Like the whole Lonely Planet series, this is a brilliant guide covering all the basics: sights, accommodation and entertainment amongst other things. Accommodation includes a variety of price ranges, so whether you're planning on staying in a bed & breakfast or a five-star hotel (lucky you!), you should find some advice. Covers all areas of London, from the West End to Kew to Hampstead. Also includes facts about London, such as "Society & Conduct" and "Government & People". There is also a chapter on general facts for visitors from a section on newspapers & magazines to useful organisations. For those planning travelling a bit further out of London, there is also a chapter on excursions.

The publishers claim this is the ultimate insider's handbook to London, opening the city like no other guide. Well I'm not too sure about the "opening" bit, but it certainly is a first class guide. It is a giant amongst guides, with 624 pages, but it lacks the colour photographs of the Lonely Planet guide. The only colour inserts include a London Underground map, but then again, this would be a bit pointless if it wasn't in colour. It covers all the expected ground in 27 chapters, plus of course a small guide to the basics of visiting London.

 London Visitors' Guide (Time Out)

Set in a magazine format (A4 size), it continues with the usual excellent Time Out style. Also available in French. Strong on entertainment, this is well worth getting if you've come to London to have fun, rather than trek around seeing all the sites. Notable is the section on Budget London, which includes "Cheap Eats", "Bargain Shopping" and "A Free Day in London" planned for you. Contains nice colour maps and, if it's your kind of thing, a special offer of two tickets for the price of one at the London Dungeon. Worth every penny, a definite buy.

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