Cheap Flights to London  

London certainly didn’t need another attraction to get tourists to notice it but with the British capital about to host the 2012 Summer Olympic Games, there’ll be plenty of interest in the ancient city. The long-forgotten East End, where the bulk of the Olympic venues will be located, is getting a much-needed facelift and will be looking good come 2012. There’s plenty of things already to see in London – some of Europe’s best museums, shopping and theatres are located in London and its iconic neighborhoods, pubs, palaces and markets (Borough Market is our favorite) will make you want to keep coming back to this city time and time again.

Currency: The British Pound – 1 pound equals $1.55 Canadian

Best time to visit: Spring or fall – September is when Britain is at its best.

Getting around: London’s Underground is often referred to as the best subway system in the world, and it’s certainly one of the oldest – dating back to the 1830s. However, it’s expensive – tickets start at around $6 for a single trip. Stay away from cabs – they are the most expensive in the world. An Oyster Card can help dull the pain of subway fares – check it out.

Our favorite hotel: The Gore (www.gorehotel.com) – it’s historic (a place where theatrical types who work at nearby Albert Hall, and rock stars like the Rolling Stones hang out); quaint (located in a fashionable area of London opposite Queen’s Gate between Knightsbridge and Kensington); and charming (the rooms take you back in time).

Our favorite restaurant: Two London restaurants tie for this honor – and neither serves fish and chips. Veeraswamy and Amaya, two very different Indian eateries, are two of the beat restaurants in the capital and are well worth a visit – but make reservations at www.realindianfood.com