Customer Reviews

Rick Steves' London 2006

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is packed with useful and extemely up-to-date information (I found this series to be one of the most accurate and up-to-date of the travel books). He really gives you the inside scoop on how to see London on a budget. I found some tips to be a little too cheap but that's my personal taste so no points were deducted - it's always great to have the option. Concise and clear cut directions were given on how to get to attractions (Legoland) and how to optimize each experience. The top attractions (Tate Gallery, British Musum, Westminster Abbey, etc.) were given a in-depth commentay and very detailed review that provided valuable advise. I especially appreciated the various sample "walks" for each neighborhood in London that gave easy directions and notes for what to look for along the way. This book is ESSENTIAL for traveling and I found the corresponding website (ricksteves.com) provided helpful information as well. Sections of the book gave good reviews and tips on where to eat, shop & sightsee and even more importantly, which ones to avoid! This book even provides some bargains to readers only. I highly recommend this book to anyone traveling to London.

Having previously taken two of Rick Steves' guided trips (Paris and Rome), and found them both thorough and memorable,when I had the opportunity to visit London, I purchased this book, along with two others. After the second day, I discarded the others and carried this one everywhere. The "must see" list, Tube map, and walking and museum tours were clear and easy to follow, although I could disagree with the distances and times to allow guidelines in a few cases--notably the Tower of London, which the book described as a two hour tour and which I found could easily be an all day sightseeing event. The inclusion of the appropriate Tube stop for each sight was extremely useful, along with the grouping of geographically proximate sights. Although London is staggeringly expensive, this book makes it possible to experience it as a native, without going into debt.
If you're reading this review, no doubt you are planning a trip to London. Go!
Here are a couple of tips:
Although taxis in London are a bargain, and most cabbies a fountain of information who seem to like Americans, by all means purchase a Zones 1 and 2 Oyster card at a Tube station or newsstand, and reserve taxis for when you absolutely cannot walk another step. For 22 pounds ($39.60), you can go anywhere you need to for a week or so. My card paid for itself in a day and a half. A Tube station is never more than a block or two from the major sights and the Underground is fun and sooooo easy to use. If you mind your manners, Londoners will go out of their way to be helpful. I always began by saying, "Please excuse me for being an idiot American, but I can't seem to find..." and following up with profuse thanks. Even the stiffest Brit smiled and provided directions. Dress appropriately--no windbreakers, raggedy jeans, visors, or white athletic shoes. It makes a huge difference in how you're treated. London is a vibrant, energetic city and the people who live and work there are very proud of it. Dressing respectfully acknowledges that, and the locals appreciate it. They also appreciate well-informed tourists, and I highly recommend boning up on English history and culture before making the trip. During our Original London Bus Tour, the guide came over and said, "I can't tell you how nice it is to give a tour to people who actually know where they are" and proceeded to give us some tips about places to go that aren't in any guidebook. Know where you are!
Rick Steves is the righteous guru of European travel. If you have this book, you really don't need another, but any guidebook is only the beginning of your adventure.

I am a big fan of Rick Steve's guidebooks so understand my bias. We used this 2006 version in Dec 2006 to find lodging, a few restaurants and many of the walking tours. All information was still up to date and excellent. However, please note that the 2007 version should come out in Jan 2007 or close to that time and will be even more current. Great tips and easy to read information on days and times that sights are open or open late is essential and very helpful in planning the trip.

A friend lent us this book right before we hit London. We only had a day and a half and so wanted to see as much of the city as possible. There are amazing walking tours here and easy to choose based on what your interests are.

We picked a jam packed, major sites walking tour, that led us past Parliament, Big Ben, past Downing St. and into Trafalgar Square. Note - make sure to have VERY comfortable shoes, this is not a light walk.

It was perfect, with all the main attractions and many smaller ones noted with full historical notes that were amazing. It also felt like we were getting insider information, at many locales, we were the only ones looking at a particular building - oohing and aahing - while all the other tourists around us were completely oblivious to the landmark.

I wish we had more time to spend in London, but for such a short period, I don't feel like I missed much; thanks to Rick Steves.

Although I bought this book used, the material is just about the same. This book saved me some nice money in London. MUCH better than the other major travel books, forget those book for Rick's is MUCH better. He actually has some very good priced hotels ( moderate to budget) when the others list expensive ones. I would use Rick Steves' books anytime. I tossed the other "famous" authored book. Any book by Rick Steves is all you need. I also emailed them direct for additional help. THey were VERY helpful and MUCH better than AAA agents. His hotel listing led me to lots of money saving hotels and venues. GET ANYTHING BY RICK STEVES AND SAVE MONEY AND TIME. Forget the ones we have heard and had in years prior, I WILL NEVER buy those books again. RIck's is by far the best that you can get for your money and some hotels give discounts if you show them the book. It is just a life saver for saving money in an expensive city. London is an expensive city and probably the most expensive in Europe. I also have used other books of his and they are life savers too. YOU WILL NOT REGRET GETTING ANY OF RICK STEVES BOOKS.

Certainly the warmest and friendliest guidebook out there, this one also happens to be the best. Although he may or may not have written the entire book, it sure feels like Rick Steves is there page after page talking to you one on one, telling you all about the places to go in and around London. Leaving little out, covering things you'd never think of on your own, this is a book to buy and pack and take with you. Well worth the price!

Had the opportunity to visit london for a short stay. Book was an imense help on finding a hotel ways to move around.

This book was excellent. I found it very helpful in finding places and in getting background information about the places I wanted to see. I would recommend this book as one that you should purchase when Planning a trip.

This book gave exceptional information that made our trip to London wonderful. I highly recommend using it as your guide to London.

What a great guide. Rick Steve's told me so many chill, off the beaten path things to do in London and then I picked up my Party London & Paris guidebook and hand the most fun and social days and nights. What a great combination of books.

I can't wait to go back.