num_pages: 272
description: Intended for curious adventurers whose travel budgets are a tad shy of luxury, Fodor's UpClose London does an admirable job of sharing enough information "to help you plan your trip ... without nailing you down." The authors, self described "writers and poets, slackers and straight arrows, and travel writers and journalists," start with the basics (air travel and rail passes, money, telephones, where to lay your sleepy head, etc.) but waste no time in directing you to tours, galleries, pubs, theaters, patisseries, shopping, sports, and music--all reached via the ever-navigable Tube (London's subway system).  If you don't have a local friend to accompany you on your treasure hunts and explorations of Olde London Towne, UpClose London is your second-best companion whether you're staying for a week or a year. Restaurant and hotel reviews are arranged by price, and the write-ups offer the inside skinny. In the mood for a traditional British meal? For less than £10 you can eat at the Quality Chop House, which "still serves large portions of hearty British grub like eggs, bacon, and chips," but also offers fare that "is almost a parody of the traditional: Bangers and mash becomes Toulouse sausages with mash and onion gravy." Need to know where to shop for secondhand clothing, paraphernalia for left-handers, or inexpensive furniture? You can find that out, too, by perusing the information in chapter 7.  Although UpClose London gives you the goods on top-rated attractions, the real focus is on helping you experience the "heart and soul of London" off the well-beaten tourist track. From the introduction through guide's end, you'll find gentle encouragement to venture out of your comfort zone: "Sit at a table if you want privacy; better, help prop up the bar, where no introductions are needed, and new acquaintances are quickly made." It's probably the best travel advice you'll ever get. --Heidi Robinson
language: English
title: Fodor's upCLOSE London, 2nd Edition
titlecomplete: Fodor's upCLOSE London, 2nd Edition
ratings_count: 1
publisher: Fodor's Travel