An Olympic vacation: Where the athletes are going in London

Posted on Thursday 09 August 2012 in London

Whether or not travelling Aussies managed to grab flights to London for this year's Summer Olympic Games, the British capital is a tourism hotspot for all four seasons. Conde Nast Traveler recently compiled a list of where this year's athletes are visiting, from Buckingham Palace to Big Ben and the London Eye. Travellers looking for a little more than just the typical sites, however, can spend their evenings enjoying a pub crawl as if they're celebrating Olympic gold.

Whatever the reason for London holidays, this bustling and historic city will not disappoint.

Missy Franklin's London: Buckingham Palace and fish 'n' chips

American swimmer Missy Franklin wowed everyone when she took gold in the 100-metre backstroke. At just 17 years old, Franklin has quickly become an athletic superstar because of her Olympic success, and as a first-time London visitor, wants to take in as much as she can before flying back home. Her top choice? Buckingham Palace.

Serving as the residence of Britain's Queen Elizabeth, Buckingham Palace is an iconic building in the centre of London. Visitors are allowed to walk through state rooms and certain sections of the monarchy headquarters throughout the year. Paying the palace a visit is a must-do for any traveller heading to the city for the first time.

Franklin also wants to partake in a culinary tradition that she has not had the pleasure of experiencing in the United States: fish 'n' chips. Aussies are of course accustomed to having fish 'n' chips more often than not, but for Franklin, feasting on battered haddock and crispy chips served in a newspaper is her idea of the ultimate British experience.

On the crawl: Party like an Olympiad

English bars are the original pubs. These cozy establishments bring out the best in everyone, whether or not they've won Olympic gold. After the torch is extinguished, athletes will undoubtedly want to let loose at bars throughout the city, and there's no better way to mingle with local Brits than in an authentic pub.

After visiting the London Eye, Big Ben and Parliament, thirsty Aussies should hit the pubs - starting at the Royal Oak in Borough, London. Intellectuals and cheeky locals alike show up to this pub just about every night, and travellers can discuss their day over a pint of ale or simply talk about literature and contemporary thought with the ladies and gentlemen who frequent this establishment.

At the Anchor, located in Walberswick, Suffolk, globetrotters still reeling from their tour of the Olympic Village can step back in time the moment they walk through the entryway. Boasting 1920s interior architecture, this seaside pub provides a little more light than most English bars. While sipping on brews, Aussies can order a number of aperitifs made from organic and locally sourced ingredients.

If travellers are still craving more pub fare and drink, they should visit the Betjeman Arms pub. Conveniently located in the St. Pancras International Station, this popular bar and eatery boasts an impressive menu. From traditional beer-battered fish to meat pies and cheeseburgers, travellers can satiate their appetites well before hitting the town for their holiday. While eating and sipping British brews on the outdoor terrace, guests can gaze at trains zooming by on their way to France and Belgium.

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