London is an ultra-modernistic metropolis with a rich and long history, and it manages to combine this striking ambiguity perfectly in its art and culture offerings through a range of museums, galleries, and events to satisfy just most every taste. In trendy neighborhoods similar Brixton and Shoreditch, visitors will find wonderful street fine art scenes while those more inclined to learn about the history of the United Kingdom tin can fill entire days at museums, portrait galleries, and royal residences. In addition to London's world-famous West Terminate musicals is a whole host of captivating theater and performance art by innovative and daring creators, so yous can aggrandize your horizons across The Lion King. Feel London'southward rich culture according to your taste, budget, and schedule past taking cues from this guide to the city's unique creative and cultural flair.

Museums

Tate Modern — Information technology may have only been open for 19 years, merely the Tate Modern is one of London's most famous cultural landmarks. Positioned along the South Banking concern in a onetime power station, the Tate Modern has a permanent drove of modern and contemporary art, including pieces by Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol, that is free to admission. There are besides a whole host of national and international exhibitions held throughout the year that can be visited for an additional fee. The bookstore in this huge and unusual building is also fun to browse through.

The British Museum — As there are over eighty,000 artifacts displayed, yous could easily spend several weeks in the British Museum and not have covered it all. Located in the elegant Bloomsbury commune, close to Tottenham Court Route and Holborn station, this gratis museum houses the world's largest display of aboriginal Egyptian objects outside of Egypt itself, likewise every bit such treasures as the Rosetta Rock. The building underwent a transformation in 2000 with the addition of a beautiful indoor courtyard that easily connects visitors to every gallery. If you merely have limited time at the museum, check out our guide on how to crush the British Museum in one day.

The V&A — Also known equally The Victoria and Albert Museum, the V&A houses the world's largest collection of sculptures and decorative arts. Free to enter, it is easy to spend an entire twenty-four hour period navigating the museum's impressive collection of 2.3 million objects. Within this grand Victorian building, visitors can expect to find furniture, paintings, jewelry, wear, ceramics, books, and glasswork spanning 5,000 years of human history. Take one of many gratis daily tours, whether an introductory or bespoke 1, to get an practiced view of the museum. Though the museum is free, some of the temporary exhibitions require a fee. There are too three cafes and a huge shop full of unique gifts.

Natural History Museum — Situated in London'south Due south Kensington area, right beyond from the 5&A, this popular museum explores the variety of our planet from dinosaurs to volcanoes and marine life. With a whole host of interactive exhibitions, it is a nifty option for families. The museum is well known for its famous dinosaur collection and large choice of rare fossils. Must-sees include the mammal gallery in the blue zone for impressive replicas of mammoths, giraffes, and cetaceans, and the gorgeous Hintze Hall for a expert look at the blue whale skeleton that hangs from its ceiling. When it's time to balance, take a break at i of 3 cafes or savor burgers, steaks, and pizza at the T.Rex Eatery. The Natural History Museum is free to enter.

National Gallery — Overlooking Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery is home to a collection of over ii,300 paintings, some of which date all the fashion back to the 13th century. Offering gratuitous entry to all visitors, this earth-famous gallery includes work by Van Gogh, Monet, Cezanne, Michelangelo, and Turner. Across two levels, visitors will also find three gift shops with a diverseness of books, prints, homeware, and unique souvenirs. The National Dining Rooms serve up a selection of salads, snacks, cakes, sandwiches, and pizza, accompanied by views across Trafalgar Square. Enjoy a classic brunch or a pre-theater dinner at The National Cafe or grab a loving cup of coffee at the Espresso Bar. The gallery too has a diverseness of ticketed exhibitions and events, that change on a regular basis.

Theater and live performances

Shakespeare'due south Globe — If yous hope to see a Shakespearean play performed well, the Globe is the place to hit. Shakespeare's Earth is a beautiful structure inspired past the original Elizabethan playhouse where the Bard outset staged his plays. Open since 1997 on London'southward South Bank, the theater offers both classical and contemporary productions beyond ii spaces. The main auditorium was created to resemble the original Globe Theatre with an open-top roof, standing tickets, and traditional bench seating. Performances happen no thing the conditions, and if you're prepared to get wet, standing tickets in the Yard cost about $6.50. Those keen to learn a little more can also accept an informative backstage bout and explore the theater's exhibition.

National Theatre — No other institution celebrates Britain's diverse theater scene quite like the National Theatre. Some other landmark along the South Bank, this theater has 3 auditoriums that can host a whopping nine dissimilar productions in just ane week. It has created world-renowned productions including War Horse, One Man Two Guvnors, and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Fourth dimension. This public building is abode to two restaurants, two cafes, 4 theater bars, a coffee shop, a riverside bar, and several scenic terraces. Information technology also holds a gratuitous outdoor festival in summer, ideal for those looking to experience London'south theater scene on a upkeep.

