Getting around town

Get a London A-Z street directory (available at all good newsagents); most Londoners have one, so you won't look like a tourist.

"If you're staying long-term you may want to get an Oyster Card, which you can keep topping "up

Invest in a good pair of walking shoes as you're going to be legging it about London. In between your urban treks, though, you've got a few options for getting to where you want to be.

The tube
Spanning 12 miles and made up of 12 colour-coded lines, the London Underground (aka the tube) is the world's oldest (1863) subterranean transport system. It will seem every bit its age, too, when your train stops mid-journey or you're left waiting on a platform (on average, there are four breakdowns an hour). Having said that, when it's running smoothly, the tube is usually the quickest and easiest way to get from A to B in London .

The cost of your ticket depends on the number of travel zones (there are six) you're going to cross. A Travelcard allows you to travel on all modes of transport — tube, bus, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and overland trains — within the zones selected. Daily, weekly, monthly or annual Travelcards are available. If you're staying long-term, you may want to get an Oyster Card, a pre-pay system which saves you having to buy Travelcards. For more information and fares, see the Transport for London website.

Buses
The red bus network is cheaper, but often slower, than the tube or train. Routes reach every corner of the capital. Night buses — with the letter 'N' before the route number — run all night. See the Transport for London website.

Taxis
Black cabs: They're as famous as London's red buses, but these days they don't only come in the black variety. You can hail them on the street — if the light is on, they're available. They're pricey, but can seat up to five people. To book, call 020-7286 0286 or see www.londonblackcabs.co.uk. Call the Public Carriage Office on 0845-602 7000 for queries.

Minicabs: These are ordinary, unmetered cars which operate as taxis. London Transport has numbers for licensed minicab firms. Book by phone or in person from the company's offices which are located all over the city. It's illegal for minicab drivers to pick up passengers on the street. Fares should be agreed in advance and are usually cheaper than black cabs. There are many unlicensed — and illegal — taxis operating in London. Use them at your own risk. Last year, 140 women were sexually assaulted by illegal minicab drivers.

Boats
Take to the water for a different view of the city. There are several boat services running regularly up and down the length of the Thames in London. See www.londontransport.co.uk/river.

For an informative guide to all modes of transport in the capital, contact Transport for London (www.tfl.gov.uk; 020-7222 1234.)