On 23 July Guardian Travel will be taking part in a day-long Olympics helpline, answering any questions you may have about London during the Games. The logistics of getting across the capital will be covered by our transport correspondent Gwyn Topham, but the Travel desk will be on hand to offer advice on travel-related queries, including which sights are worth seeing - and steering clear of the tourist traps; our favourite hidden gems; where to find a pint that won't cost £7 (as in the Olympic venues); great nights out; last-minute accommodation and more. In the meantime we have covered some of the basics in these FAQs.
What's the best way to get to the Olympic Park from central London?
Normally, you'd just jump on the Jubilee Line to Stratford, although there will also be a special Javelin train service linking St Pancras and Stratford stations in seven minutes ... but it may just be that several thousand other people will have had this same idea come Olympics time. A lot will depend on how many Londoners have taken Transport for London's advice to reroute their usual commutes for the next few weeks, so without wanting to sound like a cop-out, it will be best to double check online travel planners during the day. A dedicated spectator journey planner has, in theory, been programmed to give the most reliable route, factoring in queuing times and avoiding the worst of the crush, so do use it: http://travel.london2012.com/SJPWeb/Pages/JourneyPlannerInput.aspx. Bear in mind that there are numerous ways – TfL claim 11 at a stretch – to reach the park, and it depends where you are starting from: certainly don't forget the overland trains from Liverpool Street or the London Overground that reliably skirts round the centre of London from west to east.
I'm just visiting London, should I get an Oyster card?
Crikey, yes. BUY AN OYSTER CARD. Ticket holders will have a free travelcard for the day of the Games, but if you're staying for another day or more and getting on a few buses or tubes or even Boris's crazy cable car, then it's almost certainly going to pay for itself. It will also save you queueing, and you won't look like a tourist. You can buy it and top it up at stations and many newsagents. (You can also buy daily paper travelcards if you must.)
Can I drive on the Olympic Route Network?
Yes you can, but you might prefer not to. Anyone can join these roads linking up the big Olympic venues, but bear in mind there is very little parking if you're intending to try to stop and watch some sport at the end. For those heading elsewhere, remember certain junctions will be sealed off, and the roads are expected to be busy. Within the ORN though there will be some stretches of Games Lanes, marked with big Olympic rings, and unless you're an athlete or a member of the Games Family (if you're not sure, you're not one), you should keep out of these or face a £139 fine. The basic message from TfL is that driving in central London will be a nightmare, don't do it – but if you must, plan ahead and allow more time.
I don't want anything to do with the Olympics, can I just get to my job unmolested?
This FAQ is not for you, miseryguts. If you work in central London, especially if you use the Jubilee line or commute into London Bridge, you probably already know the answer. It's no. Minimise the pain by planning at Get Ahead of the Games, http://www.getaheadofthegames.com/, and follow for live updates on Twitter at @GAOTG. At least, you can when you're stuck in a station with Wi-Fi.
Where can I find last-minute accommodation?
'Hotels hike up prices!'... 'Hotel prices slashed!' Whether you are going to be ripped off this summer or find last-minute bargains seems to vary week to week. According to reseach by hotel comparison site Trivago, the average price of a hotel in London has risen by 26% compared to July 2011, with one night in the capital costing an average of £210 – £114 more than the average price of a hotel in the rest of Europe. However, the general consensus is that there is still plenty of availability - and at reasonable prices. A combination of early over-pricing and hotels block-booking rooms that they haven't managed to fill, plus holidaymakers deciding to stay outside the capital means you can still find last-minute deals. The Visit London website has details of late summer deals during – and beyond – the Olympics. Dixe Wills' guide to London's best budget hotels features five of the best.
Airbnb.co.uk, the website where you can book a room - or an entire apartment or house - in a private home, still has over 2,000 places under £100 per night available during the Olympics.
If you're prepared to camp, Camping at the Games still has availability at six campsites in and around London during both the Olympics and Paralympics. A pre-erected tent costs £25 (sleeps four) per night. Camping with your own tent costs £10pp pn.
App HotelTonight gives same-day discounts on hotels. Download the free app to your ipad or smart phone and it will give three hotel options bookable at a discounted rate until 2am that night.
What should I see and do – apart from watching sport? And what are the best free attractions in London?
Our bloggers' guide to the areas around the main Olympic venues features hidden cultural gems plus where to eat and drink; there are new openings and exhibitions galore this year – you can see some of the highlights here, while Will Self, Simon Jenkins and Jonathan Glancey give their verdicts on three of London's most famous attractions – and whether they are worth seeing, or not. Look out for our guide to 50 brilliant free attractions across the city, from the most famous museum collections to the quirkiest permanent exhibitions, and from free film screenings to centuries-old ceremonies. It will run over four days on the Travel site, starting Monday 23 July. Visit molpresents.com for the official list of what's on during the Games.
Where are the best places to watch the Games for free?
Big screens showing live coverage of Olympic events will be set up in some of London's major parks as part of the London Live celebrations.
Hyde Park will have four screens showing various events. There will also be sports-participation areas, an entertainment zone sponsored by Cadbury, food and drink stands, and live music from stars such as Feeder and Sir Tom Jones. You can book guaranteed entry (£3.50 per person) at btlondonlive.com/hyde-park, or wander in free of charge as space allows.
Beyond central London, there will be big screens and entertainment at Victoria Park in Hackney and Blackheath in Greenwich.
What else is on in London during the Olympics?
The Travel website will be publishing a daily guide to what's on, including gigs, theatre, exhibitions and more from 27 July-12 August. Plus check Guardian Culture's Q&A on the Cultural Olympiad. Other useful listings sites include: Londonist.com and run-riot.com.
Which are the best bars and pubs?
This of course depends on who you ask and where you are in the city. But one thing's for sure, few of the city's bars or pubs will be charging £7 for a beer – the cost of a pint at the Olympic stadium. Check out our guide to 10 of the best pubs in London, part of our comprehensive interactive London City Guide which also features some of London's best nights out.
Where can I escape the city crowds?
You're never far away from one of London famous parks and there are quiet river walks and peaceful public buildings galore – see our top 10 pick here . If you want to escape the city, these lovely towns, villages and rural retreats are mostly within an hour of London by train or browse our Kent and Sussex guides for easy day trips to the seaside. For a more active day out explore our mapped walks and cycle rides.
Where can I eat well - but cheaply - near the Olympic venues?
Skip the chain cafes and restaurants and follow Tony Naylor's guide to eating on a budget around the four main Olympic hubs (the stadium, Wembley, Excel, and Greenwich). Tony has also covered the best places to eat under a tenner in central, south, north, east and west London - all mapped on our interactive budget eats guide. Click here for our guide to eating around the capital's main tourist attractions. For details of what'll be on offer within the Olympic venues – and whether you can bring a picnic, visit our Food site.
