Rob Humphreys: The Rough Guides' London Directions 1, 2004-07 (Repost)

As a 10-year London veteran, London: The Rough Guide author Rob Humphreys offers the ultimate insider's view into how to get under the skin of the city he calls home. In addition to the detail-heavy "basics" like getting there, visas, money, and phones, this guide's specialty areas offer something for everyone including lesbian and gay London; classical music, opera, and dance; theater, cabaret, and cinema; galleries; shops and markets; sport; festivals and special events; kids' London; and an essential directory listing everything from lost luggage contact numbers to dentists.

Museums are delved into, often with room-by-room coverage, so you can pick your "must-sees" and better plan your visit. Italicized margin notes offer useful information including the nearest tube (subway) or train stations, where to get tickets, opening hours, and other helpful tidbits like "the river walk may not be accessible during very high tides." London's food has come a long way from shepherd's pie, and a restaurant directory boasts everything from Tex-Mex to a vegetarian's delight: lentil pizza.

To help you put it all into perspective, the back of the book offers an architectural chronology accompanied by main historical events, plus an enticing list of films and books that lend insight into the real London.

There's a full-colour introductory "Ideas" section full of inspired suggestions for visitors, from "Queasy London" and "Indulgent London" to "Riverside London" and "Free London", with each selection cross-referenced to its location later in the guide. Flip to the practical "Places" section split into 24 chapters and explore the city, district by district, covering central London and the less obvious areas such as Smithfield, Clerkenwell and trendy Hoxton. Every sight, restaurant, bar and shop is located on user-friendly maps. The handy basics section covers everything from arrival and city transport to listings of cinemas and theatre venues.