

The reason: "Dummies" is stuffed with practical nuts-&-bolts information. Not just suggestions of palaces & pubs, but tips on etiquette, taxes, and emergencies, and phone numbers & addresses on nearly every page. Having never been abroad on my own before, I wanted a reference with me that contained all the essential how-to information I needed-- especially on one panic-stricken morning when my credit card wouldn't work! You can believe I was hugging "Dummies" when I found my company's service number in the appendix.

When traveling, you don't want to carry unnecessary weight. Dummies gives you more practical information per oz. than the other books I examined.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good solid travel book., July 29, 2001

By 

Old Fisherman "Jim" (Orange, California USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: London for Dummies (Paperback)

London for Dummies contains a wealth of information. Information that you need before you even leave home. Just the discussion on ATM cards vs traveler's checks is worth the price of the book.

I'm leaving for London in little less than a week and this book will be going with me along with my Eyewitness Travel Guide to London. Of all of the books I've purchased about London these seem to be the most knowledgeable and interesting. The nice thing about this dummies book is that it doesn't pander to you with corny jokes as many of the Dummies series do. Just good solid informaton. I recommend it.