London! Where to go, and What to see?

[Elderly Gentleman]

Are there any London locals around?  My wife surprised me for my birthday with tickets to the World Dart Championships in December at the Alexandria Palace.  I know it'll probably be freezing cold, but I know there's a skate park near the palace.  Is there anyone on the forum who lives near there or knows the area?  I was wondering if there's a skate shop that's a must visit.  Also any recommendations on a hotel nearby?  We've got the tournament tickets and flights booked.  We haven't booked the hotel yet.  Also any advice on good restaurants and transportation options would be awesome. 

[Blanco]

There is a skatepark right next to Alexandra Palace but it is fairly crappy, just prefabricated ramps and a pyramid/driveway. Nearby in Muswell Hill there is a fun little plaza type park, although it could flow better if it had some transition too - http://freestyleskateparks.com/skatepark/coldfall

Alexandra Palace and Muswell Hill are nice safe areas but a bit boring. For food you could head down towards the Harringay/Green Lanes areas where there are lots of good cheap Turkish restaurants. A little further away but with more food/drinking options are Camden/Kentish Town.

I'm not sure about hotels really, maybe give airbnb a try? You might find an apartment you like.

[Elderly Gentleman]

Awesome!  Thanks for the pointers!  We are really excited about the trip.

[Blanco]

Also in Camden Town there is a good skate shop called Three Amigos. Or if you are heading into central London, then Slam City is worth a visit.

[360 frip]

If you want to have a view of the city, the London Eye is quite good. Book tickets online as the queues can be insane, they are a bit expensive but worth it if you are only going there once.It is also 5 minutes from South Bank which is worth seeing and having a little roll on. There are also boat rides up to Greenwich (I think). They point out a lot of historical stuff and only cost a tenner. There is a bar on board or you can buy drinks and food from a supermarket and sail up and down the river. This is all pretty standard touristy stuff but you can include South Bank and spend a pleasant and fairly cheap day seeing London and not getting too stressed. All within 10 minutes of Embankment tube station.

[Matze]

Whoop! I'll be in London early march, just going there for a 3 day trip by myself. So I have question: what would be a good location for a hostel? There are a couple close to Hyde Park and one in Bow, both of them seem nice (and not heavily overpriced).

[ratherwatch]

Whoop! I'll be in London early march, just going there for a 3 day trip by myself. So I have question: what would be a good location for a hostel? There are a couple close to Hyde Park and one in Bow, both of them seem nice (and not heavily overpriced).

Been told these are quite good and its pretty central:
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g186338-d282823-Reviews-St_Christopher_s_Village_London_Bridge-London_England.html
and if you want a quick blast of old stuff that even many Londoners dont know about for a rainy day:

Is just back from Oxford Street near the Edgeware Road end.

[noileum]

food wise give Belgo a visit - there's one about 5 mins from Slam City I think - the Moules are great (and they have a great range of beers).  They also do a good offer where if you finish and pay between 5 and 6pm then you pay whatever is on the clock for your meal (think this was from a set menu, but still great food for 5 or 6 quid)

[ratherwatch]

This pizza place just north of the other end of oxford street/ west of Tottenham Court road also does very nice pizzas for a fiver:
http://icco.co.uk/

That area is called Fitzrovia and its pretty nice as central London goes and quiet at the weekends with a few non- spot type spots in the vicinity if you have a roam around.

[Foray]

My girlfriend and I are in London til Monday.  Anyone have any recommendations for bars good for our age (mid 20's)?   Also. Let me know if anyone wants to meet up