You may want to start your trip with a city bus tour, this way you can get a hint of the layout of the city and all of the amenities it has to offer. These tours leave from many places in the city and are reasonably priced. Most tours allow you to hop off and on the tour bus. When you want to explore a area more thoroughly you can get off and stay as long as you like. The city has a well laid out underground subway system so traveling anywhere in the city or suburbs is easily done. Bring a light coat and umbrella as rain can occur any time of year. Dress is casual, but don’t forget good walking shoes. Most of all have fun exploring this beautiful city with the rich history that is waiting to be explored.

What makes London hip and a step above other European cities in the cool quotient is the fact that the city is a hodge-podge of different cultures, traditions, and races. There are all-night rave kids and blue-haired punk rockers. There are subcultures of youths who take their cues from American hip-hop and gangster films. There are dreadlocked Rasta’s from the Caribbean, and Indians making chicken curry in the stalls along Trafalgar Square. More than that, however, there is a sense in London that music, fashion, and personal expression and identity is important. The easiest way to be hip is to be yourself. London offers a little something for everyone, hipsters and squares alike.

When someone in the UK invites you to a meal most likely they will pay for the meal. Do not try to argue over the check and offer to pay, just accept the meal and their offer to pay and try to pick up the bill for another meal later. Furthermore even though your fork should be held in your left hand and your knife in your right hand, in the UK the fork is held turned over so that you are scooping food onto the back of your fork while eating it. The full explanation can be found here.

A few other common restaurant etiquette tips are no elbows on the table, and wait to be seated. Also, if you are not finished eating you should lay your fork and knife over each other in an ‘x- shape on your plate with the fork over the knife. However if you have finished eating, simply lay your fork and knife next to each other on top of your plate over to the right side.

Most importantly, enjoy your time in the UK while learning the new customs.

You should start out by looking outside of central London. Central London is extremely expensive. Areas like Hounslow near Heathrow Airport and such are a lot cheaper and more affordable. Try visiting South London, East London, West London and North London when looking for affordable housing in London area.

Another trick is focus your search on studio flats. The smaller the space the more affordable it is going to be, especially in an area outside of central London. It has been reported that there is short supply of three bedroom flats in London area but, there is an extensive supply of studio and one bedroom flats in London.

Finally, you may want to find a roommate. By sharing a flat you will cut down on costs and be able to find affordable housing in London that can be perfect for your budget and needs.

In short, take your time looking for housing, look outside of central london and explore the option of a studio flat and/or getting a roommate.

One of the most famous monuments is the Westminster Palace with its beautiful clock tower and the legendary Big Ben. Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Westminster Palace brings together two houses of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Also located in Westminster, The Buckingham Palace, home to the Queen Elizabeth II, is a must visit, especially during the Changing of the Guard at the forecourt, which is a rather unique spectacle, and interesting.

Another famous attraction would be the London Eye, considered the world’s tallest observation wheel, which is a great place to take pictures of the beautiful city of London and its surroundings. A visit to London cannot be complete without a visit to its legendary British Museum, containing the biggest Ancient Egypt collection outside of Egypt.

Other great places to visit while in London are the Kew Botanical Gardens, considered one of the leading botanical gardens in the world, and the London Tower Bridge over the River Thames, featuring spectacular views of the river and educational exhibitions. In addition, London also offers great musicals and Broadway style shows.

Couture will reign supreme no matter the times but London’s ability to set the pace of fashion continues to surpass fashion industry expectations. Is this new to you? Catch up here. Their recent introduction of eco style sees fashion going green in a very profound and poignant way. London has pulled out the stops to implement green healthy practices in the fashion industry. This sterling example is set to challenge designers and fashion houses around the world.

Fashion style in London has always been known to walk to a different beat of the drum. London fashion style and trends can also look out for the Junk styling hit Brick Lane. A different sort of shabby chic is unfolding and enveloping the fashion scene amongst British youth culture. Due to Milliner’s Muse, expect the hat to make a comeback in 2011.