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With an abundance of leafy squares, a park system that flows through the middle of the city, and walkways along the Thames River-- and let's not forget, the British do love their gardens -- London is one of the greenest cities in Europe. And it looks to be getting even greener: Earth-friendly consciousness is on the rise. In 2006, officials made headlines with a congestion charge for cars entering the city's center, and new restaurants and hotels are cropping up at a fast pace. Although pricey by most standards with the venerable Pound Sterling, it is possible to explore this global city fully whether you're on a budget or an expense account. Helpful online resources include Visit London, restaurant guide Sugar Vine, and TreeHugger's London archives, which offers the latest green news.
- Earn Tube Discounts with the Oyster Card
Both inner city and regional transit systems are excellent in London, and a wealth of information is at your fingertips on London's transportation Web site, Transport for London. If you're getting around town by bus and subway (a.k.a. the Tube) buy an Oyster Card, a transit pass that allows you to travel citywide at a lower rate. Add money in a flash with a swipe of a credit card. Tube and bus maps in several languages are also available online. - Ride Public Transportation from the Airport
With your Oyster Card in hand, the best way to get from Heathrow Airport into the city is the Heathrow Express, a rapid train that drops you off at Paddington Station in just 15 minutes. From there you can change to a local train -- or perhaps walk -- to your hotel. Trains and busses are also available from Gatwick Airport, Stansted Airport, and London Luton Airport. - Stay in a Green Hotel
Eco-minded accommodations are increasingly easy to find in London. The Apex City of London Hotel is a stylish, modern spot belonging to a small chain so committed to preserving the environment that it has its own architect dedicated to sustainable design. 51 Buckingham Gate is an elegant apartment hotel with an appointed green team; it has won two accolades for its environmentally friendly initiatives. - Go Luxury at an Upscale Green Hotel
Upscale hotels on an environmental bent include the Crowne Plaza London St. James, a four-star hotel with Edwardian-style rooms. The Zetter is a trendy option in Clerkenwell that has its own borehole, pumping up warm water. Another option is the new Andaz London on Liverpool Street in London's East End. A newly launched hotel brand from Hyatt, Andaz employs eco-friendly design, recycling, and conservation efforts. To keep down its carbon footprint, management also takes care to forge local alliances. - Dine at Green Restaurants Acorn House, Konstam, and Fifteen
There are plenty of green dining options in London. Gourmet options include Acorn House, which calls itself London's first eco-friendly restaurant. Konstam at the Prince Albert, which buys all of its seasonal cuisine from within the ring road surrounding London. Fifteen, the brainchild of celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, employs disadvantaged youth, sources local food whenever possible, and ensures fish comes from sustainable fisheries. - Grab a Casual Green Meal at Bumpkin, the Duke of Cambridge, or Pret a Manger
For fresh food fast from Fair Trade or traceable sources, we like Bumpkin in Notting Hill, which has become a one-stop shop for all-day deli and restaurant fun. The Duke of Cambridge, dishing up organic fair in Islington, remains one of the best and most ethically run gastro-pubs in the country, let alone London. If you are in a hurry and want a quick sandwich, the Pret a Manger chain is everywhere and the chemical- and preservative-free food is reliable, fresh, and good. - Vegetarian? Try Veggie-friendly Restaurants Manna or Rasa
If it's vegetarian cuisine you are after, Manna, billed as the first vegetarian restaurant in England, is located in trendy and lovely Primrose Hill. Rasa serves very good vegetarian Indian food. - Shop at a Farmers' or Organic Market
Farmers' markets and organic markets -- offering typical British delicacies and artisanal foods -- are on throughout the city all weekend long. Check London Farmers' Markets for one near your hotel. - Visit the Cultural and Historical Attractions
The list of cultural and historical things to do in London is endless. Time Out London, a weekly magazine available throughout the city, is a great resource for music, art, and more. - Stroll through Kew Gardens, the Royal Parks, or down the Thames; Take a Solar Boat Ride
To soak up the local flora, visit Kew Gardens, which has 300 acres of trees flowers and Victorian buildings, or the vast 5,000 acres of historic parkland that make up the Royal Parks system, always a pleasure in nice weather. On the south bank of the Thames River, a leisurely two-hour stroll takes you past a few main attractions, including the London Eye, the world's tallest cantilevered observation wheel, Design Museum London, and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. Short on time? Jump on the Serpentine Solar Shuttle for a quick jaunt across a small lake at the Serpentine in Hyde Park
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