London is a relatively expensive city, so waste no time while there. If the prices are too high in the city centre, stay at a hostel or hotel located in the outskirts of London. Taking the underground to the centre of London is convienient, and may take only half an hour or less.
A few days to a week is long enough to visit popular attractions such museums and galleries, parks, palaces, and churches. And there are many sights in London, such as this view of the skyline taken from St. Pauls Cathedral. When you have seen enough of the city, look for other towns near London, that can be less expensive and less crowded.
Clock tower at the
Houses of Parliament
A group of us stayed in Baden Powell House the first time I visited, which was near Hyde park. Just down the street was Harrods department store, which are the blurry lights in the centre of this picture. My most recent trip I stayed at Earl's Court Youth Hostel, just a couple blocks from B.P. house. It was was relatively inexpensive, centrally located, and served a mean custard and prunes!
I think it's always busy in downtown London, even at night. It was especially busy around Piccadilly circus and Leister square. There are lots of clubs, restaurants, theatres and street performers. There's lots of neon, and even some neon outside the London Hardrock cafe (not in Piccadilly, just one of my night pictures).
