In town on a budget? Start crying, says tourist guide

Visitors to London should avoid Oxford Street "like the plague" and steer clear of the West End's "skanky" nightlife, according to the latest edition of a travel guide book.

The pocket-sized Luxe London City Guide aims to give visitors a tour of high-end London by highlighting its loves and loathes - with free museums coming out top and the "evil" Tube, unpredictable weather and weekend crowds bottom.

Luxe warns against the chain stores of Leicester Square, Oxford Street and Regent Street, describing them as "swamped with torrid, ubiquitous brands". It advises travellers on a budget-to think again about a trip to London. "On a budget? Don't come to London," it says and later adds: "In London on a budget? Start crying. This city is one huge cash removal zone - either put up or shut up."

But it does point out that the city has a lot to offer those seeking culture, good food, a thriving art scene and impressive architecture.

Today, Rania Wannous, corporate affairs and communications manager for Visit London, said: "There is something for everyone in London - from the luxury to the budget."