My "What should I do in London?" thread

So, I'm trying to figure out what sorts of things I want to do when I visit London in November (17 - 28.) The hostel I've picked is near the British museum, which I'd really like to spend some time in. I should be in London for seven days straight or so, so that's a good bit of time that I'll have to fill. I am hoping to do a day trip to Windsor, on a friend's recommendation. I'm also told that the interior of Westminster Abbey is a must see.  Other than that though, I'm not sure what I'll be doing exactly. I don't want to overplan my days but I just want to make sure, before I book my hostel, that it'll be advantageous for me to stay in the same one for seven nights in a row. I'm sure there are going to be things to discover once I get there but I'd really love to know a few things ahead of time.

I should mention that I'm a photographer so I'll have more than just the normal touristy interest in photos while I'm there. Also, I'm a vegetarian so any cool but not too pricey restaurant recommendations would be cool as well. I'm planning on eating at the hostel when I can, for money's sake, but of course will dine out when I have the chance (mostly for lunch, I'd wager.)

My friends are teasing me because they know I don't drink and don't think there will be anything for me to do at night that doesn't involve drinking at least some. I've told them that that will not be happening. I've never had a drop in my life (and they know it!) and how stupid would it be to start drinking whilst alone in another country, having no idea how I hold my liquor?

If anyone has any recommendations, that'd be so great! I know a lot of you either live in London or at least have visited so I trust your opinions.

Thanks in advance (and all that good stuff...)

You don't have to drink when you go out at night! Just order a soda or something else. If you are uncomfortable drinking, then don't. You should go to a pub at least once to see what it's like. You can eat at pubs too, but I don't know how they are on non-meat stuff

(But if you do decide to drink, try WKD blue and/or redsquare purple...two of my fav's that you can't get in the USA, and not much alcohol in them! They come bottled like smurnof ice)

Get chips from a chippy.

What do you like to do? I love reading/literature, so last time I was there I went to one of Charles Dicken's home. I was on my own, and it was great. I could go wherever I wanted, and didn't have to worry about what anyone else wanted to do.

Before I go anywhere new, I go to the library or Borders, read through tons of tourist books, and pick out some stuff that looks fun.

I borrowed a London A-Z too, great for when I kept getting lost trying to find Dicken's home!

I also did a boat ride down the thames, and got some great pics. London Eye is good too.

I like the Royal Mews and the Guards Museum. 

 I'm so jealous!!! It's been a year (!) since I've been able to go over, and I miss being in the UK more every day. Hope you have a great time!!! 

I like the Victoria and Albert Museum.  It is filled with just everything.  Look out for Tippo's Tiger, that is my favorite. 

Try some of the London Markets for something a little different.  I really like wandering around Camden.  There are loads of food stalls, and I'm sure you'll find a lot of veggie options.  Borough Market is also amazing.

A friend of mine went to London with very limited money, but survived on a diet of bread/cheese/fruit bought from the grocery store... not a bad way to do it.

The museums in London are great and most of them are free.

As for nightlife... there are loads of gigs, theatre, cinema -- nothing that requires drinking.  I've found too that after a full day of exploring London I'd rather get a good night's sleep. Try the Time Out London web site for other ideas. 

Getting ahold of a London A to Z is also very useful.

What do you like to photograph?

Piccadilly Circus
London Eye  (Never been because I'm scared of heights. I've heard it's amazing!)
Tower Bridge
Buckingham Palace (Really nice...I was in awe when I walked up)
Windsor (It's really nice. I saw changing of the gaurds last time and it was very cool!)
Houses of Parliament/Big Ben

I recommend Wesminster Abbey and the London Eye.  And you can spend lots of time in the British Museum!  The National and Portrait Galleries are nice too (and all free).  For nights, you should check out www.lastminute.com and see if there are any cheap theater production tickets, which often come with a dinner beforehand.  Also, take a walk down the Thames at night because it's breathtaking.  Have fun...London is a great city!

Veg restaurants

There's a very cheap Indian lunchtime buffet VERY close to where you'll be staying.  It's called Vegetarian Paradise and it's at 59 Marchmont Street.  I think the buffet is 5 pounds or so.  Not the greatest atmosphere/decor but food is good.

There is also an organic store just across the street called Alara Foods.  It has a deli type bar where you can get vegetarian lunch.

Further up behind Euston Station there is another Indian restaurant called Diwana Bhel Poori House, on Drummond Street.  It's pretty good but I once had my umbrella stolen there so I'm a bit anti.     The food is pretty good but you don't get as much as you should for the price, in my opinion.

There is a nicer restaurant called Eat and Two Veg which is near the Baker Street tube, on Marlyebone High Street.  Very yum food but a bit pricier (nothing outrageous, like 6-9 pounds for an entree).

Oh goody another chance for me to recommend my favourite places to someone!!

Hampton Court Palace - a very different experience from Windsor Castle, being a Tudor palace, reputedly haunted! Set in acres of beautiful gardens with a maze you can go in.

Brick Lane/Spitalfields - markets, endless Indian restaurants (cheap!! vegetarian!!), a very historical area, I thoroughly recommend doing a ghost walk in this area.  Also a couple of real bagel shops in Brick Lane.

Camden Town: quite touristy these days but still a mecca for market lovers, especially if you're into alternative type clothing and scene, also a few little galleries and some great muisic venues.  Oh and some great pubs there too, check out the Crown & Goose in Arlington Road.

The Theatre Museum in Covent Garden - great little museum with all kinds of things going on in the heart of theatreland

Imperial War Museum - way more interesting than the name suggests

Foodwise, I may be a little out of date as I moved away from London about 18 months ago but maybe someone else can confirm if those little vegetarian Thai  buffet places are still around, they used to be all over the place.  London caters for vegetarians pretty well overall though, so don't worry.

I like the Victoria and Albert Museum.  It is filled with just everything.  Look out for Tippo's Tiger, that is my favorite. 

Second this- the V&A is my favorite museum in London. WELL worth the visit!

I'm a fan of afternoon tea.  And you don't have to go to the Ritz.  I went once to a cafe that had tea and finger sandwiches and scones for less then £5.  Just a nice way to spend a few hours

Hop on-hop off buses...they rock...you get to travel around and see the sights...thus figuring out what you want to see again at your own pace...or you can get off and wander around, then get back on.  It also comes with a Thames boat ride which I loved!

Food - Wagamamas (noodles) (they are everywhere & on the net), Eat & Two Veg (50 Marylebone High Street), Hummus Bros (88 Wardour Street, Soho).

I love wandering along the south bank.  Nothing specific...just wandering down roads and footpaths that look interesting.  Starting at Tate Modern and heading east to Tower bridge, should take a while.

My goodness, you guys! I really appreciate all these great ideas you've thrown out. I knew ya'll would be helpful.

I do want to do touristy things as well as "off the beaten track" activities - so wandering around some sounds like something I'd like to do.

As far as photography goes - I am into most everything and tend to just document whatever I come across and strikes my fancy.

Speaking of guide books, a friend is sending me his copy of Lonely Planet's guide to Britain. So hopefully that, along with suggestions I get here, will help me taylor my trip to my own tastes. But everything you guys have said sounds really great. I don't read as much as I should but I am into literature, history, art and just normal every day things, so I'm sure there will no shortage of things which I will find interesting. I saw this Charles Dickens tour, which looks cool as well.

I actually had a friend this week tell me that it would be so boring for me to be in London by myself - I had to explain, "Nah, I really like me so I'll have a good time."

I'm already excited enough as it is and everything I've been told in this post just makes me all the more excited.