If you're lucky, your guidebook will provide a map of the tube system. However, you may not even use this, since there are helpful maps plastered everywhere inside each tube station. Lines are color-coded, and finding the right platform or the "Way Out" is usually a piece of cake. Tube stations can be found on the street by looking for the familiar red circle with the blue banner featuring the station name in white text.

The tube system is divided onto 6 zones, but for most of your London sightseeing, you'll only really need a ticket for centrally-located zones 1 & 2. The best ticket to buy is the zone 1 & 2 all day pass. It only costs 4 quid. Just remember not to throw your ticket away after you enter the station, since you'll need to pass it through the electronic gate to exit your destination station.

If you're interested in London nightlife, remember that the tube runs only until about 12:30am, and doesn't reopen until 6 or 7am. This means you're either staying out all night, paying too much for a cab ride on the way back, or enjoying a long walk home.

By the way, remember that in the U.K., the term "subway" refers to an underpass, not the tube system.

thetube.com- I just like the fact that they have a site.

Taxis and buses
As with most things in the country, and especially London, taxis can be expensive. It's best to avoid cab rides (we did), and make sure it's only a last resort. The 30 quid you may pay isn't covering that much luxury...

Buses are much cheaper than cabs, but they're still not as convenient as the tube. The upside of course is that you'll get a view of much more than just a dark tunnel when you're riding the bus. Even if you abstain from the public buses, there are some good bus tours available that may provide an interesting look at the city.