The reader's guide to the best of London

THE best tips from readers on where to stay and eat in this world-class city, as well as what to do ahead of the Olympics next week.

escape London

LONDON'S calling, louder than ever, with the 2012 Olympics finally about to begin. But there are always plenty of reasons to spend some time in the world's most visited city.

See

- National Maritime Museum and Observatory

Visit Greenwich to see the centre of world time and learn about the development of astronomy and navigation. Its setting, architecture, proximity to London and the fact that it's free all add to its appeal. And taking the ferry along the Thames is a great way to get there.

See rmg.co.uk

- Josephine

- Columbia Road Flower Market & Shops

Columbia Road Flower Market & Shops is in the East End, on the edge of the city. Shoreditch is to the west and Brick Lane and Spitalfields are nearby. It's an amazing place to spend a Sunday. The market itself and 60 shops are open from 8am until about 3pm. There are fantastic flowers and interesting local characters.

See columbiaroad.info

- Margaret 

- Victoria & Albert Museum

This museum is worth at least one day of your holiday. There are thousands of items on display, including silverware, musical instruments and costumes. Once you've had enough, it's just a short walk to Harrods, where there's much to see, too.

See www.vam.ac.uk

- Jane

- The London Eye

This giant Ferris wheel on the banks of the Thames gives you a magnificent, bird's-eye view over the capital and the South Bank. The riverside location is also a great place to be at the weekend, with lots of entertainment.

See londoneye.com

- Marie

- Little Venice canal cruise

Take a relaxing cruise (every hour on the hour, 10am-5pm in summer) from Little Venice along Regent's Canal, past lots of beautiful homes, some of them designed by the famous John Nash in the early 1800s. Cruise on to Camden Lock Market, which is great place to spend a few hours.

See londonwaterbus.com, camdenlock.net

- Jane

Stay 

- The Jesmond Hotel

Centrally located in leafy Bloomsbury, this long-established, family-run B&B is both cheap and cheerful, with rates that include a full English breakfast.

See jesmondhotel.org.uk

- Alison

- Park Plaza Westminster Bridge

This hotel is located in the vicinity of the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, Churchill's War Rooms, Downing St and Trafalgar Square, with the tube station just across the bridge. The Esplanade along the river has several restaurants with great food.

See parkplaza.com/london

- Beth 

- Oaks Guest House

Oaks Guest House, in the leafy middle-class North London suburb of Southgate, is a comfortable, pleasant place to stay, with four lovely parks and a variety of good restaurants and pubs nearby. The rooms are decorated to a high standard, and are much larger than the average hotel room in the city centre. And it is a five-minute walk to Southgate tube station on the Piccadilly line.

See theoaksguesthouse.co.uk

- Anna 

- Marriott Grosvenor Square

This hotel is just steps away from some of the finest shopping to be had on Oxford and Bond streets. If enjoying a longer five to seven-night stay, upgrade to a club balcony room, which includes club lounge access, continental breakfast, midday snacks, evening hors d'oeuvres and refreshments throughout the day.

See thelondonmarriott.com

- Alison 

- YHA London St Pancras

We had a fabulous stay at the clean, cheap and well-located YHA at St Pancras. We had a family ensuite room, which had two bunk beds and a travel cot was provided free of charge for our baby. As international visitors, you do not need to be a member to stay here.

See yha.org.uk/hostel/london-st-pancras

- Louise

- Josephine Swannie's Bed & Breakfast

A charming, reasonably priced, Australian-run B&B located in a Chelsea terrace house. It's handy to the Tube and buses, as well as a variety of places to eat.

See josephineswannie.com

- Trish

- The Lilac Door

This place was an absolute highlight of our visit. It's a traditional-looking Dulwich home on the outside with a striking lilac door, and a delightful and thoroughly modern B&B on the inside. Recently upgraded and modernised, The Lilac Door is just three stops from Victoria station.

See lilacdoor.co.uk

- Geoff

Eat 

- Goddards at Greenwich

Pie, mash, eels and liquor is Cockney comfort food and Goddards has served London's best pie and mash for more than 100 years. Walk off the calories by taking in some of the sights and museums of Greenwich.

See goddardsatgreenwich.co.uk

- Alison

- Gordon's Wine Bar

Gordon's is the oldest wine bar in London and is accessed from Villiers St by a steep set of wooden stairs into the cellar. It exudes character and history. The walls are covered by old newspaper clippings and tables lit by candles. On a sunny day, sit outside on the Embankment and watch the world pass by.

See gordonswinebar.com

- Helen

- Claridge's

Take afternoon tea in the refined, classical style of this beautiful hotel, where they serve 40 different teas, champagne, warm scones, clotted cream ... need I say more?

See claridges.co.uk

- Alison 

- Petersham Nurseries Cafe

For something different and a pleasant outing on the outskirts of London, visit the Petersham Nursery Cafe at Richmond. It was the good taste and skill of inspirational Australian-born chef Skye Gyngell that earned this restaurant its many accolades. Fellow Australian chef Greg Malouf has replaced Gyngell and continues her good work.

See petershamnurseries.com

- Margaret 

Tips 

Oyster Card

Be bold! Take the Tube or the train and explore more of London and the counties. If staying for a week or more, invest in a Oyster card to allow full freedom to hop on and off buses, Tubes, trains and the Docklands Light Railway. Many attractions offer a discount if you show that you've visited by public transport.

See tfl.gov.uk or

londonpass.com/oyster-card

- Alison 

- What's on guide

Buy a copy of Time Out London as soon as you arrive. It's the weekly bible for London's events, culture, attractions and more.

See timeout.com/london

- Alison

- Hop on, hop off buses

These buses are good value for getting around London, as well as getting your bearings. You can use your ticket the next day if you get on before the time you bought your ticket the previous day.

See viator.com

- Alisa

- Theatre tickets

For greatly discounted theatre tickets, available daily, head to the special booth at Leicester Square. All seats are on a first-come, first-served basis, and are usually in a good position in the theatre. Don't be sidetracked by other discount booths on the way to the square, as their tickets aren't as cheap.

See tkts.co.uk/leicester-square

- Ann 

- London Eye

Booking before you leave Australia can save you heaps, and the tickets arrive before you leave.

See londoneye.com

- Ann

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