A Yank's first time in London... Any concerts or events going down? (Dec. 20-23)

[aphex]

So I've just books my flight to London and I am dying of excitement waiting for my first ever Gunners match against the Spuds! Aside from the footie match though, I'm currently trying to find other things to do while in London.

I've read other threads about the usual tourist sites, but I'm curious to know if there are any specific events happening from Dec. 20 to Dec 23. I'm down for all types of music concerts, festivals, gallery showings, etc. Does anyone have any tips?

Also, I'm looking for hotels, and I'm thinking about staying in the Financial District. Is that a good area to be in? If not, what would you suggest is the best area to be in during a short vist to London?

Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge!

[Lanesra]

So I've just books my flight to London and I am dying of excitement waiting for my first ever Gunners match against the Spuds! Aside from the footie match though, I'm currently trying to find other things to do while in London.

I've read other threads about the usual tourist sites, but I'm curious to know if there are any specific events happening from Dec. 20 to Dec 23. I'm down for all types of music concerts, festivals, gallery showings, etc. Does anyone have any tips?

Also, I'm looking for hotels, and I'm thinking about staying in the Financial District. Is that a good area to be in? If not, what would you suggest is the best area to be in during a short vist to London?

Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge!

By the Financial district I take it you mean the city,which will be very expensive,there's a lot more cheaper options, and the transport systems quite expansive so choice is not limited to central London, I would imagine some of the others on here would give you better advice as I don't stay in hotels in London

As for entertainment there's plenty to do,this site is a good place to start,
http://www.timeout.com/london/

it's pretty easy to get around,so don't be put off by the distance from your hotel

Enjoy your stay

[arsenlmc58]

If you are looking to do Budget Hotels, meaning Hostels, i stay in an extremely nice hostel every year near Stamford Brook tube stop. Im a student so budget is the reason, but the hostel is beyond comfortable. Everything is key card access, washing machines, bar, cinema, convenient store, gym, internet lab, kitchen(fully stocked), the works basically. Around 19 to 25 quid a night. www.globetrotterinns.com

[Skizz]

Don't come out on the piss with me and Tel unless you want to wake up in the middle of nowhere watching rugby for some non-apparent reason. That's my advice :D

[ArsenalTexan3]

Just go to the pubs and soon you'll have a party going on. Tell them you support Hilary for President. :D

[louis09]

Well from being over the pound twice in the last 12 months....the financial district which I think you meen the DLR (dock land) area has some really nice hotels like the brand new Radisson Edwardian New Providence Wharf (excelllent hotel) or if your looking for budget the Irbis is a decent hotel for the money. Both are located close to each other .......as for happenings in the area ....like another poster said...pick up time out London.

[Bluto11]

Don't come out on the piss with me and Tel unless you want to wake up in the middle of nowhere watching rugby for some non-apparent reason. That's my advice :D
please tell me this happened to Nick!

[Frankgarrison]

Also, I'm looking for hotels, and I'm thinking about staying in the Financial District. Is that a good area to be in? If not, what would you suggest is the best area to be in during a short vist to London?

Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge!

I always suggest the Europa Hotel (http://www.europahotellondon.co.uk/) in Tufnell Park, North London. Near Tufnell Park tube station, and 2 blocks away from bus stop for the #4 bus which will take you directly to Finsbury Park. Affordable, convenient, comfortable and quiet. 35quid a night single with en-suite bath and shower and free full breakfast (eggs, beans, toast, tomato, etc.). I've stayed there on my last two visits.

Check pollstar (http://www.pollstar.com/tour/searchall.pl?By=City&Content=UK_London&PSKey=Y&Sort=Date&Date_From=&Date_To=12-03-2009&Market=N&Market=N&Page=2) for concerts.

[HomeatHighbury]

If you want something cultural and historical, try the Cabinet War Rooms. They are fantastic. http://cwr.iwm.org.uk/

[aphex]

Just got M.I.A. tickets!!!

Thanks for the tips everyone.

[aphex]

Oh, and about staying in the financial district ("The City"), I found a couple hotels for around $100 USD on Hotwire.com . That's not too bad, and I was thinking that it would be best to be centrally located, not only because it would be easy to navigate through the city, but also because I'd like to be between LGW and LHR airports (I'm flying into one, and leaving from the other).

Does that sound like a good idea to you guys?

[louis09]

Oh, and about staying in the financial district ("The City"), I found a couple hotels for around $100 USD on Hotwire.com . That's not too bad, and I was thinking that it would be best to be centrally located, not only because it would be easy to navigate through the city, but also because I'd like to be between LGW and LHR airports (I'm flying into one, and leaving from the other).

Does that sound like a good idea to you guys?

The Tubes (Underground) can take you anywhere you need to go...I stayed at the Radisson Edwardian because my wife and I where on our honeymoon and it was a 5 star hotel. But in central london for 100 us is a steal.

[aphex]

Don't come out on the piss with me and Tel unless you want to wake up in the middle of nowhere watching rugby for some non-apparent reason. That's my advice :D


As long as I wake up, I'm down!

[Cesc Flabbergast]

can I ask a stupid question as this will be my first game that I go to outside the US?

Is there anything I should know about attire going to/from the Arsenal/Chelsea game?

I was planning on wearing my Arsenal Jersey and scarf all day, from the hotel to the tube to the pub to the game and back... but whenever I see footage of fans in England everyone seems to be wearing black coats and no jerseys when they are walking to the stadiums.

Is that due to the cold or fear of the other team's fans? :confused:

I'm not really scared of any Chelsea fans, but I don't want to stand out like a yank ;) :D

Thanks!

[Lanesra]

can I ask a stupid question as this will be my first game that I go to outside the US?

Is there anything I should know about attire going to/from the Arsenal/Chelsea game?

I was planning on wearing my Arsenal Jersey and scarf all day, from the hotel to the tube to the pub to the game and back... but whenever I see footage of fans in England everyone seems to be wearing black coats and no jerseys when they are walking to the stadiums.

Is that due to the cold or fear of the other team's fans? :confused:

I'm not really scared of any Chelsea fans, but I don't want to stand out like a yank :D

Thanks!

What, a black coat like this guy ? that'll be fine, should blend in nicely..............














http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/8043/andrewinhatlikeunclesamqe6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)



Seriously though, you will be fine wearing your shirt, it's the done thing nowadays, it was dangerous a while back but you should be ok now. It will be cold, but what a lot of people do is wear the shirt over layers. t-shirt , jumper etc, and with the walking, jumping up and down you tend to stay warm anyway.

Enjoy your trip

[antifan]

can I ask a stupid question as this will be my first game that I go to outside the US?

Is there anything I should know about attire going to/from the Arsenal/Chelsea game?

I was planning on wearing my Arsenal Jersey and scarf all day, from the hotel to the tube to the pub to the game and back... but whenever I see footage of fans in England everyone seems to be wearing black coats and no jerseys when they are walking to the stadiums.

Is that due to the cold or fear of the other team's fans? :confused:

I'm not really scared of any Chelsea fans, but I don't want to stand out like a yank ;) :D

Thanks!
If your going to the new Stadium you'll be fine wearing colors, but dress warm.

[KirbyNYC]

Yeah, you should be ok unless you're obnoxious. Take me for example, I stayed in Earl's Court a few minutes walk from the Bridge. Wore my shirt/scarf/hat proudly both match days.

[Cesc Flabbergast]

thank you all for the info!

yeah, we'll be staying around Kings Cross and taking the underground from there to Arsenal!
we're not obnoxious so it should be all good, I simply can't wait!!!