London Essentials

London Essentials & Tourist Information

Currency	UK Pound Sterling
Time Zone	GMT
Language	English
Voltage	240 V AC (UK three-pin plugs)

London Tourist Attractions
London has such a fabulous range of attractions and activities, a short break visit simply cannot do it justice. Whether your interest is in theatre, history, art or simple family fun, there is sure to be something to whet your appetite. An essential experience is a trip on the London Eye - a mammoth ferris wheel that soars over the River Thames and parliament. Offering a bird’s eye view of the city skyline it’s an enthralling experience for all the family. Prices are 11.50 per adult. Enjoy fine art for free at the world renowned Tate and National galleries which are open from 10am - 8pm daily.

London Opening Hours
London and the UK in general has a very relaxed attitude to opening hours nowadays and shopping can be enjoyed all day and every day. Shops generally open at 9am until 5 or 6pm daily with slightly shorter coverage on Sundays. Many central London stores remain open until late every evening although the general rule is for late night shopping on Thursdays. Many London supermarkets and convenience stores operate 24 hours a day so essential purchases should always be available to visitors at any time. Banking hours are usually from 9.30 to 4pm Monday to Friday.  
                                                             
London Tipping & Etiquette
Tipping in London is not an exact science - most establishments will levy a service charge of 10% while elsewhere it is left to your discretion to leave a gratuity. It is generally acceptable to tip restaurant staff around 10% and bar staff will always gratefully accept any generosity in pubs and clubs. Taxi drivers will also welcome a small tip although not compulsory.

Food & Drink in London
The standard of international food you will find on a city break in London is on a par with any world class city and it can boast not only cuisine from virtually every country in the world but also a myriad on Michelen starred restaurants. Traditional London dishes are harder to find but many pubs and pie and mash shops have kept alive London's culinary heritage in the face of changing eating habits. 

London Useful Numbers
• Police – 999
• Ambulance – 999
• Fire – 999

Disabled Access in London
London is one of the most accessible cities in the world for disabled visitors. Travelling around is relatively simple with taxis and almost all buses equipped for wheelchair carriage. However many older London Underground stations have yet to be fully adapted with lifts and ramp access. Many restaurants, theatres and shops can accommodate wheelchairs and sightseeing should not be restrictive with museums and art galleries providing a range of facilities such as audio loops, tactile surfaces and ramps.

London City Breaks  Getting Around London

Things To Do In London  London Weather