London has grown into a truly amazing city throughout its 2,000-year history, whether you’re searching for art, architecture, gastronomy, or sports. London is famed for its art, history, gastronomy, and fashion, and it excels in some of these areas more than almost any other city on the earth.
Investigate the British Library
The Grade I-listed property, The British Library, is the world’s biggest national library, with over 150 million catalogued objects, some from 2000 BC. It houses 15th-century volumes of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and original Beatles song sheets, and Lord Nelson’s note written two days before the Battle of Trafalgar. It also gets a copy of every book published in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
At the Globe, you can see Shakespeare
The West End of London has a classic and modern output to rival any other big metropolis, but being the country that gave the world William Shakespeare, you might want to travel farther south and visit the Globe. Shakespeare’s Globe is a meticulously reproduced replica of the old Elizabethan theatre, including talks, tours, and exhibitions to complement its conventional shows. Although the Royal Shakespeare Company is situated in Stratford-upon-Avon, the playwright’s hometown, it has always had a strong presence in London, with performances taking place all across the city.
In a classic London tavern, try an ale
It’s simple to make fun of British pub culture. However, if you get it right, it’s fantastic. Few things can compare to finding a tiny nook of a fine pub, getting around in, and partaking in the deliciously British tradition of buying a packet of crisps to unwrap and share in the centre of the table. Visit The George in London Bridge, The Old Blythe Tavern in Catford, or the Grade II-listed Spaniards Inn in Hampstead for great British food in the same pub where Shakespeare drank.
Enjoy the architecture
Given London’s history, it’s quite simple to spot the beautiful architecture across the city. London’s Baroque architecture may be observed in Christ Church, opposite Spitalfields market, and Greenwich’s enormous Royal Naval College, while Gothic Revival can be seen at St Pancras railway station and 33-35 Eastcheap – R.L. Roumieu’s vinegar warehouse, now home to Black Sheep Coffee.
Those seeking Brutalism should visit the Barbican, which hosts the London Symphony Orchestra and various exhibits and theatrical events, or the Southbank Centre, which houses Robert Matthew’s Royal Festival Hall and the Hayward Gallery, which was recently renovated.
London Fashion Week
It is an event held in the capital of the United Kingdom.
While the top tailors in the world still call Savile Row home, it is no longer the destination for city slickers and doctors. Thanks to a revolution in the consumer and industry, anyone can now go to Savile Row and be measured. The British Fashion Council and young designers in London have helped make London’s fashion weeks – both womenswear and menswear – the most lively in the world. No city can rival this in sartorial diversity, from street style to couture.
The resurrection of club culture
The Save Fabric campaign in 2018 demonstrated the city’s unwavering partying spirit, resulting in the reopening of one of London’s most known clubs after a five-month shutdown. The relaunch was scheduled to coincide with Printworks’ reopening.
Free access to great art
There are museums and exhibition venues worldwide, but it’s difficult to imagine a city that can match London in terms of the number of excellent art and exhibitions that are free to see It’s hard to top when you add art fairs like Frieze London and tiny, independent art venues.
Discover new and old landmarks
The sights of London will leave you speechless. There is something for everyone in London, from the London Eye giving panoramic views of the city to the spectacular assortment of museums in the city’s West End, including Madame Tussauds, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey! Plus, being one of the world’s oldest cities, there’s a lot to see and do on a walking tour with one of London’s highly certified and knowledgeable Blue Badge Tourist Guides.
View of the breathtaking skyline
The London skyline is iconic, with magnificent structures such as St Paul’s Cathedral standing the test of time; however, new designs such as The Shard (also known as the Shard of Glass and Shard London Bridge) have entered the fray, making sure that there are explanations to return and see how modern London is evolving. Like the London Eye, the Shard provides spectacular views of the city, but there are many other spots along the Thames where you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
Taking a walk in one of several beautiful parks and open places
When you think of a big city, you probably don’t think of beautiful green parks, yet London has plenty of them. You’ll find that London’s parks are a terrific place to relax and observe Londoners go about their daily lives, whether you visit the Royal Parks in the city’s centre, such as St James and Hyde Park, or take in the view from Hampstead Heath in the north.