Expert: Emoor - 11/11/2009

Question
My friend and I are traveling from Norfolk Virgina area to visit my daughter in London from December 23, 2009 to January 1, 2010. My daughter is attending University College London (UCL)  and we will be staying in that area with her so we don't have to worry about sleeping arrangements.  
We have no idea what sights to see in London on our short visit and want to make the most of our time.  Do you have any recommendations?  We would like to take the train to Paris for a couple of days, and visit a relative in Heidelberg, Germany for a few days.  Please helps with suggestions for place to eat, place to visit in London.

Thank you,
Wendy  

Answer
You have a short trip, and London totally shuts down on Christmas Day (DEC 25) and Boxing Day (DEC 26).  Frankly, I would re-think the side trips to Paris and Heidelberg, but if you are determined then you might consider a trip where you fly into London, stay a few days, take the train to Paris for a couple of days, then travel on to Heidelberg to visit your friends, and fly home from Heidelberg (you'll actually have to fly out of , say, Frankfurt.)

In London, the traditional sights are Westminster Abbey and the tower of Big Ben, The British Museum, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Tower of London.  All are fascinating.  The more recent popular spots tend to be south of the River Thames, and are  Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, The London Eye (the big Ferris Wheel),  and The Tate Modern art museum.  Theatre of course is a favorite, and there will be some great concerts over the holidays. [If you have particular interests, let me know and I will give you more specific suggestions. This means if you particulary like art, music, history, the law, medicine, the military, whatever.]  Check out the website for Original London Walks and take one or more of them.

I love the restaurant at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre for a more upscale dinner.  For traditional and pub food try Anchor Bankside not far away on the south bank of the river.  For a casual spot with good food and crisp salads, there are many locations for Pizza Express which are actually pretty good.  For a quick lunch on a day of sightseeing, try Pret a Manger or one of the shops called Eat.  Both sell packaged sandwiches, but they are quite fresh, made daily, and really tasty.  Do not overlook whatever is the nearest Indian Restaurant, which serves England's favorite food.

Have a great trip.