Southbank Centre — The Southbank Centre is an fine art center that's domicile to the Purple Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room, and Hayward Fine art Gallery. The Royal Festival Hall is the main focal indicate, having hosted renowned orchestras and classical musicians since 1951. Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Purcell Room hold daily concerts, discussions, spoken word, comedy, and trip the light fantastic toe performances while the Hayward Art Gallery always has an exhibition on. With lots of public spaces to sit and relax and panoramic views across the metropolis, the Southbank Eye is a popular venue for locals and tourists alike. Maybe the best part about this diverse building is its range of complimentary festivals held throughout the twelvemonth, including a European Christmas Market, the Women of the Earth festival, and the Southbank Centre Food Market, open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

The Barbican Centre — Standing at the forefront of European functioning art, the Barbican Centre is an heady arts venue with contemporary theater performances, exhibitions, and live music. Pushing the boundaries at every opportunity, the Barbican plays host to world-class directors, choreographers, collaborators, and artists. Tickets for performances vary in cost and tend to book upwardly in accelerate, so plan ahead of fourth dimension. There are too film screenings with blockbusters, arthouse, animations, and foreign movies to choose from. Don't worry if you're traveling on a tight budget — there is always a gratuitous exhibition in the center's public areas. If you lot practise happen to accept some spare cash, though, the Barbican has a range of discussions, performances, and workshops on offer.

West End/Piccadilly Circus — The West End is London's go-to hub for all-singing, all-dancing theatrical productions. This fun-filled district spans across SoHo, Leicester Square, Covent Garden, Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Piccadilly Circus. The Westward Stop produces some of the all-time theater in the world. Divers past its bright lights and large route crossing, Piccadilly Circus stands at the center of the West End. From here, have a walk along Shaftesbury Avenue and Haymarket for a wide selection of musicals and plays. Some of the city's nigh popular and longstanding shows include Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, and The Lion King. More than recent additions to the West End theater scene include Matilda The Musical, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and The School of Rock. Check out our pick of the all-time shows to see in London this year.

Royal sites

Buckingham Palace — When yous think of London, Buckingham Palace is probably the first landmark that comes to mind. This iconic building is the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II with cute gardens and stunning staterooms that are withal in use today. The palace is open to visitors for 10 weeks in summer from the last week of July to the cease of September. Taking identify at Buckingham Palace almost mornings, the Changing of the Guard is a spectacular event that involves the shift change of the Queen'due south Guard accompanied past a big marching band. This iconic cultural ceremony is complimentary to watch, just be sure to arrive 45 minutes early and cheque on the website for exact dates and timings.

Tower of London — If your night side craves to walk in the footsteps of Henry Eight and Anne Boleyn, caput to the Tower of London. Steeped in over 1,000 years of history, this fortified castle is a great place for those hoping to learn more virtually the urban center'southward majestic history. Located along the River Thames, connected via Tower Bridge, the Tower of London is a UNESCO Globe Heritage site brimming with interesting tales. To hear all about the tower'due south gruesome past, exist sure to join a free guided tour with the knowledgeable Yeoman Wardens. Tours run every thirty minutes from the main archway and are available to all ticket holders. While the castle offers many things to see and practise, the star allure has to be the Crown Jewels. Protected by the Queen's baby-sit, this globe-renowned collection includes regal diamonds, gemstones, precious jewelry, and significant religious artifacts that have been part of the British Monarchy for centuries. You lot may fifty-fifty recognize some of the items as they are nevertheless worn by the Royal family during special occasions and national ceremonies.

Kensington Palace — As the birthplace of Queen Victoria and the current home of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Kensington Palace is another royal landmark to add together to your itinerary. Surrounded by Kensington Gardens, this beautiful palace is a lovely style to spend an afternoon. For over 300 years, information technology has been home to young royals including Mary II, Queen Anne, and Diana, Princess of Wales. Explore the beautifully reimagined babyhood rooms of Queen Victoria or admire the opulence and grandeur of The King's State Apartments. Many visitors too caput here to see the Diana: Designing for a Princess exhibition, which includes original sketches and outfits worn by the princess. After exploring the m rooms, artwork, and palace gardens, treat yourself to an afternoon tea at the tranquil tea room.

Westminster Abbey — Another UNESCO World Heritage site, this spectacular gothic church dates back to 1066. Located simply a iii-minute walk from Westminster tube station, this magnificent church has hosted every royal coronation since its creation and witnessed 16 royal weddings, including that of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Everyone is welcome to join a daily service, free of charge. These services usually run v times a day and are a not bad way to run into the church in action. If you lot'd prefer to explore the abbey on your ain time, visitors are welcome between 09:30 AM and 3:30 PM for a fee.

