Going to London in 2 weeks - what should I do?

[Jdvn1]

Wear comfortable shoes. You'll walk a lot. Fortunately, London is a pretty decent city for walking around.

My family comes from outside of the US and they will tell you that only Americans wear sneakers, and that they look terrible. I'm less picky, but dislike looking like a tourist. So I intend to wear comfortable loafers. Sneakers are more comfortable but I hope that's good enough!

 

[Derren]

That's one I know! Would you say the travel guide is essential? I need to look into my phone options while I'm there. I was hoping to look up some stuff on the go (I'm told they're relatively inexpensive and my work might pay for it).

As you have a friend who lives in London you can most likely skip one. For looking up stuff on the fly TripAdvisor is in my opinion good enough (and free). If you still do want one, I prefer the "Lonely Planet" brand of guides (I think their website features some information for free).
Want to mingle with the locals? Watch a cricket game. How often will you have the chance to see that game live?

Not sure about general travel hints as I only visited London. You can of course do the classics like Stonehenge or visit the HMS Victory in Portsmouth, although both are about 60 miles from Reading.

 

[Morrus]

Are reservations necessary at most good restaurants?

Reservations are no different to any other city in the world that has restaurants. If you think you'd need a reservation for a given restaurant type at home, you probably need one in London.

 

[billd91]

I should mention a bit more detail, maybe. My wife and I will be staying with a buddy in west Greenwich near Lewisham for a week before spending a week in a hotel in Reading for work (which is why I asked for general UK travel tips as well).

The University of Reading (must have been the Whiteknights campus) is a lovely place to just walk around. It's got some conservation meadows and woods and a lake. I got a chance to walk around there a bit back in Fall 2007 when my father-in-law was visiting faculty for a couple of terms. I still kind of kick myself for not going a couple of months earlier and trying to catch Gen Con UK, which was held on the campus.

 

[Dioltach]

Want to mingle with the locals? Watch a cricket game. How often will you have the chance to see that game live?
.

Six Nations rugby, I'd say, in February. Lucky for you, you should be there for Le Crunch: England versus France at Twickers!

 

[Jdvn1]

Thank you very much, all! I think you've given me a great set of ideas to consider.

 

[delericho]

I should mention a bit more detail, maybe. My wife and I will be staying with a buddy in west Greenwich near Lewisham for a week before spending a week in a hotel in Reading for work (which is why I asked for general UK travel tips as well).

If you haven't already, you should make sure to see at least one real castle while you're here. We have a few.

 

[Jdvn1]

Don't do the London Eye. Go up the nearby OXO tower - same height, same view, and spend the £20+ per person on drinks up there in the bar/restaurant. Expensive drinks, but you were gonna spent it anyway on the Eye!

Did this today. Brilliant.

Thank you all for the ideas! It's going wonderfully so far!

 

[Umbran]

Get a Chinese menu in your hand, and walk the streets of SoHo in the rain. Tell people you're looking for a place called "Lee Ho Fook's", 'cause you want to get a big dish of beef chow mein...

 

[Jdvn1]

I really should have tried Lee Ho Fook's... the Chinese place I ended up going to wasn't really that great. Then again, the Chinese food in my city is top-notch anyways.

Thank you all for the great advice! The trip was a blast!