flightlessbirds wrote:. If one has only a day for touristing, what would you recommend I see? I will likely spend a lot of that time just walking walking walking since that's what I like to do in interesting cities but I wouldn't mind suggestions for museums/parks/interesting streets/whatever.
I am in London right now. Here's some ideas:
Walk the South BankIf you set off from Westminster Tube Station and cross the Thames via Westminster Bridge, you can do an excellent two-mile walk. The embankment footpath takes you past the London Eye attraction, the National Film Theatre and the Oxo Tower, with stunning views North across the river. After passing Blackfrier's bridge, you reach the Tate Modern gallery and the Globe Theatre, which is a re-construction of an Elizabethan theatre and hosts regular Shakespeare plays. You then have to turn right and head inland along Southwark Bridge Road, then left along Southwark Street through the excellent Borough Market, which is a great place to get food on Fridays and Saturdays. Carry on past Southwark Cathedral and London Bridge Station to cross the river again via Tower Bridge, or finish your walk at the station. You can get great veggie food at Carnevale or Wagamama. Alternatively, do the walk in reverse and book a seat at Bonnington Cafe (open lunchtimes and evenings, but not afternoons), or head North towards Charing Cross and Trafalgar Square.
Follow the canal to Camden Lock and Regent's ParkSpend a relaxing morning browsing stalls in Camden Market with breakfast at Inspiral Lounge or Alchemy, then stock up on picnic food at Fresh and Wild, Holland and Barrett or Loving Hut and take a stroll along the canal to Regent's Park. The West End is then a short hop away, or you can continue along the canal to Paddington. Alternatively you can head up Primrose Hill, which is small but steep, with excellent views across the city. The now all-vegan Manna restaurant is 5 mins walk away.
Roam the HeathHampstead Heath is so wild and attractive that it's hard to believe you're in the centre of London. It's the perfect place to let kids and dogs run around, while you relax under a tree. Get the overground train to Hampstead Heath station and load up on picnic food at House of Mistry Wholefoods or Friendly Falafels, then it's less than five minutes walk to the heath itself. You can then get the train a couple of stops to Camden Road, a short distance from Green Note vegetarian cafe, which has live music most nights. Or get the Northern Line from Hampstead to Camden Town. Both Hampstead and Camden have some friendly, lively pubs with outdoor seating. If you'd prefer to carry on walking, stay on the Northern Line to Mornington Cresent or Warren Street, then walk about half a mile westwards to Regent's Park. If you're tired of fresh air and crave the city lights, stay on a few more stops to reach Leicester Square.
Go Womble-spottingGet the train or District Line tube to Wimbledon, then 10 mins walk along Wimbledon Hill Road brings you to the famous common (home of the Wombles), which is a lovely, wild place to stroll. If you want even more exercise, cross the road bordering the north west of the common to enter Richmond Park, which is even bigger and has herds of red and fallow deer, along with ancient trees, birds and unusual beetles. You can get a decent meal in Richmond from Tide Tables, Hollyhock or Giraffe, or get the District Line or a bus back into London.
Get your fill of MuseumsThe Science Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum and Natural History Museum are right next to each other and all are free to enter (through there's also special exhibitions that charge admission). You can then do the tourist thing and walk along Brompton Road to Harrods, or head north up Exhibition Road into Hyde Park. Veggie food is thin on the ground in this part of London, so your best option is to get the Piccadilly Line from Knightsbridge or Hyde Park Corner to Leicester Square or Covent garden. From the North side of Hyde Park, you can get the Central Line from Marble Arch to Oxford Circus or Tottenham Court Road. Alternatively, walk up Edgeware Road and check out one of the many Lebanese cafes, where you can get lovely falafel, stuffed vine leaves and fresh juices such as pineapple and melon.