Other points of interest

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Shoreditch Street Art — Shoreditch is a quirky civic brimming with vintage shops, street-food popular-ups, and trendy bars. But this area is as well worth visiting for its extraordinary range of street art. Brainstorm your self-guided walking bout with a visit to Rivington Street, home to a world-famous wall landscape by the mysterious Banksy. Continue on along Rivington Street for a variety of daring pieces by local artists before moving to Brick Lane, Fashion Street, and Shoreditch High Street. Other examples of Shoreditch's street art scene include 2 brightly designed tube carriages situated on top of a building along Great Eastern Street.

Trafalgar Square Fourth Plinth — Trafalgar Square, with its fountains and the iconic Nelson Column surrounded by four lions, is London's about popular public square. Located just in front of the National Gallery, Trafalgar Square is used for complimentary cultural festivals, live street performances, political demonstrations, and public concerts. The Quaternary Plinth stands alpine in the northwest corner of the square and exhibits national and international artwork that is selected by a commissioning group every 2 years. Since March 2018, the piece displayed is The Invisible Enemy Should Not Be by artist Michael Rakowitz, a replica of an artifact destroyed by the Islamic State in Mosul in 2005. The Fourth Plinth is free to view and a great way to feel London's art scene if you don't have plenty fourth dimension to visit a gallery.

The View from The Shard — In that location are many unusual structures amid London's impressive skyline, but The Shard is the i that stands out the most. This unique needle-shaped construction stands at ane,017 anxiety tall, making it the highest edifice in the United Kingdom. Interestingly, it is made of eleven,000 glass panels that accept the window cleaners 3 months to clean. This famous skyscraper consists of offices, loftier-terminate restaurants, and the luxury Shangri-La hotel. The View from The Shard does exactly what it says after a quick 72-flooring lift ride. On a clear 24-hour interval, visitors can see as far equally 40 miles. The open-air Skydeck provides unrivaled views, while the "slide" ride is a one-of-a-kind virtual reality experience that has you lot swooping above the metropolis. Viewings take identify every day between 9:00 AM and ten:00 PM.

St. Paul'south Cathedral — A more traditional yet just every bit impressive feature of London's skyline is St Paul'southward Cathedral. While the cathedral itself dates back 1,400 years, the current structure was reconstructed afterwards the devastation of the Corking Fire of London. Inside, climb 257 stairs to enter the cathedral's famous domed ceiling. Inside the domed roof, you will find the Whispering Galleries that were designed to hear a whisper from the reverse side. Climb a niggling farther to the Stone Gallery (376 steps) and The Aureate Gallery (528 steps) for wonderful rooftop views across the urban center. When y'all're back at footing level, head downstairs to the crypts, which contain the tombs of Wellington, Nelson, and Sir Christopher Wren. St Paul'due south is open to visitors from Monday to Saturday and is closed for service on Sundays. Attend 1 of the choral evensongs at 5:00 PM from Mon to Saturday for an experience like no other.

Tower Bridge — While many visitors enjoy walking across the bridge in Bridget Jones fashion and gazing out along the River Thames, this famous attraction also invites you to step inside. For a unique experience, explore the walkways and engine rooms of this popular pause span. Go upwards above the traffic and walk the glass floor to look at London buzzing below. The bridge also hosts a monthly sunrise yoga form on the glass platform that links the meridian of the bridge'southward two towers. To find out more about the construction and history of the bridge, join an informative Backside the Scenes Tour.

Palace of Westminster/Big Ben — Later on visiting the royal palaces, go up to date with the more modernistic British governing arrangement. Located only a short stroll from Westminster Abbey, the Palace of Westminster is a beautiful 19th-century edifice that'south home to the 2 Houses of Parliament: the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Take an audio or guided bout of the Royal Gallery, Lords Chamber, Members Lobby, and Eatables Bedchamber to understand. Tours are available every Sabbatum and on weekdays when parliament is not in session. Walk in the footsteps of the land's most famous leaders and discover the of import proceedings that take place here. Fastened to the building is the iconic Big Ben clock, currently under renovation. For the best views of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, stand on Westminster Bridge.

London Centre — Since opening in 1999, this giant Ferris wheel has become one of the city'southward nigh pop landmarks. The London Heart is a smashing option for those who are short on fourth dimension. Hop onboard the drinking glass pods and enjoy views of St Paul'due south Cathedral, Tower Bridge, The Shard, and the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf. In the evening, visitors can savour the bright metropolis lights for a more than romantic experience. The ride lasts only 30 minutes, and you must be prepared for long queues during weekends and schoolhouse summer holidays (stop of July through early September). To trounce those lines, information technology'south appropriate to book a timed slot online.